STEALTH technology vessel designs are exclusively based on catamaran hulls as these hull forms give a characteristically soft ride (most notably in rougher water), a proportionally larger deck area for a given hull length (for increased cargo or passenger load) and a lower running resistance than a monohull.

Using the HYSUCAT principle, hydrofoils are used to assist in generating a high proportion of the lift required for the vessel to plane. As this lift is generated at higher efficiency values than the hull planing surfaces, the overall efficiency of this hybrid combination is further increased.

Due to this combination of characteristics, HYSUCAT vessels typically operate in the 30 knot to 50 knot speed range. Considering that the appendage resistance of conventional propellers and drive-shafts for these fast craft can be significant, STEALTH technology vessel designs achieve a further reduction in power requirements by adopting the use of Surface Piercing Propellers.