memory beta

A development patch was a badge made by the Federation Starfleet to accompany starship development projects. Some of them included a graphical representation of the would-be ship. (ST reference: Deep Space Nine Technical Manual)

In the early 25th century, Starfleet development patches were on display in shipyards, like the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards. (STO mission: "First Contact Day")

Gallery

Akira-class Alita-class Andromeda-class Armitage-class Danube-class
Akira patch Alita patch Andromeda class patch Armitage patch Danube class development patch
Defiant-class Dervish-class Europa-class Excalibur-class Galaxy-class
Defiant-patch Dervish patch Europa development patch Excalibur patch Galaxy patch
Intrepid-class Luna-class Narendra-class Nova-class Olympic-class
Intrepid patch Luna patch Narendra Development Patch Nova patch Olympic patch
Pathfinder-class Prometheus-class Reliant-class Vesta-class
Pathfinder patch Prometheus patch Reliant patch Vesta patch