Identity & embodimentnormative v1.4.0bundle v1.4.129 blocks

12. Canonical vehicle-family and differentiating-domain catalog

This catalog deliberately spans full-size, model, passive, ambient-powered, crewed, remote, autonomous, infrastructure-bound, transformable and utility machines. It is broad enough to seed search and onboarding while the universal facets keep the system…

Concept & directionLNK

Table

How to use this catalog
Each row is a discoverable TypeRecipe, not a mutually exclusive database class. An asset may match several rows, and every row can branch by energy, scale, control, body, mission, configuration and jurisdiction. Novel combinations remain valid even before they receive a public name.

#12.1 Human-scale, assistive, cycle, and micromobility

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Handcart / pushcart	Ground; wheels/casters	Human push or pull	Passive cargo conveyance controlled through handle force
Stroller / pram	Ground; small wheels	Human push	Passenger conveyance for child with restraint and caregiver control
Litter / stretcher carrier	Ground or carried	Human carried, wheeled or vehicle-mounted	Patient/person transport with medical and handling constraints
Manual wheelchair	Ground; large/small wheels	Occupant hand-rim or attendant push	Assistive mobility; human remains rights principal, never component
Powered wheelchair	Ground; wheels/tracks	Battery-electric wheel/track drive	Assistive seating, accessibility, stability and control envelope
Sports / racing wheelchair	Ground; optimized wheels	Human arm power	Competition geometry, classification and performance specialization
Mobility scooter	Ground; three/four wheels	Battery-electric wheel traction	Seated personal accessibility platform with tiller or alternative control
Kick scooter	Ground; two+ wheels	Human kick / gravity	Stand-on narrow deck; wheel support and handlebar steering
Electric scooter	Ground; two+ wheels	Battery → motor → wheel traction	Stand-on/seated micromobility distinguished by electric driven wheel
Bicycle	Ground; usually two wheels	Human pedal → chain/belt/shaft → wheel	Balance/steering plus pedal traction
Pedelec / e-bike	Ground; bicycle wheels	Human pedal plus electric assistance	Electric support coupled to pedaling under a declared assistance policy
Throttle e-bike	Ground; bicycle wheels	Electric wheel traction with independent throttle	Motor command need not be coupled to pedaling
Combustion motorized bicycle	Ground; bicycle wheels	Small engine → wheel	Bicycle architecture with added combustion power path
Fan-propelled bicycle	Ground; bicycle wheels	Motor/engine → air propeller/fan	Wheels support/steer while thrust reacts against air
Cargo bicycle	Ground; two/three/four wheels	Human/electric wheel traction	Extended cargo platform, box or trailer-like load geometry
Tandem / multi-rider cycle	Ground; wheels	Multiple human inputs, optional electric	Several riders share one cycle power and control architecture
Recumbent cycle	Ground; wheels	Human/electric wheel traction	Reclined rider geometry changes visibility, aero and control interface
Tricycle / quadricycle	Ground; three/four wheels	Human/electric/combustion traction	Cycle-derived platform with static lateral support
Velomobile	Ground; wheels	Human/electric traction	Cycle mechanics enclosed by aerodynamic/weather body
Handcycle	Ground; wheels	Human arm crank, optional electric	Upper-body propulsion and accessibility configuration
Pedal kart / pedal car	Ground; four wheels	Human pedals → wheel traction	Low four-wheel recreational/utility cycle
Skateboard / longboard	Ground; trucks/wheels	Human push, gravity	Board platform steered by lean through trucks
Electric skateboard	Ground; small wheels	Battery-electric wheel/belt/hub drive	Handheld/body control on lean-steered board
Single-wheel board	Ground; one driven wheel	Battery-electric; active balance	Rider platform around one wheel requires stabilization control
Self-balancing two-wheel board	Ground; coaxial wheels	Battery-electric; active balance	Body lean command and electronic stabilization
Personal transporter	Ground; two+ wheels	Battery-electric; active balance	Upright platform with handle/control column or hands-free variant
Roller skate / powered skate	Ground; foot-mounted wheels	Human stride or compact electric drive	Wearable mobility interface attached to each foot
Gravity racer / soapbox	Ground; wheels	Gravity/coasting	No onboard conversion; controlled downhill vehicle
Land yacht	Ground; wheels	Wind → sail → rolling motion	Ground support with aerodynamic ambient propulsion
Iceboat / ice yacht	Ice; runners	Wind → sail	Low-friction runners support while sail reacts against air
Ski-bike / snow cycle	Snow/ice; skis and/or driven track	Gravity, human or motor	Cycle-like control adapted to snow support
Snowmobile	Snow; skis + track	Engine/motor → driven track	Skis steer while continuous track propels
Personal tracked carrier	Ground/snow; compact tracks	Electric/combustion track drive	Stand-on or seated personal platform using continuous traction
Animal-drawn cart / carriage	Ground; wheels/runners	Animal pull through harness	Animal actor supplies force and control relationship without becoming a component
Sleigh / toboggan	Snow/ice; runners/body	Gravity, human/animal tow	Sliding support with passive or external propulsion

#12.2 Powered road, passenger, freight, and special-purpose vehicles

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Moped	Road; two/three wheels	Pedal-assisted or small motor wheel traction	Low-power road cycle category varies by jurisdiction
Motor scooter	Road; two/three wheels	Combustion/electric wheel traction	Step-through chassis and scooter rider architecture
Motorcycle	Road/off-road; two wheels	Combustion/electric wheel traction	Rider-straddled powered single-track vehicle
Sidecar combination	Road; motorcycle + sidecar wheel	Motorcycle traction	Asymmetric coupled assembly carries passenger/cargo
Powered trike	Road; three wheels	Combustion/electric traction	Motorcycle/automotive controls on three-wheel support
Powered quadricycle / microcar	Road; four wheels	Electric/combustion traction	Small/light road vehicle distinct from full passenger-car classes by rules
Hatchback	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Passenger body with rear liftgate and shared cargo/cabin volume
Sedan / saloon	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Passenger three-box or separated trunk body
Estate / wagon	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Extended roof and passenger-derived cargo volume
Coupe	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Passenger car emphasizing fixed-roof two-door/sport form; market term varies
Convertible / roadster	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Retractable/removable roof changes body configuration
SUV / crossover	Road/off-road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Elevated multi-purpose body; construction and regulatory meanings vary
MPV / minivan	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Passenger-volume and flexible seating priority
Limousine	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Extended passenger accommodation and chauffeur/service use
Sports / super / hyper car	Road/track; four+ wheels	High-performance road powertrain	Performance-focused commercial/cultural recipe, not regulatory proof
Race car	Closed circuit/special course	Combustion/electric/hybrid traction	Competition rule class, safety cell and setup dominate configuration
Pickup	Road/off-road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Passenger cab plus open cargo bed
Panel / cargo van	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Enclosed cargo body integrated with cab/chassis
Minibus	Road; four+ wheels	Any road powertrain	Small passenger-service vehicle with multiple rows
City / transit bus	Road; multiple axles	Diesel/electric/hybrid/trolley	High-cycle passenger boarding and standing capacity
Coach	Road; multiple axles	Any road powertrain	Long-distance seated passenger service and luggage
School bus	Road; multiple axles	Any road powertrain	Student transport equipment, visibility and jurisdictional rules
Trolleybus	Road; rubber tires	External overhead electricity → motors	Road steering with continuous external electrical feed
Rigid truck / lorry	Road; multi-axle	Any road powertrain	Cargo body and cab share one chassis
Road tractor / prime mover	Road; multi-axle	Any road powertrain	Designed primarily to pull semitrailer through fifth wheel
Articulated truck	Road; tractor + semitrailer	Prime-mover traction	Temporary articulated commercial assembly
Road train	Road; prime mover + multiple trailers	Prime-mover traction	Multi-unit coupled formation with jurisdiction-specific limits
Flatbed / platform truck	Road	Truck traction	Open load deck and restraint system
Box / refrigerated truck	Road	Truck traction plus optional refrigeration	Enclosed or temperature-controlled cargo action system
Tanker truck	Road	Truck traction	Bulk liquid/gas containment, pumping and hazardous-load context
Dump / tipper truck	Road/off-road	Truck traction plus hydraulic action	Tilting body actively unloads bulk material
Concrete mixer truck	Road/site	Truck traction plus rotating mixer	Mobile material-processing payload
Refuse / recycling truck	Road	Truck traction plus compaction/lift	Collection, lifting and compaction utility system
Vehicle transporter	Road	Truck traction	Carries other vehicles with ramps/decks/restraints
Tow / recovery truck	Road	Truck traction plus boom/winch/lift	Recovers and transports disabled assets
Fire appliance	Road/site	Truck traction plus pump/aerial/rescue tools	Emergency mission systems define utility configuration
Ambulance	Road	Van/truck/car traction	Medical treatment and patient transport payload
Police / response vehicle	Road/off-road	Any road powertrain	Emergency signaling, communications and mission equipment
Mobile workshop / laboratory	Road/site	Truck/van traction	Workplace, tools, power and testing capability carried onboard
Motorhome / recreational vehicle	Road	Self-propelled road powertrain	Mobile habitation and life-support amenities
Armored road vehicle	Road/off-road	Any road powertrain	Protection, mass and regulated security mission specialization

#12.3 Off-road, agriculture, construction, mining, and material handling

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
ATV	Off-road; three/four low-pressure tires	Combustion/electric wheel traction	Straddle-seat compact all-terrain platform
UTV / side-by-side	Off-road; four+ wheels	Combustion/electric traction	Side-by-side occupants, roll protection and utility bed
Dune buggy / sand rail	Sand/off-road; wheels	Combustion/electric traction	Light open chassis optimized for loose terrain
Tracked carrier	Off-road/snow; tracks	Combustion/electric/hydraulic tracks	Continuous traction and low ground pressure
Half-track	Off-road; wheels + tracks	Driven wheels/tracks	Mixed rolling and continuous support architecture
Snow groomer	Snow; tracks	Engine/hybrid track drive	Blade/tiller action prepares snow surface
Wheeled agricultural tractor	Field/road; wheels	Combustion/electric traction + PTO/hydraulics	Prime mover for implements through hitch/PTO
Tracked agricultural tractor	Field; tracks	Combustion/electric track drive	Low-ground-pressure prime mover with agricultural interfaces
Combine harvester	Field; wheels/tracks	Self-propelled	Cuts, threshes, separates and stores crop in one mobile machine
Forage harvester	Field; wheels/tracks	Self-propelled	Cuts and processes forage, transfers to another vehicle
Self-propelled sprayer	Field; high-clearance wheels	Self-propelled plus pump/boom	Mobile precision application of liquids
Spreader	Field; wheels/tracks	Self-propelled or towed	Meters and distributes solid/liquid material
Mower / swather	Field/grounds	Self-propelled or tractor-driven	Cuts vegetation with deck, reel or header
Forestry harvester	Forest; wheels/tracks/legs	Self-propelled plus boom/head	Fells, delimbs and cuts trees
Forwarder / skidder	Forest; wheels/tracks	Self-propelled	Carries or drags harvested timber
Bulldozer	Earth; tracks/wheels	Self-propelled traction	Front blade pushes and grades material
Wheel loader	Site/mine; articulated wheels	Self-propelled hydraulic	Front linkage and bucket load material
Track loader / crawler loader	Site; tracks	Self-propelled hydraulic	Tracked support plus loader action
Skid-steer loader	Site; wheels/tracks	Differential/skid traction	Compact zero-radius steering with attachment interface
Backhoe loader	Site/road; wheels	Self-propelled hydraulic	Front loader plus rear excavator in one machine
Hydraulic excavator	Site; tracks/wheels	Self-propelled plus rotating upper works	Boom-arm-bucket excavation with slewing body
Walking excavator	Steep/wet terrain; articulated legs/wheels	Hydraulic limb repositioning	Adjustable limbs support and move on extreme terrain
Amphibious excavator	Wetland/water; pontoons/tracks	Track/hydraulic	Buoyant undercarriage enables shallow-water earthwork
Trencher	Ground; wheels/tracks	Self-propelled tool chain/wheel	Continuously cuts narrow trench
Motor grader	Roadworks; wheels	Self-propelled articulated	Mid-mounted blade creates precise surface profile
Scraper	Earth; wheels	Self-propelled or pushed/towed	Cuts, loads, carries and spreads soil
Compactor / road roller	Prepared/earth surface; drums/tires	Self-propelled	Applies static/vibratory compaction
Paver	Roadworks; tracks/wheels	Self-propelled	Places and screeds asphalt/concrete material
Off-highway haul truck	Mine/quarry; huge wheels	Diesel-electric/combustion/electric	High-capacity site haul with off-road envelope
Mobile drilling rig	Site/mine; truck/tracks	Self-propelled or carrier-mounted	Drill mast and rotary/percussive action dominate mission
Underground loader / LHD	Mine/tunnel; low-profile wheels	Diesel/electric	Confined-space load-haul-dump specialization
Mobile crane	Road/site; wheeled carrier	Self-propelled plus hoist/boom	Road mobility plus lifting configuration/outriggers
Crawler crane	Site; tracks	Track drive plus lattice/telescopic boom	High-capacity lifting on crawler base
Telehandler	Site/agriculture; wheels	Self-propelled	Telescopic boom accepts forks, bucket or platform
Forklift	Floor/yard; wheels	Electric/combustion traction	Mast/forks lift palletized loads
Reach truck / order picker	Warehouse; wheels/guide	Battery-electric	Narrow-aisle lifting and operator/pick specialization
Straddle carrier	Port/yard; tall wheeled frame	Self-propelled	Straddles and lifts containers beneath chassis
Container handler / reach stacker	Port/yard; wheels	Self-propelled	Telescopic spreader stacks containers
AGV	Indoor/site guideway	Electric	Follows fixed markers/routes under infrastructure control
AMR	Indoor/site free-ranging	Electric	Local perception and planning inside bounded environment
Mobile cleaner	Indoor/outdoor floor	Electric	Drive base integrated with sweep/scrub/vacuum action

#12.4 Rail, guideway, cable, vertical, and amusement conveyance

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Steam locomotive	Rail; flanged wheels	Fuel/heat → steam engine → driven wheels	Locomotive whose prime converter is steam
Diesel locomotive	Rail	Diesel engine → mechanical/hydraulic/electric traction	Onboard liquid-fuel prime mover
Electric locomotive	Rail	Overhead/third rail/battery → traction motors	Externally supplied or stored electric traction
Battery / fuel-cell locomotive	Rail	Stored electrochemical energy → motors	Non-continuous external feed; onboard zero-tailpipe option
EMU	Rail	Distributed electric traction	Passenger multiple unit with motors distributed across consist
DMU	Rail	Distributed diesel traction	Passenger multiple unit with onboard engines
Bi-mode multiple unit	Rail	External electric plus onboard source	Switches power path by route/operation
Passenger coach	Rail	Externally hauled	Passive passenger conveyance in consist
Sleeper / dining / service car	Rail	Externally hauled	Passenger coach specialized by onboard service/habitation
Freight box wagon	Rail	Externally hauled	Enclosed goods conveyance
Tank wagon	Rail	Externally hauled	Bulk liquid/gas containment
Hopper wagon	Rail	Externally hauled	Gravity-discharge bulk material body
Flat / well / intermodal wagon	Rail	Externally hauled	Platform or recessed deck for containers/vehicles
Autorack	Rail	Externally hauled	Multi-level vehicle carrier
Caboose / guard vehicle	Rail	Externally hauled	Crew, observation or braking role in historical/special consists
Tram / streetcar	Embedded/light rail	Electric traction	Operates in street/mixed environment on rails
Light-rail vehicle	Urban rail	Electric traction	Medium-capacity articulated urban passenger unit
Metro / subway train	Grade-separated rail	Electric distributed traction	High-frequency urban operation in controlled guideway
Monorail	Single-beam guideway	Electric traction	Straddles or suspends from one guide beam
Maglev	Magnetic guideway	Linear motor + magnetic support/guidance	Field support/propulsion replaces wheel-rail contact
Rack railway vehicle	Steep rail; rack	Pinion engages rack	Positive rack traction on steep grade
Funicular	Inclined rail	External cable haul	Counterbalanced/cable-driven vehicles constrained to slope
Cable car	Rail/road guide	Continuous or detachable cable grip	Vehicle traction supplied by moving cable
Aerial gondola / chairlift	Suspended cable	Cable haul	Cabin/chair supported and moved by ropeway
Aerial tramway	Suspended cable	Haul rope between terminals	Large cabin shuttles on fixed track ropes
Automated people mover	Dedicated guideway	Electric/infrastructure controlled	Small automated passenger units in bounded network
Guideway pod / PRT	Dedicated guideway	Electric automated	Small on-demand vehicle routed through guide network
Rail inspection vehicle	Rail	Self-propelled or hauled	Measurement/inspection payload is primary utility
Tamping / ballast machine	Rail	Self-propelled	Maintains track geometry and ballast
Rail grinder	Rail	Self-propelled	Grinding system restores rail profile
Rail crane / recovery unit	Rail	Self-propelled/hauled	Lifting and recovery action on rail base
Hi-rail vehicle	Road wheels + deployable rail gear	Road traction; rail guidance	Transitions between road and rail support
Mine cart	Mine rail	Hauled, gravity or powered	Confined industrial rail conveyance
Elevator / lift car	Vertical guide rails/cables	Cable, hydraulic or linear motor	Conveyance constrained to vertical shaft/guideway
Inclined lift	Inclined guideway	Cable/rack/hydraulic	Passenger/cargo car constrained to slope
Roller-coaster train	Amusement rail/track	Chain/launch/gravity	Track-constrained entertainment vehicle with gravity phases

#12.5 Surface-water, cushion, foiling, and marine work vehicles

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Canoe	Surface water; displacement hull	Paddle, pole, sail or small motor	Open narrow human-scale hull
Kayak	Surface water; displacement hull	Double-bladed paddle or small motor	Decked/open cockpit paddling craft
Rowing shell / scull	Surface water; slender hull	Oars through outriggers	Human power with backward-facing rowing geometry
Raft	Surface water; buoyant platform/tubes	Paddle, oar, motor, current or tow	Flexible/rigid buoyant platform without conventional hull form
Coracle / skin boat	Surface water; displacement	Paddle	Small traditional rounded lightweight hull
Punt / pole boat	Shallow water; flat hull	Pole against bottom	Propulsion reacts against bed rather than fluid
Gondola	Canal; displacement hull	Single oar	Asymmetric hull and standing rowing technique
Pedal boat	Surface water; hull/pontoons	Human pedals → paddlewheel/propeller	Cycle-like human input drives water propulsor
Stand-up paddleboard	Surface water; board buoyancy	Hand paddle	Standing rider on board-shaped hull
Windsurfer	Surface water; board	Wind → articulated sail	Rider directly controls free sail rig
Kiteboard	Surface water; board hydro support	Wind → tethered kite	Remote aerodynamic kite pulls rider/board
Sailing dinghy	Surface water; small hull	Wind → sail	Small open sailcraft, often planing
Keelboat / sailing yacht	Surface water; displacement/planing hull	Wind → sails; auxiliary motor optional	Ballasted keel and sailing rig
Catamaran	Surface water; two hulls	Sail, propeller, waterjet or hybrid	Twin-hull support architecture
Trimaran	Surface water; three hulls	Sail, propeller or hybrid	Main hull plus two outriggers
Proa / outrigger canoe	Surface water; asymmetric multi-hull	Sail/paddle/motor	Main hull plus outrigger or asymmetric shunting architecture
Displacement motorboat	Surface water; hull buoyancy	Engine/motor → water propeller	Operates primarily in displacement regime
Planing boat / speedboat	Surface water; planing hull	Engine/motor → water propeller/jet	Dynamic lift raises hull at speed
Personal watercraft	Surface water; compact planing hull	Engine/motor → waterjet	Rider sits/stands astride compact jet-driven craft
Airboat	Surface water; displacement/planing hull	Engine/motor → air propeller/fan	Hull supported by water; thrust reacts against air
Submerged-propeller boat	Surface water; hull	Shaft/pod/outboard → submerged propeller	Propeller works below surface against water
Surface-piercing propeller craft	Surface water; planing hull	Partially immersed propeller	Propeller disk crosses air-water interface at speed
Waterjet boat	Surface water; hull	Pump/impeller → jet nozzle	Water is ingested and expelled through internal duct
Pump-jet craft	Surface/submerged; hull	Ducted rotor/stator pump-jet	Shrouded water propulsor controls wake/noise/efficiency
Paddlewheel vessel	Surface water; hull	Engine/human → paddlewheel	Radial paddles cyclically react against water
Cycloidal / Voith-Schneider vessel	Surface water; hull	Vertical-axis cycloidal propulsor	Thrust direction changes rapidly without conventional rudder
Hydrofoil craft	Surface water; hull + foils	Any marine/air propulsor	Hydrodynamic foils support hull clear of water at speed
Hovercraft	Land/water surface; air cushion	Lift fan + air thrust fan/propeller	Pressure cushion supports across multiple surfaces
Wing-in-ground craft	Near water/ground; aerodynamic lift	Air propeller/jet	Flies primarily in surface-effect envelope
Ferry	Waterway; hull	Any marine propulsion	Scheduled transport of passengers, vehicles and/or rail units
Ro-ro ship	Sea; displacement hull	Marine propulsion	Roll-on/roll-off decks and ramps for wheeled cargo
Passenger / cruise ship	Sea/inland; displacement hull	Marine propulsion	Large passenger accommodation/hospitality systems
Container ship	Sea; displacement hull	Marine propulsion	Cellular container cargo architecture
Bulk carrier	Sea; displacement hull	Marine propulsion	Large holds for unpackaged dry bulk
Tanker / gas carrier	Sea; displacement hull	Marine propulsion	Bulk liquid/gas containment and cargo handling
Tug	Harbor/sea; displacement hull	High-thrust propeller/azimuth drive	Tow/push capability and bollard pull dominate design
Pushboat	Inland water; hull	High-thrust marine propulsion	Pushes barge formations through rigid contact
Barge / lighter	Water; displacement hull	Usually towed/pushed; sometimes self-propelled	Cargo platform may be passive or minimally powered
Fishing vessel	Sea/inland; hull	Marine propulsion	Gear deployment, catch handling and storage define mission
Dredger	Water; hull/platform	Self-propelled/towed plus dredge plant	Excavates/pumps seabed or river material
Research / survey vessel	Water; hull	Marine propulsion	Scientific, mapping, sampling and instrument support
Uncrewed surface vessel	Water; hull	Sail/electric/combustion/solar	No required onboard crew; remote/autonomous control per function
Lifeboat / rescue boat	Water; hull	Marine propulsion or oar/sail	Emergency survival/rescue, launch and recovery capability
Fireboat	Water; hull	Marine propulsion plus high-capacity pumps	Waterborne firefighting action system
Landing craft	Shore/water; hull	Marine propulsion	Beach access and ramp for troops/vehicles/cargo
Icebreaker	Ice-covered water; strengthened hull	High-power marine propulsion	Hull/propulsion designed to break and navigate ice
Houseboat	Inland/coastal water; hull	Self-propelled or towed	Habitation is primary utility
Floating crane / installation vessel	Water; barge/ship	Self-propelled/towed plus crane	Heavy lift or offshore installation dominates mission
Semi-submersible mobile platform	Offshore; buoyant columns/pontoons	Towed or dynamically positioned	Ballasted operating draft and offshore work function

#12.6 Submerged, seabed, tethered, drifting, and underwater vehicles

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Crewed submarine	Submerged; buoyant pressure hull	Nuclear/diesel-electric/battery propeller/pump-jet	Sustained submerged navigation with crew and life support
Midget submarine	Submerged; compact pressure hull	Electric/other marine propulsion	Small crewed/mission-specific submerged craft
Tourist submersible	Submerged; pressure vessel	Electric thrusters	Passenger viewing, depth and support-vessel envelope
Research submersible	Submerged; pressure vessel	Electric thrusters	Crewed scientific observation/sampling capability
Rescue submersible	Submerged; pressure vessel	Electric thrusters	Docking and survivor transfer from disabled submarine
Work-class ROV	Submerged; tethered	Electric/hydraulic thrusters; topside power/control	Tethered remote vehicle with manipulators and heavy work payload
Inspection-class ROV	Submerged; tethered	Electric thrusters	Compact visual/sensor inspection with tether
AUV	Submerged; free-swimming	Battery/fuel-cell propeller/thruster	Uncrewed independent mission execution without continuous tether
Underwater glider	Submerged/surface cycling	Variable buoyancy + wings	Buoyancy changes produce slow forward gliding
Diver propulsion vehicle	Submerged; diver-held/ridden	Battery-electric propeller	Assists a human diver; diver remains operator/principal
Swimmer delivery vehicle	Submerged; crew/passenger platform	Electric propeller	Carries divers while often exposed to water
Benthic crawler	Seabed; tracks/wheels/legs	Electric/hydraulic traction	Moves in contact with seabed rather than free swimming
Seabed trencher / plough	Seabed; skids/tracks	Towed or self-propelled plus tool	Burial/excavation of cable or pipe
Pipe/tunnel underwater crawler	Flooded pipe/tunnel contact	Wheels/tracks/traction	Confined submerged inspection/maintenance
Towed underwater body	Submerged; tow cable	External tow	Sensor/sonar body trajectory supplied by surface/air vehicle
Profiling float	Water column	Buoyancy modulation and drift	Ambient current plus depth cycling; limited horizontal control
Drifter buoy	Surface/subsurface drift	Current/wind; no active propulsion	Observational vehicle whose movement is environmental
Diving bell	Submerged; cable suspended	External hoist	Crewed chamber lowered/raised from support system
Regulated torpedo / UUV	Submerged; free-swimming	Propeller/pump-jet/other	Self-propelled regulated payload vehicle; strict authority and safety pack

#12.7 Heavier-than-air, rotorcraft, powered-lift, and personal flight

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Sailplane / glider	Air; aerodynamic wing lift	Tow/launch + gravity/thermal energy	Sustained unpowered flight after external launch
Hang glider	Air; flexible/rigid wing	Gravity/air currents; foot launch	Pilot suspended beneath wing and weight-shift/control surfaces
Paraglider	Air; inflated parafoil	Gravity/air currents; foot launch	Flexible ram-air wing without rigid airframe
Paramotor / powered paraglider	Air; parafoil	Back-mounted/cart air propeller	Paraglider lift with compact powered thrust unit
Parachute	Air; drag/parafoil	Gravity; steering optional	Controlled descent/recovery rather than sustained powered flight
Ultralight / microlight	Air; fixed/flex wing	Small engine/electric propeller	Very light recreational aircraft under jurisdiction-specific rules
Single-engine airplane	Air; fixed wing	One piston/turboprop/electric propulsor	Conventional fixed-wing flight with one primary power unit
Multi-engine airplane	Air; fixed wing	Two+ propeller/jet power units	Multiple primary propulsors and engine-out envelope
Airliner	Air; fixed wing	Turbofan/turboprop/other	Certified high-capacity passenger transport
Cargo airplane	Air; fixed wing	Any aviation powertrain	Freight doors/floor/restraint and payload mission
Business jet	Air; fixed wing	Jet propulsion	Executive passenger configuration and performance
Floatplane / seaplane	Water + air; floats/wings	Air propeller/jet	Takes off/lands on water using floats
Flying boat	Water + air; hull/wings	Air propeller/jet	Fuselage/hull provides water buoyancy
Amphibious airplane	Ground/water/air	Air propeller/jet	Landing gear plus water-support configuration
STOL / bush plane	Air + short/unprepared surface	Propeller/jet	Short-field and rough-site operating envelope
Aerobatic airplane	Air; fixed wing	High power-to-weight propulsion	Maneuver envelope and control authority optimized for aerobatics
Agricultural airplane	Air; fixed wing	Propeller	Low-altitude spray/spread payload and agricultural mission
Firefighting airplane	Air; fixed wing	Propeller/jet	Carries/releases suppressant under specialized low-level operation
Uncrewed fixed-wing aircraft	Air; fixed wing	Electric/combustion/solar	Remote/autonomous operation without onboard crew
Single-main-rotor helicopter	Air; rotor lift	Engine/motor → main rotor; anti-torque system	Rotor provides lift/thrust; tail rotor/other handles torque
Coaxial helicopter	Air; coaxial rotors	Counter-rotating rotors	Concentric rotors cancel torque
Tandem-rotor helicopter	Air; fore/aft rotors	Two main rotors	Longitudinally separated lifting rotors
Intermeshing-rotor helicopter	Air; intermeshing rotors	Synchropter transmission	Overlapping angled rotors intermesh without collision
Autogyro / gyroplane	Air; autorotating rotor	Separate propeller supplies thrust	Rotor is not engine-driven for sustained lift
Multirotor	Air; multiple rotors	Electric/combustion rotor thrust	Differential rotor thrust controls attitude and translation
Ducted-fan aircraft	Air; ducted propulsors	Fans inside shrouds/ducts	Duct changes safety, pressure and efficiency characteristics
Compound helicopter	Air; rotor + wing/propulsor	Rotor lift plus separate forward thrust/wing	Combines rotorcraft and airplane paths
Tiltrotor	Air; rotating nacelle/rotors	Rotors vector between lift and cruise	Propulsor orientation transitions helicopter-to-airplane mode
Tiltwing	Air; rotating wing + propulsors	Wing/propulsors tilt together	Whole lifting wing changes orientation for transition
Lift-plus-cruise eVTOL	Air; separate lift/cruise propulsors	Electric lift rotors + cruise propulsor	Distinct vertical-lift and forward-flight paths
Vectored-thrust eVTOL	Air; wing/body + vectoring propulsors	Electric propulsors redirect thrust	Same propulsion set supplies lift and cruise through vectoring
Tailsitter	Air; wing/rotors	Propeller/rotor	Whole aircraft changes attitude between vertical and horizontal flight
Powered-lift aircraft	Air; powered lift + wing	Jet/rotor/fan vectoring	Powered lift during low speed with airplane-like cruise
Ornithopter	Air; flapping wings	Muscle/engine/motor → wing flapping	Oscillating wings create lift and/or thrust
Cyclocopter	Air; cycloidal rotors	Cyclorotor	Rotating spanwise blades vector thrust cyclically
Personal jet suit / jetpack	Air; body-worn	Jet/ducted fan/rocket thrust	Wearable powered flight; human remains operator, not component
Kite / tethered wing	Air; aerodynamic lift	Wind; tether reaction	Tethered ambient-powered airborne system
Rocketplane / spaceplane in atmospheric mode	Air/space; wing/body lift	Rocket/jet/combined cycle	Transitions between atmospheric flight and space trajectory

#12.8 Balloons, aerostats, blimps, and airships

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Hot-air balloon	Air; heated-air aerostatic lift	Wind drift; burner controls altitude	Open balloon without powered horizontal thrust by default
Gas balloon	Air; helium/hydrogen lift	Wind drift; ballast/vent altitude control	Lifting gas at ambient temperature
Tethered balloon	Air; aerostatic lift + tether	Wind; tether/winch controls position	Physical tether constrains movement and may carry power/data
Aerostat	Air; tethered shaped envelope	Wind-aligned; winch	Persistent sensor/communications platform anchored to ground/ship
Stratospheric balloon	High atmosphere; aerostatic	Drift plus altitude modulation	Long-duration high-altitude operating envelope
Non-rigid airship / blimp	Air; envelope aerostatic lift	Engine/motor → air propellers	Envelope pressure maintains shape; no rigid framework
Semi-rigid airship	Air; aerostatic lift	Air propellers	Keel/frame carries some structural loads
Rigid airship	Air; rigid hull + gas cells	Air propellers	Rigid structure maintains outer shape independent of gas pressure
Hybrid airship	Air; aerostatic + aerodynamic/propulsive lift	Air propellers/rotors	Combines buoyancy with dynamic lift or vectored thrust
Thermal airship	Air; heated-air elongated envelope	Air propellers optional	Airship form using thermal lift
Powered balloon	Air; balloon envelope	Compact fan/propeller	Balloon gains limited horizontal propulsion without full airship architecture
Variable-buoyancy airship	Air; aerostatic	Buoyancy control plus propulsors	Actively changes buoyancy rather than only ballast/venting
Indoor microblimp	Indoor air; small envelope	Battery micropropellers	Model-scale low-speed aerostatic vehicle in indoor envelope
Vacuum airship concept	Air; evacuated structure	Propulsors optional	Theoretical/experimental aerostatic recipe supported without asserting feasibility

#12.9 Rockets, launch systems, spacecraft, and planetary mobility

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Model rocket	Atmosphere/suborbital; ballistic	Solid/liquid/hybrid/cold-gas rocket	Model-scale launch article with recovery and range-safety context
Sounding rocket	Suborbital	Rocket stages	Carries experiment through suborbital trajectory
Suborbital passenger/research vehicle	Atmosphere/space	Rocket/spaceplane	Returns after non-orbital spaceflight
Orbital launch vehicle	Ground/air launch → orbit	Multi-stage rocket	Delivers payload to orbit through staged propulsion
Reusable booster	Launch/reentry/landing	Rocket; recovery propulsion/aero	Primary stage designed for controlled recovery and reuse
Expendable stage	Launch trajectory	Rocket	Stage intended to be consumed/discarded after burn
Strap-on booster	Launch stack	Solid/liquid rocket	Attached auxiliary stage separates from core
Upper stage	Near-space/orbit	Rocket	Performs orbital insertion or transfer after lower-stage separation
Kick stage	Orbit	Compact rocket/electric propulsion	Final payload deployment/transfer stage
Spaceplane	Atmosphere + space	Rocket/combined cycle + aerodynamic surfaces	Winged or lifting-body reusable orbital/suborbital vehicle
Reentry capsule	Space → atmosphere → surface	Ballistic/lifting reentry; parachute/propulsive recovery	Pressure vessel and thermal protection for return
Crew spacecraft	Space/orbit	Chemical/electric thrusters	Life support, crew control, rendezvous/docking and return
Cargo spacecraft	Space/orbit	Chemical/electric thrusters	Uncrewed logistics, delivery and disposal/return
CubeSat / small satellite	Orbit	Launch-deployed; optional micropropulsion	Standardized small form factor or small spacecraft mission
Large satellite / spacecraft bus	Orbit/deep space	Reaction control/electric/chemical	Bus hosts payload, power, attitude and communications
Space station / module	Orbit	Station keeping; externally assembled	Long-duration habitation/research infrastructure that remains a mobile orbital asset
Free-flyer	Orbit	Microthrusters/reaction control	Independent nearby spacecraft for inspection/research
Orbital tug	Orbit	Electric/chemical propulsion	Moves, deploys or disposes other spacecraft
Servicing vehicle	Orbit	Rendezvous propulsion + manipulators	Inspects, repairs, refuels or upgrades another spacecraft
Space tanker / depot	Orbit	Station keeping	Stores and transfers propellant/energy to other vehicles
Lander	Planetary/moon surface transition	Descent propulsion/airbag/aero/parachute	Transitions from flight/orbit to surface
Ascent vehicle	Planetary/moon surface → flight/orbit	Rocket	Launches from non-Earth surface
Planetary rover	Planetary surface; wheels/tracks/legs	Electric/nuclear-powered traction	Surface mobility under remote/autonomous control and delay
Planetary hopper	Planetary surface/ballistic	Rocket/spring/buoyancy	Moves between sites by repeated hops
Planetary hauler / crew rover	Planetary surface	Electric/nuclear traction	Carries crew/cargo with surface operations support
Orbiter / flyby probe	Planetary/deep space	Chemical/electric/gravity assist	Scientific trajectory around or past target
Sample-return vehicle	Surface/orbit/reentry chain	Multiple stages/capsule	Collects and returns physical samples through staged assembly
Solar-sail spacecraft	Space	Radiation pressure on sail	Propellantless thrust from photons
Tether spacecraft	Orbit/space	Electrodynamic/momentum-exchange tether	Long tether exchanges momentum/energy with field or another mass
Reentry body / return canister	Space → atmosphere	Ballistic/lifting descent	Compact payload protection and recovery vehicle
Escape / abort vehicle	Launch/atmosphere	Rocket or separation system	Separates crew/capsule from failing launch stack
Deployable subsatellite	Host-carried → orbit free-flight	Spring release; optional propulsion	Independent asset deployed from parent spacecraft

#12.10 Mobile robots, unusual locomotion, and confined-domain machines

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Differential-drive robot	Ground; two driven wheels/casters	Electric wheel traction	Heading controlled by left/right speed difference
Ackermann robot	Ground; four+ wheels	Electric/combustion traction	Steered wheel geometry approximates road vehicle kinematics
Skid-steer robot	Ground; wheels/tracks	Differential traction	Turns through slip between sides
Omnidirectional / mecanum robot	Floor; angled rollers/wheels	Independent wheel drives	Can translate laterally without changing heading
Spherical robot	Ground; rolling shell/ball	Internal mass/actuator	Whole body rolls as locomotion interface
Tracked robot	Ground; tracks	Electric/hydraulic track drive	Continuous contact and obstacle negotiation
Biped robot	Ground; two legs	Joint actuators	Alternating legged gait and dynamic balance
Quadruped robot	Ground; four legs	Joint actuators	Four-legged gait over terrain
Hexapod / multi-leg robot	Ground; six+ legs	Joint actuators	Static-stability gait and high contact redundancy
Humanoid mobile robot	Ground; legs/wheels + torso/arms	Joint/wheel actuators	Human-like morphology combines mobility and manipulation
Hopping robot	Ground/low gravity	Spring/actuator/rocket impulse	Discrete ballistic hops rather than continuous gait
Snake / continuum robot	Surface/confined space	Segment/continuum actuation	Undulating or shape-changing body provides locomotion
Inchworm robot	Surface/pipe	Alternating anchors + extension	Sequential grip and body extension
Wall / ceiling crawler	Wall/ceiling	Wheels/tracks/legs plus adhesion	Suction, magnetic, electrostatic or adhesive support
Magnetic inspection crawler	Ferromagnetic surface	Magnetic wheels/tracks	Magnetic support enables vertical/inverted movement
Cable-climbing robot	Cable/rope	Rollers/grippers	Locomotion constrained to cable infrastructure
Pipe / sewer crawler	Pipe/duct	Wheels/tracks/inchworm	Diameter/bends/flow define confined operating domain
Borehole sonde / logging tool	Borehole; cable/fluid	Winch, tractor or flow	Instrument vehicle moves through narrow deep bore
Burrowing / mole robot	Soil/rock	Auger, peristaltic body, drill	Creates or follows subsurface path through material
Soft robot	Surface/fluid/confined	Pneumatic/hydraulic/material actuation	Compliant body deformation is central mechanism
Modular self-reconfiguring robot	Multiple domains	Module actuators	Topology changes by coupling/decoupling modules
Swarm robot	Any domain	Local mobility per member	Collective capability emerges from effective-dated membership/coordination
Sidewalk delivery robot	Pedestrian ground	Battery wheels/legs	Small autonomous cargo service around people
Warehouse AMR	Indoor floor	Battery wheels	Free-ranging logistics under site/fleet orchestration
Telepresence robot	Indoor ground	Electric wheels	Remote human presence via camera/display/audio
Mobile manipulator	Ground base + arm	Any base plus manipulator	Mobility and end-effector work are co-primary
Agricultural field robot	Field	Wheels/tracks/legs	Cultivation, scouting, weeding or harvest task in crop environment
Firefighting / disaster robot	Hazardous terrain	Tracks/wheels/legs	Remote/autonomous operation with suppression, sensing or rescue tools
EOD / bomb-disposal robot	Ground	Tracks/wheels	Remote manipulation in hazardous regulated mission
Robot mower	Ground/grass	Battery wheel traction + blade	Bounded autonomous grounds maintenance
Robot vacuum / floor cleaner	Indoor floor	Battery wheel traction + cleaning	Small domestic/service mobile action platform
Battlebot / competition robot	Arena	Wheels/tracks/legs + regulated action tool	Competition rules, safety interlocks and arena operation
Mobile animatronic performer	Stage/site	Wheels/legs/hidden carrier	Character performance, synchronized media and public interaction
Medical capsule / microrobot	Inside-body/medical domain	Peristalsis, magnetic field, micropropulsion	Clinical device under strict human-rights, medical and containment boundaries

#12.11 Passive, externally moved, towed, pushed, carried, and ambient-driven vehicles

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Drawbar trailer	Road/site; wheels	Towed through drawbar	Own axles support load; towing connection transmits force/control
Semitrailer	Road; wheels + tractor fifth wheel	Towed	Part of load supported by tractor through fifth wheel
Full trailer	Road; front/rear axles	Towed	Carries own load vertically; steerable drawbar assembly
Dolly	Road/site; wheels	Towed	Converts or supports coupling between vehicle/trailer units
Caravan / travel trailer	Road; wheels	Towed	Passive road conveyance with habitation
Bicycle trailer	Ground; one/two wheels	Towed by cycle	Light cargo/child/pet conveyance coupled to bicycle
Boat / aircraft transporter trailer	Road/site; wheels	Towed	Cradle/restraint specialized to carry another vehicle
Towed agricultural implement	Field; wheels/skids	Tractor tow/PTO/hydraulics	Performs work while externally moved/powered
Unpowered wagon	Road/rail/field; wheels	Towed/pushed/gravity	Passive general conveyance
Sled / freight sledge	Snow/ice/ground; runners	Human/animal/vehicle tow	Sliding cargo conveyance
Unpowered railcar	Rail	Locomotive or gravity	Passive consist member with own role and history
Unpowered barge	Water; hull	Tug/pushboat/tow/current	Passive waterborne cargo platform
Towed glider	Air; wing	Aircraft/vehicle tow then glide	External launch transitions to gravity/aerodynamic flight
Parachute recovery system	Air; canopy	Gravity descent	Vehicle/person/payload descent and recovery assembly
Cargo pod	Host/carrier interface	Carried, towed or deployed	Modular conveyance payload with independent custody/identity
Intermodal container on chassis	Road/rail/ship assembly	Carried by vehicle	Container identity distinct from carrier and chassis
Towed sonar / sensor body	Submerged/air	Tow cable	Instrument trajectory supplied by another vehicle
Towed target / decoy	Air/water/ground	Tow cable	Regulated training/protection payload with own configuration
Aerial target drone	Air	Launched, towed or self-propelled	Regulated target mission; may transition from carrier
Drop probe / sonde	Air/water/space	Gravity, parachute, drift	Released sensor vehicle produces data while descending/drifting
Drifter / buoy	Water	Current/wind/wave	Ambient-driven observational asset
Counterweight conveyance	Guide/cable	Gravity and cable	Paired mass exchanges potential energy with vehicle
Human-carried palanquin	Ground; carried	Human carriers	Passenger conveyance entirely externally supported/moved
Animal-drawn wagon / plough	Ground	Animal pull	Animal actor provides force; vehicle/tool maintains separate identity
Carrier-mounted vehicle	Host support	Host carries until release	Asset remains a vehicle while stowed on mothership/transporter

#12.12 RC, model, scale, replica, prototype, and digital representations

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
RC touring / drift car	Model ground; wheels	Electric/nitro wheel traction	Scale road chassis configured for grip or controlled drift
RC buggy / truggy	Model off-road; wheels	Electric/nitro traction	Off-road suspension, tires and race class
RC crawler / scaler	Model terrain; wheels/tracks	Electric geared traction	Low-speed articulation/traction and scale appearance
RC drag / speed-run car	Model track	Electric/nitro traction	Straight-line acceleration/top-speed configuration
RC monster truck	Model terrain; large wheels	Electric/nitro traction	Oversized tires, suspension travel and stunt use
Tether car	Model circular track	Combustion/electric wheel traction	Physically tethered high-speed path without free steering
Slot car	Model guide slot	Track electricity → motor	Guide pin and slot constrain path
RC sailboat	Model water; hull	Wind → sails	Remote sail/rudder control; ambient propulsion
RC propeller boat / hydroplane	Model water	Electric/nitro → water propeller	Scale planing/hydroplane with submerged/surface propulsor
RC airboat	Model water	Electric/engine → air propeller	Model hull support with air-reacting thrust
RC submarine	Model submerged	Electric propeller + ballast/depth control	Remote underwater operation and pressure/sealing constraints
RC fixed-wing aircraft	Model air; wing	Electric/combustion propeller/jet	Remote pilot or autopilot; model scale and airspace rules
Free-flight model aircraft	Model air	Rubber/electric/combustion/glide	No active command after launch beyond onboard trim/control
Control-line aircraft	Model air; circular tether	Engine/electric propeller	Pilot commands through physical lines
RC helicopter	Model air; rotor	Electric/nitro/turbine rotor drive	Remote rotorcraft dynamics and control
RC multirotor / drone	Model air; rotors	Battery-electric rotors	Remote/assisted/autonomous model UAS
RC blimp	Model air; aerostatic	Battery micropropellers	Lift gas supports; remote propulsion/trim
Model train	Model rail	Track/battery power or passive	Scale rail vehicle/consist on model gauge
Model rocket	Model launch	Solid/liquid/hybrid rocket	Recoverable/consumable model flight article
RC construction/agriculture machine	Model ground	Electric/hydraulic	Functional scale work mechanisms and remote operation
Combat / competition robot	Model/arena	Electric mobility + action mechanism	Rule-governed competition machine with safety controls
Scale replica	Any model domain	Any corresponding mechanism	Physical asset linked by explicit represents/scale relationship
Functional prototype / test model	Any domain	Any	Validates selected geometry, dynamics, control or mission fidelity
Static display model	Stationary/display	None	Embodied replica but not admitted as a VehicleAsset unless designed for movement
Digital simulation twin	Digital	Simulated	DigitalTwin linked to asset/design; never conflated with physical vehicle

#12.13 Amphibious, multimodal, transforming, modular, and carrier-deployed vehicles

Canonical recipe family	Support + domain	Propulsion / mobility agency	Decisive differentiator
Amphibious car	Road wheels + water hull	Wheel traction + water/air propulsor	Same asset transitions road-to-water with mode-specific graphs
Amphibious truck / carrier	Ground tracks/wheels + buoyancy	Ground traction + marine propulsor	Heavy cargo/troop/utility operation across shore transition
Amphibious ATV	Ground wheels/tracks + flotation	Wheel/paddle/propeller	Compact off-road vehicle capable of water crossing
Amphibious bus	Road wheels + hull	Wheel traction + marine propeller/jet	Passenger service across road and water
Seaplane / flying boat	Water + air	Water taxi plus air propeller/jet	Water support transitions to aerodynamic lift
Roadable aircraft	Road + air	Wheel traction and/or air propulsor	Transforms/folds between legal road and flight configurations
Flying car / passenger eVTOL	Ground/vertiport + air	Electric rotor/propulsor; optional road drive	Personal/air-taxi mission with vertical flight and possible road mode
Submersible boat	Surface + underwater	Marine propellers/thrusters	Transitions buoyancy, pressure and control state to dive
Boat-caravan / floating motorhome	Road/water	Towed/road traction plus marine propulsion	Habitation persists across transport domains
Hovercraft	Land/water/ice surface	Air cushion + air thrust	Same support principle spans several surfaces
Wing-in-ground craft	Water/ground-effect air	Air propeller/jet	Operates between marine and aircraft regimes near surface
Wheel-track convertible	Ground	Traction through selectable wheels/tracks	Support/drive interface changes by configuration
Wheel-leg robot	Ground	Wheels plus articulated legs	Rolls efficiently and steps/climbs when needed
Air-ground drone	Ground + air	Wheel traction + rotors	One asset drives and flies under different control envelopes
Air-water drone	Air + surface/submerged	Rotors/propellers/thrusters	Transitions across air-water boundary
Carrier-deployed microvehicle	Host-carried → independent domain	Host release + own propulsion	Configuration and authority change at deployment/recovery
Transforming modular rescue machine	Multiple domains	Swappable wheel/track/rotor/leg modules	Topology, geometry and capability change by module set
Rocket-launched glider / aircraft	Launch/space → air	Rocket phase then aerodynamic glide/propulsion	Distinct staged movement regimes in one mission

Table

Catalog completeness test
If a new machine is absent from every row, onboarding still succeeds by recording its support path, propulsion/resource graph, steering/stopping/stability, control assignments, utility graph, operating envelope, configuration and evidence. A curator may later publish a new recipe without migrating the asset record.