Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration

An Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) enables the evaluation of mature advanced technology for usage by the United States Military. ACTDs allow technology evaluation earlier and cheaper than would be possible through the formal acquisition of new production capabilities. ACTDs must be sponsored by an operational user with approval and oversight from the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Advanced Systems and Concepts (DUSD(AS&C)). No ACTDs were initiated after 2006, when the DUSD(AS&C) initiated the follow-on Joint Concept Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program to emphasize multiservice technology development and improved planning for transition to operations.

ACTD programs
The following programs were completed under the ACTD framework
 * Global Hawk
 * DarkStar
 * JPADS