Scout ship
An A-24 Sleuth class of scout ship
A scout starship, alternatively called a scout vessel or simply a scout ship, was a type of starship that found its use in either commercial and scientific exploratory missions, or in military operations for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance duties.
Scout Vessels in Civilian Use
Scouts in the civilian sector operated a diverse range of ships. Some utilized common light freighters, while others opted for specialized vessels engineered for dependability, enhanced sensor capabilities, and extended voyages. Scouts employed by sizable corporations or governmental bodies often had access to cutting-edge ships equipped with the most recent technological advancements, whereas independent scouts frequently piloted vessels that were decades, or even centuries, old.
Military Applications of Scout Vessels
It's not surprising that military scout vessels possessed heavier armaments when compared to their civilian counterparts. It's worth noting that some civilian scout vessels were sourced from military surplus, and conversely, certain civilian scout vessels were repurposed for military applications. Specific military scout vessels were substantial enough in size to be classified as capital ships.