DRADIS (Direction, RAnge, and DIStance)[1] is a detection and tracking technology used by both Cylon and United Colonies of Kobol. It can be used to detect and track things as small as individual ordanance[2], or as large as celestial bodies.[3]
Function[]
DRADIS is a shipborne detection system and one of the key components in Cylon and Colonial ship designs. Tactical and navigational data obtained by the DRADIS system is overlayed on a 3D or 2D map of the surrounding area used for detecting and scanning vessels and other objects in a 3-dimensional space. Although "range" and "distance" are synonymous, they indicate different factors of 3-dimensional tracking. One term is used to describe a target's horizontal position along the planar X and Y coordinates relative to the centerline of the tracking vessel. The other represents the target's vertical position, or elevation, relative to the tracking ship's centerline.
Although the DRADIS appears multi-functional with the ability to scan for water[4] and radiation signatures,[5] the technology is generally used within the show as the primary means of detecting other vessels and spatial bodies, for example, a Cylon Basestar or the planet Kobol.[6] Certain carbon composites are however not detected by DRADIS systems and can be used to construct so call "stealth" vessels.[7]
Electronic Warfare[]
Two primary methods of electronic warfare are jamming and unmanned drone decoys. Cylons favor heavy jamming, while engaging Colonial vipers, confusing their on-board DRADIS about their numbers, course, or signatures. Jamming can however be overcome by more powerful DRADIS systems of Colonial raptors. Colonial drones can project false electronic signatures of various ships, with several drones in tandem that can project the electronic signature of an entire battlestar, a tactic notably used by Admiral Adama during the Battle of New Caprica.[8]
Contact Designation[]
| Icon | Name | Type | Faction |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Civilian Ship | Civilian | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Civilian Ship | Civilian | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Civilian Ship | Civilian | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Civilian Ship | Civilian | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Civilian Ship | Civilian | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Drone | Military | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Viper | Military | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Viper Squadron | Military | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Stealthstar | Military | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Raptor | Military | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Battlestar | Military | United Colonies of Kobol |
|
Raider | Military | Cylon |
|
Raider Squadron | Military | Cylon |
|
Heavy Raider | Military | Cylon |
|
Basestar | Military | Cylon |
|
Resurrection Ship | Military | Cylon |
|
Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
|
Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
Gallery[]
Sources[]
- ↑ Critical Gamers Staff, "Battlestar Galactica RPG Appears on DRADIS," Critical Gamers.
- ↑ Battlestar Galactica 2004, episode: "Miniseries, Night II".
- ↑ Battlestar Galactica 2004, episode: "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I".
- ↑ Battlestar Galactica 2004, episode: "Water".
- ↑ Battlestar Galactica 2004, episode: "33".
- ↑ Battlestar Galactica 2004, episode: "Act of Contrition".
- ↑ Battlestar Galactica 2004, episode: "Flight of the Phoenix".
- ↑ Battlestar Galactica 2004, episode: "Exodus, Part II".