Astronomy and astrophysics with the advanced X-ray astrophysics facility

The Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) planned for launch in the middle of the next decade will be a powerful new tool to enhance our understanding of the Universe. In this paper we describe the principal elements: the optics and the instruments. We review the instrument capabilities in order that potential users of AXAF may plan supporting research in the years prior to launch. We also review several of the scientific questions which AXAF is well suited to address.