Shuttlepod "Chaffee" departing USS Defiant
In starship classification, a shuttlepod is a smaller type of shuttlecraft which is usually only capable of impulse propulsion or low-warp speed capacity. This designation is given to small craft that do not have passenger capacity like their larger relatives.
Types of shuttlepods
- Chaffee
- Inspection pod
- Shuttlepod (22nd century)
- Type-15 shuttlepod
- Type-18 shuttlepod
Background
The smaller shuttlepods were introduced during the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation to alleviate the costs associated with building exteriors and mock-ups of the larger, more elaborate types of warp-capable passenger shuttles. These ships were designed to carry fewer people, and had slower speeds. Originally intended by designers to be impulse-only, dramatic requirements often had the shuttles traveling long distances that would require warp speeds, and the type-18 has been explicitly stated to have warp drive. The type-15 were often specified as impulse only, so we must assume that when they were shown in use for long range travel they were fitted with a warp drive that was not previously part of its outfitting (we could likewise assume that impulse-only type-18s exist). Many shuttle designations and specifications were never spoken onscreen, but are derived from background graphics and artwork, and are reiterated by the Star Trek: The Next Generation Technical Manual and the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual.