Puddle Jumper

Cylindrical, multi-purpose craft created by the Ancients, and aerodynamically designed for transportation through Stargates. Each mid-sized ship is armed with at least six drone weapons, hidden in drive pods that emerge from the ship's rear port and starboard sides. The drive pods themselves offer additional maneuverability and speed, and must be retracted into the sides of the ship in order for the vessel to fit through a Stargate. The Puddle Jumper (nicknamed by Major John Sheppard -- its true Ancient name is unknown) possesses an invisibility shield that, when engaged, makes the craft invisible to the naked eye and to advanced sensors. The Cloak may be engaged when the ship is in flight, or when it had landed and powered down.

A large view port occupies the ship's forward section, with a smaller port at the stern for individuals in the back. The ship can support roughly a dozen individuals in the event of a rescue (including seats for the pilot and co-pilot in the forward compartment), though this is not recommended for extended travel time. There are no rest facilities aboard the craft, nor are there any emergency escape pods. A partition may be lowered to separate the forward and rear compartments, and the rear contains junctions by which basic ship functions, such as drive pod control, may be accessed.

The Jumper flees a Wraith attack. From "Thirty Eight Minutes" Though the Puddle Jumper can be piloted by hand controls, these may be secondary, as the craft interfaces with the mind of the pilot. On-screen geographical readouts as well as relevant technology may be immediately put at a pilot's disposal with a simple thought. A center console sits between the pilot and co-pilot seats and includes a modified Dial-Home Device, allowing the ship to directly access a nearby Stargate and dial an address. Automated systems guide the ship through the event horizon when the ship draws within a few meters of the gate.

The craft is capable of impressive speeds -- but perhaps even more impressive are the breaking thrusters, which can bring the craft to a dead halt upon arriving through the Stargate into an extremely tight space, such as the Atlantis gate room. The ship must also therefore possess advanced intertial dampeners for the safety and comfort of its occupants.

The Command Tower in the city of Atlantis is equipped with at least one bay filled with Puddle Jumpers