The Viper is the Colonial Fleet's primary space superiority fighter / attack craft. The Viper Mk II was originally introduced into Colonial service shortly before the outbreak of the Cylon War where it served with distinction throughout the war.

It was subsequently retired and replaced with newer models. By the time of the renewed Cylon attack on the Twelve Colonies, the Mark VII was the standard front-line model.               

The Viper is designed to operate in both space and atmospheric conditions.

In space flight, the Viper is highly maneuverable, dangerously so in inexperienced hands. Reaction control system (RCS) thrusters for rapid and flexible attitude control, a cluster of 3 main thrusters for high acceleration, and retractable reverse thrusters housed in both port and starboard cowlings for some degree of deceleration can subject the pilot to punishing g-forces. Its retractable landing struts can be magnetized to secure the Viper on metal decks and surfaces in zero gravity

In atmospheric flight, Vipers consume more Tylium fuel than in the vacuum of space. Once in an atmosphere, the engines must run continuously to maintain sufficient airflow over the wing lifting surfaces. Depending on the composition of the atmosphere itself, this can place severe strain on the Viper's engines (You Can't Go Home Again). In addition to greater fuel consumption, the high wing load (i.e. small wing area relative to weight) may compromise the Viper's overall maneuverability. Because the smaller wing surfaces generate less lift, higher speeds are needed to stay aloft. The fighter's RCS thrusters might partially compensate for this.

A flight suit is a basic pressure suit. It's a versatile outfit that has been designed to be as comfortable as it is useful. Flight suits are worn by both Viper and Raptor crews during missionsas well as by the humanoid Cylons who pilot Heavy Raiders.

Colonial military staff who are flight-qualified as pilots wear flight suits, sometimes referred to as a "jock smock".

The flight suit is a one-piece jumpsuit with a single zipper from neck to waist in the front. Pressure gloves, which allow for great dexterity for pilot's as they use ship controls, are attached by a soft pressure seal apparently incorporated in the sleeves. The pilot's helmet is connected to the suit by a hard seal collar. This seal also provides pressure to the suit as a whole when connected. The collar receives air from a life support unit attached to the pilot's ejection seat (in the case of Vipers), or attached to a hose. The suit's basic environmental adjustments are managed on a small series of buttons on the left forearm.

The flight suit can be worn with a helmet but with the visor cracked open and vented to the outside air, which allows quick connection to life support but allowing crews in larger craft, such as Raptors, to move about the cabin without hoses.

When pilots are not in flight, the suit is unzipped for comfort. Pilots often roll down the top half of the suit when off-duty or while they are performing hard work. Basic crew fatigues are worn underneath a suit, without the formal officer tunic. Pilots wear standard undershirts under a flight suit.

Flight suits appear suitable as all-weather gear when in rainy or cool conditions, but they provide no significant protection in combat as they are not armored. Flight suits can include a utility belt for various gear, including a sidearm.

The flight suit has been used since the First Cylon War without major changes, although a green fabric flight suit has also been used (Miniseries). A black t-shirt was worn during that time instead of the current t-shirt and tank top combination (Razor Flashbacks, Episode 1).