Several hull designs are studied with parametric based volume and area estimates to obtain preliminary hull forms. The volume and area study includes the effects of technologies which manifest themselves in the parametric study through stack length requirements. Subsequently, the hull forms are studied using a Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes analysis coupled with a vortex lattice propeller design code. Optimization is done through boundary layer control analysis and through studies on the effect of blade loading magnitudes and profiles. Several hull form afterbody shapes are studied to improve the powering characteristics of a full stern submarine. The hydrodynamic analysis includes the total contribution of the rotor, stator, duct, the body hull form and appendages on the submarine drag. Corrections are developed and applied to extrapolate the model scale hydrodynamic results to a full scale submarine. The end result gives a speed of the hull form which is used to optimize the overall submarine. The basic measure of the overall effect of stern taper is the maximum speed of the submarine while keeping the same shaft horse power propulsion plant, the same volume and the same area requirements. The hydrodynamic powering efficiency is discussed and evaluated using a power coefficient. The resulting designs have marked differences in length but similar displacements and similar maximum speeds. The results promise great potential for the full stern submarine.