Viper (TRS)
Overview[edit]
The Viper is the Colonial Defence Force's primary space superiority fighter / attack craft. Capable of atmospheric flight, the Viper is a single-seat craft mounting two kinetic energy weapons (KEWs), as well as having hardpoints beneath the wings for mounting missiles, munitions pods and other ordinance (The Hand of God).
The Viper was originally introduced into Colonial service shortly before the outbreak of the Cylon War. However, it was the Mark II variant, designed specifically for use with the new Colonial Battlestars that is best remembered.
The Mark II served with distinction throughout the Cylon War, proving a capable fighting vehicle that won renown across the 12 colonies and is regardes as one of the reasons the Colonials did not suffer defeat at the hands of the Cylons.
The Mark II remained in service after the end of the war, but was subsequently superceded by newer models. At the time of the renewed Cylon attack on the 12 Colonies, the Mark VII was the front-line variant of the Viper design, incorporating and improved twin-engine layout and fully integrated combat control systems providing superior battle management and fight information for the pilot.
Ironically, it was the incorporation of the new integrated systems that prevented the majority of Mark VIIs from being effective during the Cylon attack: as with the majority of Colonial systems, the Mark VII suffered fatal computer glitches on contact with Cylon forces (Mini-Series). While the problem could be overcome by disabling the combat management systems in the Mark VII, this information was not discovered in time to be of major benefit to the surprised and hard-pressed Colonial forces.
Atmospheric Operations =[edit]
Life Support[edit]
Technical Specifications[edit]
Dimensions[edit]
Mark II
- Length: (approx)
- Beam: (approx)
Mark VII
- Length: (approx)
- Beam: (approx)
Propulsion[edit]
- Mark II 3x sublight engines mounted aft; 2x reverse thrust motors; RCS points
- Mark VII 2x sublight engines mounted aft; 2x reverse thrust motors; RCS points
Aramaments[edit]
Twin forward-firing kenetic energy weapons KEW mounted in the wing roots Weapon hardpoints for mounting missiles / munitions pods, etc. under the wings (The Hand of God)
Crew[edit]
- Pilot