RTT Craft Taxonomy

docs/Research/Spaceships_Aligned_With_RTT.md#

TriadicFrameworks · Research Branch · Canonical Reference

Overview#

The RTT Craft Taxonomy is a layered classification framework for mapping spacecraft archetypes against the Recursive Triadic Taxonomy (RTT). Each craft is evaluated across five hierarchical layers that together describe how a vessel operates, navigates dimensionally, sustains a working regime, manages drift, and maintains coherence across conditions.

This document is the canonical source for layer definitions, module structure, and session alignment guidelines.

Taxonomy Hierarchy#

The five layers are applied top-down during classification and bottom-up during coherence validation. Each layer inherits constraints from the layer above it.

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  LAYER 1 · OPERATOR                                     │
│  Who or what drives the craft's intent and agency       │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  LAYER 2 · DIMENSIONAL                                  │
│  What space(s) the craft is capable of traversing       │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  LAYER 3 · REGIME                                       │
│  The operating logic / rule-set the craft sustains      │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  LAYER 4 · DRIFT                                        │
│  How the craft departs from or resists nominal state    │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  LAYER 5 · COHERENCE                                    │
│  Whether the craft's layers resolve into a stable RTT   │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Layer Definitions#

Layer 1 — Operator#

What it captures: The locus of agency aboard or governing the craft. This is not merely crew composition — it encodes decision authority, feedback loop origin, and triadic role assignment.

RTT Alignment Rule: A craft is fully RTT-aligned at this layer only when its operator structure is TRIADIC or explicitly resolves to triadic balance under session conditions.

Layer 2 — Dimensional#

What it captures: The dimensional envelope(s) the craft is designed to navigate — physical, conceptual, or constructed. In RTT, dimensions are not merely spatial; they represent axes of structured differentiation.

RTT Alignment Rule: Transplanar and Multidimensional craft require explicit Regime and Coherence declarations. Liminal craft are flagged for Drift review before classification is finalized.

Layer 3 — Regime#

What it captures: The sustained operational logic of the craft — the governing rule-set that determines how it processes inputs, maintains stability, and interfaces with its environment. Regime is the craft's "grammar of function."

RTT Alignment Rule: RECURSIVE is the native RTT regime class. ADAPTIVE and EMERGENT craft may qualify for partial alignment with documented session justification.

Layer 4 — Drift#

What it captures: How the craft departs from — or actively resists — its nominal classified state over time or under perturbation. Drift is not failure; it is structured deviation and is a first-class RTT concept.

Drift × Regime Interaction: A RECURSIVE regime with PROGRESSIVE drift is a critical flag — the craft's self-modifying logic may be compounding deviation. Requires Coherence review.

Layer 5 — Coherence#

What it captures: Whether the four preceding layers resolve into a stable, non-contradictory RTT configuration for the current session. Coherence is the validation gate of the taxonomy.

Coherence is session-scoped. A craft rated FULL in one session context may be CONTESTED in another if session parameters shift. Always record the session context alongside the rating (see Session Context block below).

Canonical Module Structure#

Each classified craft entry follows this module template:

## [Craft Name / Designation]
 
**Source:** [Canon / Speculative / Original]  
**Session ID:** [e.g., RTT-2026-07-A]
 
### Layer Stack
 
| Layer | Class | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | `TRIADIC` | Crew of three; equal veto authority |
| Dimensional | `TRANSPLANAR` | FTL envelope crosses subspace boundary |
| Regime | `RECURSIVE` | Navigation AI self-updates routing logic |
| Drift | `OSCILLATING` | Periodic deviation during jump transitions |
| Coherence | `FULL` | All layers resolve; no cross-layer contradiction |
 
### Session Context
- **Conditions:** [Environmental, narrative, or analytical frame active during this session]
- **Assumptions:** [Any layer sub-class assigned by inference rather than explicit evidence]
- **Open Questions:** [Unresolved tensions flagged for future sessions]
 
### RTT Alignment Summary
> _One-paragraph synthesis of why this craft aligns (or doesn't) with RTT principles,
> referencing the specific triadic resolution across Operator, Regime, and Coherence._

Session Context#

Session context must be declared at the top of any multi-craft classification session. It scopes all Coherence ratings in that document section.

### Session Context Block
 
**Session ID:** RTT-YYYY-MM-[sequence]  
**Date:** YYYY-MM-DD  
**Analyst:** [Name / Handle]  
**Frame:** [e.g., Hard SF · Narrative Canon · Speculative Design · RTT Theory Application]  
**Scope:** [e.g., "FTL-capable craft only" / "All craft with autonomous operator class"]  
**Coherence Baseline:** [FULL / PARTIAL — minimum threshold for inclusion in aligned set]  
**Notes:** [Any session-level assumptions, source constraints, or methodology notes]

Classification Workflow#

1. IDENTIFY       → Name the craft and cite its source/canon
2. ASSIGN LAYERS  → Work top-down: Operator → Dimensional → Regime → Drift
3. CHECK DRIFT×REGIME → Flag recursive+progressive combinations before proceeding
4. RATE COHERENCE → Evaluate cross-layer consistency within the session frame
5. DOCUMENT       → Complete the canonical module block
6. REVIEW         → Re-evaluate any CONTESTED or INCOHERENT ratings in a follow-up session

Glossary#

Contributing#

When adding new craft entries:

• Always declare or reference the active Session Context Block
• Use exact sub-class labels from Layer Definitions (no ad hoc labels)
• Flag CONTESTED entries with a dated note — do not silently resolve contradictions
• Cross-reference the Drift × Regime Interaction rule before submitting RECURSIVE + high-drift combinations

TriadicFrameworks · RTT Craft Taxonomy · docs/Research/Spaceships_Aligned_With_RTT.md