Ship Type Code

Line Combatants (Primary - Capital)				Escort Combatants (Secondary - Subcapital)				Military Auxiliary (Tertiary)
B- Battleship	C- Cruiser	O- Ortillery	V- Carrier	D- Destroyer	E- Escort	F- Fighter	H- Defense/Security	I- Combat Transport	Q- Combat Support	S- Scout	U- Utility	X- Commo	Z- Special

Mercantile Commercial Ships (Trade & Profit)				Non-Mercantile Commercial Ships (Industry & Profit)					Non-Commercial Ships (Nonprofit)			System Craft (Intrastellar)
A- Tramp	M- Freighter	R- Liner	T- Transport	G- Industrial	J- Prospector	K- Expedition	P- Corsair	U- Utility	L- Science	N- Medical	Y- Private	WB- Barge	WA- Satellite	WO- Space Station

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

• This hierarchical designation is also known as Ship Type, Superclass, Ship Hull Designation, Ship Type Code, Craft Type Code, or simply Type.

Library Data Referral Tree

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

• Starship User Types
  • Civilian Ship
  • Military Ship
  • Non-Commercial Vessel
  • Paramilitary Ship

• Advanced Ship Classifications
  • Ship Mission Code / Supraclass
  • Ship Type Code / Superclass
  • Ship Class Code / Class
  • Model (TL)
  • Bloc (Lot)

• Basic Ship Classifications
  • Adventure Class Ship
  • Battle Class Ship
  • Capital Ship
  • Fleet Class Ship
  • Size-Role Classification
  • Subcapital Ship
  • QSP
  • USP
  • World Class Ship

• Ships by Function
  • Bigcraft
  • Boat
  • Capital Ship
  • Largecraft
  • Non-starship
  • Smallcraft
  • Spaceplane
  • Spaceship
  • Starship
  • Subcapital Ship
  • Subcraft
  • System Craft
  • Warship

Speed of Travel

• Astronomical Unit (AU)
• FTL
• Light Speed (c)
• Light-week (lw)
• Light-year (ly)
• NAFAL (STL)
• Parsec (pc)

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 It is also known as Ship Mission, Ship Mission Code, Mission, Ship Hull Designation, or Supraclass.
2.	Ship Type Codes	SUPERCLASS	TYPE	Type A class Free Trader It is also known as Ship Type, Superclass, Ship Type Code, Craft Type Code, or simply Type.
3.	Ship Class Codes	CLASS	CLASS	Beowulf class Free Trader It designation is also known as Ship Class, Ship Class Code, or simply Class.
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 and 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 Tramp Vessels

NOTES: Type A’s do everything well, but are the masters of few roles. Still, 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 Free 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 / Long 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
BA-class	Type BA class Heavy Battleship	Warship	TBD
BDN-class	Type BDN class Dreadnought	Warship	TBD
BDNA-class	Type BDNA class Heavy Dreadnought	Warship	TBD
BF-class	Type BF class Frontier Battleship	Warship	TBD
BP-class	Type BP class Pocket Battleship	Warship	TBD
BM-class	Type BM class Monitor	Warship	TBD
BMA-class	Type BMA class Heavy Monitor	Warship	TBD
BML-class	Type BML class Light Monitor	Warship	TBD
BMP-class	Type BMP class Planetoid Monitor	Warship	TBD
BR-class	Type BR class Battle Rider	Warship	TBD
BS-class	Type BS class Strike Battleship	Warship	TBD
BZ-class	Type BZ class Hybrid Battle Rider	Warship	TBD
BBS-class	Type BBS class Super Battleship	Warship	TBD
BDNS-class	Type BDNS class Super Dreadnought	Warship	TBD

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 are mostly dedicated combatant smallcraft although some exceptions exist.

• 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 F class Fighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FA-class	Type FA class Attack Fighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FB-class	Type FB class Fighter Bomber	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FC-class	Type FC class Microfighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FH-class	Type FH class Heavy Fighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FI-class	Type FI class Interceptor	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FL-class	Type FL class Light Fighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FM-class	Type FM class Medium Fighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FP-class	Type FP class Patrol Fighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD
FS-class	Type FS class Strike Fighter	Combatant Smallcraft	TBD

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
GC-class	Type GC class Construction Vessel	Construction	Builds things in space; this class also includes mobile shipyards and smelters
GCA-class	Type GCA class Mobile Construction Plant	Mobile Construction Plant	Focused on constructing buildings, ships, and stations
GCB-class	Type GCB class Bio-Construction Plant	Agricultural/Pharmaceutical	Focused on biological construction, including agriculture
GCL-class	Type GCL class Repair Vessel	Repair	Focused on repairing existing objects
GCM-class	Type GCM class Factory/Mining Ship	Factory/Smelting/Mining	Do-it-all GC class ships which also have significant mining capability; this class includes certain mobile habitats and colony ships
GEB-class	Type GE class Beacon Maintenance Vessel	Beacon Maintenance Vessel	Places and services beacons
GM-class	Type GM class Miner Craft	Miner Craft, Asteroid Miner	GM class ships are about extraction of known resources; prospectors that also have some mining capability go to J class
GMA-class	Type GMA class Asteroid Processor	Heavy Asteroid Miner, Asteroid Processor	GM class with significant on-board smelting capability
GR-class	Type GR class Refinery Ship	Fuel refinery	Produces refined fuel

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.

I-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
GMC-class	Type GMC class Prospector's Cutter	Prospector's Cutter	GM class smallcraft

K-class Expedition Ships

NOTES: TBD

• Couriers go to XC-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 Exploration Vessels Safari Ships Beagles

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.

• Medical Vessels are under N-class.
• Exploration Vessels are under K-class.

L-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 Freighters

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

N-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 was not 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.
OS-class	Type OS class Ortillery Strike Ship	Hit-and-Run Planetary Bombardment	O-class meant to bombard in one or a few volleys then flee Sometimes used to divert enemy fleets

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 Marauders Privateers
PQ-class	Type PQ class Q-ship	Q-ship	None
PR-class	Type PR class Raider	Raiding	None

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 PQ-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 Liners

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

S-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 T class Transport	Bulk Trade Freight	T-class are now dedicated transports and tankers
T-class	Type T class Tanker	Bulk Liquid Trade Freight	T-class are now dedicated transports and tankers
TF-class	Type TF class Fuel Cutter	Fuel Cutter, Medium Gas Skimmer	Skims water worlds and gas giants for unrefined fuel
TFA-class	Type TFA class Large Fueler	Large Fueler, Large Gas Skimmer	None
TFL-class	Type TFL class Fuel Pinnace	Fuel Pinnace, Light Fueler, Light Gas Skimmer	None

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 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 U class Support Ship	Utility Support	Jump Ship Jump cabooses, jump ferries that are not tenders Includes U-class smallcraft except fighters, which are F-class
UE-class	Type UE class Tug	Tugs, Towing Vessel	Moves large objects (including ships) in space for repair or industrial purposes (as opposed to a transport or freighter)
UEA-class	Type UEA class Heavy Tug	Heavy Tugs, Towing Vessel	None
UEL-class	Type UEL class Light Tug	Light Tugs, Towing Vessel	None

V-class Subcraft Carriers

NOTES: Type V’s carry 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 Tenders

W-class System Craft (Non-Interstellar)

NOTES: System Craft - Non-Interstellar

W-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 Alternate mail ships Relay Ships etc.
XC-class	Type XC class Courier Ship	Courier	None
XT-class	Type XT class Express Boat Tender	Communication Tender	None
XU-class	Type XU class Packet Ship	Packets	None

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.

• Marc Miller. Starships (Game Designers Workshop, 1977), 17-20.
• Marc Miller, Frank Chadwick, John Harshman. High Guard (Game Designers Workshop, 1980), 20.
• Marc Miller. Referee's Manual (Game Designers Workshop, 1987), TBD.
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• Frank Chadwick, Dave Nilsen. Traveller: The New Era (Game Designers Workshop, 1993), TBD.
• Don Perrin. Starships (Imperium Games, 1996), TBD.
• Doug Stewart, Tony Lee. Naval Architect's Manual (Imperium Games, 1997), TBD.
• Martin Dougherty, Hunter Gordon. The Traveller's Handbook (QuikLink Interactive, 2002), TBD.
• Martin Dougherty, Hunter Gordon. Gateway to Destiny (QuikLink Interactive, 2004), TBD.
• Citation Missing - Mongoose Traveller Main Rulebook
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• Marc Miller. "A Brief History of the Universe." T5 Core Rules (2013): 330.
• Citation Missing - High Guard
• Citation Missing - High Guard: Aslan
• Citation Missing - Starter Set
• Traveller Wiki Editorial Team
• Author & Contributor: Adrian Tymes
• Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science