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SPACECRAFT OF THE TERRAN AND KILRATHI FLEETS
The ships in the Confederation and Kilrathi fleets come with a wide variety of designs and functions.
The particular type of ship you fly during each mission will depend on your primary objective. For
example, capital ships with phase shields can only be destroyed with torpedoes, Mace missiles and
Leech missiles. The simulator will familiarize you with the advantages and drawbacks as well as the
primary functions of each fighter. You will need to adjust your combat strategies according to what
you’re flying and what you’re fighting. Even though you have already studied the different fighters in
your Confederation and Kilrathi Ships class, this brief reference section should refresh your memory.
Take a minute to read about each ship before you actually launch into simulator training.
Maximum Velocity/Cruise Velocity. Ship velocities are expressed in kilometers per second (kps).
The numbers are always computed relative to a stationary body (or pseudo-body) near the ship, e.g.
a nearby planet, an escorted destroyer or even a value derived from the movement of all ships in the
area.
Acceleration. The ratings for ship acceleration range from Bad, Poor and Average to Good or
Excellent.
Max. YPR (Maximum Yaw, Pitch, Roll). Yaw describes the ability of a ship to turn to the right or
left. Pitch refers to up and down movement. Roll measures the ability of the fighter to spin on its
long axis. All numbers are expressed in degrees per second (dps).
Ship’s Armor. The measurement of the ship’s defensive armor is expressed in centimeters thickness
of Durasteel (centimeters equivalent). The higher the numbers, the more effective the armor.
Broadsword
Class Heavy Bomber
Length 36 m
Max. Velocity 320 kps
Cruise Velocity 150 kps
Acceleration Poor
Max. YPR 5 dps
Mass 100 tonnes
Weapons
Mass Drivers (3) Torpedoes (4)
Pilum FF Missiles (4) Chaff Pod (1)
Turrets ( 3)
Turret Guns (2 per) Tractor Beam (1 in rear)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 18 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 15 cm each
Left and Right 13 cm each
The Broadsword was originally designed as an attack bomber for enemy capital ships, but it also
serves as an adequate all-purpose fighter. Poor acceleration and maneuverability may force the
Broadsword to take several hits from hostile fighters, but strong armor and shields and a wide array
of weapons make it a formidable enemy. Keep in mind that the Broadsword is equipped with turrets
on both sides and the rear of the ship and several missiles. If it manages to get close enough to a
capital ship, it can successfully penetrate phase shields with its four torpedoes. A tractor beam
allows this ship to perform retrieve-and-rescue missions in space.


Crossbow
Hello, Dundradal. Yup, trying to get back into the game a bit. I got your message, when's the next Wingnut meeting? I'll try my best to be there if I can make the time. I can see most of the most recent updates are from Privateer 2 and whatnot; I'm afraid I won't be much good to you guys in that department, I never did play Privateer. But if there's anything else major in the works, I'm wide open to lend a hand if I can.
Class Bomber
Length 24 m
Max. Velocity 370 kps
Cruise Velocity 200 kps
Acceleration Average
Max. YPR 8 dps
Mass 40 tonnes
Weapons
Neutron Guns (2) Torpedoes (4)
Pilum FF Missiles (3) Mass Drivers (3)
Rear Turret
Turret Guns (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 25 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 20 cm each
Left and Right 25 cm each
The Crossbow is a formidable Confederation anti-capital ship bomber. It combines impressive armor
and shields with good maneuverability and traveling velocity. The fighter is equipped with torpedoes,
Friend-or-Foe missiles and an array of blasters that include a rear turret. It was a contingent of
Crossbows that destroyed the Grakneth’ Dak, a Kilrathi capital ship first sighted near Gorath.
Epee
Class Light Fighter
Length 12.4 m
Max. Velocity 480 kps
Cruise Velocity 250 kps
Acceleration Excellent
Max. YPR 10 dps
Mass 13 tonnes
Weapons
Particle Cannon (2) Dart DF Missiles (2)
Javelin HS Missiles (2) Chaff Pods (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 6 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 3.5 cm each
Left and Right 3 cm each
The design of the Epee is very similar to that of the Ferret. It also demonstrates excellent acceleration
and velocity, and maneuvers even better than the Ferret. While its shields and armor are equally
unimpressive, it does carry missiles, chaff pods and more sophisticated blasters. The renowned
Confederation pilot Daredevil met his end in the Enigma Sector when his Epee fighter was downed
by three Jalkehi pilots.


Ferret
-Aeronautico
Class Patrol Fighter
Length 10.2 m
Max. Velocity 500 kps
Cruise Velocity 360 kps
Acceleration Good
Max. YPR 8 dps
Mass 10.5 tonnes
Weapons Mass Drivers (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 6 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 6.5 cm each
Left and Right 4.5 cm each
The Ferret is the fastest light fighter in the Confederation fleet. Only the Wraith, a Confederation
ship model currently in development, will be able to fly at higher velocities than this basic fighter.
The Ferret has very simple cockpit features, e.g., only one VDU, and it’s the ship most graduating
rookie pilots will be first assigned to. The Ferret demonstrates good acceleration and maneuverability,
but it is only equipped with mass drivers and has very weak shields and armor. It is not
equipped to perform rescue-and-retrieve missions or to attack capital ships.
Morningstar
Class Heavy Fighter
Length 20 m
Max. Velocity 400 kps
Cruise Velocity 220 kps
Acceleration Excellent
Max. YPR 8 dps
Mass 20 tonnes
Weapons
Particle Cannon (3) Torpedoes (2)
Spiculum IR Missiles (2) Mace Missile (1)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 15 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 20 cm each
Left and Right 20 cm each
The Morningstar is generally recognized as the current Confederation state-of-the-art capital ship
destroyer. It combines strong shields and armor with high maneuverability and excellent acceleration.
Particle cannon and missiles make it a dangerous opponent for any fighter. However, its true
strength lies in its torpedoes and Mace missile. The Mace is the most powerful weapon currently
employed in space combat. Equipped with a nuclear warhead, this weapon wields more explosive
force than a torpedo.


Rapier
== Posted ==
Class Medium Attack
Fighter
Length 19 m
Max. Velocity 450 kps
Cruise Velocity 250 kps
Acceleration Excellent
Max. YPR 10 dps
Mass 15 tonnes
Weapons
Laser Cannon (2) Particle Cannon (2)
Dart DF Missiles (2) Javelin HS Missiles (2)
Pilum FF Missiles (2) Chaff Pods (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 8 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 6.5 cm each
Left and Right 5 cm each
Widely used on most carriers, the Rapier was an instrumental force in the Vega campaign. Heavy
weapon loadouts along with excellent acceleration and maneuverability make it a highly effective
dogfighting ship. The Rapier is equipped with laser and particle cannon as well as a wide array of
missiles and several chaff pods. Since its shields and armor are barely average, it is advisable to take
evasive action in order to avoid enemy fire. Dragon, the famous Confederation pilot, flew most of
the Vega campaign missions in Rapiers. He named it the best all-purpose dogfighter in the
Confederation fleet.
Sabre
Class Heavy Attack Fighter
Length 23.6 m
Max. Velocity 400 kps
Cruise Velocity 220 kps
Acceleration Excellent
Max. YPR 8 dps
Mass 22 tonnes
Weapons
Mass Drivers (2) Spiculum IR Missiles (4)
Pilum FF Missiles (2) Dart DF Missiles (2)
Chaff Pods (3) Particle Cannon (2)
Rear Turret
Turret Guns (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 10 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 16 cm each
Left and Right 11 cm each
The Sabre is one of the best fighters ever designed by Terran scientists. It is equipped with multiple
missiles, mass drivers, particle cannon and a rear turret. Keep this in mind when you attempt a rear
approach. In spite of its size, the ship is fairly maneuverable and accelerates well. When you are flying
a Sabre, you should be aware that its fore and aft shields are weak. Even though the armor is
very strong, armor has no regenerating capabilities.


Wraith
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
Class Medium Fighter
Length 16 m
Max. Velocity 600 kps
Cruise Velocity 400 kps
Acceleration Excellent, by far
the best acceleration of any of the ships
Max. YPR 10
Mass 13.5 tonnes
Weapons
Reaper Cannon (2) Particle Cannon (2)
Leech Missiles (2) Javelin HS Missiles (2)
Chaff Pods (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 20 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 10 cm each
Left and Right 10 cm each
The Wraith, currently in development at the Terran Tech Laboratories in New York, will herald a
new technological age in the fighter ship field. At the TCSN Academy, we are already training our
next generation of elite pilots to fly this Confederation medium fighter. It is equipped with incredibly
strong shields and armor. In addition to particle cannon and heat-seeking missiles, it will also
carry two newly developed weapon types: the reaper cannon and the Leech missile. Its maneuverability,
speed and acceleration will make the Wraith the fastest ship in the known universe.
Candar Space Station
Class Space Station
Length 400 m
Max. Velocity 20 kps
Cruise Velocity 10 kps
Acceleration Bad
Max. YPR 1 dps
Mass 600 tonnes
Weapons
Flak Guns (2)
Armor
Top and Bottom Shields 100 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 150 cm each
Left and Right 150 cm each
The simulator has implemented Candar Station so you
will learn how to defend friendly space stations. Protected
by flak guns as well as strong armor, it is a hard nut to
crack. However, a Kilrathi force with formidable weapon
loadouts could destroy Candar if they manage to dodge
you and its flak volleys since the space station is not protected
by phase shields.


OK, I've posted two pages in battles but I don't think I did it right as the content is not showing up under the battles Subcategories page, what am I doing wrong? "cheers in advance"
Magnus :)


Dorkathi
== Ships ==
Class Transport
( Military)
Length 95 m
Max. Velocity 200 kps
Cruise Velocity 100 kps
Acceleration Poor
Max. YPR 2 dps
Mass 5000 tonnes
Turrets
Flak Guns (3)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 19 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 17 cm each
Left and Right 16 cm each
The Dorkathi is one of the most commonly encountered Kilrathi capital ships. Being a transport, it is
not equipped with phase shield protection. Its conventional fore and aft shields are fairly weak, but
the Dorkathi armor will deflect most hits from attacking fighters. Avoid the deadly flak the ship will
fire at you from its three turrets. If you follow the suggested attack strategy for capital ships in the
back of this manual, however, this transport should be fairly easy to dispose of.
Drakhri
Class Medium Fighter
Length 11.7 m
Max. Velocity 400 kps
Cruise Velocity 200 kps
Acceleration Good
Max. YPR 7 dps
Mass 14 tonnes
Weapons
Laser Cannon (3) DF Missiles (4)
Chaff Pod (1)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 5.5 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 4 cm each
Left and Right 3.5 cm each
The Drakhri fighter is the lightest medium fighter of the Kilrathi fleet. Its velocity and acceleration
are only slightly above average. The Drakhri’s weak shields and armor hardly protect it from enemy
hits. Its loadout consists of laser cannon and dumb fire missiles. In spite of its unimpressive design,
this ship can still become a formidable enemy in the hands of an accomplished Kilrathi ace. During
my duty in the Vega campaign, I barely survived a grueling dogfight with a lone Drakhri flown by
Khajja the Fang.


Grikath
I believe the page to which you were referring regarding the novel/manual texts is the Hornet page (of course, the example page) http://www.wcnews.com/wcpedia/F-36_Hornet - Iceblade
Class Heavy Fighter
Length 17.7 m
Max. Velocity 330 kps
Cruise Velocity 200 kps
Acceleration Poor
Max. YPR 3 dps
Mass 27 tonnes
Weapons
Neutron Guns (3) Torpedoes (3)
Chaff Pods (3) FF Missiles (3)
Rear Turret
Turret Gun (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 17 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 16 cm each
Left and Right 14 cm each
When you see Grikath fighters attacking your space station, act quickly. This Kilrathi heavy fighter
remains one of the most efficient capital ship destroyers ever designed, and played an instrumental
part in the destruction of the TCS Freedom during the Tesla campaign. With its heavy torpedo loadout,
it can wreak havoc if it gets close enough to its target. Armor and shields are strong, but
maneuverability and traveling velocity are barely above average. Due to its poor acceleration, the
Grikath is not particularly suited to dogfighting encounters. However, be careful when approaching
from the rear, since it can defend itself with deadly volleys from its turret.
Jalkehi
Class Heavy Fighter
Length 25.2 m
Max. Velocity 360 kps
Cruise Velocity 200 kps
Acceleration Average
Max. YPR 2 dps
Mass 20 tonnes
Weapons
Laser Cannon (4) Particle Cannon (1)
IR Missiles (4) DF Missile (1)
Rear Turret
Turret Guns (2)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 15 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 13 cm each
Left and Right 11 cm each
The Jalkehi is one of the best heavy fighters in the Kilrathi fleet. Even though maneuverability and
velocity are only average, strong armor and shields can absorb several enemy hits. When you are
fighting Jalkehi, you should rely on side attacks to avoid fire from the rear turret. Remember to move
quickly, so the Jalkehi IR missiles won’t have time to “memorize” your ship type. The laser and particle
cannon provide the Jalkehi with good blaster capabilities.
 
 
Jrathek
Class Medium Fighter
Length 20 m
Max. Velocity 500 kps
Cruise Velocity 350 kps
Acceleration Excellent
Max. YPR 10 dps
Mass 15 tonnes
Weapons
Photon Cannon (2) Plasma Bolts (2)
FF Missiles (2) DF Missiles (2)
Chaff Pods (1)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 15 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 20 cm each
Left and Right 18 cm each
When Hajjnah, the renowned Kilrathi scientist and engineer, defected to the TCS Viking, he brought
with him blueprints detailing the design of a Kilrathi ship currently in development. This Jrathek
fighter has been prototyped in the TCSN simulator to prepare our students for the newest Kilrathi
threat. Similar to the Wraith, the Jrathek will be equipped with strong shields and armor; in addition,
its maneuverability and speed will make it the fastest Kilrathi fighter ship. However, its
weapon loadout is less impressive. The Jrathek is the only Kilrathi ship you can both pilot and fly
against in your simulation training.
Ralatha
Class Destroyer
Length 394 m
Max. Velocity 250 kps
Cruise Velocity 150 kps
Acceleration Poor
Max. YPR 1 dps
Mass 11,000 tonnes
Weapons
Anti-Matter Cannon (2) Flak Cannon (4)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields Phase Shields
Front and Rear 500 cm each
Left and Right 500 cm each
The Ralatha is one of the most sophisticated capital ships of the Kilrathi fleet. The destroyer is
equipped with phase shields and multiple turrets as well as anti-matter guns. These huge blasters
allow the Ralatha to attack other capital ships and space stations. I personally witnessed the demise
of the TCS Viper when it came under fire from an attacking Ralatha destroyer in the Gwynedd sector.
 
 
Sartha
Class Light Fighter
Length 8.3 m
Max. Velocity 400 kps
Cruise Velocity 220 kps
Acceleration Good
Max. YPR 4 dps
Mass 12.5 tonnes
Weapons
Neutron Guns (2) DF Missile (1)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 5 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 4 cm each
Left and Right 3 cm each
The Kilrathi Sartha is a light fighter comparable to the Confederation’s Epee. The Kilrathi fighter is
slower and not as maneuverable as the Ferret or the Epee. Shields and armor are extremely weak. At
close ranges, the Sartha can inflict damage with its neutron guns and one dumb fire missile, but
these ships only pose a real threat if they surround your fighter in large numbers. During my service
in the Gwynedd system, I lost a wingman to a swarm of Sartha pilots.
Strakha
Class Medium Fighter
Length 17 m
Max. Velocity 320 kps
Cruise Velocity 200 kps
Acceleration Poor
Max. YPR 4 dps
Mass 15 tonnes
Weapons
Laser Cannon (2) Torpedoes (2)
DF Missiles (2) Stealth Device (1)
Armor
Fore and Aft Shields 4 cm equivalent each
Front and Rear 4 cm each
Left and Right 3.5 cm each
The Strakha is a medium fighter with average traveling velocity, negligible shields and armor, and
poor acceleration and maneuverability. And yet it was this fighter that destroyed the TCS Tiger’s
Claw in 2654. The Strakha was the first (and, to this date, only) Kilrathi ship equipped with a previously-
unknown cloaking device that allowed the ship to vanish from sight without a trace. With its
torpedoes, the Strakha contingent then proceeded to annihilate the Tiger’s Claw. We have since
received confirmation of this device through Hajjnah, the brilliant Kilrathi scientist and engineer
who defected to the Terran Confederation two years ago.
 
WEAPONS OF THE TERRAN AND KILRATHI FLEETS
Strategies in space combat depend not only on the ships you and your opponents are flying, but
also on the weapon loadouts of every fighter. For example, if you know your enemy only has short
range blaster capabilities and no chaff pods, you will try to eliminate him at long range with particle
cannon and missiles. If you are attacking a enemy capital ship with phase shields, you will use different
weapons than if you’re attacking a Dorkathi transport without such defenses. An intimate
knowledge of ship loadouts and weapon characteristics is absolutely vital to your survival in space.
This section summarizes the most important weapon features of all Kilrathi and Confederation
weapon systems.
DEFENSIVE WEAPONS
Flak Gun. Capital ships rely primarily on heavy flak barrages for protection. The massive explosive
force and the high velocity of these weapons will down almost any ship immediately. With their
great accuracy, flak guns are also employed for point-defense against torpedoes.
Chaff Pod. Chaff pods provide an efficient method of diverting missiles that are currently targeting
your ship. Missiles will home in on the chaff, rather than your ship, and explode harmlessly. Chaff
pods must be released shortly before impact of the missile. Once you have released chaff, hit your
afterburners and escape from the danger zone. Chaff only diverts missiles currently targeted on you.
Any missiles that lock onto you after the pod has already been released will not be diverted.
Phase Shield. These protective devices are the latest in defense technology and render any capital
ship impervious to fighter guns and most missiles. Torpedoes, Leech missiles and Mace missiles are
the only weapon systems capable of penetrating these shields.
Stealth Device. Kilrathi forces have developed stealth technology that renders their ships completely
invisible to our detection technology. We have emulated this phenomenon in our simulation of
the Strakha ship.
OFFENSIVE WEAPONS
When a weapon is named below (e.g., Dart or Javelin), its description applies specifically to a
Confederation system. However, in most cases, there is a closely corresponding Kilrathi weapon.
Missiles
Dart Dumb Fire Missile (DF). This missile system is a point-and-shoot weapon with no homing
capabilities. Reserve this weapon for use against slow targets at medium to close range when you
can easily anticipate the enemy’s next movement.
Javelin Heat-Seeking Missile (HS). This weapon zeroes in on any recognizable source of heat, so it
can only lock on to a target’s engine and/or exhaust system. When you have a Javelin ready, wait
until you are behind your targeted enemy and the right VDU indicates a missile lock, then fire. Be
careful, though. If your opponent manages to elude the missile, it will lock onto any other heat
source it can find, including your own ship or that of your wingman.
Leech Missile. This missile was designed for the Wraith fighter currently in development. It drains
its target of all energy for approximately 10 seconds, inactivating shields and weapon systems alike.
Within that 10 seconds, you should have no trouble destroying your defenseless enemy. Leech missiles
are anticipated to be especially effective against capital ships, where they will be capable of temporarily
incapacitating phase shields and flak guns.
Mace Tactical Nuclear Missile. This missile is equipped with a nuclear warhead. Even though it
has no homing capabilities, its high velocity and incredible explosive force can annihilate any enemy
fighter or capital ship. Use this missile on slow targets at medium range
 
 
Pilum Friend-or-Foe Missile (FF). This missile recognizes a distinctive signal broadcast by all registered
ships of the Terran Confederation. (Hijacked Confederation ships will have been deleted
from the registry.) An FF missile targets the nearest ship that isn’t broadcasting. This means it will
also zero in on Confederation ships with damaged broadcasting systems, including your own.
Spiculum Image-Recognition Missile (IR). If you want to shoot an IR missile at your enemy, you
need to keep him in your sights for several seconds. The weapon system “memorizes” the ship type
you are targeting. Then it will track the enemy until it is outpaced or it hits. This missile is a particularly
lethal weapon in space combat.
Guns
Laser Cannon. Effective at ranges up to 4800 m, laser cannon demonstrate long-range capabilities
far better than the neutron gun or mass driver. Laser cannon do not inflict much damage on the
enemy, but they also require little power, allowing for more shots at a time.
Mass Driver. Effective at medium ranges, for average damage, the mass driver depletes blaster
power a bit more quickly than a laser cannon. Although laser cannon and neutron guns may be
more effective in certain situations, mass drivers can always be employed with good results.
Neutron Gun. This weapon inflicts relatively heavy damage on its target. However, it is only effective
at fairly close ranges, and depletes blaster power quickly.
Particle Cannon. This cannon combine the long-range capabilities of a laser cannon with the damage
potential of neutron guns, creating a highly efficient blaster.
Photon Gun. This weapon system will be part of the Jrathek fighter currently in development in
Kilrathi shipyards. Even though photon guns deplete blaster power quickly, they also inflict significant
damage on their target. With their long-range effectiveness and their high velocity, photon
guns will be the only blaster weapons approaching the sophistication of reaper cannon.
Plasma Bolt. This basic blaster is being implemented on the new Kilrathi Jrathek fighter. Plasma
bolts are only effective at very short ranges and don’t inflict much damage. On the other hand, they
expend very little blaster energy, allowing the pilot to employ them indefinitely.
Reaper Cannon. Similar to a particle cannon, this blaster also combines long-range effectiveness
with powerful damage potential. Reaper cannon are even more powerful than neutron guns, but
they also deplete blaster power very quickly. Currently in development for use on the new
Confederation Wraith, these weapons represent our latest advances in blaster technology.
Turret Gun. This swivel-mounted gun is very similar to the neutron gun. Designed specifically for
turrets on fighter ships, it can defend a fighter against rear and side approaches. A medium-range
gun with high firing rates, it depletes blaster power rather quickly.
Other Systems
Torpedo. Many Confederation and Kilrathi capital ships have phase shields that render them invulnerable
to most fighter weapons. Only Torpedoes and Mace missiles can penetrate these powerful
shields. (Torpedoes can only lock onto capital ships.) However, during the twenty seconds they
need to lock onto their target, you can’t maneuver, thus exposing you to greater danger.
Tractor Beam. This retrieval system will lock onto small targets and pull them into your ship. The
tractor beam is a vital tool for retrieving ejected pilots and data capsules from space.
Anti-Matter Gun. This ponderous weapon is found on capital ships and is usually only employed
against other capital ships. Like a torpedo, it penetrates shields instantly and directly attacks armor.
It is hard to aim and is not used to down fighter-sized craft. If you happen to get in the way, however,
a single hit from this weapon is sure to annihilate your ship before you have any hope of ejecting.
 
 
----

Latest revision as of 17:53, 26 July 2012

Timeline using year/no month/no day

<toggledisplay> BLAH BLAH BLAH </toggledisplay> Hello, Dundradal. Yup, trying to get back into the game a bit. I got your message, when's the next Wingnut meeting? I'll try my best to be there if I can make the time. I can see most of the most recent updates are from Privateer 2 and whatnot; I'm afraid I won't be much good to you guys in that department, I never did play Privateer. But if there's anything else major in the works, I'm wide open to lend a hand if I can. -Aeronautico

Posted

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

OK, I've posted two pages in battles but I don't think I did it right as the content is not showing up under the battles Subcategories page, what am I doing wrong? "cheers in advance" Magnus :)

Ships

I believe the page to which you were referring regarding the novel/manual texts is the Hornet page (of course, the example page) http://www.wcnews.com/wcpedia/F-36_Hornet - Iceblade

<timeline> ImageSize = width:200 height:550 PlotArea = width:50 height:530 left:50 bottom:10

Colors =

  id:gray value:gray(0.6)

BackgroundColors = canvas:gray

DateFormat = yyyy Period = from:2634 till:2669 TimeAxis = orientation:vertical ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:5 start:2634

  1. there is no automatic collision detection,
  2. so shift texts up or down manually to avoid overlap

Define $dx = 25 # shift text to right side of bar

PlotData=

 bar:Leaders color:red width:25 textcolor:white mark:(line,white) align:left fontsize:S
 from:2634 till:2634 shift:($dx,5)   text:McAuliffe Ambush
 from:2654  till:2654 shift:($dx,5)    text:Wing Commander 1
 from:2655  till:2655 shift:($dx,5)    text:Secret Missions 1
 from:2656  till:2658 shift:($dx,5)    text:Leonid~Brezhnev
 from:2660  till:2664 shift:($dx,5)  text:Yuri~Andropov
 from:2665  till:2667 shift:($dx,5)    text:Konstantin~Chernenko 
 from:2668  till:2669  shift:($dx,5)   text:Mikhail~Gorbachev

</timeline>