Ship classes

Ships in the T-Space stories are often identified by type or class, instead of or in addition to name. In later stories (after the first expeditions, when interstellar travel has become more routine), ships are identified by both a letter class (eg S-class) and/or a model name (for example, Sapphire or Sandquist). There is no requirement for the model name to have the first letter, and indeed for some classes (eg Y, IP) it makes little sense, but it is a common convention.

Starship Classes

V class

An older class of ship, first after the original ships of the original Alpha Centauri expedition. The original three were the Endeavour, Victoria and Vostok (reference: Alpha Centauri: The Return). These were the first ships capable of landing on and taking off from the surface of a planet without detaching the warp drive systems, thanks to their high-impulse plasma thrusters and compact fusion power supplies.

Y class

A medium-large sized ship, sometimes equipped for passengers or cargo, often built as the equivalent of "luxury yachts", with better accommodations for the owner and guests than a smaller ship.

Example: Carcharodon

C class

Medium sized, similar to Y class. Designed for cargo but smaller than IC or X class.

Example: Cerulean Cloud

Black's ship Mandragore is a modified C class with some of the cargo volume given over to extended range tankage. (ref The Centauri Surprise)

S class

Smaller ships, for extended scouting (with more interior volume given over to fuel) or medium range cargo and passenger runs. Sometimes personal spacecraft.

Sapphire

One of the most common S class vehicles, with a long history. Used by both Jason Curtis and Jackie Roberts. Adaptable and with a good reputation.

Examples: Starfire, Sophie.

Sandquist

Slightly larger than a Sapphire, with a different configuration. Warp pods are mounted on wing tips which pivot downwards in space to provide appropiate spatial configuration for the warp field. Slightly less range than a typical Sapphire.

Example Razgon

Staravelle

(Or is this big enough to be Y class?) Designed around a large central cargo bay with a ventral loading ramp and four telescoping legs. ((Shades of Thunderbird 2))

I Series

The I designation is not used as a standalone, but denotes a common hull and powerplant combination used by both short- and long-haul passenger and cargo ships, larger than Y class. The interior volume is arranged differently for the following sub-classes:

IL class

Interstellar cruise liners intended for shorter range trips (notably, the Earth - Alpha Centauri route, although they could also accommodate Tau Ceti - Epsilon Eridani if traffic warranted). Needing less fuel, much of the interior volume comprises passenger compartments and a common lounge/entertainment area. Could be temporarily modified (e.g. using internal fuel bladders in some of the passenger areas) for longer range ferry.

Example: Southern Sky

IP class

Like cruise liners but with more interior space given over to fuel, and with passenger space largely allocated to hibernation pods, allowing for more passenger capacity. Larger than Y-class but shy of the maximum theoretical volume for a translight warp bubble. Typically 20 to 30 hibernating passengers, crew of four (??), and cargo space for the passenger's effects.

Example: Mayflower, Speedwell

IC class

Similar in hull configuration to IL and IP classes, with with most interior volume configured as cargo space rather than for passengers.

X class

Largest configuration. Designed for large cargoes (heavy machinery, construction equipment, etc) best shipped in one piece rather than in parts. Limited range due to fuel/volume tradeoffs. A few military versions (XM) are fitted with anti-matter engines for extra range.