Difference between revisions of "Communications Vessel"

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* It is a [[starship]] [[supraclass]].
 
* It is a [[starship]] [[supraclass]].
 
[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
 
[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
−
 
+
 
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
 
=== Library Data Referral Tree ===
 
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
 
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
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== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
''Communications Vessel''s is a ship hierarchy category that covers a variety of [[vessel]]s that have a primary mission of conducting communications and connecting [[mainworld]]s and/or [[fleet]]s. Not every [[polity]] has a well developed [[X-boat]] system, but every [[polity]] uses [[starship]]s to conduct communications missions, varying electronic messages, couriers, diplomats, envoys, and a variety of sophont messengers as well as message mediums. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 
''Communications Vessel''s is a ship hierarchy category that covers a variety of [[vessel]]s that have a primary mission of conducting communications and connecting [[mainworld]]s and/or [[fleet]]s. Not every [[polity]] has a well developed [[X-boat]] system, but every [[polity]] uses [[starship]]s to conduct communications missions, varying electronic messages, couriers, diplomats, envoys, and a variety of sophont messengers as well as message mediums. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}
 +
 +
=== Image Repository ===
 +
This image repository contains a selection of communications vessel images:
 +
 +
'''[[Express Boat|Type XB Express Boat]]:'''
 +
# An image of a [[Xavier class Express Boat]]. <br> [[File: X-boat Ian-Stead 50865284 27-June-2019a.jpg|400px]]
  
−
=== Image Repository ===
+
'''[[Commercial Courier|Type XC Commercial Courier]]:'''
−
# A typical [[Purcell class Express Boat Tender]], one of the prototypical [[Express Boat Tender]]s. <br> [[File: Xboat-Tender-Keith-Supp7 Pg11-15 13-Jan-2019a.jpg]]
 
−
# A top down image of the most common [[Imperial Armed Packet]] in a common livery. <br> [[File: Armed-Packet-T5-Core-Rules-FFE 29-May-2019a.png|200px]]
 
−
# An image of a [[Xavier class Express Boat]]. <br> [[File: X-boat Ian-Stead 50865284 27-June-2019a.jpg|200px]]
 
 
# The familiar [[Wedge Hull|wedge]]-shaped [[Messenger class Commercial Courier|''Messenger'' class Commercial Courier]]. <br> [[File:J2 100dT Courier.jpg|400px]]
 
# The familiar [[Wedge Hull|wedge]]-shaped [[Messenger class Commercial Courier|''Messenger'' class Commercial Courier]]. <br> [[File:J2 100dT Courier.jpg|400px]]
 +
# The [[Tathoe class Scout/Courier]], one of the most common [[courier ship]]s within the [[Vargr Extents]]. <br> [[File:Tahoe-Courier-MGT- Marco-Morte-RESIZE-pg-73 26-Sept-2019b.jpg|400px]]
 +
 +
'''[[Express Boat Tender|Type XT Express Boat Tender]]:'''
 +
# A typical [[Purcell class Express Boat Tender]], one of the prototypical [[Express Boat Tender]]s. <br> [[File: Xboat-Tender-Keith-Supp7 Pg11-15 13-Jan-2019a.jpg|400px]]
 +
 +
'''[[Armed Packet Ship|Type XUA Armed Packet Ship]]:'''
 +
# A top down image of the most common [[Imperial Armed Packet]] in a common livery. <br> [[File: Armed-Packet-T5-Core-Rules-FFE 29-May-2019a.png|250px]]
  
 
=== Strategy & Tactics (Doctrine) ===
 
=== Strategy & Tactics (Doctrine) ===
Line 28: Line 38:
  
 
=== Supraclass Roles ===
 
=== Supraclass Roles ===
−
''Communication Vessel''s typically serve the following roles:
+
''Communication Vessel''s typically serve the following roles: <br>
 +
''[[Largecraft]] & [[Bigcraft]]:''
 +
# [[Armored Packet]] (XUA)
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Commercial Courier]] (XCL)
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Commercial Courier]] (XCL)
 
# [[Communications Vessel]] (X) (Namesake)
 
# [[Communications Vessel]] (X) (Namesake)
 +
# [[Courier Vessel]] (XC)
 
# [[Packet Ship|Diplomatic Courier]] (XUD)
 
# [[Packet Ship|Diplomatic Courier]] (XUD)
 +
# [[Dispatcher]] (XC)
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Far Courier]] (XCL))
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Far Courier]] (XCL))
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Express Courier]] (XCF)
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Express Courier]] (XCF)
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# [[Communications Vessel|Frontier Courier]] (XCL)
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Frontier Courier]] (XCL)
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Long Range Fleet Courier]] (XCF)
 
# [[Communications Vessel|Long Range Fleet Courier]] (XCF)
 +
# [[Packet Ship|Mail Ship]] (XU)
 
# [[Packet Ship|Messenger Ship]] (XU)
 
# [[Packet Ship|Messenger Ship]] (XU)
 
# [[Packet Ship|Packet Boat]] (XU)
 
# [[Packet Ship|Packet Boat]] (XU)
 
# [[Relay Boat]] (XC)
 
# [[Relay Boat]] (XC)
 +
# [[Relay Ship]] (XC)
 
# [[Express Boat|X-Boat]] (XB)
 
# [[Express Boat|X-Boat]] (XB)
−
# [[Type XT class Express Boat Tender|X-Boat Tender]] (XT)
+
# [[Type XT class Express Boat Tender|X-Boat Tender]] (XT or VXT)
 +
 
 +
==== Size-Class Roles for Communications Vessels ====
 +
# [[Communications Craft]] (UQX) (1 to 99 [[ton]]s)
 +
# [[Light Communications Vessel]] (XL) (100 to 999 [[ton]]s)
 +
# [[Medium Communications Vessel]] (XM) (1,000 to 1,499 [[ton]]s)
 +
# [[Heavy Communications Vessel]] (XH) (1,500 to 2,499 [[ton]]s)
 +
# [[Super Heavy Communications Vessel]] (XS) (2,500 or more [[ton]]s)
 +
 
 +
==== Civilian Subcraft ====
 +
Civilian [[subcraft]] (...both [[smallcraft]] and [[bigcraft]]) are carried by some of these [[vessel]]s:
 +
# [[Barge]] (WB)
 +
# [[Utility Craft]] (U)
  
 
=== Supraclass Archetypal Roles ===
 
=== Supraclass Archetypal Roles ===
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| [[Xavier class Express Boat]]
 
| [[Xavier class Express Boat]]
 
| The [[Express Boat]] (…also called an [[xboat]]) is a small, fast ship filled with a [[pilot]] compartment, [[message data bank]]s, and [[jump drive]]s. The fit is so tight that there is no room even for [[maneuver drive]]s. Each is capable of Jump-4 (…four [[parsec]]s per week); it jumps, relays its messages to the station on arrival, and then waits to be picked up by a tender, to be refuelled and sent on its way with a new load of messages. The local station, meanwhile, accepts messages, encodes them, and transmits them to a tender at the edges of the [[stellar system]]. Messages brought by the arriving xboat and intended for further down the line are consolidated with the new data and all are sent on to another xboat already fuelled and standing ready to leave. The entire network operates like the pony express — messages are always moving at top speed. Transfer time for messages from one xboat to another can be as short as ten minutes, and is rarely more than an hour. {{Page cite|name= Traders and Gunboats |page= 8 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 
| The [[Express Boat]] (…also called an [[xboat]]) is a small, fast ship filled with a [[pilot]] compartment, [[message data bank]]s, and [[jump drive]]s. The fit is so tight that there is no room even for [[maneuver drive]]s. Each is capable of Jump-4 (…four [[parsec]]s per week); it jumps, relays its messages to the station on arrival, and then waits to be picked up by a tender, to be refuelled and sent on its way with a new load of messages. The local station, meanwhile, accepts messages, encodes them, and transmits them to a tender at the edges of the [[stellar system]]. Messages brought by the arriving xboat and intended for further down the line are consolidated with the new data and all are sent on to another xboat already fuelled and standing ready to leave. The entire network operates like the pony express — messages are always moving at top speed. Transfer time for messages from one xboat to another can be as short as ten minutes, and is rarely more than an hour. {{Page cite|name= Traders and Gunboats |page= 8 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 
* B = Boat
 
* B = Boat
 
|-
 
|-
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| XC
 
| XC
 
| [[Yetsabl class Courier]]
 
| [[Yetsabl class Courier]]
−
| [[Courier Vessel]]s are communications ships, ships intended to carry communications in a universe where communications are limited to the speed of travel.
+
| [[Courier Vessel]]s are communications ships, ships intended to carry communications in a universe where communications are limited to the speed of travel. This includes vessels that would be XB class but do not fit one or more of the criteria (such as having a Jump rating less than 4, a total crew count other than 1, or any form of [[maneuver drive]]) and thus do not fit into [[Third Imperium|Imperial]] x-boat service.
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 
* C = Courier
 
* C = Courier
 +
|-
 +
| [[Heavy Communications Vessel]]
 +
| XH
 +
| [[Echtovr Dazhia class Council Cruiser]]
 +
| None
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 +
* H = Heavy
 +
|-
 +
| [[Light Communications Vessel]]
 +
| XL
 +
| [[Dhaztuen class Far Merchant]]
 +
| None
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 +
* L = Light
 +
|-
 +
| [[Medium Communications Vessel]]
 +
| XM
 +
| [[Iris class Armored Packet]]
 +
| None
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 +
* M = Medium
 +
|-
 +
| [[Super Heavy Communications Vessel]]
 +
| XS
 +
| [[Kahk'rik'kreng class Yacht]]
 +
| None
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 +
* S = Superheavy
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[X-Boat Tender]]
 
| [[X-Boat Tender]]
−
| XT
+
| XT  
 
| [[Purcell class Express Boat Tender]]
 
| [[Purcell class Express Boat Tender]]
 
| The express boat system would not work without the express boat tender. These [[tender]]s, stationed in each [[system]] that express boats stop at, serve two purposes. First, they tend express boats, recovering them when they arrive, refueling them and repairing minor problems, and then sending them on their way. Second, they serve as a relay station between the planetary surface based message center and the express boat itself. Messages are forwarded to the tender for transmittal to the xboat just before it leaves for the next [[star system]]. {{Page cite|name= Traders and Gunboats |page= 11 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 
| The express boat system would not work without the express boat tender. These [[tender]]s, stationed in each [[system]] that express boats stop at, serve two purposes. First, they tend express boats, recovering them when they arrive, refueling them and repairing minor problems, and then sending them on their way. Second, they serve as a relay station between the planetary surface based message center and the express boat itself. Messages are forwarded to the tender for transmittal to the xboat just before it leaves for the next [[star system]]. {{Page cite|name= Traders and Gunboats |page= 11 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 
* T = Tender
 
* T = Tender
 
|-
 
|-
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* [[Vessel]]s such as [[Armed Packet]] (UF-CA33) perform unscheduled passenger service for those in a hurry. The [[crew]] can be trusted, but these little [[ship]]s can still find themselves jumping into harm's way. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page=738}}
 
* [[Vessel]]s such as [[Armed Packet]] (UF-CA33) perform unscheduled passenger service for those in a hurry. The [[crew]] can be trusted, but these little [[ship]]s can still find themselves jumping into harm's way. {{Page cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page=738}}
 
* Generally, packet trade is any regularly scheduled [[cargo]], [[passenger]], and [[X-mail]] trade conducted by [[space ship|space]] or [[starship]]. The ships are sometimes called "[[packet boat]]s"&mdash;in the same manner as [[IISS]] [[communications craft]] are called "[[x-boat]]s"&mdash;since their original function was to carry [[x-mail]]. However, in modern times they only supplement the official system. While "packet" can mean any small parcel, its usage here most likely comes from its meaning during the pre-spaceflight [[Terra]]n ''Age of Sail,'' where it meant a parcel of important correspondence&mdash;usually governmental&mdash;or valuable items for urgent delivery. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}  
 
* Generally, packet trade is any regularly scheduled [[cargo]], [[passenger]], and [[X-mail]] trade conducted by [[space ship|space]] or [[starship]]. The ships are sometimes called "[[packet boat]]s"&mdash;in the same manner as [[IISS]] [[communications craft]] are called "[[x-boat]]s"&mdash;since their original function was to carry [[x-mail]]. However, in modern times they only supplement the official system. While "packet" can mean any small parcel, its usage here most likely comes from its meaning during the pre-spaceflight [[Terra]]n ''Age of Sail,'' where it meant a parcel of important correspondence&mdash;usually governmental&mdash;or valuable items for urgent delivery. {{Unpublished cite|author= [[Maksim-Smelchak]] }}  
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 
* U = comm'''U'''nication
 
* U = comm'''U'''nication
 +
|-
 +
| [[Communications Craft]]
 +
| UQX
 +
| [[Yaeai class Recon Pinnace]]
 +
| Communications and intelligence smallcraft serve at roles below the more common 100 ton scout vessels, often star system monitoring or fleet picket duties not requiring FTL jump capabilities.
 +
* U = Utility, Multipurpose, [[etc.]] 
 +
* Q = Quartermaster, Combat Support, Logistics, [[etc.]]
 +
* X = e'''X'''change
 
|-
 
|-
 
!colspan="4"| ''NOTES:'' There is semantic overlap between many of the classes and codes. Some codes organize by mission or capability, others by size and [[ton]]nage, and yet others by other characteristics.
 
!colspan="4"| ''NOTES:'' There is semantic overlap between many of the classes and codes. Some codes organize by mission or capability, others by size and [[ton]]nage, and yet others by other characteristics.
Line 97: Line 165:
 
''[[Paramilitary Vessel]] - [[Express Boat]]s:''
 
''[[Paramilitary Vessel]] - [[Express Boat]]s:''
 
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-X-class-Express-Boat}}
 
{{:Referral-Tree-Type-X-class-Express-Boat}}
−
 
+
 
''[[Paramilitary Vessel]] - [[Courier Vessel]]s:''
 
''[[Paramilitary Vessel]] - [[Courier Vessel]]s:''
 
* [[Type XC class Courier Vessel]]
 
* [[Type XC class Courier Vessel]]
−
** [[Gepard class Express Courier]]
+
** [[Chantoql class Courier]]
 +
** [[Express Rock class Mail Drone]]
 +
** [[Giciifichu class Dispatcher]]
 +
** [[Hummingbird class Courier]]
 +
** [[Kankur class Frontier Courier]]
 +
** [[Kr'ghrr class Courier]]
 +
** [[Ktiyhui class Courier]]
 
** [[Messenger class Commercial Courier]]
 
** [[Messenger class Commercial Courier]]
 +
** [[Orowani Deep Space class Courier]]
 +
** [[Ranger class Courier]]
 +
** [[Swift Missive class Courier]]
 
** [[Thorez class Courier]]
 
** [[Thorez class Courier]]
 +
** [[Type VX class Courier]]
 +
** [[Type ZC class Courier]]
 +
** [[Vehrsabl class Courier]]
 +
** [[Venture class Frontier Courier]]
 +
** [[Victrix class Courier]]
 +
** [[Yetsabl class Courier]]
 +
** [[Zofagic class Utility Vessel]]
 +
 +
''[[Paramilitary Vessel]] - [[Fleet Courier]]s:''
 +
* [[Type XCF class Fleet Courier]]
 +
** [[Adlerstein class Fleet Courier]]
 +
** [[Barnett class Fleet Courier]]
 +
** [[Columbus class Fleet Courier]]
 +
** [[Gepard class Express Courier]]
 +
** [[Khadumir class Fast Courier]]
 +
** [[Last Line class Fleet Courier]]
 +
** [[Marathon class Fleet Courier]]
 +
** [[Phidippides class Fast Courier]]
 +
** [[Sundowner class Fleet Courier]]
 +
** [[Swift class Fleet Courier]]
  
 
''[[Paramilitary Vessel]] - [[Express Boat Tender]]s:''
 
''[[Paramilitary Vessel]] - [[Express Boat Tender]]s:''
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=== Ship Summary List ===
 
=== Ship Summary List ===
 
Some of the most commonly used vessels in this role include:
 
Some of the most commonly used vessels in this role include:
−
{{Ship summary list|name= Communication Vessel |tdes=X}}
+
{{Ship summary list|name= Communications Vessel |tdes= X}}
−
{{Ship summary list|name= Express Boat |tdes=XB}}
+
{{Ship summary list|name= Express Boat |tdes= XB}}
−
{{Ship summary list|name= Courier Ship |tdes=XC}}
+
{{Ship summary list|name= Courier Vessel |tdes= XC}}
−
{{Ship summary list|name= Express Boat Tender |tdes=XT}}
+
{{Ship summary list|name= Fleet Courier |tdes= XCF}}
−
{{Ship summary list|name= Packet Ship |tdes=XU}}
+
{{Ship summary list|name= Heavy Communications Vessel |tdes= XH}}
 +
{{Ship summary list|name= Light Communications Vessel |tdes= XL}}
 +
{{Ship summary list|name= Medium Communications Vessel |tdes= XM}}
 +
{{Ship summary list|name= Superheavy Communications Vessel |tdes= XS}}
 +
{{Ship summary list|name= Express Boat Tender |tdes= XT}}
 +
{{Ship summary list|name= Packet Ship |tdes= XU }}
 +
{{Ship summary list|name= Multipurpose Communications Craft |tdes= UM}}
 +
{{Ship summary list|name= Dedicated Communications Craft |tdes= UQ}}
  
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==

Latest revision as of 02:44, 30 October 2019

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

X-class Communications Vessels serve communication functions throughout Charted Space.

Technical Data.jpg

Library Data Referral Tree[edit]

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

  • Speed of Travel


    • Description (Specifications)[edit]

    Communications Vessels is a ship hierarchy category that covers a variety of vessels that have a primary mission of conducting communications and connecting mainworlds and/or fleets. Not every polity has a well developed X-boat system, but every polity uses starships to conduct communications missions, varying electronic messages, couriers, diplomats, envoys, and a variety of sophont messengers as well as message mediums. [1]

    Image Repository[edit]

    This image repository contains a selection of communications vessel images:

    Type XB Express Boat:

    1. An image of a Xavier class Express Boat.
      X-boat Ian-Stead 50865284 27-June-2019a.jpg

    Type XC Commercial Courier:

    1. The familiar wedge-shaped Messenger class Commercial Courier.
      J2 100dT Courier.jpg
    2. The Tathoe class Scout/Courier, one of the most common courier ships within the Vargr Extents.
      Tahoe-Courier-MGT- Marco-Morte-RESIZE-pg-73 26-Sept-2019b.jpg

    Type XT Express Boat Tender:

    1. A typical Purcell class Express Boat Tender, one of the prototypical Express Boat Tenders.
      Xboat-Tender-Keith-Supp7 Pg11-15 13-Jan-2019a.jpg

    Type XUA Armed Packet Ship:

    1. A top down image of the most common Imperial Armed Packet in a common livery.
      Armed-Packet-T5-Core-Rules-FFE 29-May-2019a.png

    Strategy & Tactics (Doctrine)[edit]

    Communications Vessels are rarely armed or armored. They are combat multipliers meant to affect battles by getting the right information and intelligence to the right forces at the right time. Every combatant fleet protects its auxiliaries and its communications lines, commo vessels included. When engaged, the commo vessel has only two choices, run as fast as possible, or hopefully hide out in jumpspace if the jump drives are charged and ready. [2]

    Supraclass Roles[edit]

    Communication Vessels typically serve the following roles:
    Largecraft & Bigcraft:

    1. Armored Packet (XUA)
    2. Commercial Courier (XCL)
    3. Communications Vessel (X) (Namesake)
    4. Courier Vessel (XC)
    5. Diplomatic Courier (XUD)
    6. Dispatcher (XC)
    7. Far Courier (XCL))
    8. Express Courier (XCF)
    9. Fast Courier (XCF)
    10. Fleet Courier (XCF)
    11. Fleet Dispatch Courier (XUD)
    12. Frontier Courier (XCL)
    13. Long Range Fleet Courier (XCF)
    14. Mail Ship (XU)
    15. Messenger Ship (XU)
    16. Packet Boat (XU)
    17. Relay Boat (XC)
    18. Relay Ship (XC)
    19. X-Boat (XB)
    20. X-Boat Tender (XT or VXT)

    Size-Class Roles for Communications Vessels[edit]

    1. Communications Craft (UQX) (1 to 99 tons)
    2. Light Communications Vessel (XL) (100 to 999 tons)
    3. Medium Communications Vessel (XM) (1,000 to 1,499 tons)
    4. Heavy Communications Vessel (XH) (1,500 to 2,499 tons)
    5. Super Heavy Communications Vessel (XS) (2,500 or more tons)

    Civilian Subcraft[edit]

    Civilian subcraft (...both smallcraft and bigcraft) are carried by some of these vessels:

    1. Barge (WB)
    2. Utility Craft (U)

    Supraclass Archetypal Roles[edit]

    These vessels typically serve the following archetypal roles:

    Selected Communications Vessel Archetypes
    Archetype Type Code/s Exemplar Remarks
    Communications Vessel X (Namesake) Type X class Express Boat Charted Space possesses no FTL communications devices or ansibles. Thus, communications is generally limited to a pony express type of communications network, as in a network of couriers, packets, and the like. The Third Imperium maximized the efficiency of its courier system by developing X-boats, ships dedicated solely to communications functions, but there are other solutions used by other polities: relay systems, fleet couriers, postal unions, military express messengers, X-mail, etc.
    • X = eXchange
    X-Boat XB Xavier class Express Boat The Express Boat (…also called an xboat) is a small, fast ship filled with a pilot compartment, message data banks, and jump drives. The fit is so tight that there is no room even for maneuver drives. Each is capable of Jump-4 (…four parsecs per week); it jumps, relays its messages to the station on arrival, and then waits to be picked up by a tender, to be refuelled and sent on its way with a new load of messages. The local station, meanwhile, accepts messages, encodes them, and transmits them to a tender at the edges of the stellar system. Messages brought by the arriving xboat and intended for further down the line are consolidated with the new data and all are sent on to another xboat already fuelled and standing ready to leave. The entire network operates like the pony express — messages are always moving at top speed. Transfer time for messages from one xboat to another can be as short as ten minutes, and is rarely more than an hour. [3]
    • X = eXchange
    • B = Boat
    Courier Vessel XC Yetsabl class Courier Courier Vessels are communications ships, ships intended to carry communications in a universe where communications are limited to the speed of travel. This includes vessels that would be XB class but do not fit one or more of the criteria (such as having a Jump rating less than 4, a total crew count other than 1, or any form of maneuver drive) and thus do not fit into Imperial x-boat service.
    • X = eXchange
    • C = Courier
    Heavy Communications Vessel XH Echtovr Dazhia class Council Cruiser None
    • X = eXchange
    • H = Heavy
    Light Communications Vessel XL Dhaztuen class Far Merchant None
    • X = eXchange
    • L = Light
    Medium Communications Vessel XM Iris class Armored Packet None
    • X = eXchange
    • M = Medium
    Super Heavy Communications Vessel XS Kahk'rik'kreng class Yacht None
    • X = eXchange
    • S = Superheavy
    X-Boat Tender XT Purcell class Express Boat Tender The express boat system would not work without the express boat tender. These tenders, stationed in each system that express boats stop at, serve two purposes. First, they tend express boats, recovering them when they arrive, refueling them and repairing minor problems, and then sending them on their way. Second, they serve as a relay station between the planetary surface based message center and the express boat itself. Messages are forwarded to the tender for transmittal to the xboat just before it leaves for the next star system. [4]
    • X = eXchange
    • T = Tender
    Packet Boat XU Xerxes class Armed Packet Ship Packet Ships conduct similar missions to liners and courier vessels. They are generally understood to perform unscheduled missions where postal routes do not exist. Most are equipped with mail vaults and secure staterooms. [5]
    • Vessels such as Armed Packet (UF-CA33) perform unscheduled passenger service for those in a hurry. The crew can be trusted, but these little ships can still find themselves jumping into harm's way. [6]
    • Generally, packet trade is any regularly scheduled cargo, passenger, and X-mail trade conducted by space or starship. The ships are sometimes called "packet boats"—in the same manner as IISS communications craft are called "x-boats"—since their original function was to carry x-mail. However, in modern times they only supplement the official system. While "packet" can mean any small parcel, its usage here most likely comes from its meaning during the pre-spaceflight Terran Age of Sail, where it meant a parcel of important correspondence—usually governmental—or valuable items for urgent delivery. [7]
    • X = eXchange
    • U = commUnication
    Communications Craft UQX Yaeai class Recon Pinnace Communications and intelligence smallcraft serve at roles below the more common 100 ton scout vessels, often star system monitoring or fleet picket duties not requiring FTL jump capabilities.
    • U = Utility, Multipurpose, etc.
    • Q = Quartermaster, Combat Support, Logistics, etc.
    • X = eXchange
    NOTES: There is semantic overlap between many of the classes and codes. Some codes organize by mission or capability, others by size and tonnage, and yet others by other characteristics.

    History & Background (Dossier)[edit]

    Charted Space possesses no FTL communications devices or ansibles. Thus, communications is generally limited to a pony express type of communications network, as in a network of couriers, packets, and the like. The Third Imperium maximized the efficiency of its courier system by developing X-boats, ships dedicated solely to communications functions, but there are other solutions used by other polities: relay systems, fleet couriers, postal unions, military express messengers, X-mail, etc.. [8]

    Selected Variant Types & Classes[edit]

    Paramilitary Vessel - Express Boats:


    Paramilitary Vessel - Courier Vessels:

    Paramilitary Vessel - Fleet Couriers:

    Paramilitary Vessel - Express Boat Tenders:


    Communication Vessel - Packet Ship: Civilian ship - Communication Vessel - Packet Ship:

    1. Type XU class Packet Ship
      1. Mercury class Long Range Fleet Courier
      2. Rapid class Fleet Courier

    Ship Summary List[edit]

    Some of the most commonly used vessels in this role include:

    0 Representative Communications Vessel (X) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Express Boat (XB) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Courier Vessel (XC) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Fleet Courier (XCF) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Heavy Communications Vessel (XH) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Light Communications Vessel (XL) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Medium Communications Vessel (XM) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Superheavy Communications Vessel (XS) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Express Boat Tender (XT) Classes
    No results


    0 Representative Packet Ship (XU) Classes
    No results


    6 Representative Multipurpose Communications Craft (UM) Classes
    Class Mission Code TL Tons Jump G Origin Canon Quick ship profile
    Class Mission Code TL Tons Jump G Origin Canon Quick ship profile
    Cigiysna class Ship's Boat UM 12 30 0 2 Hive Federation Yes R-3S10
    Constance class Launch UM 9 50 0 2 Distant Fringe R-5A20
    Goblin class Gig UM 9 10 0 2 Distant Fringe M-1A20
    Intruder class Shuttle UM 14 30 0 6 Zhodani Consulate No
    Mineral class Cutter UM 9 50 0 4 Third Imperium Yes
    Wingtruck class Interface Craft UM 12 20 6 Third Imperium UM-2A60


    0 Representative Dedicated Communications Craft (UQ) Classes
    No results


    References & Contributors (Sources)[edit]

    62px-Information icon.svg.png This article is missing content for one or more detailed sections. Additional details are required to complete the article. You can help the Traveller Wiki by expanding it.
    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.
    1. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    2. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    3. ↑ Marc Miller. Traders and Gunboats (Game Designers Workshop, 1980), 8.
    4. ↑ Marc Miller. Traders and Gunboats (Game Designers Workshop, 1980), 11.
    5. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    6. ↑ Marc Miller. T5 Core Rules (Far Future Enterprises, 2013), 738.
    7. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
    8. ↑ Information provided to the library by Maksim-Smelchak
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