Editing Ship Mission Code

{{Starship nav bar three}}
[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
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 [[Main Page|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 ==
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 ===
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. Ships in the ''battle'' role posses a Spinal Mount weapon. Ships in the ''destroyer'' role carry several bay mounts or main weapons lacking a Spinal mount. Ships in the ''frigate'' role carry only the turret or barbette mounted weapons and includes armed smallcraft like fighters. 

The ''planetary siege'' role is for ships armed for assaulting planetary surfaces. This includes orbital platforms, asteroid bases, and other megastructures. Weapons are specific for besieging these large areas. The role includes troop transport ships for capturing planets. 

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. Any ship designed around either cargo, passengers, or both are ''Transport'' role and is further divided three roles:  Ships with the major components for transporting passengers, including staterooms, life support, and passenger spaces like recreation spaces are ''Liners''. Ships with their entire component payload as cargo space are ''Freighters''. Ships with a of majority of cargo space but also include some passenger space or low berths are termed ''Trader''.

''Explorer'' or ''Science'' role has major components of exploration equipment including enhanced sensors, with spaces dedicated to laboratory equipment, sample gathering and analysis, and extended endurance. 

The final role, the ''Resources'' role has the 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.

=== Mission ===
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 ====
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. 

* ''Independent'' 
* ''System''

==== Commercial missions ====
The Transport roles have several specific missions. The default assumed mission is ''Scheduled'', 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 Liners are ''Packet'' ships, providing unscheduled and charter passenger 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.

''Station'' Transports, which may seem like a contradiction, serve as orbital ports and [[Far Port]]s for transfer of cargo, freight, and passengers from ship to ship or planet-side. 

''Military'' or ''Naval'' Transports fall under the usual heading of [[Combat Support Ship|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'' freighters, carrying [[Cargo Container|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 Explorer role also has several specific missions. ''Survey'' Explorers are the first into a new, unexplored area to map out the potential dangers and gather information. The Survey explorers are also tasked with re-survey of existing systems to ensure no new potential dangers have arisen. ''Courier'' is a data transport ship, for carrying the information gathered to a centralized data collection point. An ''Express Courier'' carries data on a longer fixed route. The Third Imperium constructed an extensive network of these [[X-Boat]] routes. 

''Medical'' Explorers cover the missions of both discovering new medical treatments and 

''Safari'' Explorer is used to gather flora and fauna on worlds for cataloging and research. 

''Military'' Explorer, also in the Auxiliary, is a spy ship for monitoring enemy forces and their movements. 

The Resources role have missions assigned around the specific equipment installed. ''Refinery'' has Fuel refinery and storage. A ''Prospector'' has ore processing and storage. 

== Type code ==
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. 

=== Trader (Type A) ===
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. 

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type A Ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| A || Commercial Trader || [[Merchant Vessel]]
|-
| AC || Clipper Trader || [[Clipper]]
|-
| AF || Free Traders || [[Far Trader]], [[Free Trader]]
|-
| AK || Subsidized Trader  || [[Subsidized Trader]]
|-
| AN || Naval Trader || [[Combat Support Ship]]
|-
| AQ || Commercial Mother Ship || [[Colony Ship]], [[Sleeper Ship]], [[Generation Ship]]
|-
| AW || Commercial Station || [[Space Station]], [[Trade Station]], [[X-Boat Station]], Far port
|-
| AY || Private Transport || Non-commercial [[Courier]]
|}

=== Battle (Type B) ===
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 [[Dreadnaught]]s, [[Battleship]]s, or [[Cruiser]]s depending on specific intended mission roles. 
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type B ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| B || Battle || [[Battleship]]
|}

=== Destroyer (Type D) ===
Major ship combatant mounting multiple bay weapons but no spinal mount. 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 may also be known as Defenders, when armed largely with defensive weapons to fend off the planetary siege ships. Another widely use term for this role is Corvette.

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type D ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| D || Destroyer || [[Destroyer]]
|}

=== Frigate (Type F) === 
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. Also known as Escorts or Brigs in a defensive role, or as corvettes or sloops. This grouping includes any small craft armed for combat duty.

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type F ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| F || Frigate || [[Frigate]]
|}

=== Resources (Type J) ===
Resource extraction and managements ships are designed for the specific purpose of finding, extracting, and processing raw materials and resources.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| 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) ===
Liners are designed to transport people as comfortably as possible. They may carry some cargo or freight, but this is secondary to the needs and space devoted to the passengers.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type M Ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| M || Liner|| [[Liner]]
|-
| MC || Clipper Liner || [[Clipper]]
|-
| MF || Free Liner || [[Packet Ship]]
|-
| MK || Subsidized Liner || [[Subsidized Liner]], Diplomatic Transport
|-
| MM || Medical Liner || Emergency response and medical ships
|-
| MN || Naval Liner || [[Troop Transport]]
|-
| MW || Passenger station || [[Space Station]], [[Trade Station]]
|-
| MY || Passenger Yacht || [[Private Vessel]], [[Type Y class Yacht]]
|}

=== Auxiliary (Type N) ===
Naval auxiliary 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.

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type N ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| N || Auxiliary || [[Auxiliary]]
|}

=== Planetary Siege (Type P) ===
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. 

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type P ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| P || Siege || [[Ortillery Ship]]
|-
| PQ || Siege Mothership || [[Troop Transport]]
|}

=== Freighter (Type R) ===
Commercial freighters are designed for carrying cargo or freight like goods or raw materials. They have little or no support for carrying passengers. 
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| 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.
|}

=== Science (Type S) ===
Science ships perform investigations into the nature of the universe. They include explorers vessels, laboratory ships, expedition vessels. They include use of scientific equipment, enhanced sensors, and frequently carry mission specialists in the form of researchers and scientists.  

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type S ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| S || Explorer || [[Exploration Vessel]], [[Scout Vessel]]
|-
| SC || Communications || [[Courier Vessel]]
|-
| SK || Subsidized Explorer || [[Type K class Safari Ship]], [[Type L class Laboratory Ship]]
|-
| SL || Long Range Explorer || [[Exploration Vessel]]
|-
| SN || Naval Explorer || Military Scout Vessel
|-
| SW || Sensor Platform || System Surveillance
|}

=== Mission codes ===
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.
  
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! 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
|-
| G || 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 || 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.
|-
| R || Raider || Operation || Designed for quick strike missions and escape.
|-
| 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 ==
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 ''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). 

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 ===
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
:: 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 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 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. 
:; Carrier - Code V
:: Naval carriers are primarily focused on transporting lots of combat smallcraft (code F) to and from combat, rather than directly entering combat themselves.

; 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 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.

; 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 laser]]s 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 Ship]]s.

=== Mission Modifiers ===
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.
  
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! 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 || Fighter || Combat || Frontal assault craft
|-
| F || Frontier || Operation || Independent operations
|-
| G || Gas || Transport || Gas giant interface or fuel handler
|-
| G || Government || Operation || General operations 
|-
| G || Gunned || Combat || Increased Firepower
|-
| H || Heavy || Size || Larger, more capable 
|-
| 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
|-
| L || Lifeboat || Operation || Emergency rescue operation vehicle
|-
| L || Light || Size || Smaller, less capable
|-
| L || 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 || Mother || Operation || Mobile base of operations for craft and persons.
|-
| Q || Decoy || Operation || Misleads enemy forces, hides true capabilities
|-
| R || Raider || Operation || Anti-commerce/ship operations
|-
| R || Rescue || Operation || Emergency rescue of people from damaged or destroyed ships.
|-
| S || Small || Size || Smaller than Light, [[Smallcraft]]
|-
| S || Strike || Combat || Optimized for first strike capability
|-
| 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 || 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.
{| class="wikitable"
! Code !! Modifier name(s)
|-
| A || Alternate, Improved, Armored, Attack
|-
| B || Boat. Bulk. Battle. Big.
|-
| C || Close. Carrier. Communications. 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, Diplomatic, Courier
|-
| 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, Mother
|-
| R || Recon. Rescue. Rider. Resident. Raider
|-
| S || Slow. System. Special. Luxury. Small. Strike. Survey. Shuttle
|-
| T || Tramp. Tender. Transport. Tanker.
|-
| U || Unarmed, 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 ==
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]]
* [[Military Ship]]
* [[Non-Commercial Vessel]] 

=== Type A Commercial Trader ===
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. 

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type A Ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| A || Commercial Merchant ||  [[Merchant Vessel]], [[Tramp Vessel]]
|-
| AA || Armored Merchant || [[Armored Merchant]]
|-
| AC || Commercial Communications || [[Communications Vessel]]
|-
| AF || Commercial Far Traders || [[Far Trader]], [[Free Trader]]
|-
| AK || Commercial Courier || [[Courier Vessel]]
|-
| AP || Commercial passenger || [[Packet Ship]]
|-
| AQ || Commercial Mother Ship || [[Colony Ship]], [[Sleeper Ship]], [[Generation Ship]]
|-
| AW || Commercial Station || [[Space Station]], [[Trade Station]], [[X-Boat Station]], Far port
|}

=== Type B Naval Fleet ===
Naval fleet ships are designed for primary front-line combat duty to engage and destroy enemy forces.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type B ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| BB || Naval Fleet || [[Battleship]]
|-
| BC || Close Fleet || [[Brig|Brigantine]]
|-
| BL || Light Fleet || [[Corvette]], [[Patrol Corvette]]
|-
| BN || Naval Fleet || [[Destroyer]]
|-
| BS || Small Fleet ||  [[Sloop]], [[War Sloop]]
|-
| BY || Naval Battle Rider || [[Battle Rider]]
|}

=== Type C Naval Independent ===
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.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type C ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| CB || Naval Independent || [[Cruiser]]
|-
| CJ || Naval Intruder || Intruder
|-
| CL || Light Independent || [[Frigate]]
|-
| CP || Naval Pursuit || Marauder
|-
| CR || Naval Raider || [[Raider Vessel]]
|-
| CS || Naval Strike || [[Privateer Vessel]], [[Corsair Vessel]]
|-
|}

=== Type D Naval Defender ===
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.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type D ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| DB || Naval Battle Defender || [[Monitor]]
|-
| DD || Naval defense interceptor || Picket
|-
| DE || Naval Escort || [[Escort]], [[Type E class Escort]]
|-
| DH || Naval heavy defender || Sentinel
|-
| DSB || Naval Defender || [[System Defense Boat]]
|-
| DW || Naval Defender Station || orbital fortress
|}

=== Type E Naval Auxiliary ===
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.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type E ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example
|-
| E || Naval Auxiliary || [[Combat Support Ship]], [[Military Specialty Craft]], [[Auxiliary Vessel]]
|-
| EB || Naval Otillery || [[Ortillery Ship]], [[Bomber]]
|-
| EC || Naval Fleet Carrier || [[Carrier]]
|-
| ED || Naval Patrol Interceptor ||  Customs Enforcement
|-
| EE || Naval Auxiliary Security ||  [[Security Vessel]]
|-
| EF || Naval Fighter || [[Fighter]]
|-
| EG || Naval Gunboat || [[Gunboat]]
|-
| EJ || Naval planetary assault || Planetary Assault
|-
| EK || Naval Courier || [[Fleet Courier]]
|-
| EP || Naval Auxiliary Patrol || [[Patrol Vessel]]
|-
| EQ || Naval Decoy ||  [[Q-Ship]]
|-
| ET || Naval Combat Transport || [[Combat Transport]], [[Fleet Tanker]]
|-
| EU || Naval Utility || [[Utility Craft]], [[Type U class Auxiliary]]
|-
| EV || Naval Carrier || [[Subcraft Carrier]], [[Escort Tender]]
|}

=== Type J Commercial Resource ===
Commercial resource extraction ships are designed for the specific purpose of finding, extracting, and processing raw materials and resources.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| 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 ===
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.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type L ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| L || Science || [[Science Vessel]], [[Biomedical Vessel]]
|-
| LF || Science Frontier || [[Beagle Vessel]]
|-
| LL || Science Expedition || [[Expedition Ship]]
|-
| LS || Science Survey || Survey ships
|-
| LW || Science Platform || Sensor Platforms
|-
|}

=== Type M Commercial Liner ===
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.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| 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]]
|-
| MP || Commercial Resident || Prison 
|}

=== Type R Commercial Freighter ===

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

{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type S ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| S || Scout || [[Scout Vessel]]
|-
| SC || Scout Communications || First Contact
|-
| SL || Scout Explorer || [[Exploration Vessel]]
|-
| SN || Scout Naval|| Military Scout Vessel
|-
| SW || Scout Sensor Platform || System Surveillance
|}

=== Type T Commercial Transport ===
General commercial ships are designed for commercial operations not covered by other mission definitions. A broad category with specific designs for different missions.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| 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 ===
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.
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="3"| Type Y ship mission classification
|-
! Code
! Master Ship Mission 
! Example 
|-
| Y || Yacht || [[Private Vessel]], [[Non-Commercial Vessel]], [[Type Y class Yacht]]
|-
| YG || Private Governmental || Diplomatic Transport
|-
| YK || Private Safari || [[Type K class Safari Ship]]
|-
| YL || Private Expedition || [[Expedition Ship]]
|-
| YM || Private Mercenary || [[Bounty Hunter Vessel]]
|-
| YP || Private Passenger || Charter Vessels
|-
| YW || Private Station || Private habitat
|}

== See Also ==
Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
'''[[Starship]]:'''
{{:Referral-Tree-Starship-User-Types}}
{{:Referral-Tree-Advanced-Ship-Classifications}}
{{:Referral-Tree-Basic-Ship-Classifications}}
{{:Referral-Tree-Ships-by-Function}}

=== 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):
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="5"| Imperial Ship Classification
|-
! #
! Level
! Designation
! Synopsis
! Example/s
|-
| 1.
| [[Ship Mission Code]]s 
| [[Ship Mission|SUPRACLASS]] 
| MISSION 
| [[Free Trader]] AKA [[Merchant]] 
* It is also known as [[Ship Mission]], [[Ship Mission Code]], Mission, [[Ship Hull Designation]], or Supraclass.
|-
| 2.
| [[Ship Type Code]]s 
| [[Ship Type|SUPERCLASS]] 
| TYPE 
| [[Type A class Free Trader]] 
* It is also known as [[Ship Type]], Superclass, [[Ship Type Code]], [[Craft Type Code]], or simply Type.
|-
| 3.
| [[Ship Class Code]]s 
| [[Ship Class|CLASS]] 
| CLASS 
| [[Beowulf class Free Trader]]
* It designation is also known as [[Ship Class]], [[Ship Class Code]], or simply Class.
|-
| 4.
| Ship Model Codes 
| [[TL|MODEL]] 
| TL & Model 
| TL-14 Beowulf Build
* Models aren’t always mentioned, but if they are, they are usually referred to by a TL designation.
|-
| 5.
| Ship Bloc Codes 
| LOT or BLOC 
| Named Ship 
| “The Lonesome Wolf” of ‘Bloc 312-1115d’
* Ship Lots or Bloc Codes are rarely used except by naval shipyards, patrol craft, and the like. They are recorded in the ship’s computer as well as a number of places on the hull. 
|-
|}

=== Overview of Imperial Ship Classification ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" 
!colspan="4"| Imperial Ship Classification
|-
! #
! Level
! Example
! Remarks
|-
| 1.
| Supraclass (Function)
| [[Dreadnought]]
| It’s the largest organizational grouping by a generalized function or mission. For instance, [[battleship]]s and [[cruiser]]s 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.
|-
|}

== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
{{Intermediate}}
{{Sources
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Starships |page=17-20 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= High Guard |page= 20 |version= Classic Traveller}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Referee's Manual |page= TBD}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Starship Operator's Manual |page= TBD}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Traveller: The New Era |page= TBD}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Starships |page= TBD |version= Marc Miller's Traveller}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Naval Architect's Manual |page= TBD}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= The Traveller's Handbook |page= TBD}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Gateway to Destiny |page= TBD}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name=Core Rulebook|version=Mongoose Traveller|page= 105}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= High Guard |page= TBD |version= Mongoose Traveller}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Fighting Ships |page= TBD |version= Mongoose Traveller}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page= 330 |article= A Brief History of the Universe}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name=High Guard | version=Mongoose 2nd |page=}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= High Guard: Aslan |page= TBD |version= Mongoose 2nd}}
 | {{Ludography cite|name= Starter Set |page= TBD |version= Mongoose 2nd}}
}}

[[Category: Ship Organization]]
{{LEN|}}