Ship Type Code
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.
- This hierarchical designation is also known as Ship Type, Superclass, Ship Hull Designation, Ship Type Code, Craft Type Code, or simply Type.
Please refer to the following AAB Library Data for more information:
Starship:
- Starship User Types
- Ships by Function
- Advanced Ship Classifications
- Ship Mission Code / Supraclass
- Ship Type Code / Superclass
- Ship Class Code / Class
- Model (TL)
- Bloc (Lot)
- Basic Ship Classifications
- 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
|
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
|
5. | Ship Bloc Codes | LOT or BLOC | Named Ship | “The Lonesome Wolf” of ‘Bloc 312-1115d’
|
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 |
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
|
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
|
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
|
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)
|
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.
- Medical Vessels are under N-class.
- Exploration Vessels are under K-class.
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
References & Contributions (Sources)
This article has metadata. |
- 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.
- Rob Caswell, William W. Connors, Joe Fugate, Gary L. Thomas. Starship Operator's Manual (Digest Group Publications, 1988), TBD.
- 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
- Gareth Hanrahan, Dom Mooney. High Guard (Mongoose Publishing, 2008), TBD.
- Bryan Steele, Stuart Machin, Dom Mooney. Fighting Ships (Mongoose Publishing, 2009), TBD.
- 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: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology Maksim-Smelchak of the Ministry of Science