Difference between revisions of "Ship Type Code"

From Traveller Wiki - Science-Fiction Adventure in the Far future
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Line 188: Line 188:
 
| [[Type B class Battleship]]
 
| [[Type B class Battleship]]
 
| [[Warship]]
 
| [[Warship]]
−
| [[Battleship]]s
+
| TBD
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
# [[Type BB class Battleship]]
 +
# [[Type BA class Heavy Battleship]]
 +
# [[Type BF class Frontier Battleship]]
 +
# [[Type BP class Pocket Battleship]]
 +
# [[Type BS class Strike Battleship]]
 +
# [[Type BR class Battle Rider]]
 +
# [[Type BZ class Hybrid Battle Rider]]
 +
# [[Type BDN class Dreadnought]]
 +
# [[Type BDNA class Heavy Dreadnought]]
 +
# [[Type BM class Monitor]]
 +
# [[Type BMA class Heavy Monitor]]
 +
# [[Type BML class Light Monitor]]
 +
# [[Type BMP class Planetoid Monitor]]
 +
# [[Type BBS class Super Battleship]]
 +
# [[Type BDNS class Super Dreadnought]]
  
 
=== C-class [[Cruiser]]s ===
 
=== C-class [[Cruiser]]s ===

Revision as of 01:55, 4 June 2019

Capital Ship Combatants Escort Combatants Military Smallcraft Support Ships
Battleship Cruiser Carrier Destroyer Escort Frigate System Defense Boat Fighter Assault Transport Smallcraft Auxiliaries
Commercial Mercantile Ships Non-Mercantile Commercial Ships Non-Commercial Ships Civilian Smallcraft Highports & Satellites
Merchant Liner Transport Commercial Industrial Commercial Ships General Research Private Auxiliary Orbital
Complexes 		Satellites

Ship Type Codes are a short form for identifying the types or mission statement for a starship.

Imperial-Sunburst-Sun-Navy-Traveller.jpg

Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information:
Starship:

Description (Specifications)

The type code provides a general system for describing the mission of a ship, the Ship Hull Designation listing contains the complete list of assigned codes and meanings.

  • The Ship Type Code has the following format:
    • Type - Type
    • BB - Alphanumeric designation
    • class - Separator
    • Battleship - Mission
  • These are different from Starship Classes in that many classes of starships may share the same type, yet have different performance characteristics.
  • Ship types codes typically have one to three characters. In order, they are: a primary mission identifier, and one or two characters of an optional mission qualifier. All ships use the same primary mission identifier. The definitions for the mission qualifiers are different between military ships and civilian ships.

Imperial Ship Classification Synopsis

The basic system of ship classification and organization for ships within Charted Space and particularly within Imperial Space works on a simple hierarchy of mission (generalized use), type (specific use), class (very specific use), model (technological level), and lot or bloc (production run):

Imperial Ship Classification
# Level Designation Synopsis Example/s
1. Ship Mission Codes SUPRACLASS MISSION Free Trader AKA Merchant
2. Ship Type Codes SUPERCLASS TYPE Type A class Free Trader
3. Ship Class Codes CLASS CLASS Beowulf class Free Trader
4. Ship Model Codes MODEL TL & Model TL-14 Beowulf Build
  • Models aren’t always mentioned, but if they are, they are usually referred to by a TL designation.
5. Ship Bloc Codes LOT or BLOC Named Ship “The Lonesome Wolf” of ‘Bloc 312-1115d’
  • Ship Lots or Bloc Codes are rarely used except by naval shipyards, patrol craft, and the like. They are recorded in the ship’s computer as well as a number of places on the hull.

Overview of Imperial Ship Classification

Imperial Ship Classification
# Level Example Remarks
1. Supraclass (Function) Dreadnought It’s the largest organizational grouping by a generalized function or mission. For instance, battleships and cruisers have different generalized missions although they can perform many of the same jobs.
2. Type (Superclass) Type BB class Battleship It’s a larger type grouping by a specific function or mission. Different kinds of battleships or types may perform different yet broadly similar missions.
3. Class (Ship) Tigress class Dreadnought The ship itself is synonymous with a class. The first produced version becomes the class namesake under most practices. It has an even more specific mission that the craft type code (type) or superclass.
4. Model (Version) TL-15 Tigress Model 1105-Q3-9PR This classification may include incremental improvements often as a result of TL advances. Some classes of ships can be built at several different TL’s. For instance, the ubiquitous Beowulf Free Trader has builds from TL-10 to TL-15.
5. Lot (Block) Block 365-1105 Reg-A-4702-4826-9931 This classification is also known as a Production Bloc. Blocs may have differences from lot to lot. Sometimes aftermarket or post-production modification (customization) may yield very different ships from the originally manufactured ship class.

History & Background (Dossier)

The Vilani Imperium and its successor, the Ziru Sirka, were both large, stable bureaucracies that kept the order for many millennia. They propelled the Vilani people from a planetary bound existence to one of the largest interstellar empires known to sophontdom. The Vilani achieved this due to many reasons and one of the foremost of these reasons was excellent organization, asset tracking, and logistics of their many spacefleets. The First Imperium successfully used the system for several millennia before running into the Terrans and their balkanized chaos. In some ways, the early Terrans were unified, but in many others, they were completely disheveled and disorganized along historically nationalistic and cultural lines. A number of competing fleets each used their own systems of ship organizations and the progenitor organization of the Terrans, the United Nations, was a complete basket case.

After the Terrans won the Interstellar Wars and established the Second Imperium of Rule of Man, they tossed out the older, well-established vilani system of ship organization and tried to institute their own. Much like the United Nations a chaotic mess ensued and numerous competing systems existed side by side, often contributing to mix-ups and sometimes even fatal accidents. Within a few decades, planetary and subsector fleets officially used Terran ship organizations systems, but quietly and unofficially used the traditional vilani methods. These methods had stood the test of time and regime change.

Even after the fall of the Second Imperium and the mess of the Long Night, the ship organization system persisted in use. Those pocket empires which retained spaceflight and even starflight, continued to use the old ways, which continued to work. The Sylean Federation actively used the system and when it grew into the Third Imperium, the system was a tried a true part of human space navies. The system was greatly complicated and confused by Terran additions during the Second Imperium, but it is functional today and most spacers are familiar with the system, even travellers from non-Imperial polities, who use alternate systems.

A-class Merchant Vessels (Tramp Vessels)

NOTES: Type A’s do everything well, but are the masters of few roles. Stll, they are flexible and capable within their mission profiles.

A-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type A class Free Trader
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
Type A class Free Trader
Type A1 class Far Trader 		Free Trader Cargo & Low-volume Passengers Rated J-1.
Type A2 class Far Trader Far Trader Cargo & Low-volume Passengers Rated J-2.
Type A3 class Fast Trader Deep Trader / Fast Trader Cargo & Low-volume Passengers Rated J-3.
Type AA class Armored Merchant Armored Trader / Frontier Trader Cargo & Low-volume Passengers Rated J-3 and armored in order to survive the hazards of the Imperial Fringe.

B-class Battleships

NOTES: Type B’s are the strong end of the line, battleships and dreadnoughts, the largest and hardest hitting naval combatants, almost always armed with massive spinal mounts.

B-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Tigress class Battleship
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
B-class Type B class Battleship Warship TBD
  1. Type BB class Battleship
  2. Type BA class Heavy Battleship
  3. Type BF class Frontier Battleship
  4. Type BP class Pocket Battleship
  5. Type BS class Strike Battleship
  6. Type BR class Battle Rider
  7. Type BZ class Hybrid Battle Rider
  8. Type BDN class Dreadnought
  9. Type BDNA class Heavy Dreadnought
  10. Type BM class Monitor
  11. Type BMA class Heavy Monitor
  12. Type BML class Light Monitor
  13. Type BMP class Planetoid Monitor
  14. Type BBS class Super Battleship
  15. Type BDNS class Super Dreadnought

C-class Cruisers

NOTES: Type C’s are line ships. They are meant to survive the enemy and trade blows in fleet combat.

  • Corvettes go to E-class
  • Small (speed) Cruisers go to E-class
C-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
C-class Type C class Cruiser Warship No need to change. Weight tonnage cruisers remain

D-class Destroyers

NOTES: Type D’s are considered the smallest viable combatant capable of minimal survival and power projection.

  • Anything not a destroyer goes to E-class
  • Defenders and SDBs go to H-class
D-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Chrysanthemum class Destroyer Escort
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
D-class Type D class Destroyer Warship None

E-class Escorts & Corvettes

NOTES: Type E’s defend other ships, often merchants, but also auxiliaries and others.

  • Patrol ships here if military and Imperial Navy. Otherwise to H-class.
E-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
E-class Type E class Escort Escort Includes all manner of tiny vessels that are not smallcraft
  • Brigs, Corvettes, FACs, Sloops, etc.

F-class Fighters

NOTES: Type F’s are small ships meant to project force, fly the flag, and deter lighter enemies.

  • Fighters bigger than 100 tons go to E-class or elsewhere
  • Non-combat-dedicated utility smallcraft go to U-class
  • Frigates go to E-class
  • Freighters go to A, M, R, or T-class
F-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Rampart Class Light Fighter
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
F-class Type FL class Light Fighter Combatant Smallcraft Only fighters now
  • Fighters = Dedicated combatant smallcraft (...mostly)

G-class Industrial Vessels (Commercial)

NOTES: Type G’s explore and exploit the system as well as maintaining a spacefaring industry.

  • Frigates go to E-class
G-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
G-class Type G class Industrial Ship Industrial Manufacturing Refinery
  • Ag / Farming
  • Factory Ships
  • Refinery ships

H-class Security Vessels

NOTES: Type H’s serve paramilitary roles as customs ships, inspectors, police, and the like.

  • Ortillery go to O-class
  • Tankers go to T-class
H-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
H-class Type H class Security Ship Star System Security & Defense Defenders (SDBs)
  • Hunters remain
  • Sentinels
  • Patrol ships here unless dedicated Imperial Navy escorts at E-class
  • Quarantine Ships here or in special missions at Z-class

I-class Combat Transports

NOTES: Type I’s serve the vital role of taking and keeping real estate, especially against armed opposition.

  • The I-class code wasn't used in many ship classification systems since it resembles a numeral.
TBD-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
I-class Type I class Combat Transport Planetary Assault Includes troop transports, assault landers, etc.

J-class Prospector Vessels

NOTES: TBD

  • Intruders go to I-class
J-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type J class Seeker
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
J-class Type TBD class TBD Resource Prospecting Prospectors and seekers remain

K-class Expedition Ships

NOTES: TBD

  • Couriers go to X-class or S-class if they are S/Cs
K-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type K class Safari Ship
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
K-class Type K class Safari Ship Exploration & Expeditions Colony Ships

L-class Science Vessels

NOTES: Type L’s are not common, but they are a vital part of research and the furtherment of science and technology.

TBD-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type L class Lab Ship
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
L-class Type L class Lab Ship Scientific Research Lab Ships
  • Not medical (N-class) or exploration (K-class) types.
  • All most any other kind of academic scientific pursuit warranting a ship can be found in this category.

M-class Merchant Vessels

NOTES: Type M’s are amongst the most common trade ships found on the spacelanes.

M-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type M class Subsidized Merchant
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
Ltr-class Type M class Subsidized Merchant
Type M class Passenger Liner 		Freighters - Bulk Freight & Passengers No changes although most named liners go to R-class

N-class Medical Ships

NOTES: TBD

  • Ferries go to Q-class or U-class
TBD-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
N-class Type N class Medical Ship Medical Care None

O-class Ortillery Vessels

NOTES: TBD

  • The O-class code wasn't used in many ship classification systems since it resembles a numeral.
  • Military Ordinance vessels go to Q-class
O-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
O-class Type O class Ortillery Ship Planetary Bombardment Bombardment Ship
  • Siege Engine
  • etc.

P-class Corsair Vessels

NOTES: TBD

  • Planetoids get spread around by their role and function (P is a secondary modifier)
  • Fighters all go to F-class
P-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type P class Corsair
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
P-class Type P class Corsair Raiding & Logistics Disruption Corsair Vessels
  • Raiders become PR
  • Q-ships become PQ
  • Marauders
  • Privateers

Q-class Combat Support Ships

NOTES: Type Q’s tend to be quite rare and serve in very specialized roles.

  • Hospital remain at N-class
  • Q-ships go to P-class
Q-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
Q-class Type Q class Military Auxiliary Combat Support / Combat Multiplier Military Auxiliary/s
  • Decoys
  • Military Speciality
  • All manner of military auxiliaries

R-class Merchant Vessels

NOTES: Type R’s are commonplace traders (…Liners), often in the mid-sized category.

  • Raiders go to PR
  • Battle riders now classified by role or size (...becomes a secondary modifier)
R-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type R class Subsidized Merchant
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
R-class Type R class Subsidized Merchant Medium Cargo &
Medium-volume Passengers 		R now a dedicated merchant code

S-class Scout Vessels

NOTES: Type S’s are small, functional craft, usually scouts, couriers, and recon vessels. They are typically small, relatively cheap, and expendable.

  • Sieges go to O-class
  • No explorers, which go to K-class expeditions
TBD-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type S class Scout/Courier
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
S-class Type S class Scout/Courier Reconnaissance / Courier Includes all sorts of other Scout vessels

T-class Tankers & Transports

NOTES: Type T’s tend to be bulk carriers and larger merchant ships, typically resource carriers.

  • Tenders go to V-class or elsewhere depending on role
  • Patrol ships go to E-class if escorts and H-class if system defenders or security vessels
  • Tugs go to Q-class or U-class
T-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
T-class Type TBD class TBD Bulk Trade Freight T-class are now dedicated transports and tankers

U-class Utility Vessels & Utility Craft

NOTES: Type U’s are almost always utility smallcraft (…ship’s boats) although some bigcraft may also receive this designation.

  • Packets ships go to X-class
  • Ferries
  • Tugs remain or go to Q-class if military-dedicated
U-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
U-class Type TBD class TBD Utility Support Jump Ship Jump cabooses, jump ferries that are not tenders
  • Includes U-class smallcraft except fighters, which are F-class

V-class Subcraft Carriers

NOTES: Type V’s carrier smallcraft and bigcraft, typically in a combat role. Tenders and jump carriers are included in this category.

  • Some tenders go to X-class (Xboat tenders) or T-class if commercial
  • Other possibilities are available although rare
V-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
V-class Type V class Carrier Subcraft Carrier Carriers

W-class System Craft (Non-Interstellar)

NOTES: System Craft - Non-Interstellar

TBD-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
W-class Type W class System Craft Space Stations & Satellites & Barges Includes little to no drive and no mission beyond the star system
  • Might include far system craft or stations

X-class Communication Vessels

NOTES: TBD

X-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type X class Express Boat
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
X-class Type X class Express Boat Communication Relay X-boats
  • X-boat tenders
  • Packets
  • Dedicated non-military couriers
  • Alternate mail ships
  • Relay Ships
  • etc.

Y-class Private Craft

NOTES:

Y-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: Type Y class Yacht
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
Y-class Type Y class Yacht Private Luxury Travel All manner of privately owned craft
  • Including commuter or passenger smallcraft if system-dedicated and not elsewhere

Z-class Special Mission Ships

NOTES: TBD

Z-class Imperial Ship Classification
EXEMPLAR: TBD
Ltr Master Ship Mission Code Mission Synopsis Remarks
Z-class Type Z class Experimental Vessel Experimental Test Vessels Unclassified Ships
  • Experimental Craft
  • Special missions of all types that don't fit elsewhere
  • Hybrid experimental craft

References & Contributions (Sources)

This article has metadata.
This list of sources was used by the Traveller Wiki Editorial Team and individual contributors to compose this article. Copyrighted material is used under license from Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
Retrieved from "http://wiki.travellerrpg.com/index.php?title=Ship_Type_Code&oldid=517722"