The "Skipjack"s' design (project SCB 154) was based on the USS "Albacore"'s high-speed hull design. The hull and innovative internal arrangement were similar to the diesel-powered "Barbel" class that were built concurrently. The design of the "Skipjack"s was very different from the s that preceded the "Skipjack"s. Unlike the "Skate"s, this new design was maximized for underwater speed by fully streamlining the hull like a blimp. This required a single screw aft of the rudders and stern planes. Adoption of a single screw was a matter of considerable debate and analysis within the Navy, as two shafts offered redundancy and improved maneuverability. The so-called "body-of-revolution hull" reduced her surface sea-keeping, but was essential for underwater performance. Also like "Albacore", the "Skipjack"s used HY-80 high-strength steel, with a yield strength of , although this was not initially used to increase the diving depth relative to other US submarines. HY-80 remained the standard submarine steel through the "Los Angeles" class.