FTL

Acronym for Faster-than-Light. This is a term used to describe a means of astral propulsion utilized by the Cylons and the Colonials.

FTL drives can be a two-edged sword, as outlined below.

The FTL drive makes interstellar travel possible for both the Colonials and Cylons. No longer confined to their own home solar system, the Cylons managed to avoid Colonial interference for 40 years after the Cylon War and establish their own homeworld. However, not all ships -- from small to large -- are outfitted with these drives. (Mini-Series) Likely because of the cost involved, energy and fiscally speaking.

It is unknown when FTL was first introduced, though it is safe to say that the technology is, at least, a century old at the time of the Colonial Holocaust.

Colonial Limitations

While FTL drives can be a blessing, they can also be a curse. Or at best, a hinderance.

FTL drives cannot be fitted on smaller Colonial craft, such as the Viper. They can, however, be used on the Raptor, which is limited to brief, short-distance jumps. (Mini-Series).

Plotting an FTL jump takes much preparation as well, for a jump can result in a ship exiting in a hazardous area. As such is used with the utmost care and the act is done infrequently. (Mini-Series)

FTL drives cannot be used multiple times over a long period of time, for they are prone to breakdown after excessive, repetitive use. (33)

Cylon Advantage

The Cylons, as so far as could be determined, have perfected the FTL drive to the point where the Cylon Raider can be outfitted with an FTL drive. (Mini-Series).

The Cylon Raider drive systems are also far more efficient that the small-scale Colonial drive systems installed in the Raptor. Tests with the Raider captured by the Battlestar Galatica (You Can't Go home Again) demonstrated that the drive could enable the Raider to jump directly from the vicinity of Kobol back to Caprica (Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I), and fact that also indicates that Cylon nagivation systems are far better integrated with their FTL system to enable such long-distance jumps to be accurately plotted.