Starship classification
Starship classification or ship classification was terminology used to define a spacecraft based on distinction as a means of categorization.

Though similar in principle, this term was not synonymous with ship class, which was generally limited to a specific construction design. Starship classifications, rather defined a vessel in terms of function, such as size and role. 

While the terms used to categorize vessels were not universally equal, and evolved with time, they gave a sense of a vessel's capabilities, or intentions.

Classifying vessels

Size and range 
Size and range were often used to help determine a ship's classification. 

Smaller vessels were typically associated with being scout ships. (; ) For this reason, limitations were placed on the perception of their capabilities. For example, it was unusual to see a Romulan scout ship on the wrong side of the Romulan Neutral Zone. ()

The Lysian destroyer was identified as "a short range attack vessel." (TNG: "Conundrum")

Likewise, when Seven of Nine indicated that the recently discovered  may have been sent to find , as an explanation for its presence in the Delta Quadrant, Captain Janeway assured her that that was most likely not the case, as smaller  "was designed for planetary research, not long range tactical missions." () Contrarily, the  Voyager was "designed for long-term exploration." ()

Armaments 
Ship armaments were also used to designate the classification of a vessel. Satarran agent Kieran MacDuff, as well as the amnesiac Worf believed that the   was a battleship, based on her tactical specifications of "10 phaser banks, 250 photon torpedoes, and a high capacity shield grid. ()

When the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance learned of the Terran Resistance Forces newly constructed , their reports indicated that "it's of unknown classification and carries an impressive weapons array. Some kind of improved photon torpedoes, multi-targeting phaser banks." ()

Variations 
In some cases, starships could be reclassified based on perspective or revised mission profiles.

Although the Federation classified its  starships as a heavy cruiser, it was classified by the Klingons as a battle cruiser. ()

Likewise, Cardassian  warships were designated as a cruiser (by the Maquis and Cardassians) while the Federation classified them as a destroyer. ()

In November of 2256, when Lieutenant Paul Stamets, of the , argued to Captain  that good science took time, Lorca told him that the Discovery was no longer a science vessel, but rather a warship. ()

While the Federation's Starfleet did not believe in warships, the  was officially classified as a escort vessel, but was unofficially classified as a warship. () Later, it would receive the more specific warship designation of battleship. ()

Starship classifications

Warships
 Dreadnought
 Battleship 
 Cruisers
 Attack cruiser
 Battle cruiser
 Combat cruiser
 Heavy cruiser
 Light cruiser
 Star cruiser
 Destroyer
 Escort vessel
 Frigate
 Attack fighter
 Interceptor
 Raider

Research vessel 
 Exploratory vessel
 Science vessel
 Scout ship
 Survey ship

Support ships
 Auxiliary space vessel
 Aeroshuttle
 Aqua-shuttle
 Captain's yacht
 D'kyr type support craft
 Escape pod
 Fighter shuttle
 Long range shuttle
 Runabout
 Section 31 drone ship
 Shuttlecraft
 Shuttlepod
 Waverider
 Cargo drone
 Courier ship
 Freighter
 Medical ship
 Patrol ship
 Police vessel
 Repair ship
 Supply ship
 Tanker
 Transport ship
 Colony ship
 Troop ship
 Tug

Other designations 
 Bird-of-Prey
 Starship class
 Warbird

See also 
 Vehicle classification index

External link

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