posted
I realize there is little agreement with regard to classifications. Logically, there are size classifications and functional classifications, and no-one agrees on those either.
On my own site, I apply (inconsistently) my own system of classification. What category a ship belongs in is defined by it's size, it's primary mission (function) and the era in which it was produced.
Roughly, the classifications are as follows:
Size classifications:
Pod
A small one-or two-person vessel designed (generally) for short-duration missions.
Shuttle
Pre-TOS-era: A small vessel capable of surface-to-orbit and orbit-to-surface (transorbital) operations.
TOS-era: A small vessel designed for transorbital and/or interplanetary travel. Not warp-capable.
TNG-era: A small vessel that may or may not be warp capable, designed for short-duration (measured in weeks, at most) missions.
All: Shuttles generally aren't designed to operate for extended periods of time without support provided by a surface installation, starbase, or host vessel.
Runabout
A small warp-powered vessel designed for longer-duration missions than a shuttle. Runabouts generally are equipped with most essential starship systems, and are designed for extended use without external support. A runabout is the smallest type of vessel that is considered a "real" starship.
Corvette
TOS-era: A small military vessel, generally used in groups for patrol or escort duties, and supported at extended intervals by larger support vessels.
Post-TOS era: Not used.
Frigate
TOS-era: The smallest vessel capable of operating alone for extended periods of time by itself, or, more likely, as part of a group of vessels assembled to perform a specific mission.
TNG-era: The smallest type of starship other than the runabout. While runabouts are general-purpose vessels, frigates are designed for more specific mission profiles, such as exploration, research, or combat missions. This classification has expanded to include vessels that would, in former times, be classified as corvettes, as well as larger types that would have been classified as destroyers.
Destroyer
TOS-era: A medium-sized vessel capable of extended independent operations.
TNG-era: Not used. The light cruiser and heavy frigate classifications include vessels that in former times would have fallen in this category.
Cruiser
Includes the largest types of vessel used by Starfleet. Cruisers are generally capable of operating for many years without external support, without regard to their functional mission. Cruisers much larger or smaller than average are often sub-classified as "light" or "heavy" cruisers.
Functional classifications:
[Note: I constantly modify this list.]
Fighter
A small combat vessel designed for maximum firepower in a minimum spaceframe. Mission duration is typically measured in hours.
Escort
A (usually) small combat vessel with a primary mission to defend other (usually unarmed) vessels.
Monitor
A large Capital ship capable of high sublight velocity but low (or no) warp capability. Monitors are designed to defend a system or important Starbase, and rely upon the support provided by ground, orbital, or deep space installations for replenishment of supplies and maintenance.
Carrier
Any vessel designed to carry other vessels as part of its primary mission brief. While many vessels carry auxiliary vehicles (shuttles, for example), the carrier 's primary mission is to launch, recover, and support smaller vessels with specific (rather than general-purpose) mission profiles.
Tender
Any vessel with the primary mission of providing logistical and maintenance support to other vessels. Tenders are often used to support vessels which cannot return to a starbase or other installation for resupply.
Exploration (used as a prefix)
Used to signify any vessel with a primary mission to expand the boundaries of known space, such as a mapping vessel or general-purpose exploration ship. An Exploration cruiser is a cruiser-sized vessel with an exploration mission. Generically referred to as "explorers".
Research (used as a prefix)
Any vessel with a primary mission to increase our knowledge of or within explored space. Often referred to as "science vessels".
Battle (used as a prefix)
Used as a prefix, this designation signifies that the vessel's primary mission is combat (generally ship-to-ship). A Battle-frigate is a frigate designed primarily for ship-to-ship combat, for example.
Battleship
Specifically, a battleship is a heavy battlecruiser.
Tug
Any vessel with a primary mission of towing vessels or cargo external to its hull. May be applied to almost any size vessel.
Liner
Any vessel with a primary mission of passenger transportation.
Transport
Any vessel with a primary mission of transporting non-passenger cargo.
There.
(Note: This is the first time I've ever done a definition list. I can hardly wait to see what it looks like. Not a mess, I hope. )
The First One
A lovely little thinker, but a bugger when he's pissed
Member # 35
posted
Hmm, interesting.
Your comment, Franko, just struck me as rather nebulous. Apart from yourself, no-one round here seems overly obsessed with classifications and has no idea what they mean. 8)
posted
*scribes "Thou shalt not bludgeon thy celestial predecessors" on wall*
------------------ Elim Garak: "Oh, it's just Garak. Plain, simple Garak. Now, good day to you, Doctor. I'm so glad to have made such an... interesting new friend today." (DS9: "Past Prologue")
------------------ "Well, I guess we're an Ovaltine family." "MORE OVALTINE PLEASE!" -American Radio Ads... *gag*... one more reason I'm glad to be above the 49th.
"Captain, the Borg are approaching!" "Oh, no! Everyone, man the pods! Man the pods!"
------------------ "I think you people have proven something to the world: that a half a million kids can get together and have three days of fun and music� and have nothing but fun and music." -Max Yasgur; Woodstock, NY; August, 1969
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