Fredrikstad-class shuttlecarriers (sometimes called supercarriers) were a class of Federation Starfleet vessel on active duty beginning in the early 2290s. Fredrikstads were similar in appearance and purpose to the Ariel-class shuttlecarriers first commissioned in 2278 (Heavy Cruiser Evolution Blueprints, Ships of the Star Fleet, Volume 1 (Revised)). This class, introduced in 2286, was grouped as a dreadnought (Starbase23.net ).