What does asd stand for military?

What does ASD stand for in Military?

In the military, ASD stands for Aviation and Space Development. ASD is a term used by the United States military, particularly the United States Department of Defense (DoD), to refer to the development and acquisition of military aviation and space systems.

History of ASD

The concept of ASD dates back to the early 1980s, when the US military recognized the importance of developing advanced aviation and space technologies to maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries. In 1981, the US Air Force (USAF) and the US Navy (USN) established the joint ASD program to develop a new generation of military aircraft and space systems.

In 1992, ASD was formally established as a separate organization within the Department of Defense, with a mandate to develop and acquire advanced military aviation and space systems. Since then, ASD has played a crucial role in the development and acquisition of numerous military systems, including fighter jets, bombers, helicopters, missiles, and satellites.

**Key Responsibilities of ASD

ASD is responsible for a range of activities, including:

• Research and Development: ASD conducts research and development to identify and prioritize new technologies and capabilities, and to develop prototypes for testing and evaluation.
• System Development: ASD develops and acquires complete systems, including aircraft, missiles, and satellites, to meet the needs of the military services.
• Testing and Evaluation: ASD conducts testing and evaluation of new systems to ensure they meet military requirements and are safe and effective in operation.
• Fielding and Sustainment: ASD is responsible for fielding new systems in the military and providing maintenance and support to ensure continued operation.

**ASD Programs and Projects

ASD has been involved in numerous high-profile programs and projects, including:

• Joint Strike Fighter (JSF): ASD developed and acquired the F-35 Lightning II, a next-generation fighter jet designed for the US military and other countries.
• M-1 Abrams Tank: ASD developed and acquired the M-1 Abrams main battle tank, a armored vehicle used by the US Army.
• Delta IV Rocket: ASD developed and acquired the Delta IV rocket, a heavy-lift launch vehicle used by the US Air Force for a range of missions.
• Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS): ASD developed and acquired the SBIRS, a network of satellites used to detect and track ballistic missile launches.

**ASD Budget and Organization

ASD is responsible for managing a significant budget, with annual expenditures typically exceeding $10 billion. ASD is organized into a number of directorates, including:

• Science and Technology: responsible for conducting research and development activities.
• System Programs: responsible for developing and acquiring complete systems.
• Test and Evaluation: responsible for conducting testing and evaluation of new systems.
• Fielding and Sustainment: responsible for fielding new systems and providing maintenance and support.

**Conclusion

In conclusion, ASD is a critical organization within the US Department of Defense, responsible for the development and acquisition of military aviation and space systems. With a long history and a significant budget, ASD plays a vital role in ensuring the military has access to the latest technologies and capabilities to maintain its superiority on the battlefield.

Table: ASD Budget Overview

Table: ASD Programs and Projects (selected)

Note: The budget figures are approximate and based on publicly available information.