Viper Mark VII

SMALLCRAFT CLASS
Viper Mark VII
A Viper Mark VII
Affiliation:	Federation, Starfleet
Classification:	Fighter
Service period:	2380-present
Length:	9.8 meters
Height:	3.0 meters
Specifications
Capacity:	1 pilot
speed:	warp 2
Maximum speed:	warp 4.5
Cruising speed:	warp 3
Armaments:	Phaser cannons photon torpedoes
Defences:	Deflector shields

The Viper Mark VII Starfleet's latest update to the venerable Viper Mark II primary space superiority fighter/attack craft.

Overview[]

Capable of atmospheric and space flight, the Mark VII is in front-line service throughout the fleet; it retains the general layout of previous Viper designs but adds fully integrated avionics that provide far superior battle management and flight information for the pilot. There are two variants fielded by Starfleet, the newer one characterized by angular air intakes and a compressed forward fuselage. Additionally the new version is identified by the drab gray hue it possesses that differs from the other in-service variants gunmetal-gray coloration.

Being a limited range single-seat craft, the Viper does possess a warp drive and as its role is to establish space supremacy, it is armed with phaser cannons. The Mark VII's main weapons are three forward-facing cannons, two in the wings and one in the vertical stabilizer. Typically, it is only the wing-mounted cannons that are used. In addition, it has hard-points beneath the wings for mounting photon torpedoes, munitions pods and other ordnance.

Avionics[]

The Mark VII cockpit is almost totally computerized. There are far fewer analog gauges and more reliance is placed on a powerful central flight computer and the operating system that runs it (the latest package being the CNP). Its integrated systems and computer management gives the Mark VII pilot far greater control of the fighter as well as enhanced targeting control in a dogfight.

Survivability is improved by measures such as primary and secondary hydraulics, the secondary system acting as a redundant backup for mission-critical prime system. In comparison though it is the performance upgrade over older Vipers, greater computerization and heavier armament that clearly differentiate this latest issue of the Viper from what has come before.

Armament[]

The Mark VII's main weapons are three forward-facing phaser cannons, two in the wings and one in the vertical stabilizer. Typically, it is only the wing-mounted cannons that are used.

Like the Mark II, it can also be armed with photon torpedoes.

Performance[]

While the Mark II can rotate 180 degrees vertically in .35 seconds, it is presumed that the Mark VII has an equal or better performance ratio. Given that the Mark II is capable of holding its own even against superior numbers of enemy fighters, the more advanced Mark VII probably also has an equal or superior performance as enemy fighters in the hands of a capable pilot.

Other design features[]

The Viper Mark VII has primary and secondary hydraulics, the secondary system presumably acting as a redundant backup for mission-critical prime system. Damage to both systems does not significantly compromise the Viper's performance as a space combat craft, provided the pilot is sufficiently skilled to manage the changed flight characteristics. The consequences of the loss of both systems in atmospheric flight would undoubtedly be far more dire.

Known fighters[]

Active[]

Viper type	designation	ship commissioning	disposition
Viper Mark II	Viper 121	2370s	Active (2380)
Viper Mark II	Viper 1104	2370s	Active (2380)
Viper Mark II	Viper 2220	2375	Active (2375)
Viper Mark VII	Viper 2220	2380s	Active (2380)
Viper Mark VII	Viper 2276	2380s	Active (2380)
Viper Mark II	Viper 3266	circa 2372	Destroyed (2374)
Viper Mark II	Viper 7242	circa 2372	Active (2380)
Viper Mark II/Mark VII	Viper 7961	2370s 2380s	Active (2380)
Viper Mark II/Mark VII	Viper 8757	2370s 2380s	Active (2380)
Viper Mark VII	Viper 24	2380s	Active (2380)

Destroyed[]

Viper type	designation	ship commissioning
Viper Mark VII	Viper 2306	2380s
Viper Mark VII	Viper 2343	2380s
Viper Mark VII	Viper 3201	2380s
Viper Mark VII	Viper 3203	2380s
Viper Mark VII	Viper 3261	2380s
Viper Mark VII	Viper 3642	circa 2380
Viper Mark II	Viper 4267	circa 2372
Viper Mark II	Viper 8757	2370s

Scrapped[]

Viper type	designation	ship commissioning	cause of destruction
Viper Mark II	Viper 289	2378	Unknown, possibly landing damage