The Det'tar class was a type of prospecting/mining vessel that was used by the Cardassian Union during the 24th century. (Ship Recognition Manual, Volume 2: Starships of the Cardassian Union) The Det'tar had powerful sensors to detect valuable minerals, which it could extract with its mining disruptors to cut apart asteroids and drill into planets and twelve enormous ore modules to transport these materials. The vessel was also armed to prevent predation on the vessel by pirates and thieves. The Cardassians sold thousands of Det'tars to various concerns throughout the Alpha and Beta Quadrants.