Their hull was intended to be divided into 12 watertight compartments and it was designed with a double bottom that covered 70% of their length.

The new machinery was estimated to reach a speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) with only 19 standard atmospheres (20 kg/cm2; 280 psi) of pressure, greatly increasing the range compared to earlier torpedo boats with the same boilers.

[2][Note 2] The planned main armament of the Type 44s would have been four of the new 10.5-centimeter (4.1 in) KM44 dual-purpose guns in two twin-gun mounts, one each fore and aft of the superstructure.

Dedicated anti-aircraft defense would have been provided by ten 3.7-centimeter (1.5 in) guns[Note 3] in five twin mounts for which 20,000 rounds would have been stowed.

The Type 44s would also have been equipped with six above-water 533-millimeter (21.0 in) torpedo tubes in two triple mounts amidships and to carry 30 mines.