Raptor Mark II

The Raptor was a multipurpose spacecraft used by the Colonial Fleet. The Raptor was heavily used by the Colonial Fleet, capable of performing a variety of actions. Raptors in the Cylon War were restricted to sublight speedsBattlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome., though miniaturized drives were present in all models by the Fall of the Twelve Colonies in 0 BCH (YR00), which allowed a limited FTL capabilityBattlestar Galactica (2004), episode: "Miniseries, Night II". The standard crew size for a Raptor is two, with a Pilot and Electronic Countermeasure Officer, though space allows for dedicated co-pilot.
== Design ==
The Raptor weighs approximately 50 tons. It can carry at least ten adults in addition to its two-person crew, though excessive occupants prevent it from reaching orbit if launching from the surfaceBattlestar Galactica (2004), episode: "Miniseries, Night I". The crew of a Raptor operate using their flight suits and helmets in order to ensure their protection in case of any hull breach causing depressurization of its cabin. Raptors can fly in both atmosphere and space, but in order to maintain lift in an atmosphere, their engines must be constantly running which consumes more fuel. At low speeds, Raptors may experience poor handling.
Within the Colonial Fleet, three craft in particular became the standard models for their particular roles, with Vipers serving as space-superiority fighters, Shuttles as transport ships, and finally Raptors as a combat support vessel. During combat, Raptors typically accompany a Viper squadron to provide targeting information and electronic countermeasures such as interfering with the guidance systems of enemy missiles. Munitions pods can also be attached to the body, allowing it to fire missiles during operations. The Raptor can depressurize its cockpit for a rescue of stranded pilots is required. As a scout, Raptors can operate independently using short and medium-range scans to detect radio, heat, or other signatures from spacecraft, scanning planet surfaces for certain molecules such as water. With FTL capability, the Raptor can also perform missions light years away from the mother ship. A further purpose of the Raptor is as a transport, both for general transport of crew from ship-to-ship or ship-to-surface, but also for transport of Marines. Such missions, known as Search-and-Rescue (SAR), are vital in disaster response.
==Gallery==
The Plan - Evac Raptor on Picon.png|An Evac Raptor loading survivors on Picon.
Miniseries Night 1 - Raptor error report terminal 1.png|A terminal for displaying malfunction warnings.
Miniseries Night 1 - Raptor error report terminal 2.png|Ditto.
Miniseries Night 1 - Raptor error report terminal 3.png|Ditto, reporting a fuel leak.
Blood & Chrome - Raptor Transponder signal 1.png|The same terminal, verifying a transponder signal. Note the green lights indicating the Raptor in perfect condition.
Blood & Chrome - Raptor Transponder signal 2.png|Ditto, transponder signal confirmed.
The Captain's Hand - Raptor cockpit 1.png|Raptor cockpit controls, as seen from behind the pilot seat.
The Captain's Hand - Raptor cockpit 2.png|Interior shot of a depressurised Raptor after a Cylon attack.
The Captain's Hand - Derelict Raptor.png|A derelict Raptor with a Basestar in the process of jumping behind.
Blood & Chrome - Raptor DRADIS.png|Cylon War-era Raptor DRADIS computer, displaying friendly ships
Miniseries Night 1 - Raptor DRADIS.png|Fall-era Raptor DRADIS, displaying an exaggerated enemy squad size due to jamming.
Raptor concept art 1.png|Concept Art by Ken Rabehl
Raptor concept art 2.png|Concept Art by Ken Rabehl
==Sources==
Category:Colonial Fleet starships
Category:Colonial Fleet