Starship classification

Starship classification or ship classification was terminology used to define a spacecraft based on distinction as a means of categorization.
Though similar in principle, this term was not synonymous with ship class, which was generally limited to a specific construction design. Starship classifications, rather defined a vessel in terms of function, such as size and role. 
While the terms used to categorize vessels were not universally equal, and evolved with time, they gave a sense of a vessel's capabilities, or intentions.
== Classifying vessels ==
=== Size and range ===
Size and range were often used to help determine a ship's classification. 
Smaller vessels were typically associated with being scout ships. (; ) For this reason, limitations were placed on the perception of their capabilities. For example, it was unusual to see a Romulan scout ship on the wrong side of the Romulan Neutral Zone. ()
The Lysian destroyer was identified as "a short range attack vessel." (TNG: "Conundrum")
Likewise, when Seven of Nine indicated that the recently discovered may have been sent to find , as an explanation for its presence in the Delta Quadrant, Captain Janeway assured her that that was most likely not the case, as smaller "was designed for planetary research, not long range tactical missions." () Contrarily, the Voyager was "designed for long-term exploration." ()
=== Armaments ===
Ship armaments were also used to designate the classification of a vessel. Satarran agent Kieran MacDuff, as well as the amnesiac Worf believed that the was a battleship, based on her tactical specifications of "10 phaser banks, 250 photon torpedoes, and a high capacity shield grid. ()
When the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance learned of the Terran Resistance Forces newly constructed , their reports indicated that "it's of unknown classification and carries an impressive weapons array. Some kind of improved photon torpedoes, multi-targeting phaser banks." ()
=== Variations ===
In some cases, starships could be reclassified based on perspective or revised mission profiles.
Although the Federation classified its starships as a heavy cruiser, it was classified by the Klingons as a battle cruiser. ()
Likewise, Cardassian warships were designated as a cruiser (by the Maquis and Cardassians) while the Federation classified them as a destroyer. ()
In November 2256, when Lieutenant Paul Stamets, of the , argued to Captain that good science took time, Lorca told him that the Discovery was no longer a science vessel, but rather a warship. ()
While the Federation's Starfleet did not believe in warships, the was officially classified as a escort vessel, but was unofficially classified as a warship. () Later, it would receive the more specific warship designation of battleship. ()
==Starship classifications==
===Warships===
* Dreadnought
* Battleship 
* Cruisers
** Attack cruiser
** Battle cruiser
** Combat cruiser
** Heavy cruiser
** Light cruiser
** Star cruiser
* Destroyer
* Escort vessel
* Frigate
* Corvette
* Attack fighter
* Interceptor
* Raider
=== Research vessel ===
* Exploratory vessel
* Science vessel
* Scout ship
* Survey ship
===Support ships===
* Auxiliary space vessel
** Aeroshuttle
** Aqua-shuttle
** Captain's yacht
** D'kyr type support craft
** Escape pod
** Fighter shuttle
** Long range shuttle
** Runabout
** Section 31 drone ship
** Shuttlecraft
** Shuttlepod
** Waverider
* Cargo drone
* Courier ship
* Freighter
* Medical ship
* Patrol ship
* Police vessel
* Repair ship
* Supply ship
* Tanker
* Transport ship
** Colony ship
** Troop ship
* Tug
=== Other designations ===
* Bird-of-Prey
* Starship class
* Warbird
== See also ==
* Vehicle classification index
==External link==
*
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