Viper (Oolite)

Viper Patrol Craft
Size (metres, W×H×L)	50 x 16 x 55
Cargo capacity	N/A
Cargo bay extension	Unknown
Maximum speed	0.32 LM
Manoeuvrability	Roll: 2.8 Pitch: 1.8
Energy banks	4
Energy recharge rate	Unknown
Gun mounts	Fore, Aft Starboard, Port
Missile slots	Unknown
Shield boosters available	No
Military shields available	No
Hyperspace capable	No
OXP or standard	Standard
Available to player	No
Base price	Unknown

Overview

The distinctive arrowhead shape of the Viper patrol craft is a frequent sight around all space stations, even in the most dangerous systems with the most poorly funded police forces. A small, nimble craft optimized for routine GalCop police patrols, it is a shape that can strike fear into the hearts of smugglers and pirates. The ship is typically single-crew, but for special purposes can carry up to 10 (mostly for boarding and sting raids against smugglers).

Notable Features

The Viper is an old design, having first rolled out from Faulcon Manspace (Reorte) in 2762. However, it is one of those designs that was just right, hence its longevity. Although the original design is relatively slow and the shielding/hull strength a little on the weak side to take on ships such as the fearsome Rattle Cutter, it still performs admirably as a local patrol craft for station defence and anti-smuggling inspections.

A standard fitting is a row of magenta and blue strobe lights, which the crew will illuminate when actively pursuing another craft, or signalling it to stop. All too many commanders try and run when they see the flashing lights - but this usually elicits death by laser from the Viper.

A few older Vipers have appeared on the civilian markets, sold as the Renegade Viper. Sales were halted when it became clear that the ship was popular as an inexpensive pirate fighter since a trader would normally not pay much attention to a Viper, believing it to be a Police vessel. If the craft was a Renegade piloted by a pirate, this usually was the last action of the said trader.