The modern Viper is a careful update of McQuarrie's original design that was created for the 2004 reboot of BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. Writer and producer Ron D. Moore wanted to make the show about life on an spaceborne aircraft carrier and the Vipers and their pilots were central to his plans.

No Viper pilot was more compelling than Starbuck, who had all the skills (and flaws) to make her a great pilot. This version of the model has her call sign on the hull. This Viper Mark II appeared in almost every episode of the famous television series Battlestar Galactica (2004). Launched from massive Battlestar ships, the Viper Mark II was instrumental in the First Cylon War.

Although they were eventually replaced with newer models, a squadron of the space superiority fighters remained on board the Battlestar Galactica and was re-activated to defend the Galactica during its four-year journey to Earth.