INTRODUCTION TO VESSEL DESCRIPTIONS
The nomenclature used to describe starships
and their varied forms has changed dramatically since
the early days of space flight. Modern terminology is
both inclusively specific and broad based, describing the
general size, function, capabilities and even assignment
of a given class of starship. Terminology has also crossed
cultural and political boarders, with many nations adopting
the terms of an enemy power in an attempt to help
understand transmissions and deciphered messages.
Generalized descriptions are also used for many vessels.
These general descriptions refer primarily to the overall
function and profile of a given vessel, despite its class or
capability. Such terms are often linked to several classes
of vessel, and can be used to understand the overall
profile used by a given ship.
More often than not, most descriptions indicate
only a minor difference between vessels. Cruisers and
Heavy Cruisers are both designed to conduct deep space
research. Size and crew compliment are somewhat
different though. The difference between a Cruiser and
Research Cruiser indicates that a Research Cruiser is
more specialized. Often, descriptions will indicate a single
advantage of a given class, at the cost of other systems
or capabilities. General listings can be used to compare
broad based vessel descriptions, but examination of
details is best when comparing vessels of the same type.
As in science, ships are divided into a number of
sub-categories listed here.
Most of the wording is from FASA Star Trek :Starship Tactical Combat Simulator Starship Designer.