The Active Hull Cooling (AHC) system automatically controls the temperature of the ship skin in order to minimize the susceptibility of the ship to IR guided missiles. The AHC system augments the NBC water wash system by providing full wash-down of the ship structure.

The AHC system is comprised of the following main components:  

• Hull temperature sensors;

• Ambient environment sensors;

• Water flow control  valves, actuators, and sensors;

• Four types of water sprinklers, including the custom designed Davis fan nozzle for spraying hull surfaces;

• The Onboard Signature Manager (OSM).

Benefits of the AHC system:

• Full coverage of ship surface reduces IR signature from otherwise untreated sun-heated surfaces;

• Automatic control greatly simplifies hull cooling task for ship operator;

• System can be configured to only be activated in threat situations;

• Integrated with the ship machinery control system to ensure that fire and NBC systems take priority.