Hull classification symbol

A hull classification symbol, also known as hull code or a registry, is assigned to each and every ship of the UNSC Navy. Different types and sizes of ship have different codes. The hull code is composed of a symbol and a hull number. The hull numbers are usually assigned to each ship consecutively, though number sequences may be skipped for a variety of reasons (planned ships that were never commissioned or bureaucratic maneuvering, for example) and older numbers may be reused for new ships in order to "inherit" the identity of a particular storied vessel.

The symbol is based on the hull classification symbol system used by the United States Navy in the 20th and 21st centuries with a few differences. The symbols have a few things in common: a symbol beginning with "FF" generally denotes a frigate, "DD" a destroyer, "CA" a heavy cruiser, and "CV" a carrier. The rest of the letters vary depending on the type of vessel. There can be dozens of types of each class of vessel.

The Covenant and its splinter factions use their own system of three-letter classification codes which are assigned based on a ship's "Primary", "Secondary", and "Tertiary" features.

UNSC Navy

 * AC: Unspecified Frigate
 * AC-54 (AC-54)


 * AE: Ammunition ship
 * (AE-380)


 * BL: Evacuation craft
 * BL-9400493 (BL-9400493)


 * C: Cruiser
 * (C-709)


 * CA: Heavy Cruiser
 * (CA-70)
 * (CA-942)


 * CBC: Large Command Cruiser
 * (CBC-5)


 * CFM: 
 * (CFM-88)


 * CFV: 
 * (CFV-88)


 * CVA: Attack Carrier
 * (CVA-92)


 * CV: 


 * DD: Destroyer
 * (DD-366)
 * (DD-906)
 * (DD-993)


 * DDA: Freighter
 * (DDA-147)


 * FFG: Frigate
 * FFG-045 (FFG-045)
 * (FFG-127)
 * (FFG-142)
 * (FFG-201)
 * (FFG-209)
 * (FFG-307)
 * (FFG-318)
 * (FFG-371)


 * FS: Corvette
 * (FS-803)


 * HEV: Drop Pod


 * INF: 
 * (INF-101)


 * IX: Experimental
 * (IX-306)
 * ONI Acrisius (IX-455)


 * OWP: Orbital Weapon Platform
 * Cairo Station (OWP-142)


 * PRO: Prowler
 * (PRO-46328)
 * Unidentified prowler (PRO-49776)


 * SS: Anti-Ship Spaceplane
 * C712 Longsword (SS-110)

Covenant

 * A - meaning currently unknown.
 * C - meaning currently unknown.
 * D - meaning currently unknown.
 * O - Ordained signifies Forerunner technology incorporated into the vessel.
 * P - meaning currently unknown.
 * R - Reverence signifies that a ship can conduct reconnaissance missions, and is able to recover Forerunner artifacts.
 * S - Salvation signifies that a ship possesses dedicated ship-to-ship combat capability.
 * V - meaning currently unknown.