Build:Sub-Categories

2.1.1 Sub-Categories

Within any given category of vessels, subcategories exist. In many cases, subcategories include Heavy, Light, Fast and Strike versions of the ship type.

Heavy vessels indicate a subtype which is more heavily armed and protected than the standard vessel of that category. Heavy subtypes often sacrifice a small amount of speed, maneuverability, or sensor capacity to compensate for the additional tactical systems.

Light vessels, conversely, are not as well armed or protected as standard vessels of that category. Instead, they typically possess more sophisticated peripheral systems, such as sensors or other scientific systems, and are intended for relatively specific mission profiles.

Fast vessels are similar to Light ones, but concentrate on speed and maneuverability (and sometimes on the capacity to perform long range or extended missions). Those built for defense or tactical missions often have heavier weaponry than Light ships, however. Most of the Fast categories, such as Fast Frigates and Fast Cruisers, are relatively new additions to Star Fleet and have helped to redefine rapid deployment and response doctrines.

Strike vessels, usually restricted to the more warship-oriented categories of cruisers, destroyers, and frigates, tend to fall in between the standard and heavy sub-categories. They employ the best in speed and protection available at the time of their design and tend to load up on weaponry, though often at the expense of maneuverability. Mission-wise, the ships are assigned to Task Force sub-units which break off from the main force to quickly attack and pull away from static targets of opportunity or escort ground assault transports and provide orbital support during planetary campaigns.

The Classification Codes for these sub-categories are usually added as suffixes to the overall Class Code.

Table

Table 2.1.1: Sub-Category Codes

Sub-Category	Classification Code
Heavy	H
Light	L
Fast	F
Strike	S

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