The term explorer, or exploration cruiser, is a starship classification that is applied to multi-purpose starships that are equipped to perform a variety of duties at the same time. Explorers are similar to heavy cruisers, as they are equipped with strong defenses, and are designed to perform long-duration and long-range missions. During wars, explorers are used as flagships for battle groups and fleets of ships. Explorers are the largest ships in Starfleet. The term explorer was synonymous with battleship in more militant fleets or in alternate timelines. A variant of the explorer classification was the light explorer. (ST reference: Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual, ST module: Narrator's Guide, ST module: Starships)
Types of explorers
- Federation:
- Ambassador-class • Andromeda-class • Daedalus-class • Excelsior-class • Galaxy-class • Intrepid-class • Karekh-class • Ranger-class • Sovereign-class • Vesta-class
Connections
- Explorer article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.