Blackbird: Difference between revisions

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Designed by [[Galen Tyrol]] and built from scrap and other parts partially as a morale booster, the '''Blackbird''' is a prototype [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Colonial]] stealth fighter craft built by many [[deckhand]]s and officers on ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''.  
The '''Blackbird''' is a prototype [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Colonial]] stealth fighter designed by [[Galen Tyrol]] and built by many [[deckhand]]s and officers on ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''.  
{{Ship Data
{{Ship Data
| image= Blackbird FotP.JPG
| image= Blackbird FotP.JPG
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== Overview ==  
== Overview ==  


Frustrated at the dwindling number of available [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]] due to loss and wear and tear, Chief Tyrol began to build a new fighter from scratch (unlike [[Pegasus (RDM)|newer battlestars]], ''Galactica'' was not equipped with Viper rebuilding factories onboard). The fighter design began to evolve due to supply shortages as well as improvisation and the imagination of other crew members that participated. No longer a Viper replacement, the new fighter become less of a combat spacecraft and more of a reconnaissance vehicle.
Frustrated at the dwindling number of available [[Viper (RDM)|Vipers]] due to loss and wear and tear, [[Galen Tyrol]] begins to build a new fighter from scratch.<ref>Unlike [[Pegasus (RDM)|newer battlestars]], ''Galactica'' is not equipped with Viper construction facilities.</ref>. The fighter design evolves due to supply shortages as well as improvisation and the imagination of other crew members who participate. No longer a Viper replacement, the new fighter became more of a reconnaissance vehicle than an actual fighter craft.


[[Image:Black bird constr..jpg|thumb|left|The Blackbird under construction.]]
[[Image:Black bird constr..jpg|thumb|left|The Blackbird under construction.]]
The Blackbird is designed to use the Viper [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tube]]s, and therefore shares the same general shape. It is built more for speed than for maneuverability. The Blackbird does not carry any guns<ref>See [[Bradley Thompson]]'s [[Battlestar Wiki:Official Communiques/Archive5#Blackbird:_Efficient_Construction_Crew?|answer to a video effects gaff]] in "Flight of the Phoenix" where the Blackbird is mistakeningly shown flying about the [[Great Cylon Turkey Shoot]]. Thompson confirms that the Blackbird has no guns and has poor maneuverabilty to make it a suitable dogfighter.</ref> but is equipped with a missile launcher in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]". It does not have a metal skin since this metal is reserved for Viper repairs. Rather, on [[Karl Agathon]]'s suggestion, the Blackbird uses a carbon composite material which makes it largely invisible to [[DRADIS]] scanning.  
The Blackbird is designed to use the Viper [[Launch tubes (RDM)|launch tube]]s, and therefore shares the same general shape. Unlike the Viper, it is built more for speed than for maneuverability and is not equipped with guns<ref>See [[Bradley Thompson]]'s [[Battlestar Wiki:Official Communiques/Archive5#Blackbird:_Efficient_Construction_Crew?|answer to a video effects gaff]] in "Flight of the Phoenix" where the Blackbird is mistakeningly shown flying about the [[Great Cylon Turkey Shoot]]. Thompson confirms that the Blackbird has no guns and has poor maneuverabilty to make it a suitable dogfighter.</ref> but is later fitted with a missile launcher in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]". Upon the suggestion of [[Karl Agathon]], the Blackbird uses black-colored carbon composite materials that make it largely undetectable by [[DRADIS]] and unaided visual viewing. This was a practical consideration in lieu of all metal being reserved for Viper repairs.


Along with the usual [[RCS]] mechanisms for directional control, the Blackbird is powered by four obsolete [[DDG-62]] engines (designed by [[Peter Laird]], a civilian aeronautical engineer) that came from the flight deck of a Colonial fleet ship named ''[[Baah Pakal]]''. One must speculate that since a typical Viper's engines are vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles ([[Miniseries]]), these must be as well. Additionally, such engines would compromise the Blackbird's stealth features during powered flight. (This is less of a disadvantage in space than in atmospheric flight; a spacecraft's inertia is not disrupted by gravity, friction, and other factors an atmospheric-bound craft would be, and thus can fly straight almost indefinitely without firing its engines while in empty space.)
Along with the usual [[RCS]] mechanisms for directional control, the Blackbird is powered by four obsolete [[DDG-62]] engines that came from the flight deck of the ''[[Baah Pakal]]''. Further, unlike other ships of its size, the Blackbird is [[FTL]]-capable.
 
The Blackbird is [[FTL]]-capable, but is not equipped with a Colonial transponder, either for stealth purposes or due to supply shortages.


== ''Laura'' and her Flight History ==
== ''Laura'' and her Flight History ==
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The following individuals aid [[Galen Tyrol]] in ''Laura's'' construction:
The following individuals aid [[Galen Tyrol]] in ''Laura's'' construction:


* [[Karl Agathon]] suggests the use of carbon composite materials for the Blackbird's skin.
* [[Brendan Costanza|Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza]]
* [[Anastasia Dualla]] improves communication systems.
* [[Anastasia Dualla]] improves communication systems.
* [[Anthony Figurski]]
* [[Anthony Figurski]]
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* [[James Lyman|James "Jammer" Lyman]]
* [[James Lyman|James "Jammer" Lyman]]
* [[Diana Seelix]]
* [[Diana Seelix]]
* [[Karl Agathon]] suggests the use of carbon composite materials for the Blackbird's skin.
* [[Saul Tigh]] offers the [[DDG-62]] engines.
* [[Saul Tigh]] offers the [[DDG-62]] engines.
* [[Kara Thrace]] aids in a few design principles and tests the craft.
* [[Kara Thrace]] aids in a few design principles and tests the craft.
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Colonel Tigh originally denounces the project as frivolous, but later provides assistance in procuring the DDG-62 engines.  Others among Tyrol's own deck crew also at first consider the project a waste of time, as noted through their initial reactions to Tyrol's proposal. However, Commander [[William Adama|Adama]] believes that the endeavor offers hope and purpose, and therefore permits it to continue despite the crisis with the Cylon [[logic bomb]] that has infected ''Galactica'''s systems ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).
Colonel Tigh originally denounces the project as frivolous, but later provides assistance in procuring the DDG-62 engines.  Others among Tyrol's own deck crew also at first consider the project a waste of time, as noted through their initial reactions to Tyrol's proposal. However, Commander [[William Adama|Adama]] believes that the endeavor offers hope and purpose, and therefore permits it to continue despite the crisis with the Cylon [[logic bomb]] that has infected ''Galactica'''s systems ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).


When commissioning a reconnaissance on the Cylon fleet (containing a [[Resurrection Ship|mysterious ship]]) ''Pegasus's'' [[CAG]] [[Cole Taylor]], although knowing of the Blackbird, choses to use Raptors for his mission despite Thrace's protests. Before his plan can be put into action Starbuck, with assistance from Apollo, absconds with the Blackbird, claiming she is running a test flight for Admiral Cain. In reality, she undertakes the mission single-handedly without being detected, taking several close-range pictures.
When commissioning a reconnaissance on the Cylon fleet (containing a [[Resurrection Ship|mysterious ship]]) ''Pegasus's'' [[CAG]] [[Cole Taylor]], although knowing of the Blackbird, chooses to use Raptors for his mission despite Thrace's protests. Before his plan can be put into action Thrace, with assistance from Lee Adama, absconds with the Blackbird, claiming she is running a test flight for Admiral Cain. In reality, she undertakes the mission single-handedly without being detected, taking several close-range pictures.


[[Image:Blackbird destroyed.jpg|thumb|left|The destruction of ''Laura'' during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]].]]
[[Image:Blackbird destroyed.jpg|thumb|left|The destruction of ''Laura'' during the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]].]]


The sudden, unexpected return of this Colonial craft (which was not equipped with a Colonial transponder) causes it to be mistaken for a Cylon craft, bringing an end to the [[Standoff Between Galactica and Pegasus|standoff between Galactica and Pegasus]]. Starbuck transmits the images, and appeals over the comm that she is not a Cylon vessel. From discussing these photos with [[Gina]], [[Gaius Baltar]] eventually details the name and purpose of the [[Resurrection Ship]] ([[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]).
The sudden, unexpected return of this Colonial craft causes it to be mistaken for a Cylon craft, bringing an end to the [[Standoff Between Galactica and Pegasus|standoff between Galactica and Pegasus]]. Thrace transmits the images, and appeals over the comm that she is not a Cylon vessel. From discussing these photos with [[Gina]], [[Gaius Baltar]] eventually details the name and purpose of the [[Resurrection Ship]] ([[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]).


''Laura'' is later piloted by then-Lieutenant [[Lee Adama]] in the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|battle]] to disable the Resurrection Ship's FTL drive, preventing her escape so that Vipers can destroy it. While Adama is successful, a collision with a disabled [[Raptor]] destroys the Blackbird and Adama is forced to eject ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]).
''Laura'' is later piloted by then-Lieutenant [[Lee Adama]] in the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship|battle]] to disable the Resurrection Ship's FTL drive, preventing her escape so that Vipers can destroy it. While Adama is successful, a collision with a disabled [[Raptor]] destroys the Blackbird and Adama is forced to eject ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]).
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==Notes==
==Notes==
* Since the Blackbird was designed for stealth, not maneuverability, it is logical that an FTL drive was added for advanced reconnaissance. The unused FTL drive might have come from a Raptor that was scrapped for parts, such as [[Raptor 305]].
* Since the Blackbird was designed for stealth, not maneuverability, it is logical that an FTL drive was added for advanced reconnaissance. The unused FTL drive might have come from a Raptor that was scrapped for parts, such as [[Raptor 305]].
* The Blackbird's ungainly handling characteristics are quite evident during Starbuck's first test flight, as she spends the first several seconds out of the launch tube attempting to gain control over the craft ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).
* The Blackbird's ungainly handling characteristics are quite evident during Thrace's first test flight, as she spends the first several seconds out of the launch tube attempting to gain control over the craft ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).
*[[w:Reinforced carbon-carbon|Carbon composites]] are a family of materials used in lightweight or high-temperature-resistant construction, of which a type is used in the nose and leading edges of the wings of [[w:NASA|NASA]]'s [[w:Space Transportation System|Space Shuttle Orbiter]]. Carbon composites are somewhat fragile, so impacts (even one from a champagne bottle, which Laura Roslin jokingly attempts to do as she christens the ship) may cause the material to splinter or break. It was damage to this material that caused the destruction of [[w:Space Shuttle Columbia|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'']] on [[w:STS-107|STS-107]].  
*[[w:Reinforced carbon-carbon|Carbon composites]] are a family of materials used in lightweight or high-temperature-resistant construction, of which a type is used in the nose and leading edges of the wings of [[w:NASA|NASA]]'s [[w:Space Transportation System|Space Shuttle Orbiter]]. Carbon composites are somewhat fragile, so impacts (even one from a champagne bottle, which Laura Roslin jokingly attempts to do as she christens the ship) may cause the material to splinter or break. It was damage to this material that caused the destruction of [[w:Space Shuttle Columbia|Space Shuttle ''Columbia'']] on [[w:STS-107|STS-107]].  
*Executive Producer [[David Eick]] stated in his video blog that the Blackbird is "not a Viper", so it is not classed as a modified Viper model ("Viper Mark VIII", etc), but is an entirely distinct craft.
*Executive Producer [[David Eick]] stated in his video blog that the Blackbird is "not a Viper", so it is not classed as a modified Viper model ("Viper Mark VIII", etc), but is an entirely distinct craft.

Revision as of 22:03, 1 August 2008

The Blackbird is a prototype Colonial stealth fighter designed by Galen Tyrol and built by many deckhands and officers on Galactica.

Blackbird
Blackbird
Race: Colonial
Type: Military
FTL: Yes
Propulsion:
Crew: 1 pilot
Capacity:
CO: {{{co}}}
XO: {{{xo}}}
Role: Prototype stealth infiltrator
Weapons: Normally unarmed; equipped with missiles once
Armaments: {{{arm}}}
Defenses: {{{def}}}
Aircraft: {{{aircraft}}}
Aviation facilities: {{{facilities}}}
Fate: Prototype destroyed
Emblem: [[Image:{{{patch}}}|175px|Ship's patch]]
Other Images: Gallery
Dimensions
Length: {{{length}}}
Width: {{{width}}}
Height: {{{height}}}
Weight: {{{weight}}}
Wingspan: {{{wingspan}}}
Other: {{{otherdi}}}
Game Information
Cost: {{{construction}}}
Construction Time: {{{construction}}}
Hull Size: {{{hull size}}}
Hull: {{{hull}}}
Mobility
FTL Cooldown: {{{ftl cooldown}}} turns
Speed: {{{speed}}} m/s
Turn Rate: {{{turn rate}}}°/turn
Armor Sum
Armor Total: {{{armor total}}}
Armor Left: {{{armor left}}}
Armor Right: {{{armor right}}}
Armor Front: {{{armor front}}}
Armor Rear: {{{armor rear}}}
Armor Top: {{{armor top}}}
Armor Bottom: {{{armor bottom}}}
Armament
DRADIS Range: {{{dradis range}}} m
Processing Power: {{{processing power}}}
Munition Slots: {{{munitions}}}
Munition Cooldown Period: {{{munition cooldown}}} turns
Squadron Slots: {{{squadrons}}}
Squadron Size: {{{squadron size}}}
Special Abilities: {{{special abilities}}}
Additional Information


Overview[edit]

Frustrated at the dwindling number of available Vipers due to loss and wear and tear, Galen Tyrol begins to build a new fighter from scratch.[1]. The fighter design evolves due to supply shortages as well as improvisation and the imagination of other crew members who participate. No longer a Viper replacement, the new fighter became more of a reconnaissance vehicle than an actual fighter craft.

The Blackbird under construction.

The Blackbird is designed to use the Viper launch tubes, and therefore shares the same general shape. Unlike the Viper, it is built more for speed than for maneuverability and is not equipped with guns[2] but is later fitted with a missile launcher in "Resurrection Ship, Part II". Upon the suggestion of Karl Agathon, the Blackbird uses black-colored carbon composite materials that make it largely undetectable by DRADIS and unaided visual viewing. This was a practical consideration in lieu of all metal being reserved for Viper repairs.

Along with the usual RCS mechanisms for directional control, the Blackbird is powered by four obsolete DDG-62 engines that came from the flight deck of the Baah Pakal. Further, unlike other ships of its size, the Blackbird is FTL-capable.

Laura and her Flight History[edit]

A close-up of the cursive on the side of the Blackbird.

The first prototype is dubbed "Laura" in honor of President Laura Roslin. Kara Thrace pilots the maiden test flight, where, after some initial difficulties with handling the ungainly craft, she handily eludes her escort, Lee Adama.

The following individuals aid Galen Tyrol in Laura's construction:

Colonel Tigh originally denounces the project as frivolous, but later provides assistance in procuring the DDG-62 engines. Others among Tyrol's own deck crew also at first consider the project a waste of time, as noted through their initial reactions to Tyrol's proposal. However, Commander Adama believes that the endeavor offers hope and purpose, and therefore permits it to continue despite the crisis with the Cylon logic bomb that has infected Galactica's systems (Flight of the Phoenix).

When commissioning a reconnaissance on the Cylon fleet (containing a mysterious ship) Pegasus's CAG Cole Taylor, although knowing of the Blackbird, chooses to use Raptors for his mission despite Thrace's protests. Before his plan can be put into action Thrace, with assistance from Lee Adama, absconds with the Blackbird, claiming she is running a test flight for Admiral Cain. In reality, she undertakes the mission single-handedly without being detected, taking several close-range pictures.

The destruction of Laura during the Battle of the Resurrection Ship.

The sudden, unexpected return of this Colonial craft causes it to be mistaken for a Cylon craft, bringing an end to the standoff between Galactica and Pegasus. Thrace transmits the images, and appeals over the comm that she is not a Cylon vessel. From discussing these photos with Gina, Gaius Baltar eventually details the name and purpose of the Resurrection Ship (Resurrection Ship, Part I).

Laura is later piloted by then-Lieutenant Lee Adama in the battle to disable the Resurrection Ship's FTL drive, preventing her escape so that Vipers can destroy it. While Adama is successful, a collision with a disabled Raptor destroys the Blackbird and Adama is forced to eject (Resurrection Ship, Part II).

Notes[edit]

  • Since the Blackbird was designed for stealth, not maneuverability, it is logical that an FTL drive was added for advanced reconnaissance. The unused FTL drive might have come from a Raptor that was scrapped for parts, such as Raptor 305.
  • The Blackbird's ungainly handling characteristics are quite evident during Thrace's first test flight, as she spends the first several seconds out of the launch tube attempting to gain control over the craft (Flight of the Phoenix).
  • Carbon composites are a family of materials used in lightweight or high-temperature-resistant construction, of which a type is used in the nose and leading edges of the wings of NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter. Carbon composites are somewhat fragile, so impacts (even one from a champagne bottle, which Laura Roslin jokingly attempts to do as she christens the ship) may cause the material to splinter or break. It was damage to this material that caused the destruction of Space Shuttle Columbia on STS-107.
  • Executive Producer David Eick stated in his video blog that the Blackbird is "not a Viper", so it is not classed as a modified Viper model ("Viper Mark VIII", etc), but is an entirely distinct craft.
  • The fighter's nickname creates a curious comparison with her namesake, Laura Roslin. The ailing but influential President Roslin and her rapid, secretive actions in her quest for Earth's location (including diverting Lt. Thrace from her original mission to destroy the Kobol basestar) as well as her savvy political work in "Colonial Day", are humorously similar in perspective to the abilities of "Laura", a structurally weak, but highly agile and initially underestimated stealth fighter.
  • From a behind-the-scenes perspective, the Blackbird is most likely named after the SR-71 Blackbird, an actual high-speed reconnaissance aircraft. The SR-71 not only shares the principle but also many design features. These include the engines pointing forward from the wings and also the swept long nose smoothing out on the sides.

Sources[edit]

  1. Unlike newer battlestars, Galactica is not equipped with Viper construction facilities.
  2. See Bradley Thompson's answer to a video effects gaff in "Flight of the Phoenix" where the Blackbird is mistakeningly shown flying about the Great Cylon Turkey Shoot. Thompson confirms that the Blackbird has no guns and has poor maneuverabilty to make it a suitable dogfighter.