Starship Classification
From the Beginning, Starfleet was a dual purpose organization. They explored, and they defended. There were few classes of ship and the Federation was small when Starfleet was created so it was very easy to keep track of their missions, everything was clear cut.
However, as time went on and the Federation spread, a need came to create ships for more specialized reasons. And a way was needed to classify each vessel for ease in distribution of resources, that each ship might be used to the best of its design ability. Therefore, Starfleet Mission Operations and Starfleet Exploratory Operations designed and created the Primary Classification system, and every class of vessel was given a definition within it according to their operational ability.
After the success of the Primary Classification System was proven, a hard look was given at Each class by Tactical Command and Strategic Operations, and a Secondary Defense classification system was devised to rate each class for purposes of Offense and Defense, that no ship would be placed where it was out-classed and out-gunned.
The results of both these systems is that every Class of vessel in every configuration is rated in abilities from the time it is launched.
Primary Classification
Colonization
A style of ship that focus's on long term storage of large amounts of materials, as well as being easy to tear apart, for use of materials on a landing site.
Enhanced Deterrence
The Enhanced Deterrence classification is a new one, used to describe a war time step up of classical Primary abilities. An Enhanced Deterrence Explorer would have the sensors and crew for scientific missions, but would also be equally designed as a warship above and beyond what an explorer would usually call for.
Escort
Any craft built for the sole purpose of high speed intelligence gathering or picket duty
Experimental (NX)
Craft of experimental nature are usually denied Primary classification other then 'Experimental' until such time as they can be tested and proven fit for regular operation. Unless the weapons themselves are experimental, a NX vessel is usually given a Defense Classification for times of emergency.
Explorer
The most basic form of any Starfleet vessel. An explorer is designed to travel into knew frontiers. They combine an optimal balance of sensors and living conditions that a crew might survive for an indefinite period of time.
Fleet Carrier
Ships of this style are usually light on weapons and heavy on storage space and hanger space for Fighters. 'Fleet Carrier' can also be a secondary classification for another primary classification.
Fleet Tug
Any vessel that is designed and performs the duties of tug-boat. A fleet tug is capable of high warp for sustained periods of time that they might stay with a battle-group, and tow casualties out of a battle zone.
Freighter
A style of vessel that has been designed for large load capacity and optimal fuel consumption.
Hospital Ship
ships of this nature are always heavy on sickbays and the like. They are floating hospitals, with either mass transport or landing capability so as to be right at a battlefield.
Infiltrator
And infiltrator is a pure tactical capability, also known as "Blockade runner' "Infiltrator' can be a secondary ability to another Primary classification.
Marine Troop-ship
A ship that can be likened to a Colonization ship. Great store is placed in maximum utilization of space for personnel and equipment.
Mobile Command Center
Ships of this classification can be of all types and styles, depending on the need
Reconnaissance
Usually small and quick, for behind-the-lines work.
Rescue
Ships of this classification are two-fold. Either large with lots of storage space for Colonists or massive move ability for impending disasters. Or, small and quick for maximum response in a sudden emergency
Research
Ships of this sort come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the research needing to be done. They are separated by Explorers insofar as they usually study one event or object without traveling to find others. This is not a first contact vehicle.
Starbase
As much a description as a Primary Classification. Starbase's are structures in space that do not have warp capability, and can not move long distances without extreme outside assistance.
Stationary Tug
A tug boat that is attached to a Station or Stationary location as opposed to with a Mobile fleet.
Tactical
A pure warship, built and bred for combat and defense.
Secondary Classification
Frigate
Frigates are lightly armed and armored. Capable of very little offensively, often used as picket ships or in wolf-packs for strength in numbers.
- Example: Oberth Class, Saber Class
Destroyer
Destroyers are usually fairly well armed, but not well armored. They pack a powerful punch when used in concert with larger attack craft or when in wolf-packs with other Destroyers and Frigates.
- Example: Miranda Class, Soyuz Class, Norway Class
Cruiser
Cruisers are usually fairly well armed and armored. If good tactics and patience are used in battle, then a Cruiser has a small chance of destroying a small Capital ship in combat.
- Example: Excelsior Class, Intrepid Class, Steamrunner Class
Interceptor
Also known as Escorts, (aka, Light, Heavy Escort). Interceptor's can be either lightly or heavily armed. They are always exceptionally fast, however. They are designed to intercept and slow down (or stop) potential enemies while the rest of the fleet mobilizes.
In escort duty, the same theory operates. They are designed to keep up with a convoy, and sprint ahead to meet the enemy to keep the convoy safe should the need arise.
- Example: Defiant Class (Designed for Anti Borg Operations)
Attack Cruiser
Small, well armored and armed with equivalent firepower of a Battle Cruiser or better. They are very quick and agile, yet still capable of meeting out impressive punishment and still survive. The difference between an Attack Cruiser and a Battle Cruiser is primarily speed and mission. Their entire purpose in existence is battle, they are offensive craft born and bred. Most often found on defensive lines during peace-time, and on the front lines during a war.
- Example: Prometheus Class
Battle Cruiser
The typical Federation heavy battle craft. Battle Cruisers are a good mix of powerful defenses, powerful offense and mobility.
Heavy Battle Cruiser
The heavy battle cruiser sacrifices mobility for power in weapons or shields... or both.
- Example: Akira Class, Constitution Class Refit, Galaxy Class
Battleship
Battleships are Exceptionally powerful, Exceptionally well armored and excessively powered for these reasons. They are capable of taking multiple craft at once, and meeting out titanic damage. Not many craft with this level of power have ever been created.
- Example: Sovereign Class
Dreadnought
A level above Battleship. A Craft holding the offensive and defensive power of a medium sized Starbase in one mobile Starship. These types of vessels are very rare, they are exceptionally expensive in terms of resources, power and manpower.
- Example: Meredith Class
Classification of Auxilliary Craft
Shuttle-craft
A craft meant for short range duties, with minimum personnel and minimum in living considerations.
- Examples: Type 8 Shuttlecraft, Type 9 shuttlecraft, Type 13 Shuttlecraft:, Type 18 Shuttlecraft
Runabout
Any craft that is meant for intermediate ranges, with considerations for temporary quarters
- Examples: Danube Class Runabout, Lorimar Class Runabout
Scout
Any craft built for the sole purpose of high speed intelegence gathering or picket duty
- Example: Nova Class
Fighter
Any craft built with the specific function in mind to attack other vessels.
- Example: Mako Fighter
