Onboard Signature Manager (OSM)

The AHC and SWI systems are controlled by the Onboard Signature Manager (OSM). OSM is built upon the NATO standard IR signature prediction code ShipIR/NTCS. Using real-time measurements of the ship skin temperature, ambient environmental conditions, and ship operating state, OSM is able to determine the optimal state of the SWI and AHC systems to minimize susceptibility to IR guided missiles. OSM can be software upgraded to be able to predict the ship's contrast IR signature in real time – providing important situational awareness for the combat officer.

Active Hull Cooling (AHC)

The full wash of the ship skin is achieved with the Davis Active Hull Cooling (AHC) system. When the combat officer identifies that the ship is in a threat situation, the AHC system automatically controls the flow of water over the ship surface to minimize its susceptibility to IR missiles.

Level IV

There are several options for achieving Level IV engine exhaust uptake and plume cooling: an oversized Eductor/Diffuser (space permitting); a fan-assisted Eductor/Diffuser; or an Eductor/Diffuser with a Sea Water Injection (SWI) system.

Level III

Level III engine exhaust uptake and plume cooling is achieved with the Davis Eductor/Diffuser or DRES-Ball.

The technologies required to achieve each of these levels exist today and are supplied by Davis.

Level II

Level II engine exhaust uptake cooling is achieved with the Davis Entraining Diffuser.

Both internal and external sources contribute to the total IR signature of a ship. Deciding to what extent to address each signature source is a complex problem, and in order to make the solution more tractable, Davis has grouped the treatments into four levels.