– Highly processive DNA-dependent RNA polymerase that catalyzes the transcription of class II and class III viral genes. Recognizes a specific promoter sequence and enters first into an ‘abortive phase’ where very short transcripts are synthesized and released before proceeding to the processive transcription of long RNA chains. Unwinds the double-stranded DNA to expose the coding strand for templating. Participates in the initiation of viral DNA replication presumably by making primers accessible to the DNA polymerase, thus facilitating the DNA opening. Plays also a role in viral DNA packaging, probably by pausing the transcription at the right end of concatemer junction to allow packaging complex recruitment and beginning of the packaging process.