Ship Mission Code

Naval				Commercial
Fleet (B)	Independent (C)	Defense (D)	Auxiliary (E)	Trader (A)	Resources (J)	Liner (M)	Freighter (R)	Explorer (S)

A Ship Mission Code (also known as a Ship type code or Ship design code) is a classification of a ship's design purpose. Given the cost in materials, labor, and time to build and maintain a Starship, ships are designed and built with a specific purpose in mind. The ship mission code categorizes these specific purposes into one of twelve primary categories with an optional one or two modifiers to more exactly define ship mission. The purpose being to define and categorize ships designed and built for similar purposes.

There are a great many different mission encoding systems in existence. Almost every space-faring empire has constructed one based upon their specific needs and cultural assumptions. The mission code system used by the Imperial Encyclopedia is a compromise, combining several different systems in an attempt to provide the broadest possible categorization.

Individual governments also assign their own mission code to ships, both their own and those of near by governments. They purpose ranges from simple curiosity about fleets, to tracking economic activity and potential threats, to enforcing policy and treaties.

It is a universal truth that a ship never spends its entire lifespan performing the mission for which it was designed or built. The mission code assigned in the Encyclopedia are based on the original design specifications. The policy of re-assigning mission codes to specific ships or classes of ships based upon changing circumstances is determined by the governments assigning their own codes.

Mission Description: Role & Intended Mission[edit]

The Mission Description consists of a short phrase based upon the role and mission modifiers. These role and mission modifiers terms have a precise meaning. As part of the mission description there is a type code, a set of letter codes for the role and any modifiers. In more precise terminology the Mission Description refers to the short phrase while the type code refers to the letter codes. There is enough overlap the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

The Quick Ship Profile and the Universal Ship Profile use the type code encoding to quickly describe the mission of the ship.

Role[edit]

The Naval Architect defines the role of a ship based on the elements of the design. The process divides the components of the ship into two groups: Engineering and Component Payload. Engineering contains the drives (Jump Drive, Maneuver Drive, Power Plant), the fuel required to operate the drives, control systems, and the crew to safely operate the drives. At minimum there will be three crew for any Starship (Pilot, Navigator, and Engineer), and one for any small craft (Pilot). The Component Payload is all remaining modules and equipment installed in the ship. Each role has a list of components and if more than half of the component payload space is occupied by one or more of the components on the role list that defines the ship's designated role.

There are two very broad role definitions of Naval and Commercial. Each of these has several sub-categories.

The Naval role are the warships. The major components for these roles are weapons, screens, armor, gunners (to operate the weapons and screens), additional power plants or enlarged power plant for weapons, increased computer systems and sensors, quick launch facilities for carried ships, or carried vessels which also fall under the Naval roles. Naval architects assign one of five roles to naval ships.

As a broad category there is the Fleet role, describing ships designed to attack or defend against other ships. The system further divides this role into three roles.
1. Ships in the Battle role possess a Spinal Mount weapon.
  1. If large enough, Primary or Line Warships in the Battle role normally will possess additional significant bay mounts as secondary armaments and as many defensive tertiary barbettes or point-defense turrets as needed.
  2. Secondary or Independent Warships in the Battle role usually will possess light bay weapon mounts as secondary armaments and an array of tertiary point-defense barbettes or turrets.
2. Ships in the Defender role carry several bay mounts or main weapons, lacking a Spinal mount.
3. Ships in the Escort role (Frigates & Corvettes) carry only turret or barbette mounted weapons and include armed smallcraft like fighters in the light escort role.
The Planetary Siege role is for ships outfitted for assaulting planetary surfaces and for defending against the same. Weapons are specific for besieging these large areas. This includes Orbital Bombardment Vessels for large-area orbital attack of planetary surfaces and Troop Transport ships and/or Lander Carriers with Assault Lander subcraft for direct assault of world surfaces by invading ground forces whose goal is the capture of planets. Sentinels include vessels fitted for the defense of both besieging orbital forces and the covering fire and protection of friendly assault elements. The role includes local defensive structures and megastructures such as planetoid bases, orbital defense platforms and other large semi-mobile Sentinel-type Orbital Defense Stations and bases for defending against invasion in concert with Defense-Monitors and other defense fleet elements.
The Auxiliary role is for ships to support naval operations. Naval auxiliary ships are built to naval combat standards and include armor, screens, bay or main weapons in addition to their normal resource, cargo or passenger payloads.

Commercial ships have five roles. The primary roles are the ones devoted to carrying passengers or cargo.

Ships designed to carry either cargo, passengers, or both are in the Transport role. The role is further subdivided into three roles:
1. Ships primarily fitted for transporting passengers, including staterooms, life support, and passenger accommodations such as recreation spaces are termed Liners if they maintain regular scheduled routes.
2. Ships with their entire component payload as cargo space are Freighters, and likewise normally maintain regular scheduled routes.
3. Ships primarily fitted for cargo transport but which also include some passenger space or low berth allotments are termed Traders, and often do not follow a set schedule.
  1. Those which do maintain a low-profit regular scheduled route and are subsidized by a government or other organization to offset the costs are often referred to as Merchantmen or Merchants.
  2. Those which specifically deal in a mix of passengers, communiques and dispatches, and high-value small cargos or packages ("packets") or commodities are known as Packet Ships or Packet Boats, and usually do not follow a set schedule.
Ships in the Resource Acquisition/Extraction role have the fittings for major components of various resource processing elements including ore processors, fuel refineries, workshops, factory spaces for manufacturing goods, agricultural areas, and hangers for repairing ships and vehicles.
Ships in the Explorer/Survey or Research (Science) roles have major component fittings for exploration equipment including enhanced sensors, with spaces dedicated to laboratory equipment, sample gathering and analysis, and extended endurance.

Mission[edit]

Missions are assigned by the ship designer or group ordering the design. Usually missions can not be determined from the components and ship layout the way roles are.

Naval missions[edit]

The default naval mission is the Fleet Mission. The ship operates as part of a group or fleet of ships providing support for all of the others. An individual Fleet Unit must meet the minimum Fleet Mobility Standard (including both the minimum Strategic Jump Mobility and minimum Tactical Maneuver Mobility) in order to qualify for the Fleet Mission. Fleets are themselves generally built up from individual Tactical Squadrons or Task Units of one or more vessels with associated support elements that perform a specific tactical or support task within the larger fleet. Tactical Squadrons and Task Units are then assembled into mission-specific Task Groups that are the basic organizational units of numbered and/or designated fleets. In times of war or for special large-scale operations, Task Groups can be pulled from various fleets and combined with other necessary Task Units and Tactical Groups as needed to form a larger ad hoc Task Force (also known as a Battle Group, Strike Group, or Battle Fleet, etc., depending on size and particular mission parameters) that is charged with the prosecution of a particular specified mission objective.
Independent Mission
System Defense Mission

Commercial missions[edit]

The Transport role has several specific missions.

The default assumed mission is Scheduled Transport, where the ship travels a schedule route. The route covers two to six medium to high population worlds, usually within a subsector or smaller sized area. These ships are operated by a company having a presence on all of the scheduled worlds to ensure there is sufficient freight and passengers for the next visit.
Subsidized Transports have an assigned route they travel. The route is usually not a profitable one, hence subsidized by one or more of the world governments along the route to provide minimal scheduled services. Ships will carry a combination of passengers, freight including mail, and speculative cargo.
Free Transports are ships that do not have a fixed route. The ship travels as the captain decides, carrying mostly speculative cargo and passengers on commission. Free Transports which specifically deal in a mix of passengers and incidental communiques, dispatches, and small, high-value cargos or packages ("packets") or commodities are known as Packet Ships or Packet Boats, providing unscheduled and charter passenger and courier services as needed.
Clipper Transports connect two distant worlds, transporting freight and passengers across the several jumps distance without needed to find the intermediate transports. They are often high-Jump or have multi-Jump capacity, and sometimes overlap with Packet Ships as above.
Station Transports, which may seem like a contradiction, serve as orbital ports and Far Ports for transfer of cargo, freight, and passengers from ship to ship or planet-side.
Military or Naval Transports fall under the usual heading of Auxiliary, used by the military or naval force to move soldiers and equipment to places where they are needed.

The Freighter role also have specific missions depending on the configuration of their cargo holds.

The default mission is Transport freighter, carrying containerized cargo with the ability to on-load and off-load the standardized containers.
Bulk freighters carry solid, usually granular, material.
Gas freighters carry either liquid or compressed gas in internal tanks.
Carrier freighters carry other, smaller, vessels or vehicles.

The Resource Acquisition/Extraction role have missions assigned around the specific equipment installed.

A Prospector has ore processing and storage.
Refinery has Fuel refinery and storage.

The Survey/Explorer and Research role also has several specific missions and includes data communications.

Communications Vessels are known as Couriers. A Courier is an information and data transport ship, for carrying the information gathered to a centralized data collection point.
1. An Express Courier carries data on a longer fixed route. The Third Imperium constructed an extensive network of these X-Boat routes.
2. Naval communications vessels are known as Naval Couriers or Fleet Couriers.
Survey/Exploration Vessels include:
1. Scout/Explorers who are the first into a new, unexplored area to map out the potential dangers and gather information
2. Survey Explorers who are tasked with detailed primary survey and re-survey of existing systems to ensure no new potential dangers have arisen.
3. Naval Survey and Information-gathering Vessels are known as Reconnaissance ("Recon") Vessels, including Recon-Scouts and Reconnaissance Cruisers, and are considered part of the Naval Auxiliary. They are intelligence ("spy") ships for monitoring enemy forces and their movements.
Research Vessels include:
1. Expeditionary Research Vessels are used to gather specific local data on worlds for cataloging and research, including both flora and fauna as well as mineralogical.
2. Medical Research Vessels cover the missions of both discovering new medical treatments and researching the potential medicinal properties of native flora and fauna on various worlds.
3. Scientific/Laboratory Research Vessels are dispatched to distant locations to study local phenomena of scientific interest at close range.

Type code[edit]

The type code or type designation is a one to three character encoding of the role and mission of the craft. Mission description refers to the short phrase while the type code refers to the letter codes. There is enough overlap the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

The Ship Mission code has the following format

Type | Type Code | Mission Description

For example, a ship may be given the mission of type AF Free Trader. The AF designates a role code of A (Trader) with a mission of F (Free).

Usually there is only one mission letter assigned to a give ship with the assumption it is sufficient to distinguish the mission. On rare occasions there are two missions, indicating the ship serves a dual purpose or to provide more clarity around the specific role for the ship. For example a mission code of Type RNV Naval carrier is a design to carry rider fleet ships into combat areas. It is probably well armed but still devotes a majority of internal component space to carrying the additional ships.

Naval/Military Type Codes[edit]

Battle (Type B)[edit]

These are the principle or line ships of any fleet with the primary characteristic of the presence of a spinal mount weapon. Generally, these include a generous array of secondary and tertiary weapons as defensive systems. Widely referred to as Dreadnaughts, Battleships, or Cruisers depending on specific intended mission roles as denoted by mission modifier codes.

Type B ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
B	Battle (Fleet-Mobile (B) / Offensive Combat (B) / Line-of-Battle (B))	Primary /Fleet-Mobile Line Warship
BB	Battle (Fleet-Mobile (B) / Offensive Combat (B) / Line Warship (B))	Battleship
BC	Battle (Fleet-Mobile (B) / Offensive Combat (B) / Independent (C))	Battlecruiser

Defender (Type D)[edit]

Major ship combatant mounting multiple bay weapons but no spinal mount, also sometimes referred to as a "Destroyer". The ships will include large active and passive defenses. These ships are there to destroy smaller ships and, in combination, be able to take down a battleship. They are also normally known as Defense Vessels when armed largely with defensive weapons to fend off the planetary siege ships. Other widely used terms for this role are Fleet Escort for Fleet-mobile Defenders and Destroyers, and Escort Destroyers for light independent units of slightly less capability that nevertheless remain fleet mobile and can still be utilized in fleet service at need (a designation which non-Imperial polities sometimes refer to as "Frigates" (or "Fast/Gun-Frigates"), and for whom the Imperium normally reserves the term).

Type D ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
D	Defender (Fleet-Mobile (B) / Defensive Combat (D))	Secondary /Fleet-Mobile Defender
BD/DD	Fleet-Mobile Defender (Fleet-Mobile (B) / Defensive Combat (D) / Defender (D))	Fleet Escort (BD), Destroyer (DD)
ED/CD	Independent/Fleet-Mobile Defender (Fleet-Mobile (B) / Defensive Combat (D) / Independent (C))	Escort Destroyer (ED/CD), Gun-Frigate (CD)

Escort (Type E)[edit]

Minor ship combatants mounting multiple turret and barbette weapons. These are designed to overpower civilian ships, each other, and in combination be capable of taking on a similar sized Destroyer class ship. These are sometimes classified as “Paramilitary” ships as they are not always designed to confront destroyers or battle ships. Escorts are normally smaller than an Auxiliary or Colonial Cruiser but larger than a Brig or Sloop-of-War (note that brigs and sloops are normally non-jump capable). The larger types are also known as Frigates (the Imperium normally reserves this term for non-Imperial independent units that are non-fleet mobile - the corresponding Imperial Navy designation is "Destroyer Escort"), and the smaller examples are known as Corvettes. This grouping includes any small craft armed for combat duty. The category as a whole is typically comprised of independent units that are non-fleet mobile.

Type E ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
E	Escort (Escort Mobile (E) / Defensive Combat (D) / Independent (C))
EC(G)	Combat Escort (Escort Mobile (E) / Defensive Combat (D) / Independent (C))	Escort Cruiser (EC) / Defense/Detached Cruiser (ECD) / Frigate (EG) / Destroyer Escort (DE)
EE	Light Escort (Escort Mobile (E) / Defensive Combat (D) / Independent (C))	Corvette (EE) / Gun-Brig (ESB(G)) / Close Escort (ECE) / Sloop-of-War (ES(G)/ESB)

Auxiliary (Type A, N, Q)[edit]

Naval Auxiliaries are not designed for front line combat but built to military standards. These would include ships designed for resource processing (supplying the Siege ships), logistical support, and the like. The designs would include extensive weapons systems, including the use of bay weapons or barbettes, and defense suites.

Type A, N, Q ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example	Notes
A-	Naval Auxiliary	Auxiliary	BCS "Minor". Naval Auxiliary. BCS Prefix-Code to Standard Ship Mission Code ONLY.
N	Naval Operational Support	Auxiliary	ACS Naval Code. Naval Operations and Combat Support.
Q	Quartermaster	Auxiliary	ACS Naval Code. Quartermaster. Supply, Resupply, Replenishment.

Planetary Siege (Type S / O)[edit]

Planetary siege ship's primary armaments are the Siege weapons designed for planetary assault. This category includes troop transport ships for taking and holding assents on a planetary surface (or space station). Ships of this class may include bay weapons systems, like a destroyer or frigate. They may also include siege spinal mount weapons, which are not designed for ship-to-ship combat.

Type S / O ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
S / O	Siege	Siege / Orbital Bombardment
SO / OB	Siege/Ortillery	Ortillery Vessel
SD / OD	Siege/Sentinel	Orbital Defense Vessel
STI / SVL	Siege Invader/Lander	Troop Transport

Commercial Type Codes[edit]

Trader/Packet (Type A, UA)[edit]

Commercial trade ships are designed as general purpose mixed mode cargo and passenger carriers. Their primary goal is the opening of new markets, so designs emphasize independent operation and without specific logistical support.

Type A, UA Ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
A	Commercial Independent Trader	Merchant Vessel
U(A)	Commercial Unscheduled/Independent Packet (Trader)	Packet Vessel
AC	Clipper Trader	Clipper
A, AF	Free Traders	Far Trader, Free Trader
UQLR	Commercial Long-Range Mother Ship	Colony Ship, Sleeper Ship, Generation Ship
AW	Commercial Trade/Relay Station	Space Station, Trade Station, X-Boat Station, Far port
YUA, YUS	Private Transport	Non-commercial Courier

Resources (Type J)[edit]

Resource extraction and managements ships are designed for the specific purpose of finding, extracting, and processing raw materials and resources.

Type J ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
JG	Gas Prospecting	Skimmer, Fueling Craft
JJ	Prospector	Prospector Vessel, Type J class Seeker
JU	Salvage	Salvage
JV	Prospector Carrier	Carries prospecting subcraft, Tender
JW	Processing Station	Orbital Dockyard

Liner (Type M)[edit]

Liners are designed to transport people along reliable scheduled routes as comfortably as possible. They may carry some cargo or freight, but this is secondary to the needs and space devoted to the passengers.

Type M Ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
M	Route Liner	Liner
MC	Clipper Route Liner	Clipper
MF	Free Route Liner
MK	Subsidized Route Liner	Subsidized Liner
MM, MN	Medical Liner	Emergency response and medical ships
MQLR	Liner Mothership	Colony Ship, Generation Ship
MW	Passenger Relay Station	Space Station, Trade Station
YM	Passenger Yacht	Private Vessel, Type Y class Yacht

Freighter (Type R)[edit]

Commercial freighters are designed for carrying cargo or freight like goods or raw materials. They have little or no support for carrying passengers.

Type R ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
R	Freighter	Freighter, Mega-Freighter
RB	Bulk Cargo Freighter	Bulk Cargo
RG	Gas Freighter	Gas giant interface or fuel handler, Tanker
RK	Subsidized Freighter	Transport
RN	Naval Freighter	Fleet Transport
RV	Carrier Freighter	Carries vehicles, small craft, or utility craft. LASH Freighter
RY	Private Freighter	Charter freighter.

Expeditionary Vessel (Type K, Y)[edit]

Expeditionary Vessels perform private investigations to distant locations for any number of motivations. They include explorer vessels, laboratory ships, and expeditionary vessels. They may include special equipment, enhanced sensors, and may carry mission specialists in the form of both researchers and adventurers.

Type K, Y ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
KK	Active Charter	Type K class Expeditionary Vessel
KY	Recreational Charter	Type K class Safari Ship
YY	Luxury/Private Charter	Type Y class Yacht

Science & Research (Type L, N)[edit]

Science ships perform investigations into the nature of the universe. They include laboratory ships, medical research vessels, and expeditionary vessels. They include use of scientific equipment, enhanced sensors, and frequently carry mission specialists such as medical-researchers or pure-scientists.

Type L, N/M ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
L	Data Analysis	Laboratory Vessel, Research Vessel, Science Vessel
N	Medical Data	Medical Research Vessel

Exploration (Type LS)[edit]

Exploration and Survey ships chart and survey the astrography and planetology of the galaxy. They include scout vessels, exploration vessels, survey vessels, expeditionary vessels. They employ many types of sensitive and sophisticated detection and data gathering equipment and frequently carry mission specialists in the form of field-researchers and/or planetary or astrophysical and astrobiological scientists.

Type LS ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
LS	Explorer	Exploration Vessel, Scout Vessel
LRS/LSR	Long Range Explorer	Exploration Vessel
LSJ	Follow-up	Survey Vessel
LSB	Data Collection	Beagle Vessel

Information (Type XS)[edit]

Information Couriers relay communications and deliver small goods from point to point.

Type XS ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
XC	Communications / Small Goods	Courier Vessel
XS	Data Files	Messenger Vessel
XB	Communications; Goods & Files	Express
XSW	Sensor Platform	System Surveillance

Mission codes[edit]

The mission code here shows the principle active mission codes and scope of use. These are currently used within the encyclopedia ship mission and type modifiers.

Code	Meaning	Grouping	Description
B	Bulk	Transport	Raw materials transport
C	Clipper	Operations	Scheduled long distance cargo/freight and passenger carrier
F	Free	Operations	Unscheduled cargo/freight and passenger carrier
H	Gas	Transport	Gas giant interface or fuel handler
J	Prospector	Operation	Resource search and extraction
K	Subsidized	Operation	Scheduled cargo/freight and passenger carrier
L, LR	Long Range	Performance	Extended jump and maneuver drive operation
M	Medical	Operation	Emergency or medical support
N	Naval	Operation	General naval operational support
Q	Mother	Operation	Mobile base of operations for craft and persons.
P, R	Raider	Operation	Designed for quick strike missions and escape.
R	Rider	Performance	Designed to be carried and transported by a Carrier or Tender Vessel.
V	Carrier	Transport	Carries vehicles, small craft, or utility craft
W	Unpowered	Performance	Lacks both jump and maneuver drives, an orbital station.
X	Express	Transport	Optimized and scheduled data and small package carrier
Y	Yacht	Transport	Privately owned or charter vessel for non-commercial purposes.

Mission Description: Type/Mission Codes[edit]

The mission encoding has two parts: A name or short phrase to define the specific primary mission and any modifiers, and a set of letter codes which capture the same primary mission and modifiers. In more precise terminology the Mission Code refers to the short phrase while the type code refers to the letter codes. There is enough overlap the terms are sometimes used interchangeably

The Ship Mission code has the following format:

Type » Type Code » Mission Description

The Type Code is the one to three character encoding of the mission. The expected format is the primary mission code followed by any modifier codes. The reverse order, though inaccurate, is tolerated.
The Mission Description is a short phrase to describe the mission. This generally is not the precise language used by mission code descriptions, but rather a description given by the designer.

For example, a ship may be given the mission code of type CA armored cruiser. The CA gives a mission code of C (Naval independent operations) with a modifier of A (Armored).

NOTE: Giving specific names to the mission, like cruiser, leads to comparison of the ships with the same mission name, especially with military ships. This in turn causes analysis issues when trying to describe two designs separated by spans of time or availability of resources. Trying to compare a Lightning class Frontier Cruiser to an early Terran Confederation cruiser leads to substantial argument about what qualifies as a "Cruiser".

Primary missions[edit]

For each primary mission there is a title and a code given for the mission encoding and the type codes. Each mission has a longer description and list of examples to provide guidance for assigning a primary code.

Navy

These are warships designed for combat operations. Their design includes weapons, armor, shields, and the crew to support these operations.

Fleet - Code B: Naval fleet ships are designed for primary front-line combat duty to engage and destroy enemy forces. These ship serve as the direct offense and the first line of defense. Frequently designed around a Spinal Weapons Mount or other heavy weapons. Navy fleet ships work in concert with each fleet elements to defeat enemy forces in detail.
Independent - Code C: Naval independent ships are designed for combat operations independent of the larger fleet elements, emphasizing mobility. These ships operate alone or in small groups, frequently on extended operations away from support elements. Operations might include quick reaction forces for defending against unexpected feints or operations behind enemy lines to disrupt supply lines and logistics.
Defenders - Code D: Naval defender ships are designed for defending important assets like worlds, naval bases, and supply lines. Designs emphasize fire-power and defensive capabilities over strategic mobility. While independently operating like code C, they are also primarily defensive like code E, falling roughly between the two codes.
Fleet Escort/Fleet Defenders - Code E: Naval escort ships are designed to protect other ships, often ones of code B. Electronic warfare and counter-missile laser batteries are common for escorts. Unlike code D, naval escort ships are not intended to operate independent of a fleet.
Smallcraft - Code F: Fighters and other combat-oriented boats of less than 100 tons, intended to launch from a carrier or base and (usually) operate in squadrons.
Security/Police - Code H: Generally non-jump-capable, permanently assigned to individual systems to ensure their security. This includes law enforcement vessels. Unarmed and/or immobile (e.g. space stations) system craft are code W.
Combat Transport - Code I: Invasion. These ships brave enemy fire to bring troops to and from planetary surfaces and other invasion targets (including hostile ships and stations), along with related missions like providing fire support once there and transporting combat material (especially combat vehicles).
Ortillery/Siege - Code S / O: The space version of siege weapons, these ships are all about destroying planetary, station, and other relatively immobile obstacles. They are not intended for combat, and often must flee or avoid contested space.
Auxiliary - Code A- / -Q: Naval auxiliary ships are designed for combat operations other than strategic naval fleet operations. A broad category of designs for specific military operations usually captured by the mission modifiers. (Naval usage applies an "A-" (= "Auxiliary") as a prefix to other Standard Primary Mission Type Codes to form a "composite primary mission type-code" or appends a "-Q" (= "Quartermaster") or "-N" (= "Naval Operations") to the Mission modifiers in the standard way for others.)
Carrier - Code V: "Voler", "Vessel", or "Vehicle". Naval carriers are primarily focused on transporting other vessels or smallcraft to and from combat, rather than directly entering combat themselves. As such, they might transport lots of combat smallcraft (code VF), larger Combat or Battle Riders (code VR), or Assault Landers for Ground Combat Operations (code VL).

Commercial

These ships support profit making enterprises like resource extractions, manufacturing, and trade. Commercial ships may or may not be lightly armed and are not designed for combat.

Trader - Code A: Commercial trader ships are designed as general purpose mixed mode cargo and passenger carriers. Their primary goal is the opening of new markets, so designs emphasize independent operation and without specific logistical support.
Industrial - Code G: Mobile factories, repair facilities, resource processing, foodstuff manufacture, and other such industrial activities that are not primarily resource extraction. While classified as commercial, this does include certain military support ships ("AG") intended to ease logistical burdens.
Resource Extraction - Code J: Commercial resource extraction ships are designed for the specific purpose of finding, extracting, and processing raw materials and resources.
Liners - Code M: Commercial liners are designed to transport people as comfortably as possible. Commercial liners travel well known scheduled routes and can expect to have specific logistical support at all stops along the way.
Corsair/Pirate - Code P: Corsair ships are designed to profit by extracting cargo and other things of value from other ships in a hostile manner. Using ships of other missions for piracy is one thing, but ship classes explicitly designed for this role are generally recognized as hostile in most systems. Few shipyards will manufacture this type of ship, but there are always some willing to do the job.
Freighter - Code R: Commercial freighters are designed for carrying cargo or freight like goods or raw materials. Like Liners these travel well known schedule routes and can expect to have specific logical support at stops along the way.
General - Code T: General commercial ships are designed for commercial operations not covered by other mission definitions. A broad category with specific designs for different missions. Military Freighters/Transports are coded "AT".

Non-commercial

Ships for performing missions not directly related to war or profit making like science experiments, experimental ship designs, and private vessels. Like the commercial ships, these may or may not be lightly armed and are not designed for combat.

Expedition - Code K: Private ships supporting extended trips for recreation, exploration, diplomacy, or other such purposes. Unlike e.g. code S, these are intended to operate without some base to eventually report back to.
Science - Code L: Science ships are designed for performing scientific research and survey operations. Designs emphasize sensors and on site operations, with a passenger comforts also being important. Many are built for a specific mission rather than general purpose designs.
Medical - Code N: All manner of life saving ships.
Scout - Code S: Scout ships are designed for long duration independent missions to explore new territory and contact new civilizations.
Utility - Code U: Generally smallcraft, performing various tasks either on behalf of larger ships (such as skimming fuel) or for which larger ships are unnecessary (such as transporting people between a planet and its moons). Armed smallcraft are code F, though mining lasers generally do not count for this purpose.
System Craft - Code W: NAFAL boats (that are not smallcraft), satellites, and space stations. A catch-all for non-jump-capable spacecraft not covered under code U. Armed mobile system craft are code H.
Communications/Relay - Code X: Communications ships are primarily about relaying mail and messages from system to system.
Private - Code Y: Private ships are designed for private operations not covered by other categories. A broad category of designs with specific examples called out by the modifier codes.
Uncategorized/Experimental - Code Z: Anything that does not fit under any other code. Sometimes used as a temporary designation, the first time an alien ship class is encountered. Also includes prototypes, artifact ships (alien and otherwise), ships designed for extremely specialized missions, and Unique Ships.

Mission Modifiers[edit]

There are two mission modifier code tables here. The first shows the principle modifier codes with their definitions and scope of use. These are currently used within the encyclopedia ship mission and type modifiers.

Code	Meaning	Grouping	Description
A	Armored	Combat	Substantial addition of armor
B	Battle	Combat	Substantial addition of firepower
B	Boat	Performance	Lacking a jump drive
C	Carrier	Transport	Naval fleet combat ship carrier
C	Close	Operations	Close range naval fleet operations
C	Communications	Transport	Small package and data carrier
D	Defender	Operations	Anti-intruder operations
E	Escort	Operations	Ship defense operations
F	Far	Performance	Increased jump range
F	Fast	Performance	Increased maneuver speed
F	Fighter	Combat	Frontal assault craft
F	Frontier	Operation	Independent operations
G	Gas	Transport	Gas/liquid carrier or fuel handler (volatiles)
G	Government	Operation	General operations
G	Gunned	Combat	Increased Firepower
H	Heavy	Size	Larger, more capable
H	Hydrogen	Transport	Gas giant interface or fuel handler (H₂, He)
J	Interface	Operation	Planetary to space operations
J	Intruder	Operation	Probes enemy territory
J	Prospector	Operation	Resource search and extraction
K	Courier	Operation	Unscheduled data and passenger carrier
K	Strike	Combat	Optimized for first strike capability
L	Lander: Launch, Lifeboat	Operation	Landing Craft / Emergency rescue operation vehicle
L	Light	Size	Smaller, less capable
LR	Long Range	Performance	Extended jump and maneuver drive operation
M	Industrial	Operation	General commercial operations
M	Mercenary	Operation	Light independent military operations
M	Motivator	Performance	Provides maneuver or Jump for other ships
N	Naval	Operation	General naval operational support
P	Packet	Operation	Unscheduled passenger carrier
P	Passenger	Transport	Optimized for long term passengers or residents
P	Pursuit	Operation	Chases enemy ships
Q	Decoy	Operation	Misleads enemy forces, hides true capabilities ("Q-Ship")
Q	Quartermaster	Operation	Supply, Resupply, Replenishment.
Q	Mother	Operation	Mobile base of operations for craft and persons.
R	Raider	Operation	Anti-commerce/ship operations
R	Rescue	Operation	Emergency rescue of people from damaged or destroyed ships.
S	Slow	Performance	Decreased maneuver speed
S	Small	Size	Smaller than Light, Smallcraft
S	Survey	Operation	Detailed survey analysis operations
S	System	Operation	Operates within a single system
T	Transport	Transport	Moves people and equipment
U	Unarmed	Combat	No armaments
U	Packet (Unscheduled)	Operation	Unscheduled passenger and small package carrier.
U	Utility	Operation	General purpose operation
U	Inoperable	Operation	Either is junk or manages junk ships
V	Carrier	Transport	Carries vehicles, small craft, or utility craft
W	Unpowered	Performance	Lacks both jump and maneuver drives
X	Express	Transport	Optimized and scheduled data and small package carrier
Y	Rider	Operation	Non-jump capable ship carried by a carrier.

This is the second modifier code listing giving a broader definition for each of the codes, but lacking precise definitions as given above.

Code	Modifier name(s)
A	Alternate, Improved, Armored, Attack
B	Boat. Bulk. Battle. Big.
C	Close. Carrier. Command/Flag. Communications/Courier. Construction. Cutter.
D	Defense. Defending. Interceptor. Transport
E	Escort. Essential. Electronic Warfare
F	Fast. Fat. Frontier. Far. Flag. Free. Fleet. Fighter
G	Gunned. Upgunned. Gas, Governmental. Gig
H	Fuel. Tanker. Hydrogen. Heavy
J	Survey. Prospector. Interface. Intruder
K	Subsidized. Fast, Strike, Diplomatic
L	Lifeboat. Exploratory. Light. Leader. Launch.
M	Military. Militia. Mercenary. Motivator. Tug. Mining, Missile
N	Naval. Nuclear. Fleet. Non-standard. Pinnace.
P	Patrol. Plus. Passenger, Mercenary, Pursuit. Provincial
Q	Disguised. Decoy. Quarantine, Quartermaster (Supply), Mother
R	Recon. Rescue. Research. Rider. Resident. Raider
S	Slow. System. Special. Luxury. Small. Strike. Survey. Shuttle
T	Tramp. Tender. Transport. Tanker.
U	Unarmed. Unscheduled (Packet). Hulk. De-activated. Inoperative
V	Vehicle Carrier, Drone. Remote. Replenishment. Agricultural
W	Unpowered. Non-Jump. Barge
X	Experimental. Special. Express.
Y	Hull. Subhull. Pod. Rider. Modular. Private. Shuttle. Cutter
Z	Unassigned, Experimental.

Type encoding[edit]

As a way of providing better application of the mission encoding, listed here are several examples of combined primary and modifier ship codes. These cover most of the ship types present and cataloged in the encyclopedia, but may not cover every ship ever designed.

Civilian Ship

» Commercial Vessel

» Non-Commercial Vessel

»» Government-Vessel

»» Non-Government Organization (NGO) Vessel

»» Private Vessel

Military Ship

Type B Naval Fleet[edit]

Naval fleet ships are designed for primary front-line combat duty to engage and destroy enemy forces.

Type B ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
BB	Naval Fleet	Capital Warship: Battleship / Battlecruiser / Dreadnought
BC	Close Fleet	Fleet Escort
BN	Naval Fleet	Gun-Cruiser (Heavy), Gun-Frigate/Destroyer-Leader, Destroyer (Light)
BL	Light Fleet	Fast-Frigate, Escort Destroyer
BS	Small Fleet	Fast Gun-Corvette
BR / BY	Naval Battle Rider	Battle Rider

Type C Naval Independent[edit]

Naval independent ships are designed for combat operations independent of the larger fleet elements, emphasizing mobility. These ships operate alone or in small groups, frequently on extended operations away from support elements. Operations might include quick reaction forces for defending against unexpected feints or operations behind enemy lines to disrupt supply lines and logistics.

Type C ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
CB	Naval Independent	Cruiser
CJ	Naval Intruder	Intruder
CK	Naval Strike	Privateer Vessel, Corsair Vessel
CL	Light Independent	Frigate
CP	Naval Pursuit	Marauder
CR	Naval Raider	Raider Vessel
CS	Small Independent	Gun-Corvette

Type D Naval Defender[edit]

Naval defender ships are designed for defending important assets like worlds, naval bases, and supply lines. Designs emphasize fire-power and defensive capabilities over strategic mobility.

Type D ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
DN	Naval Defense/Dominance Vessel	Defense Monitor
DV	Naval "Defense-Defender"	Defense Vessel
DB	Naval Defense Boat	Defense Boat
DE	Naval Defense Escort	Defense Escort: Frigate/Corvette/Brig/Sloop-of-War
HS / HD	Security / Defender	Security / Defense Vessel
FD	Naval Defense Interceptor	Picket Ship
SD	Naval Siege Defender	Sentinel Vessel
DW	Naval Defense Station	Orbital Defense Fortress/Sentinel

Type E Naval Escort[edit]

Naval escort ships are designed for combat operations other than strategic naval fleet operations. A broad category of designs for specific military operations usually captured by the mission modifiers.

Type E ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
E	Naval Escort	Escort, Corvette
EB	Naval Torpedo/Missile Boat, Brig	Gun-Brig, Torepdo Boat, Missile Boat, Bomber
EC	Naval Escort Cruiser	Colonial Cruiser, Provincial Cruiser
ED	Naval Patrol Interceptor	Customs Enforcement
EE	Naval Auxiliary Security, Escort Corvette	Escort Corvette, Security Vessel
EG	Naval Gunboat	Gunboat, Escort Frigate
EP	Naval Auxiliary Patrol	Patrol Vessel
EQ	Naval Decoy	Q-Ship
ES	Naval Small	Sloop-of-War
EV	Naval Carrier	Subcraft Carrier, Escort Tender, Escort Carrier

Type A / Q Naval Auxiliary[edit]

Naval auxiliary ships are designed for non-combat operations in a support role, or for support operations in a combat environment other than direct tactical engagement. A broad category of designs for specific military operations usually captured by the mission modifiers.

Type A ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
A	Naval Auxiliary	Combat Support Ship, Military Specialty Craft, Auxiliary Vessel
AE	Naval Escort	Corvette
AEP	Naval Auxiliary Security	Security Vessel
AE	Naval Courier	Corvette, Fleet Courier
AT	Naval Combat Transport	Combat Transport, Fleet Tanker
AU	Naval Utility	Utility Craft, Type U class Auxiliary

Type A, UA Commercial Independent Trader/Packet[edit]

Commercial trade ships are designed as general purpose mixed mode cargo and passenger carriers. Their primary goal is the opening of new markets, so designs emphasize independent operation and without specific logistical support.

Type A, UA Ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
A	Commercial Independent Merchant/Trader	Merchant Vessel, Tramp Vessel
U(A)	Commercial Independent Unscheduled Trader	Packet Vessel
AA	Armored Independent Merchant/Trader	Armored Merchant
AC	Commercial Communications	Communications Vessel
AF	Commercial Far Trader	Far Trader, Free Trader
ASC	Commercial Courier	Courier Vessel
ALR, UL/R/F	Commercial Long-Range Traders	Long Trader, Deep Trader, Frontier Trader
UA/P/F	Commercial Independent Passenger / Packet	Packet Ship
UQLR	Commercial Independent Transport Ship / Mother Ship	Colony Ship, Sleeper Ship, Generation Ship
AW	Commercial Trade/Relay Station	Space Station, Trade Station, X-Boat Station, Far port

Type J Commercial Resource[edit]

Commercial resource extraction ships are designed for the specific purpose of finding, extracting, and processing raw materials and resources.

Type J ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
JG	Commercial Gas	Skimmer
JJ	Commercial Prospector	Prospector Vessel, Type J class Seeker
JH	Commercial Fuel	Fueling Craft
JU	Commercial Salvage	Salvage

Type L Science[edit]

Science ships are designed for performing scientific research and survey operations. Designs emphasize sensors and on site operations, with a passenger comforts also being important. Many are built for a specific mission rather than general purpose designs.

Type L ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
L	Science	Science Vessel, Laboratory Ship
LF	Science Frontier	Beagle Vessel
LK	Science Expedition	Expedition Ship
LL	Science Exploration	Exploration Vessel
LJ	Science Survey	Survey Vessel
LN	Science Medical	Biomedical Vessel
LW	Science Platform	Sensor Platforms

Type M Commercial Passenger[edit]

Commercial liners are designed to transport people as comfortably as possible. Commercial liners travel well known scheduled routes and can expect to have specific logistical support at all stops along the way.

Type M ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
M	Commercial Liner	Liner, Type M class Subsidized Liner
MC	Commercial cutter	Cutter
MF	Commercial Fast Liner	Clipper
MPT	Commercial Resident	Prison Transport

Type R Commercial Freighter[edit]

Commercial freighters are designed to transport high-volume freight and cargo (including goods and raw materials) along well-known scheduled routes and can expect to have specific logistical support at all stops along the way. They have little or no support for carrying passengers.

Type R ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
R	Commercial Freighter	Freighter, Mega-Freighter
RB	Corporate Commercial Bulk Cargo Freighter	Bulk Cargo
RF(K)	Corporate/Subsidized Commercial Fast Cargo-Transport	Commercial/Subsidized-Clipper
RG	Corporate Commercial Gas Freighter	Gas giant interface or fuel handler, Tanker
RK	Subsidized Commercial Freighter	Transport
RN	Naval Freighter	Fleet Transport
RV	Corporate Commercial Carrier Freighter	Carries vehicles, small craft, or utility craft. LASH Freighter
RY	Private Freighter	Charter Freighter/Transport.

Type S Scout[edit]

Scout ships are designed for long duration independent missions to explore new territory and contact new civilizations.

Type S ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
S	Scout	Scout Vessel
SC	Scout Communications	First Contact
SL	Scout Explorer	Exploration Vessel
SR(N)	Scout Recon (Naval)	Military Scout Recon Vessel
SW	Scout Sensor Platform	System Surveillance

Type T Commercial Transport[edit]

General commercial ships are designed for commercial operations not covered by other mission definitions. A broad category with specific designs for different missions.

Type T ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
T	Commercial Transport	Industrial Vessel, Commercial
TL	Commercial Life Boat	Life Boat
TM	Commercial Motivator	Tug, Jump Shuttle
TN	Commercial Fleet Repair	mobile repair facility
TP	Medical support	Medical Vessel, Type N class Medical Vessel
TR	Commercial Rescue	Rescue ship
TS	Commercial Small craft	Smallcraft
TT	Commercial Transport	Transport, Tender
TU	Commercial Utility	Utility Craft
TV	Commercial Agricultural	Drone, Agricultural ship
TW	Commercial Barge	Barge, Type W class Orbital Facility

Type Y Yacht[edit]

Private ships are designed for private operations not covered by other categories. A broad category of designs with specific examples called out by the modifier codes.

Type Y ship mission classification
Code	Master Ship Mission	Example
Y	Yacht	Private Vessel, Non-Commercial Vessel, Type Y class Yacht
YG/YUK	Private Governmental	Diplomatic Transport
YK	Private Safari	Type K class Safari Ship
YK	Private Expedition	Expedition Ship
YM	Private Mercenary	Bounty Hunter Vessel
YP	Private Passenger	Charter Vessels
YW	Private Station	Private habitat

References[edit]

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 Mongoose Publishing 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.
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.
Gareth Hanrahan. Core Rulebook (Mongoose Publishing, 2008), 105.
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.
Matthew Sprange. High Guard (Mongoose Publishing, 2016), .
Matthew Sprange. High Guard: Aslan (Mongoose Publishing, 2016), TBD.
Matthew Sprange. Starter Set (Mongoose Publishing, 2017), TBD.
Adrian Tymes, Sabrina Tymes, Gabriel G. A. B. Fonseca, Robert Eaglestone. Starship Operator's Manual (Mongoose Publishing, 2024), 6.

Imperial Ship Classification
#	Level	Designation	Synopsis	Example/s
1.	Ship Mission Codes	SUPRACLASS QSP Type: Code E	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 QSP Type: Code EF₁F₂	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.

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.