Ablative ShieldA shield made of material that vaporizes when heated, absorbing thermal energy and protecting the shielded object from heat damage.
Ablative ShockA mechanical shock wave at the surface of an object exposed to intense pulsed electromagnetic radiation.
ABMactivity based management - a management methodology that combines ABC with business process analysis techniques to run, improve and measure performance…
ABM TreatyAnti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972, signed and ratified by the (former) Soviet Union and the United States, limiting deployment on each side to one…
ABM-X-3A terminal Soviet anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defense system using transportable phased-array radars and both long and short-range, high acceleration…
ACBAAirborne Communications Bus Architecture (USAF term).
ACC(1) Air Combat Command (USAF), Langley AFB, VA. (2) Air Component Commander. (3) Area Coordination Center. 3
Accidental LaunchAn unintended launch which occurs without deliberate national design as a direct result of a random event, such as mechanical failure, a simple human…
ACCSAutomated Command and Control System (USN AN/TSQ-73)
ACCTApplication of Common Characteristics and Testability (ISA CECOM term).
Acquire(1) When applied to acquisition radars, to detect the presence and location of a target in sufficient detail to permit identification.
Acquisition (ACQ)(1) (Sensor) The results of processing sensor measurements to produce object reports of interest to the system.
Acquisition CategoriesCategories established to facilitate decentralized decision making and execution and compliance with statutorily imposed requirements.
Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM)A memorandum signed by the milestone decision authority that documents decisions made and the exit criteria established as the result of a milestone…
Acquisition Field of View (FOV)The instantaneous volume viewed by the interceptors sensor during the process of searching its assigned volume.
Acquisition Life CycleFive phases, each preceded by a milestone or other decision point, during which a system goes through research, development, test and evaluation, and…
Acquisition LogisticsProcess of systematically identifying and assessing logistics alternatives, analyzing and resolving logistics deficiencies, and managing integrated…
Acquisition ManagementManagement of all or any of the activities within the broad spectrum of acquisition.
Acquisition PlanA formal written document reflecting the specific actions necessary to execute the approach established in the approved acquisition strategy and guiding…
Acquisition PlanningThe process by which the efforts of all personnel responsible for an acquisition are coordinated and integrated through a comprehensive plan for…
Acquisition ProgramA directed, funded effort that is designed to provide a new or improved materiel capability in response to a validated need.
Acquisition RadarRadar that searches a spatial volume and identifies potential targets from the background and non-hostile objects.
Acquisition RiskThe chance that some element of an acquisition program produces an unintended result with an adverse effect on system effectiveness, suitability, cost, or…
Acquisition StrategyA business and technical management approach designed to achieve program objectives within the resource constraints imposed.
Acquisition Strategy ReportDescribes the acquisition approach to include streamlining, sources, competition, and contract types throughout the period from the beginning of Phase I…
Acquisition StreamliningAny effort that results in more efficient and effective use of resources to develop or produce quality systems.
Acquisition, Tracking and Pointing (ATP)The process of acquiring within a given field of view a target (or targets) and maintaining a precision track of the same while enabling the pointing of a…
Acquisition/ Reacquisition TimeThe time required to establish or reestablish lock on the received signal. This includes carrier, symbol, frame, code, and crypto synchronization.