There are two things used to identify a starship: the model, such as "AH-12 AEU Soothsayer-class Cruiser" or just "Soothsayer," and the class, which in this case would be "cruiser." Class is a more general descriptor, giving an idea of a ship's crew capacity, general armament, and function; a model is a specific instance of a class.
Here are the class designations currently in use, in order of size:
- Wasp - A very small crewless spacecraft, either automated or controlled remotely.
- Escape/Rescue Pod - A partly inflatable, partly memory metal automated spacecraft designed to rapidly conduct crew to safety in the event of an emergency.
- Capsule - A small single-crew spacecraft with no amenities, or even an airlock.
- Shuttle - A small, often intrasystem spacecraft primarily designed for private travel or carrying small amounts of cargo.
- Fighter - A single-crew spacecraft designed for combat. Many models have no jump drive.
- Flitter - A general purpose single-crew spacecraft with less emphasis on armament and almost always a jump drive.
- Scout - A small two-person spacecraft with models focused variably on combat and exploration.
- Corvette - A small two-person spacecraft with a focus on combat. Some models have "afterburners" for dramatically increased speed.
- Transport - Two-person spacecraft of varying sizes, all designed to have a high cargo capacity.
- Heavy Corvette - A well-armed three-person spacecraft.
- Destroyer - A three-person spacecraft designed for combat, often used to escort and support larger warships.
- Light Cruiser - A four-person spacecraft, usually lightly armed and in a support role.
- Gunship - A five-person spacecraft designed for combat, often with an outsized offense compared to its defensive capability.
- Sloop - A six-person spacecraft designed primarily for support or utility rather than combat.
- Frigate - A six-person warship.
- Pocket Cruiser - A diverse six-person starship class usually combining heavy armament with utility.
- Cruiser - An eight-person warship, well-armed but usually also designed to withstand great damage.
- Bulk Freighter - A slow, eight-person spacecraft designed to move large amounts of cargo.
- Battlecruiser - A ten-person spacecraft designed for offense and a speed that belies its size.
- Battleship - A large spacecraft designed in equal parts for offense and defense.
- Carrier - A capital ship designed to support many smaller spacecraft.
- Dreadnought - A capital ship designed for front line engagements.
