One of the defining features of the Hibiki class is its Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull (SWATH) design — a semi-submerged catamaran configuration rarely used on Japanese naval vessels.
The design consists of two torpedo-shaped submerged hulls connected to the upper structure by thin struts. Because much of the hull remains below the water surface, wave impacts are significantly reduced, allowing the ship to maintain stability and conduct sensitive acoustic measurements even in rough seas. The Hibiki-class has a top speed of 11 kt, according to the JMSDF. The vessels, each of which has a crew of 40, also feature a flight deck for helicopter operations.
