recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Wolverine

**Wolverine** (*Vielfraß*) is a  Western Alliance heavy fighter in *Starlancer*.

## Overview

The pinnacle of Teutonic engineering skill, the Wolverine is designed to match any Coalition fighter or corvette and come out on top. The combination of heavy armor, incredibly powerful collapser cannons, and the reverse thrust ability makes it a maneuverable, if somewhat slow fighter. It's the personal favourite of Commander Klaus Steiner of the 307th Vampires.

## Strategy

* The Wolverine lacks subtlety, but makes up for it with excellent firepower. It's excellent for missions where you assault capital ships, bases, and don't need to defend against torpedoes.
John McGann

**John McGann** (Specter) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

A brilliant tactician and fighter pilot, he has fought all over the Sol system for the Alliance. Naturally cunning, to the point where it became a concern for his senior officers. McGann has a long and distinguished career in covert and front-line operations.

### Military history

Academy standard training. Made squadron leader after four years. 42 confirmed kills. All fighters and troop ships.

## Appearances

* Mission 5: August 15, 2160, McGann and his outfit, the Cobras, participate in a critical supply run meant to bolster the ailing alliance. However, the Cobras and McGann soon go rogue, absconding with the transports and starting to prey on Alliance and Coalition shipping lanes.
* Mission 13: April 15, 2161. McGann and the rogue Cobras are duped into hijacking a tracked cargo carrier, leading the Tigers and the Pumas to Fort Vanguard, their headquarters. There, the ex-Colonel makes his last stand together with his pirates.
Stalag

**Stalag** is a Coalition space installation in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The Stalag (German for Stammlager, Main Camp) is the central storage for all Coalition warp installations on the Solar System frontier, containing enough cells to support deep strikes for the duration of the war. It is protected by several wings of fighters from the Golden Warriors squadron and rows of laser batteries lining the outside and inside of the facility.

* Emergency wing launching

## Encounters

* Mission 12: On March 6, 2161, the Stalag is targeted by the Alliance to secure fuel cells for the Coalition and subsequently destroyed.
Cesare Frascati

**Cesare Frascati** (Nero) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

When flying for an Italian SWAT team, he earned the nickname "Nero" from a visiting American due to his tactic of low-level flying on full afterburners. He likes to take his enemies head-on in a firefight. Follows orders with machismo. He gets the job done, but not necessarily by the book.

### Military history

Police Flight Academy. He was previously a SWAT team lead pilot. 21 confirmed kills. Basic fighter class ships.

## Appearances

* Julie is one of the many disposable characters in the 45th.
Kalan

**Kalan** (кала́н, *Sea Otter*) is a Coalition transport shuttle in *Starlancer*.

## Description

A slightly more standardized model than the Yakob, this is frequently used by middle ranking officers coming to and from the front lines.

## Encounters

* Mission 21: Encountered among the Coalition fleet.

## Trivia

* The name is shared with the Iranian كلان (Kalan) municipality.
Shavrov

**Shavrov** (Шавров) is a Coalition cargo transport in *Starlancer*.

## Description

A Coalition heavy cargo carrier, used for carrying supplies and equipment to support task forces, the Shavrov is well armed and armored. This class can be a hard target for Alliance squadrons, especially since it tends to be heavily protected, particularly when resupplying capital ships.

## Encounters

* The Shavrov is a rare sight in missions, but a high priority target. It appears in numerous missions:
	+ Mission 5: As a target to capture.
	+ Mission 24: A captured Shavrov transport is used in an attempt to hide the cloaked Gamma wing on approach to CS Borodin.
Kamov

**Kamov** (Камов) is a Coalition torpedo bomber in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The Coalition's newest and most versatile torpedo bomber hits harder and faster than anything seen before. Using ultraviolet beam targeting, these ships are deadly due to their speed and accuracy. Their advantage is further increased by the fact that they possess a standard cloaking device that allows them to evade detection and strike where they're least expected. They are also quite uncomfortable for the pilots to fly.

## Encounters

* Kamovs are encountered almost every other mission, launching torpedoes at Alliance targets like there's no tomorrow. Each carries four and the most effective way of dealing with them is to take them out before they manage to launch. Uniquely, the Kamovs are flown in one of the final missions, to take out CS Varyag in a criminal attack, posing as Coalition bombers.

## Gallery

* Pilot's helmet
* Promo image
* Same, lossless

## Behind the scenes

* Kamovs are named after the Kamov company.
Linc Stevenson

**Linc Stevenson** (Diceman) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

Has tactical combat experience against several of the Coalition's best pilots. He has shot down more than his share of enemy fighters in non-sanctioned military actions, and it is rumoured that the Coalition has a bounty on his head. A natural leader with a strong and aggressive personality. Promoted to the position of wing leader after the departure of Bandit to the Alliance's elite training academy, Diceman has the experience, mental strength, and respect to lead the Tigers. Diceman is a tough flyer who leads from the front and is trusted and respected by all members of the 45th Tigers.

### Military history

Graduated in the middle of his Academy class, he was a wing leader during the Lunar Conflict, and was flying as a mercenary squadron leader at the outbreak of the conflict. Diceman has 35 confirmed kills. Qualified on all types of fighter craft.

## Appearances

* Diceman is initially one of the many pilots of the 45th, before he becomes Bandit's wingman and eventually is promoted to wing leader after Bandit leaves for the Flight Academy.
Mickey Meller

**Mickey Meller** (Face) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

After being released from the Academy he joined a small security company and saw combat protecting several ore transports around Jupiter. He was shot down twice, but was rescued on both occasions. Known as a bit of a scrounger among his fellow pilots and superiors due to his ability to acquire commodities almost on demand. He is currently under caution from the Military Police. Unruly at times but resourceful.

### Military history

Kicked out of the Academy for cheating. Saw combat in several minor skirmishes around Jupiter. 4 confirmed kills. Qualified on most Alliance fighter craft.

## Appearances

* Mickey Meller is one of the many disposable characters in the 45th.
CS Krasnaya

**CS Krasnaya** (KK Красная) is a Coalition class 2 carrier in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The Krasnaya and Kozlov are sister ships that share the distinction of being the oldest active carriers in the war. Commissioned in early 2085, they have seen action in all wars and police actions for the last 75 years. They were both overhauled and brought up to date five years ago, and now make formidable foes.

## Encounters

* Mission 8: On October 30, 2160, the Krasnaya ambushes the Reliant as it limps to Fort Carter for repairs. Aided by the Vampires, the 45th Volunteers can turn the tables on the Coalition carrier.

## Trivia

* The name is literally translated as "Red", in its Russian feminine declination.
45th Tigers

**45th Tigers** is a  Western Alliance squadron in *Starlancer*.

## Background

The 45th Volunteers were quickly formed to help the Alliance replace its depleted numbers at the outset of this conflict. Comprised mainly of former military and civilian personnel, the 45th is under the command of squadron leader Maria Enriquez, a skilled tactician who has earned several commendations as a combat pilot. Short on training, the 45th has a lot to prove in a short period of time.

The rag tag outfit that had little hope of surviving the early months of the conflict became the only remaining Volunteer squadron still operative. They are fast becoming one of the Alliance's top squadrons and have survived several high-risk operations. Led by Maria Enriquez, the Tigers are known for their guts and tenacity in combat, with an ability to react to situations as they arise. Their kill ratio for capital ships and fighters is now one of the highest among Alliance squadrons.

## Elements

* **Alpha wing**: The primary wing of the 45th, consisting of six fighters, including you, the player. Alpha wing has a wing leader (Alpha One) and his wingman (Alpha Five), who cannot be shot down (they are necessary for communications and advancing the plot), but can be damaged, severely degrading their performance.
* **Gamma wing**: The bomber wing, consisting of two bombers (most commonly the Hades, less frequently the Galahad), used to take out capital ships, installations, and so on. Gamma wing will typically require protection and paying close attention to them at all times, especially in missions where they are essential to completing the objectives. See campaign missions for details.

## Gallery

As Volunteers
* Large helmet
* Pilot helmet
* Leader's helmet
* Viper's helmet

As Tigers
* Squadron leader's helmet. The colorized insignia is found in the Starlancer manual
* Alternative pilot helmet
* Leader's helmet (Bandit)
* Leader's helmet (Diceman)

## Trivia

* Some squadrons have beta descriptions leftover in the files:
Ion Cannon

Ion Cannons are the deadliest weapons in the entire game, capable of destroying a ship of any size in just one shot. The player will encounter ion cannons three times through the game. The first ion cannon is located at the base of the abandoned Ft. Vanguard and can easily be taken out by a single Jackhammer missile.

The second ion cannon is the Dark Reign, which is much larger and has a greater range than the previous one. If it targets you, you must afterburner out of its range before it can destroy your ship. Listen to Moose's warnings so that you have time to fly out of harms way.

The third ion cannon is in the final mission of the game, located at the base of the massive Borodin outpost. This is the largest and most powerful ion cannon of all, and has an infinite range. The only way to survive is by flying the Shroud and cloaking whenever the cannon locks on you.
Black Sun

**Black Sun** is a  Eastern Coalition squadron in *Starlancer*.

## Background

One of the Tigris Confederation's most feared squadrons, the Black Sun has been harassing Alliance forces for over 15 years. Led by Hakeem Sharif, the Black Sun is responsible for numerous heinous attacks on civilian transports. They are implicated in the destruction of the French fleet at the beginning of the conflict, ignoring calls of surrender and destroying any and all Alliance ships, including medical transports. They fly off of the CS Kozah, and are wanted for war crimes by the Alliance.
Nicolai Petrov

**Nicolai Petrov** (Николай Петров), callsign Incubus (Инкуб), is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

A Coalition ace, bettered only by his brother, he is the Black Guard's second in command. Infamous for his extremely violent and sadistic nature. It is believed he is psychologically unstable and has remained in the Black Guard mainly due to his brother's influence within Coalition high command. Despite this instability, he is a fearless pilot with outstanding skills. Engage with extreme caution. Volatile and cold-blooded, infamous for his use of excessive force. Highly dangerous.

### Military history

Graduated from the Republic's Academy. A total of 38 confirmed kills. Qualified on all known Coalition fighter craft.

## Appearances

* Mission 4: On August 7, 2160, Petrov is hitting Alliance supply lines and is encountered by the Tigers while he's using Larson's Pride as bait.
* Mission 16: July 11, 2161 sees his death during the defense of the CS Morzov.
Mission 18

**Mission 18** takes place on September 21, 2161 and is part of the Advance to Titan campaign.

## Briefing

*Heads up, pilots.*

*It turns out that the Admiral we captured is Kulov himself, architect of the destruction of the French and Italian fleets. During interrogation, he revealed details of a new super gun platform, which the Coalition is about to bring online near Titan.*

*This weapon has the capability to destroy a capital ship with just one charge... a threat that must be dealt with before the gun comes online. The time window for destruction of this super gun is narrow, as a new Coalition Second Fleet is believed to be moving in to reinforce Titan.*

*The Yamato and Victorious are now fitted with internal warp drives which will allow us to move directly into position near the gun platform and launch our squadrons to deal with any enemy fighters. Once the enemy fighters have been dealt with and the area is clear, the carriers will take up position and launch their torpedoes at the platform.*

*This one should be by the numbers, Tigers.*

## Recommended loadout

* An excellent choice is the Wolverine and the Reaper, which have excellent firepower and will allow for destroying the Dark Reign's elements fast. Notably, the mission has a time limit, as the longer you tarry, the more Buccaneers will be wiped out - and if they're all gone, you fail the mission automatically.

## Walkthrough

* Standard fare: Launch from the Yamato and after a quick last-minute remark from Enriquez, reminding the Tigers that the mission is crucial for the liberation of Titan - that failing to destroy the Dark Reign can compromise it, hit warp.
* The Yamato and Victorious jump out of warp near the Dark Reign. Buccaneers will move against the Kurgens, while you are tasked with clearing out the fighters. There's several Azans and Laggs flying around. However, before you can get to work, the Dark Reign comes online and wipes out the Victorious in just *one blast*. The Yamato will jump out immediately, while you are tasked with destroying the ion cannon. The job is difficult, as the ion cannon will target *you* constantly. Without a stealth cloak, all you can do is hug the cannon closely to break LOS and stop it from targeting you.
* Eventually, Alpha 5 will locate the shield generator, one of the wings in the lower section. Then you need to target the upper armored plates covering the power core and destroy it. A word of caution: The power core will explode with tremendous force and you'll be instantly killed if you're too close. Best destroy the plates to open access, then ones behind it, so that you can just hit afterburners and get out through the opened hole.
* Afterwards, it's a matter of just casually cleaning up the fighters. Enjoy!
205th Marauders

**205th Marauders** (205e Maraudeurs) is a  Western Alliance squadron in *Starlancer*.

## Background

France's 205th is a highly decorated fighter squadron. They fought valiantly in the initial Coalition strike and lost two thirds of their unit during the first two weeks of the war. Fatigued and low on craft and pilots to fly them, they were ordered to stand down and report to the rear for rest and reinforcement. The Marauders earned their nickname in the Lunar Conflict, as they constantly hounded the Eastern Republic supply lines, thus crippling their war effort. Of the eight remaining pilots from the original Marauders, five are confirmed Aces. They have a very respectable kill ratio of 2-1. "Good in a bar fight, but better in a dogfight" is their motto.

## Encounters

* Mission 20: The Marauders assist in the raid on the convoy.

## Trivia

* Some squadrons have beta descriptions leftover in the files:
Naginata

* Model
* In-game

**Naginata** is a  Western Alliance light fighter in *Starlancer*.

## Overview

A deceptively light, but agile fighter of Japanese make, the Naginata is built like the Zero fighters of old: Light, fast, and very well armed. Its ace in the hole is the inclusion of Spectral Shields, allowing it to weather an enemy's assault. Naginata is a favorite of the 409th Ronin.

## Strategy

* The graceful Naginata is a ship that gives an edge in terms of maneuverability, but should only be picked by a veteran pilot due to its paper-thin armor and limited missile loadout.

## Trivia

* Naginata class of fighters is named after the polearms common in Japanese martial arts.

## Gallery

* Promo image
* In-game
CS Gegarin

**CS Gegarin (KK Гага́рин)** is a Coalition class 1 carrier in *Starlancer*.

## Description

One of the largest Coalition carriers in the conflict, the Gegarin is used as base ship by the Sabers squadron. Commissioned alongside the Pukov and the Varyag, the Gegarin is one of the latest additions to the Coalition’s fleet and a powerful ship in its own right.

## Encounters

* The ship is not encountered by the 45th during the campaign, but is destroyed in a joint operation by the Alliance forces on June 6, 2161. The Sabers are rebased to another carrier.

## Behind the scenes

* The Gegarin was intended to be encountered and destroyed during the single player campaign. The untextured model remains in the game's files, indicating it was the same class as the Pukov and the Varyag. Furthermore, the following mission summaries are available:
	+ *"The Tigers and Gamma wing launch a surprise attack on the CS Gegarin, a Class 1 carrier from the Coalition Forward Fleet. After engaging this ship with both fighter and torpedo attacks the two wings retreat to the Reliant, in order to lure the Gegarin and her support ships into pursuit."*
	+ *"The Reliant leads the Gegarin into the Kaiserlauden asteroid belt where the ANS Mitchell and her squadron, the Cougars, are lying in wait."*
* Mission objectives also remain in the game's files:
	+ "Lure the CS Gegarin and its escort into pursuit of the Reliant"
	+ "Keep the fighters busy until the Mitchell can move into position"
	+ "Take out the Gegarin's fighter cover to allow the torpedo bombers to make their run"
	+ "Destroy the Gegarin's shield generator"
	+ "Protect the torpedo bombers on their approach run on the Gegarin"

## Trivia

* The Gegarin is named after Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space.
Predator

**Predator** is a  Western Alliance light fighter in *Starlancer*.

## Overview

A light fighter from the United States design boards, the Predator is nimble, fast, and boasts advanced target tracking systems guiding its paired proton cannons.

## Strategy

* One of the best choices for the early game. Although its relatively lightly armed and armored, the agility and Blind Fire feature give it an edge in dogfighting, while Screamers or a Jackhammer provide tools necessary for dealing with larger ships.
Mike Horrigan

**Mike Horrigan** (Moose) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

A veteran who was born to fight, not one to back down in a difficult situation. A good team player who sticks by his fellow pilots through thick and thin. Resourceful and intelligent with a strong sense of duty, he is well liked by fellow pilots and superiors. He has turned down promotions to stay in combat. Intelligent, strong willed, and resourceful, though his occasionally flippant persona has led to a good amount of good-natured ribbing from fellow volunteers.

### Military history

Regular army flight school. Has seen combat in all areas of conflict for the last 10 years. 5 confirmed kills. Specialized in navigation and ship systems. Qualified for Class 1 and 2 Alliance fighter craft.

## Appearances

Moose is your co-pilot and appears in every single mission as a result.

## Behind the scenes

* The callsign Moose is just one letter divorced from Goose, which is the callsign of the co-pilot of Maverick in the classic fighter movie, *Top Gun*.
Zack Merchant

**Zack Merchant** (Stalker) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

Somewhat of a celebrity after his kills were confirmed by the Alliance. Once escaped capture by using the slingshot effect around Jupiter to reach Fort Baxter. Bold and brash, is not afraid to take chances in battle.

### Military history

Graduated in the top half of his Academy class. Combat experience at the outbreak of war when he destroyed 25 enemy fighters. Qualified on all types of craft, including some Coalition fighters.

## Appearances

* Zack Merchant is one of the many disposable characters in the 45th.
Mission 20

**Mission 20** takes place on December 8, 2161 and is part of the Battle of Titan campaign.

## Briefing

*Pipe down, people.*

*Due to the recent Alliance successes, the Coalition frontline is beginning to fragment. We must seize this opportunity and hit them hard before they regroup.*

*A convoy has been detected trying to make a run for Coalition space. Command wants us to stop it from regrouping with other enemy ships. The convoy is made up of a Class 2 carrier, the CS Ufelsky, Scarab troop carriers, a Berijev command ship, and lastly an escort of heavy fighters.*

*Standard procedure, people. The Tigers go in first to soften up the fighters and ship defenses, then Gamma wing finishes the job with torpedoes. Once the convoy has been destroyed, return to the Yamato. I've also assigned the Ronin to this one, but they'll be escorting Admiral Kulov back to Alliance Command, so they won't be able to join the party.*

## Recommended loadout

* After flying the Shroud, pick out whatever you feel comfortable with. The Reaper will give some excellent firepower here.

## Walkthrough

* Launch from the Yamato. The Ronin will not be flying with you, escorting Kulov to Alliance command. They will launch shortly (with a Prowler, no less, how Yamato engineers squeezed that in is anyone's guess). After a moment, they say their goodbyes and jump out. Say goodbye to them.
	+ If you did not destroy the Rameses all the way back in Mission 7, it will jump in at the start of the mission and attack, together with its ace flyer.
* Afterwards, jump out to the location of the convoy. The environment is a bit *too* target-rich, so Enriquez sends in the 205th Marauders to help you out in combat. Focus on the five Cossacs, as the Marauders take out the shield generators. The two Scarab troop transport and Riza are free kills, while the two Kurgens do have a bite. A wing of six Laggs from the Ravens squadron, led by Karina, the Angel of Death, will jump out shortly. She will jump out after four of her wingmen are wiped out. She can't be killed at this point, so just deal enough damage, then focus on the convoy.
* Gamma wing will be called in and arrive soon and you're ordered to take out the turrets on the Ufelsky and the Berijev. Cripple them, then put tracks between you and the convoy, to allow for Gamma to work their magic (uncharacteristically jumping in with *four* Hades bombers).
* After the convoy is killed, the Ronin broadcast a distress call. You are ordered to assist together with the Marauders. After two jumps, you arrive amidst the wreckage. Seek out the communications beacon using the proximity locator. After Kulov makes his speech, your are ambushed by the Black Guard and Ivan Petrov. There's six Basilisks to take out. Petrov will once again flee once he has sustained enough damage or loses enough wingmen.
* Return to the Yamato and land to complete the mission.

### Outcomes

* Success: Convoy destroyed, Rameses destroyed.
* Partial success: Convoy destroyed, Rameses survives.
* Partial fail: Convoy partially destroyed, Rameses destroyed.
* Fail: Convoy not destroyed and Rameses fled.
Fort Sherman

**Fort Sherman** is an Alliance space installation in *Starlancer*.

## Description

A standard deep space port off Triton, the moon of Neptune, Fort Sherman became the receiving point for refugees and retreating Alliance remnants from all over the system. It follows a standard design, with cargo processing platforms at the top of the station, capable of docking up to four Mammoth-class cargo carriers, with a secondary dock in the center of the structure for smaller ships.

## Encounters

* Mission 1: Fort Sherman is the destination of the British cargo flight you are protecting as your baptism of fire.
* Mission 10: Fort Sherman is the final destination, and is seen in the midst of a *massive* movement of men and materiel in preparation for the counter-offensive.
* Mission 16: Fort Sherman is the staging area for the counter-offensive and is attacked in the first minutes of the mission.
Weapons

**Primary weapons** of fighters are the primary means of dealing damage to enemies, followed by missiles of various types. Each fighter carries at least one primary weapon, with multiple mounted on advanced and prototype ships.

## Description

* Collapser Guns: Ballistic weapon firing explosive-tipped rounds.
* Gatling Lasers: Triple-barreled laser gun slaved to dedicated laser generators.
* Gatling Plasma: Power-driven breech firing a continuous stream of depleted plasma rounds.
* Laser cannon: Light energy weapon used on all Alliance fighters.
* Meson blaster: Super cooled lens condenser focuses the energy beam accurately and increases range.
* Neutron particle gun: High yield energy delivery system.
* Nova cannon: Experimental weapon mounted on the Phoenix. Requires a charge period to achieve full damage output.
* Proton cannon: Effective and efficient weapon thanks to a low-loss energy chamber.
* Pulse cannon: Laser cannon upgraded with a pulse accelerator to deliver a more powerful charge.
* Tachyon cannon: Fires energized tachyons, disrupting matter fields and destabilizing targets at an atomic level.

## List

Weapons are listed by their shield damage.

### Capital ships

The following weapons are mounted on capital ships and cannot be found on regular fighters.

Flak gun
Laser turret
Main gun
Ivan Petrov

**Ivan Petrov** (Иван Петров), callsign Chekan (Чекан, Warhammer), is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

Leader of the Black Guard, the Republic's top gun squadron. Petrov is without question the Republic's premier ace who fights alongside his younger brother Nicolai as his second in command. The Black Guard has been used frequently to subdue internal uprisings and colonial disputes. The brothers and their Black Guard are the nemesis of the Alliance Forward Fleet. Cold and calculating with a hatred for the Alliance, they are out-and-out killers. He has a wealth of combat experience against the Alliance. Cold blooded, cunning, and fearless with a high intelligence. Highly dangerous. Engage with extreme caution.

Petrov is known as The Butcher among Alliance soldiers. He earned his name after he ordered the execution of prisoners and civilians when Alliance forces finally surrendered on Mars.

### Military history

Graduated from the Republic's Fleet Academy. A total of 60 known kills. Qualified on all known Coalition fighter craft.

## Appearances

* Mission 16: On July 11, 2161, Ivan is responsible for wiping out the Vampires and destroying the Bremen, flying with his squadron off the Pukov. He loses his brother, Nicolai, to the 45th Tigers, however, but flees before they can finish the job.
Klaus Steiner

**Klaus Steiner** (Wolf) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

The leader of the top German squadron the Vampires, he has been the top pilot in the Alliance for many years. He has a reputation for being a savvy leader who reads a combat situation instinctively. Still very comfortable in the cockpit, he has written papers on modern dog fighting techniques, and was a familiar figure at the Academy's elite school before war broke out. Confident, skilled, and experienced.

### Military history

Graduate of the Academy. Extensive action as a pilot and wing leader. 61 confirmed kills. Qualified on all class of Alliance craft.

## Appearances

* Mission 3: The first joint operation between the 45th and the Vampires is a routine recovery mission that leads them all the way to... Venus of all places. Steiner does not lose his cool and turns an accident into a crushing victory for the Alliance.

## Gallery

* Helmeted up
* Steiner in an ejection pod
* Unused Steiner portrait
Sai

**Sai** (釵) is a  Western Alliance medium fighter in *Starlancer*.

## Overview

A small, but swift Japanese fighter, typically used by squadrons closely cooperating with ANS Yamato and other ships.

## Strategy

* The Sai is a curious background fighter, encountered infrequently fighting for the Alliance.

## Trivia

* The fighter class is named after the iconic striking and blocking weapon, with its distinct handguard prongs.
Jake Tanner

**Jake Tanner** (Eagle) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

An Alliance ace who now commands the hardy and reliable Puma squadron. Practical and courageous, he is the type of character who is good to have around when things get tough. His outstanding record of service speaks for itself, with the rescue of a crippled passenger liner near Neptune being the most noteworthy. Level-headed and tough.

### Military history

Academy graduate. 32 confirmed kills. Qualified to fly all Alliance fighters.

## Appearances

* Mission 2: Tanner heads the Pumas and mentors the 45th throughout the mission.
ANS Reliant

**ANS Reliant** is an Alliance class 4 carrier in *Starlancer*.

## Description

Launched in 2125, this carrier saw extensive action in both the Lunar and Europa Conflicts. Decommissioned and retired twenty years ago, it was serving as an armed transport carrier between Io and Mars before being refitted with eight level-6 twin-laser turrets and called back to active duty at the outset of this war. Its commander, Captain Foster, served his first tour of duty on the Reliant 35 years ago and is a distinguished and respected captain with the Allied Fleet.

During previous engagements the Reliant was home to one of the most famous Alliance squadrons, The Hurricanes, whose name has forever been retired in Alliance annals after most of its pilots were killed when a shuttle computer malfunction caused it to burn up in the atmosphere off Jupiter. The Reliant is now home to the 45th Volunteer squadron, a group of newly commissioned pilots rapidly formed after hostilities began.

The re-commissioned Reliant and its newly formed squadron have been assigned front-line duties from the outset of this conflict. They will be counted on heavily with the other front-line carrier groups to slow the advance of the Coalition and give the Alliance time to regroup and rebuild.

## Encounters

The Reliant is the base carrier of the 45th Volunteers at the outset of the War. Though cramped and obsolete by modern standards, it proves surprisingly effective at supporting more modern carriers, thanks to the tenacity and skill of its fighter squadron.

## Gallery

Concept art
ANS Washington

**ANS Washington** is an Alliance class 1 carrier in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The ANS Washington was developed and battle tested extensively during the Europa Conflict. It was active throughout the campaign and was the most successful of all the Alliance Strike carriers. The Washington's onboard squadron, the 110th Pumas, has been assigned to the carrier since its launch in 2152 and has shared many battle honors.

On March 6 2161, Washington and the ANS Yamato were involved in a push far into Coalition lines in recent operations, destroying a number of enemy convoys, as well as a Coalition forward supply base. Although Coalition forces attempted to counter attack, further losses along their front lines denied them reinforcements. The aggressive tactics paid dividends, as the Coalition was steadily forced onto the defensive.

## Encounters

* Mission 2: The Washington is briefly encountered as the 45th link up with a veteran outfit, its Pumas.

## Behind the scenes

* The ship's squadron is referred to as the 109th in the ITAC description.

## References

1. ↑ Transcripts: "*March 6, 2161.*
*Alliance forces, including the Carriers Yamato and Washington, pushed far into Coalition lines in recent operations, destroying a number of enemy convoys, as well as a Coalition forward supply base. Although Coalition forces attempted to counter attack, further losses along their front lines denied them reinforcements. Once again new aggressive tactics seem to be paying off, as the Coalition is forced onto the defensive.*
*Admiral Caldwell is now almost certainly going to be voted in as the First Alliance President, after his main challenger, Terrance Hanlay, withdrew from the leadership contest. Hanlay, who refused to be interviewed, sent a press release stating that he was pulling out of the race due to ill health.*"
Pierre Besson

Eastern Coalition

Colonel **Pierre Besson** was an Alliance intelligence officer who was responsible for leaking classified details concerning Allied fleet assignments on the eve of The Sol War, enabling the Coalition to carry out its devastating first strike. In fact, it was his actions that allowed the shipyards at Deimos and the Franco-Italian fleets to be virtually wiped out.

Besson's actions only came to light when he was arrested on November 21, 2160, after his wife reported him to Alliance authorities. His trial moved forward on February 2, the following year, as the prosecution charged him with passing on the location and activities of the Alliance Fleet before the onset of the war, along with many other pieces of intel. The trial lasted over two months, with Colonel Besson remaining silent throughout the ordeal.

On April 15, he was found guilty of three counts of treason and sentenced to death. The sentence was carried out on April 19, 2161, by firing squad.
Missiles

**Missiles** are secondary weapons mounted on fighters, increasing their firepower and combat flexibility. Each fighter has a number of missile hardpoints that can carry one or more missiles (depending on their type).

Game files mention six other missiles: Stalker, Blazer, Iron Tooth, Death Claw, Brute, and Hell Fire, but these have no stats associated with them.

## Types

1 - Decoy refers to the chance that a missile will be fooled by countermeasures.
CS Yevstafiy

**CS Yevstafiy** (KK Евстафий) is a Coalition class 2 cruiser in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The exact history of the Yevstafiy is unknown, but it is rumored to have attacked many Alliance civilian vessels during the initial retreat. Its captain is being sought by the war crimes commission.

This Cyclone class of cruiser is the latest in Coalition technology. Known to possess formidable firepower, many of these ships were used in the attack on Mars. Fast, well armed and defended, they can perform the role of small carriers. Used primarily for carrier support and convoy escort, they are usually accompanied by a fighter contingent for patrol and protection duties.

## Encounters

* Mission 11: The Yevstafiy is encountered at Saturn on January 4, 2161, where it intervenes in the attack on the CS Czar with a wing of six Azan fighters. It cannot be destroyed, but can be defanged by removing all of its turrets, engines, shields, and comms.
* Mission 15: Yevstafiy is finally destroyed by the ANS Yamato on June 24, 2161, as it tries to pursue the fleeing Alliance forces.

## Trivia

* The ship is likely named after the Russian imperial dreadnought.
406th Blades

**406th Blades** (406 刃) is a  Western Alliance squadron in *Starlancer*.

## Background

The 406th fighter squadron was formed at the beginning of the Lunar Conflict. In its first combat assignment, the squadron made a precision strike at the heart of an Eastern Republic forward battle group, cutting it in half and earning their nickname, the Blades. A very disciplined group of pilots who fly with uncanny skill and grace, the Blades have a very respectable kill ratio of 3-2. They are based at Fort Sherman, and have managed to stop the enemy from making any significant progress in their quadrant.

## Trivia

* Some squadrons have beta descriptions leftover in the files:
Karak

**Karak** is a  Eastern Coalition medium fighter in *Starlancer*.

## Overview

The smaller brother of the Haidar, the Zhuhai (珠海, *Pearl Sea*) (Karak in Coalition service in outer Sol) is an interesting, organic design with good primary armaments.

## Strategy

* The Karak is large for a medium fighter and exceptionally strong in the shield department. However, it is slow and easily outmaneuvered.
Manzo Takamatsu

**Manzo Takamatsu** (Shogun) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

An Alliance ace who commands the respected Ronin squadron. Highly motivated and an excellent tactician, he is admired by many throughout the Alliance forward fleet. His outstanding record speaks for itself. He was awarded the Navy Cross in 2158 for his actions against the Black Guard during a border conflict near Mars. He saved several high-ranking Alliance personnel from ambush. Fellow officers have tipped him as a future carrier commander. Highly committed, a courageous and honorable pilot who leads from the front.

### Military history

Japanese Academy graduate. 46 confirmed kills. Qualified to fly all Alliance fighters and torpedo bombers

## Appearances

* Manzo appears as one of the pilots of the Ronin, before he is killed off-screen by the Black Guard.
Isabelle Santora

**Isabelle Santora** (Vixen) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

Off the wall tactics are her norm. She has extreme confidence in her abilities, and at the age of 16 was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Medal for shooting down a smuggler ship that was attacking her village. Anxious about regulations, but eager to succeed.

### Military history

Volunteered at the outbreak of war. The first woman to graduate at the top of her class at the Academy. Has been flying since she was 10, and holds several junior space flight records.

## Appearances

* Isabelle is one of the many disposable characters in the 45th.
Nanny ship

**Nanny ship** is an Alliance rescue / re-supply in *Starlancer*.

## Description

This long-range re-supply and refuel ship is used by small spacecraft including fighters and torpedo bombers. The Nanny has a reputation for always being there when needed. When a combat pilot is forced to eject, Nanny ships provide a vital lifeline as a rescue and pick up vessel.

Although slow and cumbersome to fly, Nanny ships are extremely well armored and capable of surviving several direct missile hits. Their powerful shield and decoy systems make them a tough target for enemy fighters. They are armed with laser defense turrets, which provide a limited deterrent, but offer no real offensive function.

## Encounters

* Nannies are typically encountered on recovery missions and require protection most of the time.
* Mission 10: A Nanny is a crucial stopover, resupplying and repairing your fighter midway through the mission.
Salin

**Salin** is a  Eastern Coalition medium fighter in *Starlancer*.

## Overview

The East Asian Luda (旅大) fighter, accepted in Coalition service as the Salin, is a lightweight medium fighter, essentially a nimbler version of the Republican Saber.

## Strategy

* The increased agility makes the Salin a tougher target, but the low armor and shield ratings make it an infrequent encounter and an easy target for more heavily armed fighters.
Dark Reign

**Dark Reign** (Темное Царствование) is a Coalition space installation in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The Dark Reign is a massive orbital defense weapon, a scaled-up ion cannon designed for engaging enemy capital ships. Developed by the Coalition to defend Titan, it was *supposedly* still in construction when admiral Kulov revealed its location to the Alliance.

## Encounters

* Mission 18: On June 16, 2161, the Dark Reign is attacked by a combined strike force consisting of ANS Yamato and ANS Victorious - and as it turns out, it was most definitely *not* offline.

## Gallery

* Promotional, touched-up shot of the Dark Reign destroying the Victorious
Yakob Shuttle

**Yakob Shuttle** (Якоб) is a Coalition transport shuttle in *Starlancer*.

## Description

Used for a variety of functions, the Yakob is a workhorse for moving Coalition personnel around the theater of war. Depending on who is using them, these ships can resemble the inside of a cargo container or a floating leisure club.

## Encounters

* The Yakob appears in trial mission 1, as a "pirate" fighter. It's soon revealed that the "pirates" are actually Coalition skirmishers used for plausible deniability.
Alliance spaceships

The **Western Alliance fleet** is composed of a variety of designs originating in all of its member nations. Although the lack of unification and standardization is a detriment for logistics, it also gives the Alliance flexibility unmatched by the standard, universal designs of the Coalition.

Following the Deimos Betrayal at the beginning of The Sol War, the Coalition's advantageous industrial output coupled with Alliance losses resulted in a temporary numeric superiority between 3 and 2 to 1 in the Coalition's favor.

## Capital ships

Alliance capital ships are high priority targets for Coalition torpedo bombers and as such are frequently in need of protection. Capital ships are distinguished by the prefix ANS: **A**lliance **N**aval **S**hip.

### Mentioned

* ANS Mantis: Destroyed command ship.
* ANS Roma: Base carrier of the 559th Hornets.
* ANS Illustrious: Base carrier of the 606th Black Aces and 705th Cobras
* ANS Valiant: Destroyed by the Pukov.

### Unused

Game files also mention other ships:

* Goliath
* Italy: ANS Falco
* France: ANS Alsace
* United Kingdom: ANS Goodwill
* Japan: ANS Intruder

## Forts

**Forts are large spaceborne installations designed to serve as repair and refit stations for Alliance fleets. They also provide housing for pilots and other personnel, as well as command and control capabilities.**

* Fort Vanguard: Destroyed at the start of the conflict, taken over by the rogue Cobras as their base of operations.
* Fort Sherman: Crucial stronghold at the start of the conflict and a rallying point for retreating Alliance ships.
* Fort Baxter: Another vital stronghold, under the command of General Makin. Destroyed by CS Rameses.
* Fort Bear: Constructed at the end of the first phase of the conflict, as the rallying point and staging base for Alliance fleets.
* Fort Carter
Saladin

**Saladin** is a Coalition prison ship in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The Saladin is a notorious prison ship, used to house political activists as well as prisoners of war. The conditions are unbelievably bad, and most prisoners die there due to the inadequate air recycling system. The Coalition has to force troops to work in this hellhole. Though not a carrier, support units assigned to the Saladin house the infamous Scorpions under Kariq Madiz.

## Encounters

* Mission 19: The Saladin is seized and liberated.
Fort

**Fort**s are permanent deep space Alliance installations, designed to provide robust support for its fleets, including, but not limited to repairing and refitting capital ships, providing command and control capabilities, and bases for squadrons. Each squadron is typically tasked with protecting the fort from attacks, especially by capital ships whose torpedoes are incredibly dangerous. If a fort suffers fatal damage, it's equipped with a large number of life boats to help personnel survive.

## List

* Fort Sherman: A standard deep space port off Triton, the moon of Neptune, Fort Sherman became the receiving point for refugees and retreating Alliance remnants at the outset of the war.
* Fort Baxter: One of the largest and most important installations in Neptune space, Fort Baxter has become a hub for all military traffic in the sector.
* Fort Vanguard: A standard deep space fort, the Vanguard had the misfortune of being right in the path of the Coalition's offensive at the outset of the war. Later adopted by the rogue pilots under John McGann as a base of operations.
* Fort Carter: Located close to Uranus, deep behind Alliance lines, Fort Carter specializes in repairing and refitting capital ships, and doubles as a vital logistics hub.
* Fort Bear: Fort Bear was the first Alliance space fort constructed after the start of the Sol War, becoming a major staging area for the attack on Saturn.
* Fort Rushmore: One of the outlying Alliance installations, Fort Rushmore was located just off Uranus. During The Sol War, it suffered constant attacks since the beginning of the war.
* Fort Lomax: The Fort served as base for the 503rd Stingers after their flight from central Sol.
* Fort Austin: The Fort served as base for the 51st Volunteers after their flight from central Sol.
51st Volunteers

**51st Volunteers** is a  Western Alliance squadron in *Starlancer*.

## Background

The 51st Volunteers were formed soon after the conflict began. The Diamondbacks have enjoyed some success, but overall their skill level is reflected in their kill ratio, which is a poor 1-3. Relegated to the home defense fleet, they are working hard at improving their squadron's reputation. Individually they are fine pilots, but lack coordination as a unit. Their assignment to Fort Austin is giving them time to regroup, and get in some additional training.

They are eventually routed and destroyed by the late stages of the campaign in outer Sol, with only the 45th Volunteers emerging intact out of the Sol War.

## Trivia

* Some squadrons have beta descriptions leftover in the files, indicating the 51st would have been christened the Diamondbacks:
Michelle McRae

**Michelle McRae** (Silky) is a character in *Starlancer*.

## Background

Her lack of military training can be an asset in combat, as she thinks outside the box. Excellent in one-on-one combat, but a bit of an unknown when flying as part of a team. Never afraid to enter the fray. Slight inferiority complex, tries a little too hard to prove herself in battle.

## Appearances

* Michelle McRae is one of the many disposable characters in the 45th.
CS Varyag

**CS Varyag** is a Coalition class 1 carrier in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The flagship of the Coalition Second Fleet, the Varyag is one of the latest additions to the Coalition's carrier fleet. It is home to the Black Eagles, sister squadron of the Black Guard and equally deadly. The Varyag has been reported to be maintaining order by force throughout the occupied zones around Saturn and Jupiter.

Well armed and defended with the latest the Coalition has to offer in carrier technology, the Varyag can only be tackled in numbers by the Alliance.

The Varyag was used in the surprise attack at the outset of the Conflict and like the Pukov is believed to have one of the highest kill rates in the Coalition Fleet.

## Encounters

* Mission 21: The Varyag is the flagship of the Coalition Second Fleet and is destroyed by the Tigers in the first stages of the battle in a perfidious strike, when they pose as Coalition forces using captured Kamovs.
ANS Koenig

**ANS Koenig** (ANS König, *King*) is an Alliance class 1 carrier in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The ANS Koenig is one of the newest designs of Strike carrier in the Alliance Fleet. As with her sister ship, ANS Bremen, she is both fast and agile with very solid defensive and offensive capabilities that make a formidable opponent for any Coalition carrier. The Coalition has placed a high priority on the destruction of the Koenig. The Koenig's onboard squadron, the Jackals, has built a reputation as a first class combat outfit.

## Encounters

* ANS Koenig is only seen briefly in Mission 24, at the start.
Latov Asteroid Observation Base

**Latov Asteroid Observation Base** is a Coalition space installation in *Starlancer*.

## Description

The Latov Asteroid Observation Base is a fortified outpost coordinating Coalition warp strikes in the Neptune quadrant, responsible for deep strikes that have plagued the Alliance in the early weeks of the Sol War. The facility was hidden inside a fortified, armored bunker requiring a special approach to detonate.

## Encounters

* Mission 10: On November 21, 2160, the Latov Base is the target of a precision strike meant to eliminate the Coalition's warp advantage.
Saracen

**Saracen** is a  Eastern Coalition medium fighter in *Starlancer*.

## Overview

A middling fighter with excellent acceleration and average armor, though quite slow.

## Strategy

* Keep it away from escorted units. Saracens might not be much of a problem one on one (what is?), but they are quite dangerous in packs and they rarely come at you alone.