The model:
1/48 scale resin kit that I mastered. Retailer TBA
Cylon Type-1 Raider
The Cylons are a race of sentient robots who once served the human colonies that created them. In time, they evolved to turn on their human masters and became obsessed with killing every human in the galaxy. The original Cylons were relatively unsophisticated. The Type-1 Raider heavy assault fighter depicted here, which was their primary space attack craft, was indicative of their primitive technology. The Type-1 Raider was a large, voluminous craft which required the use of massive energy converters and power systems. It was not equipped with shielding or any form of hyperdrive, and required carrier ships, called Basestars, from which to operate. The Type-1 Raider clung on to the biological concept of the crewed fighter. Each Raider required a crew of three, because the unsophisticated Cylon centurions of that vintage were not very capable on their own, and were at a distinct disadvantage in combat against their human enemies; Colonial pilots flying their Viper Mk.1s. However, since these robotic beings were unhampered by the biological needs of living pilots, they could operate for very long periods of time. Hence, the Raider's voluminous hull held a disproportionately large amount of fuel, giving the Raider tremendous sublight endurance. This tactical advantage was augmented by the Cylons' prodigious use of automated, mobile tanker ships.
For a fighter of its size, the Type-1 Raider was not particularly well-armed. Its sole armament comprised of a pair of high-powered turbo-laser cannons. Although these weapons were of very high yield and can inflict great damage to even well-armored capital ships.
This primitive fighter would evolve into something far more sophisticated and far deadlier.
