The Knox class design was derived from the Brooke-class frigate modified to extend range and without a long-range missile system.

[1] The ships were equipped with one Westinghouse geared steam turbine that drove the single propeller shaft.

The Knox class had a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,300 km; 5,200 mi) at a speed of 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph).

The ships were equipped with a torpedo-carrying DASH drone helicopter; its telescoping hangar and landing pad were positioned amidships aft of the mack.

Beginning in the 1970s, the DASH was replaced by a SH-2 Seasprite LAMPS I helicopter and the hangar and landing deck were accordingly enlarged.