Aero class

The Aero-class (commonly "aeroshuttle") was a type was a type of shuttlecraft designed as an auxiliary support craft for Starfleet's  starships, where it berthed in a special docking port on the ventral side of the primary hull. The craft entered service with the Intrepid-class in the 2370s.

History
Following design ideals of the, the Intrepid-class, intended as a long range science vessel, was also equipped with a ventrally docked subordinate craft: the Aero-class shuttle. The craft was designed for atmospheric operations and short-term missions as a support vessel, much like the before it. The Aero also incorporated many developments pioneered with the new  runabouts.