# Advanced combat direction system

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The **Advanced Combat Direction System** (**ACDS**) is a centralized, automated [command-and-control](/source/Command_and_control_(military)) system, collecting and correlating combat information. It upgrades the [Naval Tactical Data System](/source/Naval_Tactical_Data_System) (NTDS) for [aircraft carriers](/source/Aircraft_carrier) and large-deck [amphibious ships](/source/Amphibious_ship).[1][2] A core component of non-[Aegis](/source/Aegis_Combat_System) combat systems, ACDS provides the capability to identify and classify targets, prioritize and conduct engagements, vector interceptor aircraft to targets, and exchange targeting information and engagement orders within the battle group and among different service components in the joint theater of operations. ACDS integrates the ship's sensors, weapons, and intelligence sources to allow command and control of battle group tactical operations.[1][2]

The ACDS upgrade is divided into two phases designated as Block 0 and Block 1. The Block 0 system replaces obsolete Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS) computers and display consoles with modern equipment and incorporates both new and upgraded NTDS software.[1][2] Block 1 operates with the equipment provided under ACDS Block 0 but implements significant improvements in software capability. The Block 1 upgrade includes modifiable doctrine, the [Joint Tactical Information Distribution System](/source/Joint_Tactical_Information_Distribution_System) (JTIDS) for joint and allied interoperability, increased range and track capability, multi-source identification, [National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency](/source/National_Geospatial-Intelligence_Agency) (NGA) based digital maps, and an embedded training capability.[1][2]

## Program status

ACDS Block 0 was deployed in nine [aircraft carriers](/source/Aircraft_carrier), five [*Wasp*-class amphibious assault ships](/source/Wasp-class_amphibious_assault_ship), and all five [*Tarawa*-class amphibious assault ships](/source/Tarawa-class_amphibious_assault_ship).[1][2] The first installation of ACDS Block 1 began in FY 1996 with the aircraft carrier [USS *Dwight D. Eisenhower*](/source/USS_Dwight_D._Eisenhower) and the amphibious assault ship [USS *Wasp*](/source/USS_Wasp_(LHD-1)), followed by the aircraft carrier [USS *John F. Kennedy*](/source/USS_John_F._Kennedy_(CV-67)) in 1999 and the amphibious assault ship [USS *Iwo Jima*](/source/USS_Iwo_Jima_(LHD-7)) and the aircraft carrier [USS *Nimitz*](/source/USS_Nimitz) in 2001. ACDS was replaced with the Ship Self-Defense System ([SSDS](/source/SSDS)) Mark 2 as it was fielded across the fleet.[1][2]

## Developer/Manufacturer

[Raytheon](/source/Raytheon), [San Diego, California](/source/San_Diego,_California). ACDS Block I development, performance, and integration testing: Raytheon; [SPAWAR](/source/Space_and_Naval_Warfare_Systems_Command) Systems Center, San Diego, California; and the Integrated Combat Systems Test Facility (ICSTF) and [Naval Surface Warfare Center Port Hueneme (NSWC/PHD)](/source/Naval_Surface_Warfare_Center_Port_Hueneme) (Later, Combat Direction System Activity (CDSA)), [Dam Neck](/source/Dam_Neck), Virginia.[1][2]

## See also

- [H/ZKJ](/source/H/ZKJ)
- [Naval Tactical Data System](/source/Naval_Tactical_Data_System)
- [Ship Self-Defense System](/source/Ship_Self-Defense_System)

## References

1. ["Advanced combat data system"](https://web.archive.org/web/20061123180333/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/vision/vis98/vis-p11.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.navy.mil/navydata/policy/vision/vis98/vis-p11.html) on November 23, 2006. Retrieved August 17, 2016.

1. ["ACDS"](https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/an-syq-20.htm). Retrieved August 17, 2016.

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