This paper defines the planing hull form, presents a brief historical evolution of the craft, summarizes the recently develpoed technology and its impact upon design and application, and, finally, discusses the potential of the craft. The authors demonstrate the inappropriateness of stereotyping planing craft as small underpowered boats which must struggle to "get over the hump" and then subject the structure and personnel to severe pounding, wetness, and discomfort when operating in a seaway. It is shown that, by appropriate application of recently developed technology, planing forms have evolved which are devoid of "hump" problems, demonstrate excellent behavior in a seaway, have substantially useful load fractions, and have a potential growth up to displacements of nearly 1000 tons.