Viper (D18)

The Viper is the Colonial Fleet's primary space superiority fighter/attack craft, serving the fleet in both Cylon engagements. It dates back to Caprica before the formation of the Government of the Twelve Colonies when Vipers were primarily atmospheric aircraft.

The Viper is designed to operate in both space and atmospheric conditions. In space flight, the Viper is highly maneuverable, but dangerously so in inexperienced hands. AS Reaction control system (RCS) thrusters for rapid and flexible attitude control, a cluster of 3 main thrusters for high acceleration, and retractable reverse thrusters housed in both port and starboard cowlings for some degree of deceleration can subject the pilot to punishing g-forces. Its retractable landing struts can be magnetized to secure the Viper on metal decks and surfaces in zero gravity. In atmospheric flight, Vipers consume more Tylium fuel than in the vacuum of space. Once in an atmosphere, the engines must run continuously to maintain sufficient airflow over the wing lifting surfaces. Depending on the composition of the atmosphere this can place severe strain on the Viper's engines. In addition to greater fuel consumption, the high wing load (i.e. small wing area relative to weight) do compromise the Viper's overall maneuverability. Because the smaller wing surfaces generate less lift, higher speeds are needed in generaly, despite the fighter's RCS thrusters partially compensating for this- making manoeuvres tricky.

Vintage Viper

 * Information available here

Caprican Viper

 * Information available here

Viper Spaceplane

 * Information available here

Viper Mark I

 * Large spaceframe, straight line dominant profile
 * Boxy wings, intakes, oversized engine units
 * Tight, mostly recessed into fuselage, cockpit; 'pyramid' canopy
 * Advanced onboard database (Warbook program) and sophisticated flight computer (CORA system)
 * Short Burst Turbo-thrust option
 * Powerful autocannons

Viper Mark II

 * More compact spaceframe, 'lines' smoothed with overall 'sleeker' profile
 * Higher cockpit position, better view; 'box canopy'
 * Smaller, better performing engines used; rounder, smaller side and top intakes
 * No Burst turbo-thrust
 * 30mm autocannons, more ammunition carried
 * Missile hardpoints on fuselage underside

Viper Mark III

 * More angular forward fuselage cross section
 * Revised cockpit canopy featuring rounder edges
 * Angular side intakes with intake ramps
 * Narrower thrust nozzles
 * Two ordnance bays on the fuselage underside