Starship classification

**Starship classification** was terminology used to group and categorize spacecraft. Depending on a service's system, it could define a vessel in terms of size, capability, function, or all of the above.

The system differed from starship class, which indicated the specific design of a vessel, and starship registry, which was the name and number assigned to a specific craft. Additional starship roles could be applied to a design or specific spacecraft that further delineated from the high level classification assigned by an organization.

## Starfleet

Starfleet used a multifaceted classification system for spacecraft. The first was part was scale, which indicated physical size. It was used to communicate the space inhabited by a vessel, allowing for standardization in berths, docks, and space stations that serviced the ships.

The second part, known as type, communicated the role and capabilities of a vessel, as well as its tonnage. While a starship’s scale would not change, except in some rare cases after a refit, its type could change as modular components were exchanged, technology advanced, and new designs supplanted it, necessitating an adjustment of the system. In the case of foreign vessels, their assigned type could change as more information was gathered on their design.

### Scale system

The scale classification system was a very basic method that categorized starships by their physical size, meaning length, beam, and height.

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### Type system

The type classification system was used to communicate the role and capabilities of a starship. Starfleet historically used five primary types and numerous subtypes to classify its own vessels and those of foreign powers. The primary categories were auxiliary craft, cutter, corvette, frigate, and cruiser. Four specialized, limited use types also existed: destroyer; dreadnought; carrier; and battleship.

In addition to these core types, numerous subtypes existed to more exactly define a starship’s capabilities and better indicate its possible roles. The most prominent subcategories were: heavy, light, and fast. “Heavy” indicated that a class or vessel carried increased defenses and armaments over its peers in its primary type. The opposite subcategory was “light,” which sacrificed armaments in favor of scientific equipment or other systems intended for specific mission profiles. Similar to the “light” categorization, “fast” indicated that a class or starship was focused on speed and maneuverability. Although many types within the “fast” category were more heavily armed and defended than their “light” equivalents.

Additional subtypes indicated how a vessel was outfitted to fulfill specific roles. This led to terms such as exploration, escort, and other similar qualifiers allowing for a clearer definition of starship capabilities. Additionally, some terms were used to describe highly specialized roles outside this system. These included space control ship and headquarters ship.

The types assigned to a starship class changed as technology progressed, starship sizes increased, and refits altered the capabilities of a vessel. For example, the *Constitution*-class was classified as a heavy cruiser when it launched, but a century later was classified as a heavy frigate.

#### Auxiliary craft

The smallest type were auxiliary craft (AC). These starships were rated Scale 1 or 2 and were often carried by larger starships or were used for intra-planet or intra-system transportation.

There were seven different subtypes of auxiliary craft:

* Workpods (WK) were typically the smallest of the type and were designed for maintenance, repair, construction, and cargo management tasks in the vacuum of space. Examples included the Workbee and Sphinx Types.
* Shuttlepods (SP) were the next smallest and were designed as transportation vehicles. They had a small passenger capacity, limited range, and were usually only capable of impulse or low-warp speeds.
* Shuttlecraft (SC) were the most common auxiliary craft. They were similar to shuttlepods, but were larger in size and had longer operational ranges. An example of a standard Starfleet shuttlecraft was the Type 8.
* Runabouts (RU) had the greatest operational range. They were typically also the largest in size and had the highest passenger capacity of auxiliary craft. The first design of this type was the *Danube*-class of the mid 24th century.
* Surveillance ships (SS), sometimes referred to as “scouts,” were a very specialized auxiliary craft. They were designed for reconnaissance and observation missions, so had minimal offensive and defensive capabilities. To fulfill their limited role, the craft usually carried advanced sensor systems and were designed for speed and maneuverability. Though they were generally comparable to runabouts in their travel range, surveillance ships were severely limited in their available mission profiles. The *Venture*-class was a Starfleet example.
* Evacuation pods (EP) were vehicles that allowed personnel and passengers to abandon a vessel in an emergency. The Autonomous Survival and Recovery Vehicle used by Starfleet beginning in the early 24th century was example of an evacuation pod.
* Starfighters (FG) were a designation applied to small craft purpose-built for combat. Though Starfleet operated no auxiliary craft of its own in the category, it encountered numerous of this type, such as the Klingon *To'Duj*-class and Vaadwaur *Pythus*-class.

Some Starfleet designs carried specialized berths for auxiliary craft separate from shuttlebays. Known as integrated craft, these auxiliary craft were designed to support and extend the abilities of larger starships. The capabilities of these vessels varied widely depending upon the needs of the parent starship. Some were designed with diplomatic amenities and were known as captain’s yachts, like the *Mollard*-class. Others, like the *Aero* and *Waverider*-classes, were intended to complement the primary roles of their assigned starship. The integrated craft designation was separate from the seven standard types as it conveyed a craft's relationship to its parent vessel and not its own systems and capabilities.

#### Cutter

Cutters (TR) were vessels typically used as in-system patrol craft. While very manueaverable, they had limited warp capabilities and minimal carrying capacity for cargo, fuel, and necessities. Armaments would vary depending on the operating service, but cutters were generally lightly armed. Beginning in the 24th century, these were classified as Scale 2.

#### Corvette

Corvettes (VT) were vessels that had limited mission profiles and were typically designed to fulfill specific roles, such as escorts or surveyors. They generally had slower maximum speeds and a short mission length before needing resupply.

The most common subtypes were escort corvette (VE), science corvette (VS), and support corvette (VP). In the 24th and 25th centuries, corvettes were in the Scale 2 and 3 rating. Prime examples were the *Aquarius* and *Oberth*-classes.

#### Frigate

Frigates (FR) were vessels with a wider range of capabilities than corvettes. They had increased speed and more armaments while generally being capable of multiple mission types. Subtypes included heavy frigate (FH), light frigate (FL), fast frigate (FF), escort frigate (FE), exploration frigate (FX), support frigate (FT), and medical frigate (FM). By the mid 24th century, these were rated Scale 3 and 4. Examples included the *Miranda*, *New Orleans* and *Nova*-classes.

#### Cruiser

The most versatile type was the cruiser (CA). These were designed as multi-purpose starships that could accomplish a wide array of mission profiles. Cruisers served as the front-line explorers within Starfleet, and as the primary combat vessels in most services. Subtypes included: battle cruiser (CG); command cruiser (CC); exploration cruiser (CX); heavy cruiser (CH); light cruiser (CL); support cruiser (CP); and strike cruiser (CS). These were rated Scale 5 and up beginning in the 24th century and included notable classes like the *Galaxy* and *Sovereign*-classes.

#### Destroyer

Destroyers (DD) were vessels that had a more combat focused design than standard corvettes and frigates. Subtypes included heavy destroyers (DH) and fast destroyers (DF). Rarely used by Starfleet, this classification was applied to the few starship designs that were focused on offensive combat, such as the *Perseus* and *Defiant*-classes.

#### Dreadnought

The first specialized type was the dreadnought (DN). These were similar to cruisers but carried heavier armaments and were slower and less maneuverable. Starfleet rarely fielded vessels of this type, but the service’s escalation clause allowed for the development and commissioning of dreadnought rated craft. One of the most notable designs of this type was the *Federation*-class.

#### Carrier

Carriers (CV) were the second specialized type. These were cruiser-like designs that had large amounts of their internal volume devoted to carrying and maintaining auxiliary craft. Designs like the *Jupiter*-class were examples of this type.

#### Battleship

Battleships (BB) were similar to heavy cruisers but were explicitly built for combat. Many starships of the Klingon Defense Force, Tzenkethi Coalition, and other services were classified by Starfleet as this type.

## Klingon Defense Force

The classification system employed by the Klingon Defense Force and House militias for their own vessels was based on a design’s role or *ngoQ*. The main categories were raiders (*weHDuj*), warships (*veSDuj*), transports (*lupDuj*), and support ships (*ngaqDuj*). Each contained several subcategories that further refined the roles. The system made no differentiation due to size, except for shuttlepods and shuttlecraft which were both *lupDujHom*.

### Raiders (*weHDuj*)

Raiders were the most observed outside the Empire and were designed to operate far from Imperial territory; mounting raids, scouting unknown space, or carrying out reconnaissance missions. The subtypes were scouts (*tlharghDuj*), strike ships (*mupDuj*), and attack fighters (*HIvDuj*). Though not exclusively of the bird-of-prey (*toQDuj*) design lineage, scouts were often synonymous with the type.

#### Scouts (*tlharghDuj*)

Those ships classified as scouts were fast, agile, and, starting in the late 23rd century, were equipped with cloaking devices. They easily operated in planetary atmospheres and typically carried landing systems. The bird-of-prey (*toQDuj*) was the prototypical design lineage within this role and became almost synonymous with the scout role within the KDF and house militias. Notable examples included the *B'rel* and *Vo'n'talk*-classes, the latter being the first to the *toQDuj* line.

#### Strike ships (*mupDuj*)

Strike ships were designed to attack hard and fast. While less maneuverable than scouts, they matched them in speed and surpassed them in firepower. Use of a cloaking device was standard on ships within the type. The *Qin*-class was the first *mupDuj* design, though it was based on the earlier *K'saruj*-class scout.

#### Attack fighters (*HIvDuj*)

The KDF began making use of attack fighters in the closing years of the 23rd century. Their use was typically limited to harassing actions on merchant vessels and lightly defended installations, as most starship targeting and weapons system could easily eliminate small craft.

### Warships (*veSDuj*)

The most heavily armed and armored Imperial vessels were warships. These were typically larger than the other types and served combat and enforcement roles. Though not regularly known to fulfill raider roles, most warships were equipped with cloaking devices. The subcategories were enforcers (*raD’Duj*), battleships (*may’Duj*), and dreadnoughts (*charghDuj*).

#### Enforcers (*raD'Duj*)

Enforcers maintained the authority of the Empire within its territory. These vessels were designed with heavy armaments and a high operable range. While raiders skirted the boundaries of Klingon territory, the *raD'Duj* moved between holdings ensuring obedience to Imperial will. Examples included the *K'Vort* and *Qehpu*-classes.

#### Battleships (*may’Duj*)

The main vessels fielded by the Klingon Defense Force in combat were its battleships or *may'Duj*. Long-serving examples included the *K'Tagga* line and the *Vor'cha*-class.

#### Dreadnoughts (*charghDuj*)

Designed to intimidate and overpower the Empire’s enemies, *charghDuj* were the largest and most heavily armed vessels in the Klingon fleet. Translated as “conquer ship,” the role was roughly equivalent to Starfleet's dreadnought type. Examples included the *Qeh'Ral* and *Negh'Var*-classes.

### Support ships (*ngaqDuj*)

Support ships or *ngaqDuj* served as the workhorses of the KDF and individual Houses and supported Imperial combatant spacecraft. The five subcategories were transports (*lupDuj*), freighters (*tongDuj*), tugs (*luHDuj*), tenders (*leHDuj*), and workpods (*leHDujHom*). Additional clarifications existed, such as *SuyDuj* for “merchant ship,” but these were not officially recognized in the KDF classification system as they addressed the vessel's operator instead of its role.

#### Transports (*lupDuj*)

Those starships designed to carry personnel, livestock, and every living thing in between were classified as transports ships. Formally *lupmeH Duj*, the name was traditionally shortened to *lupDuj*. Small transports, equivalent to Starfleet's shuttlecraft and shuttlepods, were called *lupDujHom*. While the KDF system did not classify designs by size, an exception was made for small transports that rate as scale 1 auxiliary craft in the Starfleet system. The KDF system made no differentiation between shuttlepods and shuttlecraft, both were *lupDujHom*. An example of a *lupDuj* was the *Chava'Kal*-class and of a *lupDujHom* was the *Toron*-class.

#### Freighters (*tongDuj*)

Freighters or tongDuj were vessels that carried material; from foodstuffs to weapons and everything in between. A long-serving example was the *Pip'a*-class.

#### Tugs (*luHDuj*)

Within the KDF, tugs (*luHDuj*) had the most specialized role. They were designed with powerful engines and strong tractoring systems (*luHwI' tIH*). Tugs were often referred to derogatorily as *qengHoD DoylI'*, meaning “treasure cart,” by crews of Klingon raiders and warships.

#### Tenders (*leHDuj*)

The tender (*leHDuj*) role was given to those vessels designed to service and repair Imperial spacecraft and installations. Though distinct from the freighter role, tenders often carried dilithium, or other fuels, with which to resupply other KDF ships. The *Sark*-class was one example of the tender role.

#### Workpods (*leHDujHom*)

Similar in function to its Federation counterparts, the Imperial workpod (*leHDujHom*) role served in maintenance and construction projects. Examples included the *Ee'gu* and *Glab'gu*-classes.

### Cruisers (*qughDuj*)

The term *qughDuj* was a translation of the Federation Standard word "cruiser" that Starfleet uses to classify many of its ships. The term is not used within the Empire to describe its own vessels, but is used solely for Starfleet spacecraft. The term would take the place of Tier I designations, such as *veSDuj*, and was always preceded by one of the Tier II qualifiers, such as *may'Duj*.

## Romulan Guard

The Romulan Guard classified their own spacecraft in a multi-tiered system, known as the *Iirhhædh'khina*. Each tier split the designations by general capabilities and roles.

The first tier was split into warp-capable (*rrhiet*) or impulse-only (*rrtrao*) vessels. Those classified as *rrtrao* were then classified by their role, such as transports (*rrh'eilln*) or patrol ships (*æshimnen*). The second tier for *rrhiet* was defined between combat vessels (*hiyll*) and support craft (*æhjiyl*). Sizes varied widely within each category, for example both the *T’varo* and *D'deridex*-classes were categorized as *hiyll*, while shuttlecraft (*iy'tassiudh*) were classed as *æhjiyl*.

The vessels of foreign powers were classified by the Guard according to their threat level. A rating that factored in a design's armaments, defenses, and sensor and surveillance systems was assigned to each spacecraft design.

## Cardassian Guard and Defense Force

The Cardassian Union, its military, and its defense force did not employ a starship classification scheme similar to other major powers. Since each vessel within their catalog was purpose built, differentiations such as cruiser, destroyer, or raider were nonexistent in their system. This was why the class name always followed the designation of a vessel or facility, such as Terok Nor (*Therhak Nor*). a *Nor*-class station. or CDS *Trager* (*Trhăgher Gălor*), a vessel of the *Galor*-class.

Refits and extensive updates were considered the same class, but a numeral was appended when clarification was needed to communicate a vessel’s specific capabilities and equipment. Examples included CDS *Kraxon* (*Krhakson Gălor-3*) and CDS *Cadrun* (*Cădrhan* *Văsăd-2*).

## Appendices

### Connections

**Raider-gunboats (*mupDuj weHDuj*):** *Birok* • *K'Tanco* • *Ketha* • *Klavek* • *Kortar* • *Mat'Ha* • *Qa'Tel*) • *Qin* (*Qorgh* (*Pach* • *Pujyaq* • *Su'Qob*) • *Qui'Tu* • *K'saruj*

**Raider-assault ships (*yotDuj weHDuj*):** *Chava'Kal* • *Grishnar* • *Sargh*

**Raider-starfighters (*HIvDuj weHDuj*):** *Qo'Toch* • *To'Duj*

**Warship-enforcers (*raD'Duj veSDuj*):** *Fek'lhr* • *Naj'Sov* • *Nov* • *Peghqu'* (*Duvqu'*) • *QeHpu'* • *Qib*

**Warship-conquerors (*charghDuj veSDuj*):** *Suq'jagh* • *Vo'Devwi*

**Warship-battleships (*may'Duj veSDuj*):** *Antaak* • *D'ama* • *Kamarag* (*K'Maj*) • *K'Tagga* (*K'Tinga* • *Khenn* • *K'Tmara* • *Koro'Tinga*) • *K'Vort* • *Klothos* • *Mogh* (*Kurak*) • *Mur'Eq* • *Qi'moh* (*Yoj*) • *Vor'cha* (*Qang*) • *Tor'Kaht* • *Vor'Kang* • *Vor'ral*

**Warship-dreadnoughts (*yayDuj veSDuj*):** *An'quat* • *Bortasqu* (*Gorkon* • *Kahless* • *Martok*) • *Klinzhai* • *Negh'Var* (*Qu'Daj* • *Negh'Tev*) • *Nejwi* • *Qeh'Ral* • *Ty'Gokor* • *Vo'quv*

**Support ships (*ngaqDuj*):** *K'Toch* • *Kivra* • *Pipa* • *Toron*

**Project Groups:** C3 cruisers (*An'quat* • *Klinzhai* • *Ty'Gokor*) • Miracle Workers (*Antaak* • *Klothos* • *Mur'Eq*) • Pilot raptors (*Klavek* • *Kortar* • *Qui'Tu*)

**Other Types:** *Chargh* (*Jach*) • *BaSro'* • *GhIt* • *Durgath* • *Qoj* (*BortaS bIr* • *Qaw'* • *Veqlargh*) • *Na'Qjej* • *Qugh* • *Sech*

**Project Groups:** C3 warbirds (*Baratan* • *Deihu* • *Vastam*) • Miracle Worker (*Nijil* • *Tebok* • *Varel*) • Multi-mission explorers (*Galas* • *Surhuelh* • *Taenen*) • Pilot escorts (*Khaiell* • *Jaeih* • *Okhala*)

**Other Named Classes:** *Aelahl* • *Aves* • *Craeul* • *Deleth* • *Faehht* • *Kholhr* • *Laeosa* • *Osprey* • *Ra'nodaire* • *Rahhae* • *Thrai* • *T'liss* • *Valkis*

**Auxiliary Craft:** *Falconet* • *Kestrel* • *Scorpion* • *Talon*

**Project groups:** **Union Station** (*Geneva* • *Concorde* • *Presidio*) • **Century Cruiser** (*Springfield* • *New Orleans* • *Challenger* • *Niagara* • *Freedom II* • *Galaxy* • *Nebula* • *Cheyenne*) • **Multi-Mission explorers** (*Brigid* • *Esquiline* • *Palatine*) • **Deep Shadow** (*Eclipse* • *Phantom* • *Scryer*) • **Miracle Worker** (*Scott* • *Daystrom* • *Tucker* • *Gagarin*) • **Aeronaut** (*Mercury* • *Ajax* • *Icarus* • *Shran*)

**Other named classes:** *Aegian* • *Aerie* • *Akula* • *Atlas* • *California* • *Centaur* • *Challenger* • *Cheyenne* • *Constellation* • *Constitution III* • *Crossfield* • *Curry* • *Daedalus* • *Dauntless* • *Excelsior II* • *Freedom II* • *Gemini* • *Glenn* • *Guardian* • *Inquiry* • *Iwo Jima* • *Jupiter* • *Lexington* • *Niagara* • *Obena* • *Okinawa* • *Parliament* • *Perseus* • *Pioneer* • *Ranger* • *Sagan* • *Solanae* • *Springfield* • *Turing* • *Ulysses*

**Auxiliary craft:** *Aero* • Class C • Class F • *Danube* • *Flyer* • *Gondola* • *Kodai* • *Mollard* • *Peregrine* • *Selenic* • Type 4 • Type 5 • Type 6 (Type 6A • Type 6S) • Type 7 • Type 8 • Type 9 (Type 9A) • Type 10 • Type 11 • Type 14 • Type 17 • Type 19 • *Valkyrie* • *Venture* • *Waverider* • *Yellowstone*

### Sources consulted

* Starship classification article at *Memory Alpha*.
* Starship classification article at *Memory Beta*.
* Playable starship - Types article at the *Star Trek Online Wiki*.
* *Spacedock: The Advanced Starship and Construction Manual* by Steven S. Long
* "Official Ship Measurements" post by Mephit James at *Continuing Mission*: A Fan Site for the Star Trek Adventures RPG by Modiphius.
* On the Taxonomy of Spaceships article at The Arcane Athenaeum.