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:''This article is about the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] Raider fighter craft. For other versions, see [[Cylon Raider]].''
{{disline|This article is about the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] Raider fighter craft. For other versions, see [[Cylon Raider]].}}


The '''Raider''' is the primary aerospace attack craft used by the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] against the peoples of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies of Kobol]].


The '''Raider''' is the primary air/space superiority fighter used by the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylons]] against the peoples of the [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol|Twelve Colonies of Kobol]]. There have been at least two designs used since the outbreak of hostilities between the two powers. 
==Cylon War-era Raider==
{{Ship Data
| title= Cylon War-era Raider
| image= Raider Trio.png
| race= Cylon
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| crew= Up to 3 [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005|Centurions]]
| role= Space superiority fighter, dropship
| weapons= 2 triple barrel rotary guns, missiles
| length=
| height=
| wingspan=
}}
During the [[Cylon War]], raiders resembled a big "flying wing," and carried a crew of at least three [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005|Centurions]] piloting under the command of a specifically designated model.  They are a mainstay in the Cylon arsenal of the time ([[TRS]]: "[[Miniseries]]," "[[Razor]]," ''[[Blood and Chrome]]''). 
Deployed en masse by the [[Basestar (RDM)|Cylon basestar]], Raiders are used to great effect against [[Colonial Fleet|Colonial]] [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestars]] and are nearly a match in maneuverability against their Colonial counterparts, the [[Viper Mark II]] and [[Viper Mark III|Mark III]].  They are also used as drop-ships for deploying ground forces (as seen in the [[Battle of Tauron]]) and are capable of vertical take-offs and landings, much like the Colonial [[Raptor]] ([[TRS]]: "[[Razor]]," ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'').
In the tenth year of the Cylon War, [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] pilots train for combat using [[holoband]]s to simulate battles between the Viper Mark IIIs and Cylon Raiders {{TRS|Blood and Chrome}}.
During the last days of the Cylon War, Raiders destroy the battlestar ''[[Columbia (RDM)|Columbia]]'' in tandem with basestar missile salvos during [[Operation Raptor Talon]] {{TRS|Razor}}.
Some forty years later, some Cylon War-era Raiders are still in active service.  A contingent of Raiders is present aboard a lone Cylon War-era [[Guardian basestar|basestar]] which houses the [[First Hybrid]].  When the battlestar ''[[Pegasus (TRS)|Pegasus]]'' inadvertently discovers this "Guardian basestar," a squadron of Raiders engages with the battlestar as well as its defending force of [[Viper Mark VII]]s {{TRS|Razor}}.  A small number of original Raiders also appears at the [[The Colony|Cylon Colony]], shortly before its destruction by ''Galactica'' {{TRS|Islanded in a Stream of Stars|Daybreak, Part II}}.
{{clear}}
==Modern Raider==
==Modern Raider==
{{Ship Data
{{Ship Data
| title= Modern Raider
| title= Modern Raider
| image= Raider profile..jpg
| image= Kg_cg_ns_advanced-raider-002.jpg
| race= Cylon
| race= Cylon
| type= Military
| type= Military
Line 12: Line 38:
| crew= None (biomechanical being)
| crew= None (biomechanical being)
| role= Space superiority fighter
| role= Space superiority fighter
| weapons= 2 [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|kinetic energy weapon]]s, missiles
| weapons= 2 [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|kinetic energy weapon]]s, conventional/nuclear missiles.
| length= 29.3 feet (8.94 meters)
| length= 29.3 feet (8.94 meters)
| height= 4.97 feet (1.52 meters)
| height= 4.97 feet (1.52 meters)
| wingspan= 18.3 feet (5.59 meters)
| wingspan= 18.3 feet (5.59 meters)
}}
}}
The modern Raider, called '''sparrow''' in Colonial military jargon ([[Maelstrom]]), radically redesigned but still resembling its past incarnation as a giant flying wing, is first encountered 40 years after the [[Cylon War]], when the Cylons launch their devastating [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|surprise attack]] on the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol]]. During this attack, Raiders transmit commands to Colonial vessels utilizing the Command Navigation Program ([[CNP]]). Compromised prior to the attack, the CNP was programmed with backdoors that permitted the Cylons to cut the power of any ship carrying the program ([[Miniseries]]).  
The modern Raider, called '''sparrow''' in Colonial military jargon {{TRS|Maelstrom}}, radically redesigned but still resembling its past incarnation as a giant flying wing, is first encountered {{BCH|0}} when the Cylons launch their devastating [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|surprise attack]] on the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol]]. During this attack, Raiders transmit commands to Colonial vessels utilizing the compromised Command Navigation Program ([[CNP]] {{TRS|Miniseries|Razor|The Plan}}.  
   
   
This incarnation of the Raider is initially thought to be wholly mechanical in design, with a high-level AI controlling it. However, from inspection of a damaged Raider forced down in a firefight and recovered by Lieutenant [[Kara Thrace]] ([[Act of Contrition]]), the craft is found to be bio-mechanical in nature ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]), incorporating a number of large organs in its design, including a central brain. In effect, a modern Raider is a creature in itself.
This incarnation of the Raider is initially thought to be wholly mechanical in design, with a high-level AI controlling it. However, from inspection of a damaged Raider forced down in a firefight and recovered by Lieutenant {{callsign|Starbuck}} {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}, the craft is found to be bio-mechanical in nature {{TRS|You Can't Go Home Again}}, incorporating a number of large organs in its design, including a central brain. These organs are housed in the center mass, with a sliding hatch access underside of the fuselage, protected by an interior fibrous tissue layer. Raiders require an oxygen-nitrogen mix for their biological functions, and thus an oxygen supply, or the ability to generate said supply, is integrated into the craft {{TRS|You Can't Go Home Again}}.


Though Raiders are self-aware, their intelligence level is less than that of a [[humanoid Cylon]] and more like a trained animal ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]). Nonetheless, they are capable of independent thought and action, and can refuse to follow orders if they choose ([[Six of One]]). Much like the humanoids, the bio-mechanical Raider's consciousness [[Resurrection (RDM)|resurrects]] in a new "body" if it is destroyed. While this allows the Raider to "learn" from its previous mistakes and become a more proficient killing machine, it can cause Raiders to develop what can be described as a desire for revenge after repeated deaths ([[Scar]]). ''Galactica''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> Viper pilots are regularly outnumbered and survive, indicating that Cylon Raiders are generally not matches for skilled human pilots.
Though Raiders are self-aware, their intelligence level is less than that of a [[humanoid Cylon]] and more like a trained animal {{TRS|Six Degrees of Separation}}. Nonetheless, they are capable of independent thought and action, and can refuse to follow orders if they choose {{TRS|Six of One}}. Much like the humanoids, the bio-mechanical Raider's consciousness [[Resurrection (RDM)|resurrects]] in a new "body" if it is destroyed. While this allows the Raider to "learn" from its previous mistakes and become a more proficient killing machine, it can cause Raiders to develop what can be described as a desire for revenge after repeated deaths {{TRS|Scar}}. ''Galactica''{{'|s}} Viper pilots are regularly outnumbered and survive, indicating that Cylon Raiders are generally not matches for skilled human pilots, which is supported when [[Humanoid Cylon|Humanoid Cylons]] assume control of their Raiders for [[Battle of the Resurrection Hub|later conflicts]] {{TRS|The Hub}}.


The Raider is equipped with an [[FTL]] drive system ([[Miniseries]]). Following tests on the Raider captured by ''Galactica'', this FTL system is found to be far more efficient in jump calculations than Colonial FTL systems. The drive shows its accuracy when Lt. Thrace takes the Raider from a point somewhere near the vicinity of [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]] back to [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprica]] in a single jump ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]). It is armed with conventional and nuclear missiles carried in internal wing bays and two [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|kinetic energy weapon]]s mounted under the leading edge of the wings.
The Raider is equipped with a [[FTL]] drive system {{TRS|Miniseries}}. Following tests on the Raider captured by ''Galactica'', this FTL system is found to be far more efficient in jump calculations than Colonial FTL systems. The drive aptly demonstrates both accuracy and range when Thrace takes the Raider from a point somewhere near the vicinity of {{RDM|Kobol}} back to {{RDM|Caprica}} in a single jump ([[TRS]]: "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]").


Like its counterpart, the Colonial [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]], the Raider is capable of atmospheric operations, and retains an aerodynamic shape ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]).
It is armed with conventional and nuclear missiles carried in internal wing bays and two pairs of [[Weapons in the Re-imagined Series#Viper and Cylon Raider|kinetic energy weapon]]s of different calibers mounted under the leading edge of the wings.  Curiously, the only times the Raiders have been seen using their missiles are during the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] and the [[Battle of The Colony]].  This may indicate that Raiders are not normally armed with missiles.


During the [[Battle of the Ionian Nebula]], one Raider identifies one of the [[Final Five]] after their activation, causing all of them to refuse to fight further, thus forcing the Cylons to retreat ([[He That Believeth In Me]]). A [[Number One]] known as [[Cavil]] comes to believe that somehow they exceeded their programming. Since the Raiders can't correct themselves, a faction of the humanoid Cylons to essentially lobotomiz them by reconfiguring their neural architecture and shaving down their heuristic responses, which would in effect "dumb them down." This decision led to a conflict among the remaining [[Significant Seven]] ([[Six of One]]).
Like its counterpart, the Colonial [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]], the Raider is capable of atmospheric operations, and retains an aerodynamic shape {{TRS|You Can't Go Home Again}}. In lieu of landing skids, its wings supports its bulk when landed; for manual conveyance of unpowered Raiders, a wheeled rig or suspension via crane are used, particularly by ''Galactica''<nowiki/>'s [[Deckhand|deckhands]] {{TRS|Act of Contrition|You Can't Go Home Again|Hero}}.


==Cylon War-era Raider==
=== Modifications ===
{{Ship Data
During the [[Battle of the Ionian Nebula]], a Raider identifies one of the [[Final Five]] after their activation, causing a sudden about-face with the Cylons retreating from their certain victory against [[The Fleet (TRS)|the Fleet]] {{TRS|He That Believeth in Me}}. [[Cavil]] concludes that the Raiders exceeded their programming, and to regain control over them the humanoid Cylons must reconfigure the Raiders' neural architecture and shave down their heuristic responses, essentially lobotomizing them and "dumbing them down." This decision leads to a violent [[Cylon Civil War|split]] among the Cylons {{TRS|Six of One|The Ties That Bind}}. This split further leads to the [[Battle of the Resurrection Hub]], resulting in the destruction of the resurrection technology used by both the Humanoid Cylons and the Raiders {{TRS|The Hub|Sine Qua Non}}.
| title= Cylon War-era Raider
| image= Old Raider II.jpg
| race= Cylon
| type= Military
| ftl= Yes
| crew= Up to 3 [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005|Centurions]]
| role= Space superiority fighter, dropship
| weapons= 2 guns
| length=
| height=
| wingspan=
}}
The original Cylon Raider as seen during the Cylon War resembled a great flying wing.<ref>This fighter design is an homage to the [[Original Series]] version of the [[Raider (TOS)|Raider]].</ref>
 
Deployed en masse by the original-configuration [[Basestar (RDM)|basestar]], Raiders were used to great effect against [[Galactica type battlestar|battlestars]] and were nearly a match in maneuverability against their opponent, the [[Viper Mark II]]. They were also used as drop-ships for deploying ground forces (as exemplified by the [[Battle of Tauron]]), and were capable of landing in a vertical fashion, much like the Colonial [[Raptor]] ("[[Razor]]", extended version).
 
Raiders, in combination with basestar missile salvos, destroyed the battlestar ''[[Columbia (RDM)|Columbia]]'' during [[Operation Raptor Talon]] ([[Razor Flashbacks]]).
 
This Raider model had a crew comprised of three Centurions. From the rear cockpit a Command-variant Centurion gave orders to two Cylons positioned at the front to pilot, navigate, and handle weapons.


40 years later, some of these Raiders are still in active service and used by the [[Guardians]] ([[Razor]]).
Heuristically-reconfigured Raiders participate in the [[Battle of The Colony]] against ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica]]''{{'|s}} Vipers. For the first time since the Fall of the Colonies, they are observed firing ship-to-ship missiles {{TRS|Daybreak, Part II}}.
<div style="clear:both;"></div>


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
*In an homage to the [[Raider (TOS)|Original Series Raider]], the weapons fire of the Re-imagined Series Cylon Raiders is blue-white. Given the use of conventional weaponry only in the series, these are probably muzzle flashes and tracer rounds, and not energy weapons like in the Original Series.
*In an homage to the [[Raider (TOS)|Original Series Raider]], the weapons fire of the Re-imagined Series Cylon Raiders is blue-white. Given the use of conventional weaponry only in the series, these are muzzle flashes and tracer rounds, and not energy weapons like in the Original Series.
*As of "Razor", a [[:Image:Raider retcon.jpg|new exterior design]] is being used for the modern Raider. This version displays a more reflective outer armor, and has a flatter face with a sharper jaw line. Overall, this affords the Raider a closer resemblance to the Centurion foot-soldier.
*The design of the Raider has seen modifications since its debut in the [[Miniseries]]. Of note, the fore grill is not present until as early as [[Season 1 (2004-05)|Season 1]]'s "[[Act of Contrition]]."
*As of "[[Razor]]," a [[:Image:Raider retcon.jpg|new exterior design]] is being used for the modern Raider. This version displays a more reflective outer armor, and has a flatter face with a sharper jaw line. Overall, this affords the Raider a closer resemblance to the Centurion foot-soldier.<ref>http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=219</ref>
*The Cylon War era Raider is based heavily on the [[Raider (TOS)|Original Series Raider]]. However, it is not identical as the TRS design has enlarged engines and wings that protrude forward from the main hull.
** A digital model of the Original Series Raider appears in [[Galactica Museum|''Galactica''{{'|s}} museum]] during the [[Miniseries]].


== Related Imagery ==
== Related Imagery ==
*The concept drawings represent the interior of the modern Raider and emphasize the bio-mechanical nature of the craft. They are very close to the fully realized versions seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. However, there were several changes made and these drawings should not be considered completely canon.  
*The concept drawings represent the interior of the modern Raider and emphasize the bio-mechanical nature of the craft. They are very close to the fully realized versions seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]]. However, there were several changes made and these drawings should not be considered completely canon.  
   
   
<gallery>
<gallery mode="slideshow">
Image:Baseship, hornet nest.jpg|Raiders deployed from baseship ([[Scattered]]).
Image:Raider head..jpg|Raider, fore {{TRS|Miniseries}}.
Image:Raider head..jpg|Raider, fore ([[Miniseries]]).
Image:Raider, aft.jpg|Raider, aft {{TRS|Razor}}.
Image:Raider, aft.jpg|Raider, aft ([[Razor]]).
Image:Raider nukes.jpg|Raider missiles (Miniseries).
Image:Raider nukes.jpg|Raider missiles (Miniseries).
Image:bsg-raider-A.jpg|Raider on Galactica's hangar deck ([[You Can't Go Home Again]]).
Image:Baseship - Raiders - Raptor.jpg|Raiders docked within a baseship {{TRS|Torn}}.
Image:Retcon Raider The Plan.png|Redesigned Raider cockpit
Image:Closeup Redesigned Raider Cockpit The Plan.png|Closeup of the redesigned cockpit
Image:Redesigned Raider Eye The Plan.png|Transmiting CNP Virus in The Plan
Image:bsg-raider-A.jpg|Raider on Galactica's hangar deck {{TRS|You Can't Go Home Again}}.
Image:Old Raider.jpg|Damaged Raider (Razor).
Image:Old Raider.jpg|Damaged Raider (Razor).
Image:Old Raider landing.jpg|Raider functioning as a drop-ship (Razor).
Image:Old Raider landing.jpg|Raider functioning as a drop-ship (Razor).
Line 74: Line 86:
Image:Brain4.jpg|Brain - Anterior view.
Image:Brain4.jpg|Brain - Anterior view.
Image:Brain 2.jpg|Starbuck in brain cavity.
Image:Brain 2.jpg|Starbuck in brain cavity.
Image:CylonRaiderConcept5.jpg|Unused Raider concept by [[Chris Bell]].
Image:3cylons.jpg|Render based on Chris Bell's concept, aft.
Image:Cylonprobe.jpg|Render based on Chris Bell's concept, fore.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== References ==
== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>
{{reflist}}


{{Ships}}
{{Ships}}
Line 92: Line 107:
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category:RDM]]


[[es:Raider Cylon]]
 
[[de:Zylonischer Jäger (RDM)]]
[[de:Zylonischer Jäger (RDM)]]
<categorytree></categorytree>
<categorytree></categorytree>

Latest revision as of 04:19, 22 February 2024

Battlestar Wiki Story Arc Logo
This article is about the Re-imagined Series Raider fighter craft. For other versions, see Cylon Raider.
 Battlestar Wiki Story Arc Logo


The Raider is the primary air/space superiority fighter used by the Cylons against the peoples of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. There have been at least two designs used since the outbreak of hostilities between the two powers.

Cylon War-era Raider[edit]

Cylon War-era Raider
Cylon War-era Raider
Race: Cylon
Type: Military
FTL: Yes
Propulsion:
Crew: Up to 3 Centurions
Capacity:
CO: {{{co}}}
XO: {{{xo}}}
Role: Space superiority fighter, dropship
Weapons: 2 triple barrel rotary guns, missiles
Armaments: {{{arm}}}
Defenses: {{{def}}}
Aircraft: {{{aircraft}}}
Aviation facilities: {{{facilities}}}
Fate: {{{status}}}
Emblem: [[Image:{{{patch}}}|175px|Ship's patch]]
Other Images: Gallery
Dimensions
Length:
Width: {{{width}}}
Height:
Weight: {{{weight}}}
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

During the Cylon War, raiders resembled a big "flying wing," and carried a crew of at least three Centurions piloting under the command of a specifically designated model. They are a mainstay in the Cylon arsenal of the time (TRS: "Miniseries," "Razor," Blood and Chrome).

Deployed en masse by the Cylon basestar, Raiders are used to great effect against Colonial battlestars and are nearly a match in maneuverability against their Colonial counterparts, the Viper Mark II and Mark III. They are also used as drop-ships for deploying ground forces (as seen in the Battle of Tauron) and are capable of vertical take-offs and landings, much like the Colonial Raptor (TRS: "Razor," Blood and Chrome).

In the tenth year of the Cylon War, Viper pilots train for combat using holobands to simulate battles between the Viper Mark IIIs and Cylon Raiders (TRS: "Blood and Chrome").

During the last days of the Cylon War, Raiders destroy the battlestar Columbia in tandem with basestar missile salvos during Operation Raptor Talon (TRS: "Razor").

Some forty years later, some Cylon War-era Raiders are still in active service. A contingent of Raiders is present aboard a lone Cylon War-era basestar which houses the First Hybrid. When the battlestar Pegasus inadvertently discovers this "Guardian basestar," a squadron of Raiders engages with the battlestar as well as its defending force of Viper Mark VIIs (TRS: "Razor"). A small number of original Raiders also appears at the Cylon Colony, shortly before its destruction by Galactica (TRS: "Islanded in a Stream of Stars", "Daybreak, Part II").

Modern Raider[edit]

Modern Raider
Modern Raider
Race: Cylon
Type: Military
FTL: Yes
Propulsion:
Crew: None (biomechanical being)
Capacity:
CO: {{{co}}}
XO: {{{xo}}}
Role: Space superiority fighter
Weapons: 2 kinetic energy weapons, conventional/nuclear missiles.
Armaments: {{{arm}}}
Defenses: {{{def}}}
Aircraft: {{{aircraft}}}
Aviation facilities: {{{facilities}}}
Fate: {{{status}}}
Emblem: [[Image:{{{patch}}}|175px|Ship's patch]]
Other Images: Gallery
Dimensions
Length: 29.3 feet (8.94 meters)
Width: {{{width}}}
Height: 4.97 feet (1.52 meters)
Weight: {{{weight}}}
Wingspan: 18.3 feet (5.59 meters)
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

The modern Raider, called sparrow in Colonial military jargon (TRS: "Maelstrom"), radically redesigned but still resembling its past incarnation as a giant flying wing, is first encountered 0 BCH (2000BYR) when the Cylons launch their devastating surprise attack on the Twelve Colonies of Kobol. During this attack, Raiders transmit commands to Colonial vessels utilizing the compromised Command Navigation Program (CNP (TRS: "Miniseries", "Razor", "The Plan").

This incarnation of the Raider is initially thought to be wholly mechanical in design, with a high-level AI controlling it. However, from inspection of a damaged Raider forced down in a firefight and recovered by Lieutenant Kara "Starbuck" Thrace (TRS: "Act of Contrition"), the craft is found to be bio-mechanical in nature (TRS: "You Can't Go Home Again"), incorporating a number of large organs in its design, including a central brain. These organs are housed in the center mass, with a sliding hatch access underside of the fuselage, protected by an interior fibrous tissue layer. Raiders require an oxygen-nitrogen mix for their biological functions, and thus an oxygen supply, or the ability to generate said supply, is integrated into the craft (TRS: "You Can't Go Home Again").

Though Raiders are self-aware, their intelligence level is less than that of a humanoid Cylon and more like a trained animal (TRS: "Six Degrees of Separation"). Nonetheless, they are capable of independent thought and action, and can refuse to follow orders if they choose (TRS: "Six of One"). Much like the humanoids, the bio-mechanical Raider's consciousness resurrects in a new "body" if it is destroyed. While this allows the Raider to "learn" from its previous mistakes and become a more proficient killing machine, it can cause Raiders to develop what can be described as a desire for revenge after repeated deaths (TRS: "Scar"). Galactica's Viper pilots are regularly outnumbered and survive, indicating that Cylon Raiders are generally not matches for skilled human pilots, which is supported when Humanoid Cylons assume control of their Raiders for later conflicts (TRS: "The Hub").

The Raider is equipped with a FTL drive system (TRS: "Miniseries"). Following tests on the Raider captured by Galactica, this FTL system is found to be far more efficient in jump calculations than Colonial FTL systems. The drive aptly demonstrates both accuracy and range when Thrace takes the Raider from a point somewhere near the vicinity of Kobol back to Caprica in a single jump (TRS: "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I").

It is armed with conventional and nuclear missiles carried in internal wing bays and two pairs of kinetic energy weapons of different calibers mounted under the leading edge of the wings. Curiously, the only times the Raiders have been seen using their missiles are during the Fall of the Twelve Colonies and the Battle of The Colony. This may indicate that Raiders are not normally armed with missiles.

Like its counterpart, the Colonial Viper, the Raider is capable of atmospheric operations, and retains an aerodynamic shape (TRS: "You Can't Go Home Again"). In lieu of landing skids, its wings supports its bulk when landed; for manual conveyance of unpowered Raiders, a wheeled rig or suspension via crane are used, particularly by Galactica's deckhands (TRS: "Act of Contrition", "You Can't Go Home Again", "Hero").

Modifications[edit]

During the Battle of the Ionian Nebula, a Raider identifies one of the Final Five after their activation, causing a sudden about-face with the Cylons retreating from their certain victory against the Fleet (TRS: "He That Believeth in Me"). Cavil concludes that the Raiders exceeded their programming, and to regain control over them the humanoid Cylons must reconfigure the Raiders' neural architecture and shave down their heuristic responses, essentially lobotomizing them and "dumbing them down." This decision leads to a violent split among the Cylons (TRS: "Six of One", "The Ties That Bind"). This split further leads to the Battle of the Resurrection Hub, resulting in the destruction of the resurrection technology used by both the Humanoid Cylons and the Raiders (TRS: "The Hub", "Sine Qua Non").

Heuristically-reconfigured Raiders participate in the Battle of The Colony against Galactica's Vipers. For the first time since the Fall of the Colonies, they are observed firing ship-to-ship missiles (TRS: "Daybreak, Part II").

Notes[edit]

  • In an homage to the Original Series Raider, the weapons fire of the Re-imagined Series Cylon Raiders is blue-white. Given the use of conventional weaponry only in the series, these are muzzle flashes and tracer rounds, and not energy weapons like in the Original Series.
  • The design of the Raider has seen modifications since its debut in the Miniseries. Of note, the fore grill is not present until as early as Season 1's "Act of Contrition."
  • As of "Razor," a new exterior design is being used for the modern Raider. This version displays a more reflective outer armor, and has a flatter face with a sharper jaw line. Overall, this affords the Raider a closer resemblance to the Centurion foot-soldier.[1]
  • The Cylon War era Raider is based heavily on the Original Series Raider. However, it is not identical as the TRS design has enlarged engines and wings that protrude forward from the main hull.

Related Imagery[edit]

  • The concept drawings represent the interior of the modern Raider and emphasize the bio-mechanical nature of the craft. They are very close to the fully realized versions seen in the Re-imagined Series. However, there were several changes made and these drawings should not be considered completely canon.
  • Raider, fore (TRS: "Miniseries").

    Raider, fore (TRS: "Miniseries").

  • Raider, aft (TRS: "Razor").

    Raider, aft (TRS: "Razor").

  • Raider missiles (Miniseries).

    Raider missiles (Miniseries).

  • Raiders docked within a baseship (TRS: "Torn").

    Raiders docked within a baseship (TRS: "Torn").

  • Redesigned Raider cockpit

    Redesigned Raider cockpit

  • Closeup of the redesigned cockpit

    Closeup of the redesigned cockpit

  • Transmiting CNP Virus in The Plan

    Transmiting CNP Virus in The Plan

  • Raider on Galactica's hangar deck (TRS: "You Can't Go Home Again").

    Raider on Galactica's hangar deck (TRS: "You Can't Go Home Again").

  • Damaged Raider (Razor).

    Damaged Raider (Razor).

  • Raider functioning as a drop-ship (Razor).

    Raider functioning as a drop-ship (Razor).

  • Raider fires (Razor).

    Raider fires (Razor).

  • Internal workings.

    Internal workings.

  • The Brain.

    The Brain.

  • Brain - Anterior view.

    Brain - Anterior view.

  • Starbuck in brain cavity.

    Starbuck in brain cavity.

  • Unused Raider concept by Chris Bell.

    Unused Raider concept by Chris Bell.

  • Render based on Chris Bell's concept, aft.

    Render based on Chris Bell's concept, aft.

  • Render based on Chris Bell's concept, fore.

    Render based on Chris Bell's concept, fore.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=219
Ships in the Re-Imagined Series, Caprica, & Blood & Chrome


Battlestar Classes: Mercury class | Galactica-type | Valkyrie-type | Orion class



Battlestars: Galactica | Pegasus | Valkyrie | Columbia | Archeron
Osiris | Yashuman | Triton | All Named | All Unnamed

Support Ship Types: Loki type | Berzerk type | Defender type | Demeter type | Alert type

Support Ships: Loki | Berzerk | Brenik | All Unnamed

Auxiliary Craft: Viper Mark II | Viper Mark III | Viper Mark VII | Stealthstar | Blackbird | Raptor | Atmospheric Shuttle

Colonial Stations: Armistice Station | Colonial Fleet Headquarters | Ministry of Defense | Ragnar Anchorage | Scorpion Fleet Shipyards

Pre-Cylon War: Air Force Viper | Blackhawk | Graystone blimp | Jump ship | Phoenix

Virtual aircraft: Autogyro | Dreadnaught | Vintage Viper

Post-Fall Civilian Fleet: Astral Queen | Cloud 9 | Colonial One | Daru Mozu | Demetrius | Gemenon Traveler | Gideon
Olympic Carrier | Prometheus | Rising Star | Scylla | Zephyr | List of all civilian ships

Civilian Ship Types: Passenger liners | Mining ships | Repair ships | Tylium refinery ships | Refueling tanker | Research ships

Civilian Operators: Gemon Liners | Pan Galactic | Sagitarrian Spaceways | Eversun

Re-imagined Series definition: Commanding Officer; e.g. William Adama

Re-imagined Series definition: technology enabling travel across distances faster than the speed of light would permit, see: FTL

Re-imagined Series definition: slang for Cylon Raider (TRS: "Maelstrom")

Re-imagined Series definition: operating system on military and civilian ships exploited by the Cylons (TRS: "Miniseries, Night 1")

Re-imagined Series definition: Artificial Intelligence, research into such technology was deemed illegal by the Colonies after the First Cylon War (TRS: "Miniseries")

Re-imagined Series definition: the process of using the FTL engines to make an near-instantaneous apparent faster-than-light transport of a ship from one point in space to another

Re-imagined Series definition: operating system on military and civilian ships exploited by the Cylons (TRS: "Miniseries, Night 1")

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