The Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) is headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. ASC's mission is to rapidly develop, acquire, modernize and sustain the world's best aerospace systems.

ASC manages a wide variety of aircraft, missiles, and related equipment programs, including the F-22 Raptor, the Air Force’s air-dominance stealthy (low observable) fighter of the future, the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers for Air Combat Command. The B-2 Spirit is a stealthy aircraft designed to enter any airspace to carry out its mission virtually undetected. ASC continues development and acquisition efforts for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15 Eagle and F-117A stealth fighter, and it is spearheading management of a family of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for reconnaissance missions, including the Global Hawk and Predator.

In addition to the above, ASC also manages numerous other programs which are mentioned below and are very important to the Air Force mission.

The C-17 Globemaster III, which was developed and acquired for the Air Mobility Command, is a large-capacity, troop-and-equipment transport having both inter- and intra-theater capabilities. With its wide body and four powerful engines, the C-17 can airlift oversized loads such as an Army battle tank and the Apache attack helicopter. The design of the aircraft allows it to take off and land on runways as short as 3,000 feet.

The AC-130U Spectre gunship program for Air Force Special Operations Command, the new Combat Search and Rescue helicopter program for Air Combat Command, and the T-6A Texas II joint primary trainer aircraft and T-1A Jayhawk for Air Education and Training Command.

A recent addition to the ASC team is the Aeronautical Enterprise Program Office, set up to deal with issues across several types of aging platforms, such as replacing obsolete parts for viable combat avionics, aging wiring and corrosion effects on structural integrity as well as corrosion protection.

Another program office that ASC has responsibility for is the Advisory and Assistance Service Program Office, ASC/CXC. This office provides a wide range of diverse acquisition logistics, financial management, engineering, manufacturing, configuration data management, administrative support, security management, test and evaluation, government furnished property (GFP) management and litigation support required in the acquisition, development, production and sustainment of various equipment and weapon systems.

ASC’s newest family addition is the Airborne Laser System Program Office. It directs design, development, integration and testing of the revolutionary Airborne Laser weapon system for Air Combat Command to destroy missiles in boost phase.

Equipment programs at ASC are numerous, including the Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night system, which gives F-15E and F-16C/D aircraft low-level flying and fighting capabilities at night and under inclement weather; all new turbine-engine programs; and electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment. ASC’s 311th Human Systems Wing manages a variety of development and acquisition programs that focus on aircrew and ground support personnel.

ASC’s 74th Medical Group operates the Wright-Patterson Medical Center, a multi-specialty military treatment facility. As one of six regional Air Force medical centers, it serves more than 54,000 beneficiaries within a 40-mile radius as part of the more than 600,000 beneficiaries in DOD's seven-state Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). The center, with more than 2,000 assigned medical professionals, has a three-pronged mission that emphasizes referral, community care, and military readiness.

ASC also provides all the support necessary to operate and maintain one of the largest bases in the Air Force for both ASC and the 110 tenant organizations. Other customers include the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), AF-wide Mechanized Material Handling Systems, AF-wide library services, the National Aerospace Intelligence Center (NAIC), and the Air Force Security Assistance Center.

As the base’s host unit, ASC also includes the 88th Air Base Wing, with its duties similar to those of the government of a medium-sized city. The wing tends the grounds, orders supplies, and provides services such as training, transportation, and fire protection. The wing maintains more than 1,600 buildings on base, provides utilities, and administers a wealth of recreational opportunities. The 88th Air Base Wing manages two runways supporting an average of 48,000 aircraft operations annually. In addition, the wing provides security, communications, weather forecasting, legal, and chaplain services.

Air Force Security Assistance Center (AFSAC) develops and executes international agreements with friendly foreign forces to provide defense material, services and technology in support of US national security. AFSAC develops, negotiates, and manages security assistance programs and provides logistics support to more than 90 foreign countries. This involves furnishing support for approximately 9,000 aircraft, including 170 different models, ranging from vintage World War II fighters to modern F-15, F-16, and E-3 aircraft.

National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NAIC) is the sole national center for integrated intelligence of aerospace systems, forces and threats. NAIC provides tailored air and space intelligence products and services to their customers.

ASC’s Operational Contracting organization contracts for supplies, equipment, and work necessary for the operation and maintenance of Wright-Patterson AFB. See Chapter 3 for a listing of goods and services purchased in support of base operations.

Classes of equipment and services which may be purchased include the following: