This standard discusses USAF-specific AAS design requirements necessary to support fighter aircraft missions at airfields worldwide, and is to be used for acquisition purposes. AASs are designed to directly interface with fighter aircraft (via an engaging device such as the hook cable) during critical moments of operation; this situation could occur during an abortive takeoff or in the event of aircraft braking system failure during the landing roll. The fundamental function of an AAS is to safely prevent aircraft from overrunning the available runway boundary where obstructions or soft grounds are usually encountered.