Difference between revisions of "Starship"

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{{:Starship-Nav-Bar-Two-2019CE}}
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An interstellar vehicle: A spacecraft which has a [[jump drive]] and can cross interstellar space. Contrast with [[Non-starship|spaceship]] and [[Small craft]]. {{Page cite|citeName=s12|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
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'''Ship / Vessel Definitions:''' A [[vessel]] is any interplanetary or interstellar vehicle. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
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* A [[Ship]] is any vessel of 100 tons or more.{{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}} Regardless, many still call [[smallcraft]] [[ship]]s.
 
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* A Starship is a ship which has [[jump drive]]s and can travel on interstellar voyages.{{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}} [[Generation Ship|Interstellar non-starships]] are possible, but slow and inefficient compared to [[FTL]] craft.
 
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* A [[Non-starship]] is a ship without [[jump drive]]s.{{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}} It is also known as a [[space ship]] and they are interplanetary or system craft. Sometimes they are called [[spacecraft]], [[space plane]]s, or [[spaceship]]s.
 
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* A [[Small craft]] is any vessel under 100 [[ton]]s; all small craft are incapable of jump.{{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}} They are often generically known as [[Ship's Boat]]s when in the [[subcraft]] role.
 
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* A [[Big craft]] is a very large [[subcraft]] weighing over a hundred [[ton]]s. They are typically [[boat]]s.
 
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* A [[Vessel]] intended for combat is called a [[warship]].
 
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* [[Smallcraft|Combatant smallcraft]] are often generically called [[fighter]]s regardless of their actual combat role.
 
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* Most vessels without an intentional combat role are called [[Auxiliaries]].
 
  
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[[File: Wiki Navy.png|right]]
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[[Starship]]s are designed to carry people from one [[star system]] to another, for the purposes of exploration, survey, trade, patrol, raiding, tracking, information gathering, conquest... in a word, adventure. Typically, starships have a large percentage of their volume dedicated to [[fuel]], because the jump drive requires a huge investment in energy to transition to [[Jumpspace|jumpspace]]. This limits the available space for other uses, severely in the case of ships able to jump long distances, or rejump repeatedly (which is a lifesaver if you can afford the space). Some ships greatly enhance capacity without sacrificing safety by mounting [[external tanks]] to the ship known as [[droptanks]].
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Please refer to the following [[AAB]] [[Library Data]] for more information: <br>
 
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'''[[Starship]]:'''
 
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{{:Referral-Tree-Starship-User-Types}}
 
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{{:Referral-Tree-Advanced-Ship-Classifications}}
 
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{{:Referral-Tree-Basic-Ship-Classifications}}
 
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{{:Referral-Tree-Ships-by-Function}}
 
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{{:Referral-Tree-Speed-of-Travel}}
 
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----
 
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'''[[Fleet|Interstellar Navy]]:'''
 
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* [[Major Race]] / [[Suprapolity]] [[Ship]]s
 
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** [[Aslan]] / [[Aslan Hierate]]
 
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*** [[Aslan Navy]]
 
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** [[Droyne]] / [[Droyne Oytrip Yatroy]]
 
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*** [[Droyne Navy]]
 
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** [[Hiver]]s / [[Hive Federation]]
 
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*** [[Hive Federation Navy]]
 
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** [[K'kree]] / [[Two Thousand Worlds]]
 
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*** [[Two Thousand Worlds Navy]]
 
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** [[Solomani]] / [[Solomani Confederation]]
 
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*** [[Solomani Navy]]
 
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** [[Third Imperium]] / Imperials
 
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*** [[Merchant Service]] (Civilian)
 
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*** [[Imperial Interstellar Scout Service]] (Paramilitary)
 
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*** [[Imperial Navy]] (Military)
 
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** [[Vilani]] / [[Ziru Sirka]]
 
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*** [[Aasha Ziru Sirka]]
 
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** [[Vargr]] / [[Vargr Extents]]
 
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*** [[Vargr Navy, Corsairs & Raiders]]
 
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** [[Zhodani]] / [[Zhodani Consulate]]
 
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*** [[Zhodani Navy]]
 
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----
 
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== Description ([[Specifications]]) ==
 
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A [[starship]] is a spacecraft equipped with a [[jump drive]], essentially allowing it to travel at (roughly) 150 times the speed of light (or faster).  Please note that very early ([[STL]]) spacecraft did not employ [[FTL]] drives. Due to the greatly enhanced travel speed of the jump drive, [[sophont]] species with the [[technology]] will use it.
 
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* AKA [[starcraft]]
 
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* q.v. [[spaceship]].  
 
  
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=== Starship Categories ===
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[[File: Technical Data.jpg|right]]
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[[Starship]]s are distinguished from [[spaceship]]s by the presence of a [[FTL]] [[jump engine]] and a mission of [[Travelling in Charted Space|interstellar travel]].
 
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# ''[[Civilian Ship]]s:'' Civilian starships conduct trade, tourism, and a variety of non-violent ends. They tend to be under private ownership and rarely carry more than light armament for self defense purposes.
 
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# ''[[Paramilitary Ship]]s:'' Paramilitary starships are a step in-between civilian and military starships. They patrol the system as police, inspectors, and in a variety instiutional roles. They may carry armament, but usually much less than a comparable military platform.
 
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# ''[[Military Ship]]s:'' Military starships are starships designed to defend a state against aggressors. This typically means that their design requirements are based on performance and survivability under attack. Military starships intended for combat are typically called [[warship]]s.
 
  
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''NOTE:'' Please see [[Civilian Starship Types]] or [[Military Starship Types]] for more information.
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== Size Classes ==
 +
Starship sizes are based on the [[ton|displacement ton]] (one ton is 13.5 cubic meters).
 +
There are three general size classes of starship: ACS, BCS, and FCS. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=33|version=Traveller 5th}}
  
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=== Starship Equipment ===
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'''ACS''': "Adventure"-Class Ships are a smaller class of starships, typically with a crew size ranging from 1 to perhaps two dozen. They range from 100 to 2400 tons.
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'''Required Starship Components:''' [[Starship]]s are constructed on the foundation of a [[hull]], into which are fitted the
 
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drives and [[power plant]]s, the [[Ship’s Fuel|fuel tankage]], life support equipment, [[computer]]s, controls, [[armament]]s, and other fittings that adapt it to its intended function. The total tonnage of the installed fittings cannot exceed the tonnage of the hull. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
  
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'''[[Starship Hull|The Hull]]:''' Hulls are identified by their mass displacement, expressed in tons. As a rough guide, one ton equals fourteen cubic meters (the volume of one ton of liquid hydrogen and its tank structure). When hulls are constructed, they are divided into an engineering section for the drives and the main compartment for everything else. All drives and [[power plant]]s must be located in the engineering section, and only drives and [[power plant]]s may be placed in that section. All other ship components, including [[Ship Fuel|fuel]], cargo hold, living space, and [[computer]] must be located in the main compartment. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13|version=Classic Traveller}}
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'''BCS''': "Battle"-Class Ships are larger. Despite the "battle" moniker, some are built for commercial purposes. BCS range from 2500 tons to about 100,000 tons.
  
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There are six standard hulls which are available at reduced prices and construction times. Any other hull must be produced on a custom basis at a cost of MCr0.1 per ton with a minimum price MCr20. Construction (or build) times for custom hulls can often be much longer than standard hull construction. Hulls vary in their requirements for drives and power plants based on tonnage. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13|version=Classic Traveller}}
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'''FCS''': "Fleet"-Class Ships are usually ships of the line, for example dreadnoughts, but the largest commercial ships are also in this range. They displace hundreds of thousands of tons (with a practical maximum of about a million tons; when more tonnage is needed, it is usually more practical to make another ship, thus the "Fleet" designation).
  
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Any specific drive will be less efficient as the tonnage it must drive increases. There are twenty-four standard drive types, identified by the letters A through Z (omitting I and O to avoid confusion). Also listed are various tonnage levels for hulls; any tonnage which exceeds a listed level should be read at the next higher level. Correlating hull size with drive letter indicates drive potential. For [[maneuver drive]]s, this potential is the G’s of acceleration available. For [[jump drive]]s, the potential is the jump number (Jn), or jump range in [[parsec]]s. For [[power plant]]s, it is power plant rating (Pn). For example, a 200-ton hull equipped with maneuver drive-A can produce 1-G acceleration; an 800-ton hull equipped with jump drive-K can produce jump-2. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13|version=Classic Traveller}}
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A fourth class exists but is rarely encountered.
  
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A ship’s hull is broadly composed of two sections:
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'''WCS''': "World"-Class Ships are massive constructs that usually serve as a mobile base for a population (thus the need to make a single ship instead of multiple Fleet Class Ships), such as [[generation ship]]s. They displace millions of tons or more.
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# Engineering Compartment  / Section
 
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# Main Compartment / Section
 
  
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==== Engineering Section ====
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== Typical Small Starships ==
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'''The Engineering Section:''' Drives are installed in the engineering section. A [[non-starship]] must have a [[maneuver drive]] and a [[power plant]]. A [[starship]] must have a [[jump drive]] and a [[power plant]]; a [[maneuver drive]] may also be installed, but is not required. In all cases, the [[power plant]] letter must equal or exceed either the maneuver drive letter or the jump drive letter, whichever is higher. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13|version=Classic Traveller}}
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Most ships are constructed from time-tested design plans and features. The standard small starship designs are:
  
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It is important to note that some drives will not produce results in some tonnages of hulls. Some drives will not fit into some hulls. Drive ratings greater than six are not available at [[TL-15]] in [[1115]] [[IC]]. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13|version=Classic Traveller}}
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# [[Scout/Courier|100-ton Scout/Courier]]
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# [[Seeker|100-ton Prospector]]
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# [[Free Trader|200-ton Free Trader]]
 +
# [[Far Trader|200-ton Far Trader]]
 +
# [[Yacht|200-ton Yacht]]
 +
# [[Safari Ship|200-ton Safari Ship]]
 +
# [[Planetoid Ship|300-ton Touring Ship]]
 +
# [[Packet|300-ton Armed Packet]]
 +
# [[Corsair Vessel|400-ton Corsair]]
 +
# [[Subsidized Merchant|400-ton Subsidized Merchant]]
 +
# [[Survey Scout|400-ton Survey Scout]]
 +
# [[Lab Ship|400-ton Lab Ship]]
 +
# [[Close Escort|400-ton Close Escort]]
 +
# [[Corvette|500-ton Patrol Escort]]  
 +
# [[Subsidized Liner|600-ton Subsidized Liner]]
 +
# [[Mercenary Cruiser|800-ton Mercenary Cruiser]]
 +
# [[Cargo Carrier|1000-ton Freighter]]
 +
# [[Long Liner|1000-ton Long Liner]]
  
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==== Main Compartment ====
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Other standard plans may be available at various localities.{{Page cite|citeName=s12}}
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'''The Main Compartment:''' The ship's main compartment contains all non-drive features of the ship, including the bridge, [[ship's computer]], the staterooms, the [[Low Passage|low passage berths]], the cargo hold, [[Ship’s Fuel|fuel tanks]], [[armament]], and other items. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
  
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* '''A. The Bridge:''' All ships must allocate 2% of their tonnage (minimum 20 tons) to basic controls, communications equipment, [[avionics]], [[scanner]]s, [[detector]]s, [[sensor]]s, and other [[equipment]] for proper operation of the ship. The cost for this bridge is MCr0.5 per hundred tons of ship. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=13-14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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== Ship Construction ==
  
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The basic controls do not include the [[ship's computer]], which is installed adjacent to the bridge. The computer is identified by its model number; the computer table indicates details of price, tonnage, capacity, and tech level available. In general, larger computers are more advantageous in combat situations. In addition, the model number indicates the highest level of jump which can be achieved by the ships. For example, a ship must have a Model/4 computer before it can perform jump-4, in addition to the proper size jump drive. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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=== Primary Attributes ===
 +
There are five primary attributes to a ship design. With these attributes, you can infer a lot about a ship -- usually correctly.
  
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[[CPU]] refers to the computer's [[central processing unit]], indicating its capacity to process [[program]]s; storage refers to the additional capacity available to hold programs in readiness for processing. [[Program]]s themselves are classified by size, using a point indicator to specify how much of the [[CPU]] or storage capacity is required for that program to fit into the computer. The number of programs (and the exact types of programs) which are on hand, in storage, or in the CPU is important in the operation of the [[starship]], especially in combat. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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==== Mission ====
 +
Every starship design has a purpose; in Naval parlance, this is the ship's '''mission'''. Missions serve as a category index of ships, as well: Scouts, Traders, Cruisers.
  
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[[Computer Software]] ([[program]]s) must normally be acquired separately by purchase (or they may be written by a crew member who has advanced computer expertise). Each computer model is originally furnished with a basic software package of commonly used programs. This package is selected by the purchaser from the list of available programs; the computer model (1 through 7) indicates the credit value which may be selected. For example, Model/1 allows a package with a value of MCr1, while Model/6 allows a value of MCr6. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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==== Class ====
 +
The class name of a starship is its second primary attribute. A good ship design deserves a good class name. This name defines all ships of a specific design. Whereas mission defines its purpose, class is shorthand for its look and design. For example, a Beowulf is the specific hull shape of a 200 ton Free Trader.
  
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There are two ''bis'' models of computer available. Each is treated as the next higher level for jump support, but as the next lower level for software selection. Thus, the Model/1bis can support jump-2, but is allowed a software package value of only MCr1. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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==== Size ====
 +
The third attribute is the ship's size, in tons. The smallest starship possible is 100 tons, while the largest construct which could be considered a starship is hotly debated.
  
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Fire control equipment is required if [[weaponry]] is to be installed. Each installed [[turret]] requires one ton of displacement committed for the installation of fire control equipment. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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==== Configuration ====
 +
The fourth primary attribute of a ship is its configuration: whether the ship is made out of a planetoid, a loose cluster of components, an unstreamlined hull, streamlined, an airframe, or a lifting body.
  
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Original design plans for ships often include reserve tonnage for later use in installing fire control equipment, or for upgrading [[computer]]s. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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==== Performance ====
 +
The fifth primary attribute has to do with its engineering. In other words, its acceleration, in Gs, followed by its interstellar range, in parsecs.
  
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* '''B. Staterooms:''' Quarters for the crew and passengers are provided in the form of staterooms containing sleeping and living facilities. Each stateroom is sufficient for one person, displaces four tons, and costs Cr500,000. In some starships (especially [[Paramilitary Ship|exploratory vessels]], [[military ship]]s, and [[Civilian Ship|privately-owned starships]]), double occupancy is allowed in staterooms. No stateroom can contain more than two persons however, as it would strain the ship's life support equipment. A commercial ship must have one stateroom for each member of the crew. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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=== Design ===
 +
Most ships are constructed from standard design plans which use time-tested designs and combinations of features. [[Shipyard]]s work from these plans which cover every detail of construction and assembly. Construction times are measured in months, with larger ships generally taking longer to complete. {{Page cite|citeName=s12}}
  
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* '''C. Low Passage Berths:''' Facilities for carrying passengers in [[cold sleep]] may be installed in a ship. One [[low passage berth]] carries one low passenger, costs Cr50,000, and displaces one-half ton. Low berths also serve well in emergencies, in that they can provide suspended animation facilities for characters when medical care, rescue, or assistance is not immediately available. [[Emergency low berth]]s are also available; they will not carry passengers, but can be used for survival. Each costs Cr100,000 and displaces one ton. Each holds four persons who share the same chances of survival. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14|version=Classic Traveller}}
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=== Construction and Purchase ===
 +
Space ships are constructed and sold at [[shipyard]]s throughout the [[galaxy]]. Any [[Class A Starport]] has a shipyard which can build any kind of ship, including a [[starship]] with [[jump drive]]s; any [[Class B Starport]] can build a [[small craft]] or ships which do not have [[jump drive]]s. The military procures [[vessel]]s through these [[Shipyard|yards]], [[corporation]]s buy their commercial vessels from these shipyards, and private individuals can purchase ships that they have designed through them as well. The major restriction on the purchase of ships is money. {{Page cite|citeName=s12}}
  
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* '''D. Fuel:''' Total fuel tankage for a ship must be indicated in the design plans. There is no cost, but the capacity does influence how often the ship must refuel. At a minimum, ship fuel tankage must equal 0.1 MJn+ 10Pn, where M is the tonnage of the ship, Jn is the ship's jump number, and Pn is the ship's power plant rating. Power plant fuel under the formula (10Pn) allows routine operations and maneuver for four weeks. [[Ship Fuel|Jump fuel]] under the formula (0.1 MJn) allows one jump of the stated level. Ships performing jumps less than their maximum capacity consume fuel at a lower level based on the jump number used. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=14-15|version=Classic Traveller}}
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==Starship Finance==
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Starships are typically financed using various forms of shares and debt:-
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# The ship is purchased outright by the owner(s) who also operates the ship.
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#* The ship is purchased new or
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#* The ship is purchased on the second hand market. Typically a ship will depreciate in value by an average of 3.5% per decade.
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# The ship is leased from the owner: The lease makes the ship's operator responsible for all operating costs (including insurance) for a fixed cost for a fixed term
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# The ship is chartered from the owner: The owner is responsible for all operating costs for the term of the hire but receives a fixed payment for the period
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# The ship is held on a hire-purchase basis under an [[Imperial Ship Mortgage]]: The bank holds a lien on the vessel until the loan is repaid. If the ship is returned to the bank, the debt is closed. If the payments are not kept up, the ship may be repossessed by the bank.
 +
# The ship is loaned to the operator by the owner. The owner is responsible for maintenance and may reimburse some operating costs - The operator is required to perform some service for the owner and is required to return the vessel on request. The [[IISS]] operate many of their [[Imperial Interstellar Scout Service#Detached Duty Office|Detached Duty]] [[Scout Ship]]s using this method; some [[Aslan]] clans run similar schemes.
 +
# The ship is held on a [[Subsidised Merchant]] basis. The operator puts up 20% of the purchase cost; the subsidising government pays the rest. But the operator must run the ship between named worlds on a fixed route for 40 years and make over 50% of the gross receipts by the ship for that period. At the end of the period, the ship is taken over by the operator.
  
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* '''E. Cargo Hold:''' The design plan must indicate cargo capacity. There is no cost but cargo carried may not exceed cargo capacity. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=15|version=Classic Traveller}}
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==Starship Papers==
 +
A starship will typically have the following papers:-
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# Ownership Papers showing who owns, and has owned the vessel since:
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##The vessel was commissioned or
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##The vessel was condemned as a prize (or as salvage) by the [[Admiralty Court]].
 +
# Registration Papers showing where the vessel is registered.
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# Operating License showing permission to operate the vessel has been granted by the owner,
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#*This will include details of any lien or operating route restrictions.
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# Crew Manifest identifying the legally authorised crew of the vessel including name and nationality.
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# Passenger Manifest identifying the other [[Sophont]]s aboard including name and nationality.
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# Cargo Manifest identifying details of all cargo aboard including the cargo's owner, port of origin and port of delivery.
  
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* '''F. Armaments:''' Any ship may have one [[hardpoint]] per 100 tons of ship. Designation of a hardpoint requires no tonnage, and costs 0100,000. Hardpoints may be left unused if desired. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=15|version=Classic Traveller}}
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The identity of the ship on the papers should exactly match the identity shown on the [[Ship Transponder|Ship's Transponder]].
  
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One [[turret]] may be attached to each hardpoint on the ship. When it is attached, one ton for fire control must be allocated. Turrets themselves are available in single, double, and triple mounts which will hold one, two, or three [[weapon]]s respectively. Prices for turrets and weapons can vary greatly across [[Charted Space]]
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The Manifests should exactly match what is on the vessel when inspected.
  
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[[Turret]]s and [[weapon]]s may be altered or retrofitted. For example, a single turret can have its [[pulse laser]] replaced by a [[beam laser]] when it becomes available; a single turret can be replaced by a triple turret when it becomes available. Weapons for installation in turrets include [[Pulse Laser|pulse]] and [[beam laser]]s, [[missile rack]]s, and [[sandcaster]]s. All are used in the space combat. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=15|version=Classic Traveller}}
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Improper papers can see the ship arrested and the crew detained until the cause of the impropriety is resolved.
  
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==== Maneuver / Relativistic Drives ====
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Should the Owner, Port of Registry or Manifests reveal that the ship is an enemy of the inspecting polity, or aiding the enemy of the inspecting polity, the ship may be detained and taken to a prize court where it will (eventually) be examined and may be condemned as a prize.
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[[Relativistic Drive]]s are starship engines uses in [[normal space]] for maneuver and propulsion. They are different than the [[jump drive]].
 
  
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==== Jump Drives ====
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==Legal status of a ship==
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Please see the article [[Jump Drive]] for more information.
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A starship is a [[Legal Person]] and may incur debts and responsibilities as such. The Officers of the ship listed on the crew manifest act for the ship.
  
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==== Astronics ====
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== Non-Canonical Data ==
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What avionics are to aircraft, astronics are to starships. Astronics are specialized electronics meant for dedicated usage in void vessels, [[spaceship]]s and [[starship]]s. Many non-professionals still refer to them as avionics.
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There is currently no content for non-canonical data.
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== History & Background ([[Dossier]]) ==
 
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''Ship Construction:'' Space ships are constructed and sold at [[shipyard]]s throughout the [[galaxy]]. Any [[Class A Starport]] has a shipyard which can build any kind of ship, including a [[starship]] with [[jump drive]]s; any [[Class B Starport]] can build a [[small craft]] or ships which do not have [[jump drive]]s. The military procures [[vessel]]s through these [[Shipyard|yards]], [[corporation]]s buy their commercial vessels from these shipyards, and private individuals can purchase ships that they have designed through them as well. The major restriction on the purchase of ships is money. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
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=== Expected Technological Progression of This Vehicle Type ===
 
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No information yet available.
 
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=== Interstellar Travel Motives ===
 
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The first interstellar ships, while crude in light of more modern [[FTL]] [[jump drive]]s, nevertheless have revolutionized every [[sophont]] [[society]] that developed them. Two motivations tend to drive the push for interstellar travel:
 
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* 1. Colonization (population pressure)
 
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* 2. Curiosity (exploration)
 
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Some sophont species tend to also be driven by a fear of the unknown, a third common motivator. And yet others possess a religious, ideological fervor to bring their ideas and philosophies to the rest of Interstellar space, a fourth common motivator.
 
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* 3. Fear (paranoia)
 
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* 4. Belief (proselytism)
 
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The [[K'kree]], for example, while driven by several factors are strongly motivated to bring an ethos of vegetarianism to [[Charted Space]].
 
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=== Ship Design ([[Naval Architecture]]) ===
 
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Most [[vessel]]s are constructed from standard design plans which use time-tested designs and combinations of features. [[Shipyard]]s work from these plans which cover every detail of construction and assembly. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
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==== Construction Times ====
 
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Time required for building any vessel depends primarily on the [[hull]]. Standard hulls allow shorter construction times since those types are more familiar to the shipyard and thus easier to build. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
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==== Naval Architecture ====
 
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Small design [[corporation]]s can produce design plans for any vessel type once given the details of what is desired. The design procedure is followed to determine what is available and allowed, and the results are presented to the naval architect firm. They produce a detailed set of design plans in about four weeks for a price of 1% of the final ship cost; they can be hurried to finish the job in two weeks if paid 1.5%. Once the design plans are received, the [[shipyard]] may be commissioned to produce the [[vessel]] desired. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
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==== Standard Designs: ====
 
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There are a number of standard design plans available; they have been in use for a long time, and are available for a nominal fee ([[Cr]]100 for the set).
 
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Standard starship plans available are:
 
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# [[Scout/Courier|100-ton Scout/Courier]]
 
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# [[Free Trader|200-ton Free Trader]]
 
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# [[Yacht|200-ton Yacht]]
 
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# [[Subsidized Merchant|400-ton Subsidized Merchant]]
 
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# [[Subsidized Liner|600-ton Subsidized Liner]]
 
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# [[Mercenary Cruiser|800-ton Mercenary Cruiser]]
 
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# [[Patrol Cruiser|400-ton Patrol Cruiser]]
 
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Standard plans are also available for the following [[small craft]]:
 
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# [[Fighter|10-ton Fighter]]
 
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# [[Launch|20-ton Launch]]
 
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# [[Ship's Boat|30-ton Ship's Boat]]
 
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# [[Slow Boat|30-ton Slow Boat]]
 
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# [[Pinnace|40-ton Pinnace]]
 
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# [[Slow Pinnace|40-ton Slow Pinnace]]
 
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# [[Cutter|50-ton Cutter]]
 
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# [[Shuttle|95-ton Shuttle]]
 
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Other standard plans may be available at various localities. Standard designs are easier to produce; their prices reflect a 10% reduction in normal pricing. The details of the standard designs are shown at the end of this chapter. Standard design vessels are often available used (10 to 40 years old) at reductions in price ranging from 10% to 40%, as indicated by the [[shipyard]]. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
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=== Ship Financing ===
 
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==== Costs & Payments: ====
 
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A [[shipyard]] will insist upon a 20% down payment with the order for the vessel, as well as requiring a demonstration that proper financing is available to cover the balance when due. {{Page cite|name= Starships|page=12|version=Classic Traveller}}
 
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[[Starship]]s are designed to carry people from one [[star system]] to another, for the purposes of exploration, survey, trade, patrol, raiding, tracking, information gathering, conquest... in a word, adventure. Typically, starships have a large percentage of their volume dedicated to [[fuel]], because the jump drive requires a huge investment in energy to transition to [[Jumpspace|jumpspace]]. This limits the available space for other uses, severely in the case of ships able to jump long distances, or rejump repeatedly (which is a lifesaver if you can afford the space). Some ships greatly enhance capacity without sacrificing safety by mounting [[external tanks]] to the ship known as [[droptanks]].
 
  
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
== References & Contributors ([[Sources]]) ==
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Advanced}}
 
{{Sources
 
{{Sources
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|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Starships |page=TBD|version=Classic Traveller}}
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|S1= {{Ludography cite|name= Starships |page=—|version=Classic Traveller}}
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|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= Library Data (N-Z) |page=TBD}}
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|S2= {{Ludography cite|name= Library Data (N-Z) |page=—}}
 
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name= Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 15 |page=16-26 |article=Starship Malfunctions }}  
 
|S3= {{Ludography cite|name= Journal of the Travellers' Aid Society 15 |page=16-26 |article=Starship Malfunctions }}  
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|S4= {{Ludography cite|name= Challenge 72 |page=TBD |article=Sublight Drives}}  
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|S4= {{Ludography cite|name= Challenge 72 |page=— |article=Sublight Drives}}  
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|S5= {{Ludography cite|name= 101 Starships |page=TBD}}
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|S5= {{Ludography cite|name= 101 Starships |page=—}}
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|S6= {{Ludography cite|name= T5 Core Rules |page=TBD}}
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|S6= {{Ludography cite|name= Starships |page=33|version=Traveller 5th}}
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|S7= [[Traveller Wiki Editorial Team]]
 
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|S8= Author & Contributor: Lord (Marquis) and Master of Sophontology [[Maksim-Smelchak]] of the [[Ministry of Science]]
 
 
}}
 
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{{LE|Transportation|Technology|Vehicle Type}}
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{{LE|Charted Space|Transportation Technology|Vehicle Type}}
 

Latest revision as of 22:07, 15 April 2022

An interstellar vehicle: A spacecraft which has a jump drive and can cross interstellar space. Contrast with spaceship and Small craft. [1]

Starships are designed to carry people from one star system to another, for the purposes of exploration, survey, trade, patrol, raiding, tracking, information gathering, conquest... in a word, adventure. Typically, starships have a large percentage of their volume dedicated to fuel, because the jump drive requires a huge investment in energy to transition to jumpspace. This limits the available space for other uses, severely in the case of ships able to jump long distances, or rejump repeatedly (which is a lifesaver if you can afford the space). Some ships greatly enhance capacity without sacrificing safety by mounting external tanks to the ship known as droptanks.

Technical Data.jpg

Size Classes[edit]

Starship sizes are based on the displacement ton (one ton is 13.5 cubic meters). There are three general size classes of starship: ACS, BCS, and FCS. [2]

ACS: "Adventure"-Class Ships are a smaller class of starships, typically with a crew size ranging from 1 to perhaps two dozen. They range from 100 to 2400 tons.

BCS: "Battle"-Class Ships are larger. Despite the "battle" moniker, some are built for commercial purposes. BCS range from 2500 tons to about 100,000 tons.

FCS: "Fleet"-Class Ships are usually ships of the line, for example dreadnoughts, but the largest commercial ships are also in this range. They displace hundreds of thousands of tons (with a practical maximum of about a million tons; when more tonnage is needed, it is usually more practical to make another ship, thus the "Fleet" designation).

A fourth class exists but is rarely encountered.

WCS: "World"-Class Ships are massive constructs that usually serve as a mobile base for a population (thus the need to make a single ship instead of multiple Fleet Class Ships), such as generation ships. They displace millions of tons or more.

Typical Small Starships[edit]

Most ships are constructed from time-tested design plans and features. The standard small starship designs are:

  1. 100-ton Scout/Courier
  2. 100-ton Prospector
  3. 200-ton Free Trader
  4. 200-ton Far Trader
  5. 200-ton Yacht
  6. 200-ton Safari Ship
  7. 300-ton Touring Ship
  8. 300-ton Armed Packet
  9. 400-ton Corsair
  10. 400-ton Subsidized Merchant
  11. 400-ton Survey Scout
  12. 400-ton Lab Ship
  13. 400-ton Close Escort
  14. 500-ton Patrol Escort
  15. 600-ton Subsidized Liner
  16. 800-ton Mercenary Cruiser
  17. 1000-ton Freighter
  18. 1000-ton Long Liner

Other standard plans may be available at various localities.[1]

Ship Construction[edit]

Primary Attributes[edit]

There are five primary attributes to a ship design. With these attributes, you can infer a lot about a ship -- usually correctly.

Mission[edit]

Every starship design has a purpose; in Naval parlance, this is the ship's mission. Missions serve as a category index of ships, as well: Scouts, Traders, Cruisers.

Class[edit]

The class name of a starship is its second primary attribute. A good ship design deserves a good class name. This name defines all ships of a specific design. Whereas mission defines its purpose, class is shorthand for its look and design. For example, a Beowulf is the specific hull shape of a 200 ton Free Trader.

Size[edit]

The third attribute is the ship's size, in tons. The smallest starship possible is 100 tons, while the largest construct which could be considered a starship is hotly debated.

Configuration[edit]

The fourth primary attribute of a ship is its configuration: whether the ship is made out of a planetoid, a loose cluster of components, an unstreamlined hull, streamlined, an airframe, or a lifting body.

Performance[edit]

The fifth primary attribute has to do with its engineering. In other words, its acceleration, in Gs, followed by its interstellar range, in parsecs.

Design[edit]

Most ships are constructed from standard design plans which use time-tested designs and combinations of features. Shipyards work from these plans which cover every detail of construction and assembly. Construction times are measured in months, with larger ships generally taking longer to complete. [1]

Construction and Purchase[edit]

Space ships are constructed and sold at shipyards throughout the galaxy. Any Class A Starport has a shipyard which can build any kind of ship, including a starship with jump drives; any Class B Starport can build a small craft or ships which do not have jump drives. The military procures vessels through these yards, corporations buy their commercial vessels from these shipyards, and private individuals can purchase ships that they have designed through them as well. The major restriction on the purchase of ships is money. [1]

Starship Finance[edit]

Starships are typically financed using various forms of shares and debt:-

  1. The ship is purchased outright by the owner(s) who also operates the ship.
    • The ship is purchased new or
    • The ship is purchased on the second hand market. Typically a ship will depreciate in value by an average of 3.5% per decade.
  2. The ship is leased from the owner: The lease makes the ship's operator responsible for all operating costs (including insurance) for a fixed cost for a fixed term
  3. The ship is chartered from the owner: The owner is responsible for all operating costs for the term of the hire but receives a fixed payment for the period
  4. The ship is held on a hire-purchase basis under an Imperial Ship Mortgage: The bank holds a lien on the vessel until the loan is repaid. If the ship is returned to the bank, the debt is closed. If the payments are not kept up, the ship may be repossessed by the bank.
  5. The ship is loaned to the operator by the owner. The owner is responsible for maintenance and may reimburse some operating costs - The operator is required to perform some service for the owner and is required to return the vessel on request. The IISS operate many of their Detached Duty Scout Ships using this method; some Aslan clans run similar schemes.
  6. The ship is held on a Subsidised Merchant basis. The operator puts up 20% of the purchase cost; the subsidising government pays the rest. But the operator must run the ship between named worlds on a fixed route for 40 years and make over 50% of the gross receipts by the ship for that period. At the end of the period, the ship is taken over by the operator.

Starship Papers[edit]

A starship will typically have the following papers:-

  1. Ownership Papers showing who owns, and has owned the vessel since:
    1. The vessel was commissioned or
    2. The vessel was condemned as a prize (or as salvage) by the Admiralty Court.
  2. Registration Papers showing where the vessel is registered.
  3. Operating License showing permission to operate the vessel has been granted by the owner,
    • This will include details of any lien or operating route restrictions.
  4. Crew Manifest identifying the legally authorised crew of the vessel including name and nationality.
  5. Passenger Manifest identifying the other Sophonts aboard including name and nationality.
  6. Cargo Manifest identifying details of all cargo aboard including the cargo's owner, port of origin and port of delivery.

The identity of the ship on the papers should exactly match the identity shown on the Ship's Transponder.

The Manifests should exactly match what is on the vessel when inspected.

Improper papers can see the ship arrested and the crew detained until the cause of the impropriety is resolved.

Should the Owner, Port of Registry or Manifests reveal that the ship is an enemy of the inspecting polity, or aiding the enemy of the inspecting polity, the ship may be detained and taken to a prize court where it will (eventually) be examined and may be condemned as a prize.

Legal status of a ship[edit]

A starship is a Legal Person and may incur debts and responsibilities as such. The Officers of the ship listed on the crew manifest act for the ship.

Non-Canonical Data[edit]

There is currently no content for non-canonical data.

References & Contributors (Sources)[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 Far Future Enterprises or by permission of the author. The page history lists all of the contributions.
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