Classifications
Federacy generally classify vessel loosely by size and purpose.
Size:
- Shuttle: Smallest size, shuttles are typically small, short range/limited operation vehicles. Shuttles are typically carried by larger vessels. Shuttles are usually crewed by 1 to 4 persons.
- Working: The most common size vessels of significance, Working size vessels are typically capable of carrying a modest crew (up to 20), and form the vast majority of most vessels in known space. They can fulfill almost any role assigned (with the obvious limitation being size).
- Massive: Commercial size vessels with significant crews (more than 20, usually no more than 200 crew though carrying capacity is typically far greater) and additional capacity depending upon their role. Massive vessels serving in military capacity are called Capital vessels.
- Ultramassive: Vessels of truly astounding size with tyically hundreds of crewmembers (less if advanced automation is used)
Purpose:
- General: General purpose vessels, typically restricted to Shuttle or Working class vessels, have a broadly defined purpose, usually personal or recreational in nature.
- Commercial: Vessels designated as Commercial engage in actions specifically for economic or logisitic sustainment purposes.
- Science: These vessels engage pirmarily in research and exploration.
- Defense: Defense vessels serve miitary purposes but have restricted weaponry systems.
- Military: Full miiltary vessels, often heavily armed (for class) capable of carrying both weaponry and armed personnel.
Other Designations:
Vessels are typically noted as to whether they are atmospheric/landing capable with a "-A" in their primary designation - for example ISV-A Curiosity Alpha = Interstellar Science Vessel (Atmospheric capable) Curiosity Alpha). They are also given other Roles as well
-A: Atmospheric
-C: Carrier (transports Working Class or larger size vessels)
General Construction
Most vessels in the Federacy are highly standardized and the vast majority use modular components mounted to basic frames. This creates a significant variety in similarities. Non-interstellar, non-atmospheric vessels tend to be "squat" or blocky in appearance. Vessels which are interstellar and/or atmospheric tend to be elongated to reduce particle resistance along the axis of travel, while military vessels also tend to be elongated providing the benefit of less tactical advantage towards an attacking "front."
Modular component technology means, in general, that vessels are highly reconfigurable with only a modest amount of effort. Redudancies are typically built into individual modules making them easier to adjust to a new assignment or to assist with repairs if damaged - space is an unforgiving taskmistress and if stranded between stars, the chances of getting timely help from a ship operating with "just enough resources to get by" greatly decreases the odds of survival.
Typical Modules
All ships have at least one Command module and one Propulsion module. Interstellar craft also have both Drive and Navigation, though the two are essentially one (some ships prefer their navigation units closer to the Command area and split up the two functions). Virtually all T3 ships and many T2 ships typically have one or more Gravitic modules which generate the Gravitic control and Debris field. All ships are required to have at least one Life Support module though all Personnel Modules are required to have independent Life Support capable of sustained independent support.
Personnel modules are the greatest varied but here are some of the more common:
Command Crew/High Passage: 1 occupant per module, also includes meeting/dining space
Basic Crew/Basic Passage: 2 occupants per module with limited sustainment activity space (eating, communicating, data processing). Includes "Infirmary" capacity medical capacity (able to handle Moderate consequences).
Military Crew: 3 occupants per module with sustainment space sacrificed for personal weapon/ammo storage
Low Passage: 4 occupante per module, no sustainment space
Croygenic Passage: 4 occupants per module with redundant cryogenic support systems.
Standard Medical: Includes medical ability with gear equivalent to a general hospital and one cryo bed per module (capable of handling Severe consequences and, with very skilled assistant, able to recover "near death" patients).
Enhanced Medical: Fully functional operating system (capable of handling Extreme consequences and routinely able to recover "near/at death" patients). Also enhanced biological analysis is available: 1 free invoke towards any of these activities.
Armory: Weapon storage with additional weapon repair or light modification capacity (1 free invoke). Armories take up 2 modules, are fortified and can hold up to 3 persons plus 2 persons per additional module.
Comments