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Chapter 3
APPLYING QUANTITY-DISTANCE (Q-D) CRITERIA
Section 3A–General Q-D Guidance
3.1. Introduction. The term “Quantity-Distance” or “Q-D” refers to protection requirements from Potential Explosive Sites
(PES) to different kinds of exposed sites (ES). The Q-D standards were developed over many years and are based on
explosives mishaps and tests.
3.1.1. When an appropriate degree of protection can be provided either by hardening an ES or construction of a PES to
suppress explosion effects, these factors may be taken into account and the distance required by the standard Q-D tables may
be reduced. Submit construction designs with rationale or test results with the explosives site plan. See paragraph 4.11.4.5.
3.2. Types of Separations.
3.2.1. Inhabited Building Distance (IBD or IB). This is the minimum distance required to protect non-explosives related
facilities and personnel. At this distance some damage may still be expected (i.e. standard glass windows will shatter and
unstrenthened buildings will receive 5% damage). Apply IB separation to: (list is not all inclusive)
3.2.1.1. Base boundary. IB distance does not apply if the base or restrictive easement boundary is adjacent to land that is
open and both manifestly unsuitable for habitation and for public gatherings. The commander designates personnel to
perform a quarterly review of the area to ensure it remains open, uninhabited and unused. If any building construction,
habitation or recreational activity occurs, reduce explosives limits to the maximum amount allowed by the distance to the
new exposure. The commander, Facility Board, and facility user must be briefed and accept the need to reduce/eliminate
NEW in the user’s facility to prevent a violation should a new encumbrance occur before funding construction of the user’s
proposed facility.
3.2.1.2. Buildings/operations involving people not related to munitions/explosives work.
3.2.1.3. Main power houses providing vital utilities to a major part of the installation.
3.2.1.4. Essential warehouses, shops and other facilities that must not be placed at risk because of their vital nature in
supporting the mission.
3.2.1.5. Functions which would cause an immediate secondary hazard because of their failure to operate.
3.2.1.6. Joint DoD-Non DoD use runway.
3.2.1.7. Electrical transmission lines carrying 69KV or more, and the tower or poles supporting them, if the line in question
is part of a grid system serving a large off-base area. This distance is based on blast overpressure only, fragment distances
will not be used.
3.2.1.8. EOD facilities (offices, classrooms, shops) if they support multiple locations or organizations.
3.2.1.9. High density public traffic routes. These routes are considered “high density” if they have 10,000 or more car
and/or rail passengers per day, or 2,000 or more ship passengers per day . When making an estimate of traffic density, use
the default value of two passengers per car. Traffic density shall be averaged over a normal (non-holiday) week in terms of
the passengers during a 24-hour period. No specific minimum separation is required to roadways on DoD installations which
restrict public access.
3.2.1.10. Manned and unmanned ground control approach (GCA), radar approach control (RAPCON) facilities and air
traffic control towers that support a joint use airfield. (From all PES.)
3.2.1.11. Flight-line passenger terminals.
3.2.1.12. Structures such as concession stands or bleachers at open recreational sites.
3.2.1.13. Tanker aircraft loaded with fuel for refueling missions.
3.2.1.14. Manned GCA, RAPCON facilities and air traffic control towers, that support a military use only airfield, from a
non-flight-line PES. (Use incremental IBD.)
3.2.2. Public Traffic Route (PTR) Distance. This is the minimum permissible distance between PESs and public highways
or railroad lines. For HC/D 1.1 and 1.2, it is normally 60% of inhabited building distance. PTR and IB for HC/D 1.3 and 1.4
are the same. Apply PTR separation to: (list is not all inclusive) NOTE: Streets and roads on military (DoD) installations are
not usually considered public highways unless they are used for through traffic other than that related to the work of the
installation.
3.2.2.1. Open passenger load and unload areas.
3.2.2.2. Joint DoD – Non DoD use taxiway. A taxiway serving both DoD and commercial aircraft. A taxiway serving solely
DoD chartered, or Non-DoD aircraft on DoD authorized business is not joint use.
3.2.2.3. Open recreational facilities where structures are not involved (such as ball diamonds and volley ball courts) used for
morale and health purposes at air bases and other operational military activities. When recreation facilities are solely for offduty
military personnel at their duty location, neither blast nor fragment Q-D apply. This total relaxation of Q-D requirements
applies only when the PES and the ES are related closely as with a security alert force and explosives facilities for which they
are responsible; it does not authorize the building of elaborate structures that substitute for properly sited recreational
facilities or the collocation of unrelated military functions.
NOTE: When structures, such as concession stands or bleachers exists, apply IB criteria.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 56
3.2.2.4. Military only training areas or other combatant-type exercises and similar fixed facilities (including small
classrooms) designed for use by groups or classes.
3.2.2.5. Personnel exposed to explosives research, development and test operations that are conducted by remote control
procedures. Fragment protection will also be provided for personnel exposed to or involved in these type operations.
3.2.2.6. Unmanned GCA and RAPCON facilities that support a military airfield (from unrelated PES). For manned or
unmanned GCA and RAPCON facilities, supporting a military airfield, from a flightline PES, use Incremental PTR.
3.2.2.7. Medium traffic density. If routes have 400 or more, but less than 10,000 car and/or rail passengers per day, or 80 or
more, but less than 2,000 ship passengers per day, then 60% of the specified minimum fragmentation distance for IB applies.
Medium traffic density criteria apply, as a minimum, to recreational activity that is extensive and occurs on a regular basis. If
routes have less than 400 car and/or rail passengers per day, or less than 80 ship passengers per day, then no minimum
fragmentation distance is required. (This small number of passengers is considered low density.) Minimum distance shall be
based on blast criteria (K24/K30) only. NOTE: Streets and roads on military (DoD) installations are not usually considered
public highways unless they are used for through traffic other than that related to the work of the installation.
3.2.2.8. Incremental PTR distance will be used for electrical distribution lines (those carrying less than 69 KV) and the
towers or poles supporting them, and unoccupied electrical substations/transformer stations.
3.2.2.9. Transmission lines (those carrying 69 KV or more) can be at PTR if loss of the line will not create serious social or
economic hardships. Distance is based on blast overpressure only, fragment distance will not be used.
3.2.2.10. Aircraft battle damage repair training areas.
3.2.3. Intraline (IL) Distance. IL distances provide the minimum amount of protection to activities associated with
explosives. Applying IL recognizes the operational need for some people to be in the proximity of explosives while at the
same time preserving some mission capability in the event of an explosives accident. Unhardened facilities at this distance
will be extensively damaged and its occupants may be severely injured. Service provided by this facility (excluding sensitive
electronic equipment) should continue. In addition to the minimal protection to related activities, IL separation will prevent
propagation between two explosives locations. At IL distance, no propagation from the blast overpressure is expected, and
the probability of propagation from low angle, high velocity fragments is significantly reduced. Apply IL distance to: (See
paragraph 3.13 for specific applications of IL)
3.2.3.1. Any two explosives operating locations.
3.2.3.2. Explosives operating buildings from explosives storage locations. See paragraph 2.32 for operations allowed at
storage locations.
3.2.3.3. Activities that directly support the explosives operation or area.
3.2.3.4. Facilities of a tactical missile site where people are present.
3.2.3.5. Certain other facilities exclusively serving explosives areas or locations, see paragraph 3.13.
3.2.3.6. Construction activities exposed by explosives facilities or operations. This separation requirement applies to all
construction activities whether being accomplished by civilian or military personnel. If this separation cannot be maintained,
obtain a waiver as part of the Explosives Site Plan (ESP) package. Include a risk assessment and control measures. See
Chapter 5. For those construction projects that do not require a site plan, i.e. internal facility modifications or non-explosives
auxiliary storage facilities meeting NFPA criteria, document a risk assessment including the control measures taken. Locally
maintain the documentation until operations have been completed and personnel have permanently vacated the work site.
3.2.3.7. See paragraph 3.13 for additional guidance.
3.2.4. Intermagazine (IM) distance. This is the minimum distance between PESs to prevent one PES from simultaneously
detonating an adjacent PES. Maintaining IM is no guarantee that propagation from one PES to another will not occur, only
that they will not simultaneously detonate. NOTE: An exception to this principle is earth covered magazines (ECM);
maintaining IM between ECMs will not only prevent propagation, both simultaneous and delayed, but preserve the assets in
the adjacent ECM.
3.2.4.1. IM separation depends on the type of magazine, orientation, hazard classification, and quantity of explosives stored.
It is expected to prevent simultaneous detonation from blast overpressure from one magazine to another and offers reasonable
protection against propagation from fragment impact. It does not protect magazines, except possibly earth-covered
magazines, from severe structural damage. When less than required intermagazine separation exists between any two or
more explosives storage locations, the quantities of explosives in these locations must be added to form a single PES
encompassing the area and NEWs of the PESs which don’t meet IM distance. For this reason, any separation between
explosives locations less than IM distance may not be waived.
3.2.5. Minimum Distance. For some ammunition items, the IB, PTR, (and in some cases IL) distances may be reduced
below specified minimums, based on primary fragment or firebrand hazards that are created. When this is the case, the
minimum IB distance is specified by a number (indicating hundreds of feet) in parentheses as part of the hazard
classification. Also, for items inside buildings, minimum building debris distances may apply, even if the primary fragment
or firebrand distance is not prescribed. More detailed minimum distance guidance is given, by explosive hazard division, in
paragraph 3.5.
3.3. Concurrent Operations. When necessary to conduct more than one explosive operation within a single facility, the
operations must be arranged to provide a minimum of intraline protection either by distance or equivalent protection. See
paragraph 3.3.3. For example, a 12” reinforced concrete wall designed with a minimum compressive strength of 2500 psi
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 57
provides equivalent intraline protection, providing the detonation from the amount of HC/D 1.1 explosives does not breach
the wall. For breaching calculations, HC/D 1.2 will be treated as HC/D 1.1 when out of the packing container. When in its
approved packing and shipping configuration the NEWQD of HC/D 1.2 items will be based on the NEWQD assigned to that
national stock number.
3.3.1. The formula to determine the allowable Net Explosive Weight (W) for a known standoff distance (D) up to a
maximum of 20 feet is: W=9.88D.858 NOTE: The formula can not be used for distances beyond 20 feet.
3.3.2. The formula to determine Standoff Distance (D) for a known quantity of explosives (W) up to a maximum of 129
pounds is: D=(W/9.88)1.1655 (Additional detail and explanation of how to apply this formula may be found in AFJMAN 32-
1092 (AFM 88-22), Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions)
3.3.3. Partial calculated criteria to prevent breaching (intraline protection) based on a 12 inch reinforced concrete wall with
explosives 3 feet off of floor:
Table 3.1. Distance to Prevent Breaching (Intraline Protection).
Standoff distance (ft) 3 5 7 10 15 20
Maximum NEWQD(lbs) 25 39 52 71 100 129
3.3.4. Successive steps within a single explosives process or operation will be provided as much protection as practical, but
do not require separation. Maximum facility limits must be observed. If the successive steps are housed in separate facilities
provide IL separation between facilities.
3.3.5. A 12-inch reinforced concrete wall provides equivalent intraline protection for 5,000 pounds of HC/D 1.3 if packaged
in its shipping/transportation configuration and 300 pounds of HC/D 1.3 if it is not packaged.
3.3.6. A 30-inch reinforced concrete wall provides intraline protection against the effects of an item containing not more than
50 pounds of high explosives when the nearest part of the item is at least 3 feet from the wall and 2 feet from the floor.
3.3.7. A 36-inch reinforced concrete wall provides adequate protection against the effects of an item containing not more
than 70 pounds of high explosives. The same separation distance as stated in 3.3.6 above applies.
3.3.8. If an operation requires NEWs in excess of those that will prevent breaching of a wall, vacating the adjacent bay
would provide equivalent IL protection as long as the weight stays under 200 pounds of high explosives.
3.4. The Hazard Classification System.
3.4.1. The DoD hazard classification system is based on the system recommended for international use by the United Nations
Organization. It consists of nine classes for dangerous goods. Most ammunition and explosives items are included in “Class
1, Explosives.” Some items that contain a small amount of explosives and also one or more other hazardous materials may be
assigned to a different class (2 through 9), based on the predominant hazard. Any item that contains explosives, but is
assigned to other than Class 1 due to the predominant hazard, is considered to have a net explosive weight of zero for Q-D
determinations. Even though such items are assigned to other than Class 1, they will still have a DoD storage compatibility
group designation, and may be combined in storage with compatible Class 1 items. They do not contribute to the explosive
weight calculated for the storage site. When other than Class 1 ammunition items are stored alone, the storage site shall be
treated as a warehouse (see paragraph 3.18).
H3.4.2. A hazard classification is assigned for each ammunition and explosive item in the form and packaging in which it is
normally stored and offered for transportation as cargo in commercial or military vehicles. DoD final hazard classifications
are listed in TO 11A-1-46 and in the DoD Joint Hazard Classification System. DoD interim classifications are documented
in memoranda issued by the various DoD authorities listed in TO 11A-1-47.
3.4.2.1. Air Force organizations that develop, or first adopt for use, ammunition or explosive items are responsible for
obtaining hazard classifications using the procedures in TO 11A-1-47. The hazard classification reflects the type and degree
of hazard associated with the item and is used to determine the degree of protection (such as distance separation) needed for
various exposed locations and people.
3.4.2.2. When ammunition or explosive items are not in the form and packaging in which they are normally stored and
shipped, different hazard classifications may apply due to changes in spacing, orientation, confinement, and other factors.
Sometimes testing of unpackaged components may be required in order to demonstrate the validity of classifications used for
siting unpackaged ammunition, or conservative assumptions must be made about the potential severity of an accidental
explosion. In many cases, these “unpackaged” or “in-process” hazard classifications will be established and approved as part
of the site plan approval process described in Chapter 4.
3.4.2.3. Two hazard classification data elements are the net explosive weight (NEW) and the net explosive weight for QD
(NEWQD). The NEW listed in the Joint Hazard Classification System (JHCS) listing is the total weight of all explosive,
propellant, and pyrotechnic material in one article. Transportation regulations require documentation of the NEW on
shipping papers for transportation. The NEWQD is equal to the NEW unless hazard classification testing has shown that a
lower weight is appropriate for QD purposes. If the NEWQD is less than the NEW, the reason is usually that propellant or
other substances do not contribute as much to the blast effect as the same amount of high explosives would. In all cases
involving siting or QD, use the NEWQD. For example, when determining whether or not an explosive cargo load is within
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 58
the limit for which a hot cargo pad is sited, use the NEWQD. Other weights that may be of interest are listed in the JHCS,
including the high explosive weight (HEW), and the net propellant weight (NPW).
3.4.2.4. For assistance in determining the hazard classification for an item, contact AFSC/SEW.
3.5. Hazard Classes and Divisions. Class 1 is divided into six divisions which show the types of hazards expected:
3.5.1. Class/Division 1.1 (Mass-Detonating):
3.5.1.1. Items in this division are principally a blast hazard and may be expected to mass-detonate when a small portion is
initiated by any means.
3.5.1.2. These explosions generally cause severe structural damage to adjacent objects. Propagation may occur so rapidly to
explosives stored nearby which are unprotected from the initially exploding stack, that the quantities must be considered as a
single source for Q-D purposes. The combined shock wave, in this case, is the same as a single detonation of a charge equal
to the total of the stacks. (See simultaneous detonation in Attachment 1)
3.5.1.3. Items in HC/D 1.1 include bulk high explosives, some propellants, mines, bombs, demolition charges, some missile
warheads, some rockets, palletized projectiles loaded with TNT or Comp B, mass-detonating cluster bomb units (CBU), and
ammunition components having mass-detonating characteristics.
3.5.1.4. Explosives and munitions in HC/D 1.1 will also generally present a fragmentation hazard, either from the case of the
explosive device or from the packaging or facility in which the explosives are stored. Unless otherwise specified, a minimum
distance of 1250 feet will be used to separate HC/D 1.1 explosives NEWs of 450 pounds or more from inhabited buildings.
For NEWs less than 100 pounds the default minimum IB distance is 670 feet unless an item has an established fragment
distance greater than 670’ (See Table 3.22). For NEWs between 101-450 pounds use Table 3.8B. Some munitions items
have been tested and demonstrated to have less than the specified 1250 ft fragment hazard. In these instances, the minimum
IB distance will be given in parentheses where the hazard classification is listed, such as (07) 1.1 for a 700-feet minimum IB
distance. When items have a number in parentheses indicating a minimum distance less than 670 feet, that lower number
may be used when the munitions are in the open. For such items in buildings, the minimum distance ranges from 670 to
1250 feet, depending on quantity, as described above.
3.5.2. Class/Division 1.2 (Nonmass-Detonating, Fragment-Producing):
3.5.2.1. HC/D 1.2 items will not mass detonate when configured for storage or transportation if a single item or package is
initiated. When these items function, the results are burning and exploding progressively with no more than a few reacting at
a time. The explosion will throw fragments, firebrands, and non functioned items from the point of initiation. Blast effects
are limited to the immediate vicinity and are not the primary hazard.
3.5.2.2. The effects produced by the functioning of HC/D 1.2 items vary with the size and weight of the item. HC/D 1.2
ammunition is separated into three sub-divisions (1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3) in order to account for the differences in magnitude of
these effects for purposes of setting quantity-distance criteria. The more hazardous items are referred to as HC/D 1.2.1 items
and have an NEWQD greater than 1.60 pounds. The less hazardous items, referred to as HC/D 1.2.2, have an NEWQD less
than or equal to 1.60 pounds per item. These two HC/D 1.2 sub-divisions are shown below with their definitions:
HC/D 1.2.1: NEWQD > 1.60 pounds
HC/D 1.2.2: NEWQD < 1.60 pounds
3.5.2.3. The maximum credible event (MCE) for a specific class/division 1.2.1 item is the largest quantity of explosives
expected to explode at one time when a stack of those specific items is involved in a fire. MCEs will be included in the
JHCS and T.O. 11A-1-46 data for each class/division 1.2.1 item. If the MCE is not available, use the default MCE
determined by multiplying NEWQD in a single container by three. Access to the JHCS can be made through the internet at
www.dac.army.mil/es/est/hc.asp or with links through the Air Forces Safety Center Home Page at www-afsc.saia.af.mil.
3.5.2.4. The quantity distances specified for HC/D 1.2 ammunition achieve the desired degree of protection against
immediate hazards from an incident. Events involving HC/D 1.2 items lob large amounts of unexploded rounds, components,
and subassemblies, which will remain hazardous after impact. Such items are likely to be more hazardous than in their
original state because of possible damage to fuze safety devices or other features by heat and impact. Many types of
munitions containing sub-munitions, such as cluster bombs, can be expected to be projected out to distances as great as the
relevant inhabited building distances. Furthermore, it is impractical to specify quantity distances which allow for the
maximum possible flight ranges of propulsive items.
3.5.2.5. HC/D 1.2.3 (Unit Risk HC/D 1.2) is a special storage sub-division for munitions that satisfies either of the following
sets of criteria:
3.5.2.5.1. Munitions that do not exhibit any sympathetic detonation response in the stack test or any reaction more severe
than burning in the external fire test, bullet impact test, and the slow cook-off test; or
3.5.2.5.2. Munitions that satisfy the criteria for HC/D 1.6 except the item contains a non-EIDS device. See paragraph 3.5.6.
3.5.3. Class/Division 1.3 (Mass Fire). These items burn vigorously, and the fires are difficult to put out. Explosions are
usually pressure ruptures of containers, which may produce fragments (especially missile motors), but will not produce
propagating shock waves or damaging blast overpressure beyond intermagazine distance. A severe hazard of the spread of
fire may result from tossing about of burning container materials, propellant, firebrands, or other debris. Depending on the
amounts of burning explosive materials, their downwind toxic effects usually do not extend beyond IB distances.
3.5.4. Class/Division 1.4 (Moderate Fire, No Blast). These items present a fire hazard but no blast hazard. There is virtually
no fragmentation or toxic hazard beyond the fire hazard clearance required.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 59
3.5.5. Class/Division 1.5 (Very Insensitive Explosive Substances) (VIDS). This division comprises substances that have a
mass explosion hazard but are so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation or of transition from burning to
detonation under normal conditions of transport or storage.
3.5.6. Class/Division 1.6 (Extremely Insensitive Explosive Articles) (EIDS). This division comprises articles that contain
only extremely insensitive detonating substances and that demonstrate a negligible probability of accidental ignition or
propagation. Note: Fuzed HC/D 1.6 munitions must contain either an EIDS fuze or a non-explosive fuze (fuze contains no
explosives); otherwise the munition is classified as Unit Risk Hazard Division 1.2 (HC/D 1.2.3)
Section 3B--Q-D Application
3.6. General Information. Q-D separations are based on an acceptable level of damage between a PES and an ES. Q-D
principles consider factors that include:
3.6.1. The construction and type of PES.
3.6.2. The explosives content of the PES.
3.6.3. The construction of the ES.
3.6.4. The distance separating the PES from the ES.
3.6.5. Orientation of the PES and the ES in the case of igloos and modules.
3.7. Determining Explosives Content of Items. The net explosive weight (NEW) or the net explosive weight for QD
(NEWQD) of a specific explosive, explosive item, component or assembled weapon can be found in TO 11A-1-46.
3.8. Determining the Explosives Content of a PES. The combined bulk explosives weights of munitions items is not
necessarily the weight used for Q-D calculations. Q-D is based on the maximum credible event (MCE), or the worst case
explosion that is expected to occur. Follow these steps: (see paragraph 3.34 for tactical missiles).
3.8.1. Determine the explosives weight of each type of munition involved and the total NEWQD of each explosives HC/D.
3.8.2. When all items stored in a single building or location are of the same HC/D, use the applicable column of Table 3.3
for that HC/D.
3.8.3. When combining mass-detonating and nonmass-detonating ammunition and explosives (excluding HC/D 1.4),
consider the distance for the combined explosives weight of HC/D 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 first as HC/D 1.1 then as 1.2 and finally
1.3. The required distance is the greater of the three. HQ AFSC/SE grants exceptions to this policy when analyses or test
results demonstrate that the class division 1.1 (for liquid propellants) or 1.2 will not cause detonation of the class division 1.3
explosives.
3.8.4. When storing mixed sub-divisions of HC/D 1.2 munitions (HC/D 1.2.1, HC/D 1.2.2 and HC/D 1.2.3), consider each
sub-division separately and apply the greater of the distances. (Do not combine the explosives weights.)
3.8.5. For combinations of nonmass-detonating ammunition and explosives of different HC/Ds 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4, determine
the required separation for each HC/D according to Table 3.3. Use the greatest separation of those determined.
3.8.6. Very insensitive detonating substances (VIDS) (HC/D 1.5) are stored as though they were class division 1.1.
3.8.7. For extremely insensitive detonating substances (EIDS) (HC/D 1.6) refer to Table 3.10. When HC/D 1.6 munitions
are located with other HC/Ds, the following rules apply:
3.8.7.1. Consider HC/D 1.6 as HC/D 1.1 when stored with HC/D 1.1 or HC/D 1.5.
3.8.7.2. Consider HC/D 1.6 as HC/D 1.2 when stored with HC/D 1.2.
3.8.7.3. Consider HC/D 1.6 as 1.3 when stored with HC/D 1.3.
3.8.7.4. Munitions that satisfy the criteria HC/D 1.6 except the item contains a non-EIDS device, consider as HC/D 1.2.3.
3.8.8. The Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) assigns EIDS loaded ammunition or fuzes to either
HC/D 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 or 1.6 depending on design and configuration. See TO 11A-1-46 for the assigned classification. US titled
munitions with EIDS have been certified for classification as 1.4 (except in the United Kingdom where HC/D 1.2 must be
applied) with compatibility Group N. If dissimilar Group N munitions are mixed together and have not been tested to assure
non-propagation, the mixed munitions are considered to be 1.2D. When EIDS ammunition is stored with compatible items of
other HC/Ds, the most restrictive HC/D present applies to the combination.
3.8.9. US personnel and US titled munitions must be accorded the Q-D separation standards required by USAF/DoD, even at
foreign locations. US units will document their adherence to these standards by showing that US ESs are located at the
required separation distances from host nation PESs. US ESs will be sited according to Chapter 4, and host nation PESs
identified, on site plans. Host nation PES explosives clear zone arcs will be based on the maximum NEW the host nation
indicates will ever be present at that PES location. The identification of host nation PESs does not constitute "siting" because
the US does not authorize NEWs for host nation facilities not under US control. When reasonable efforts fail to obtain the
explosives contents of host nation facilities that may be hazarding US Air Force facilities and personnel, the responsible
safety staff estimates the type and quantity of explosives. Base estimates on knowledge of the host nation’s military mission
and type of facility involved (i.e., igloo, HAS, maintenance facility, above ground magazine, etc.) As a general rule, estimate
the maximum explosives contents shown in paragraph 3.11.3 using Air Force standards, (i.e., the type of facility, distances
and explosives involved). If a violation of US criteria to US targets is possible based on this analysis, obtain a waiver or
exemption as outlined in chapter 5. If correction of the problem is beyond US capabilities, notify the host nation commander
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 60
by letter from the waiver approval level, as ascertained by use of the nomograph in chapter 5. Attach to this letter enough
information to convey the location, nature and extent of the potential explosives hazards. While other countries are not
obligated to follow our rules, it may be helpful to explain to our hosts that US Q-D standards are enforced on our bases, and
are based on testing, experience, and scientific analysis.
3.9. Exposed Sites. Most common exposed sites are defined in Attachment 1 and listed in Table 3.3.
3.10. Measuring Distance.
3.10.1. Measure the distance to or from the outside of the nearest wall of the structure or room containing explosives.
3.10.2. When a structure is subdivided so that mass detonation between compartments will not occur, measure from the
outside of the nearest wall of the compartment containing the greatest quantity distance hazard.
3.10.3. Take measurements for open storage, such as modules and revetments, from stack face to stack face.
3.10.4. Where explosives are outdoors, in a vehicle or on aircraft parked in the open or in unhardened protective shelters,
measure distances to the explosives.
3.10.5. In hardened aircraft shelters (HAS), measure distances from the external wall of the shelter or stall containing the
explosives or explosives-loaded aircraft.
3.10.6. Measure distance from the center of large missile silos, launchers or launch pads.
3.10.7. Measure from the munition, unless it is in a HAS, then from the edge of the HAS, to the nearest point of a
nonexplosives location, building, aircraft or taxiway.
3.10.8. Measure to the centerline of the runway.
3.10.9. Measure to the nearest edge of open recreational areas. For golf courses, measure to the nearest edge of the tee or
green or to the centerline of the fairway.
3.10.10. Determine front, rear and side exposures to and from igloos and a HAS according to Figure 3.4.
3.10.11. Measure separation distances along a straight line except as noted in paragraph 3.10.13.
3.10.12. Express all distances in feet.
3.10.13. For large intervening topographical features such as hills, measure distance over or around the feature, whichever is
shortest.
3.10.14. Measure from the edge of pads around operating locations if munitions will be positioned on these pads.
3.11. Determining Q-D Separations. Table 3.3 shows the Q-D criteria for each HC/D, type of PES, and type of ES.
Special consideration for specific facilities is shown in Section C. Separation criteria generally fall into two categories:
3.11.1. K-Factors. Net explosives weight is used to calculate Q-D separations by means of the formula: D=KW1/3
Where: D = required distance (in feet),
K = protection factor depending on the degree of risk assumed or permitted
W1/3 = cube root of the net explosives weight (in pounds)
Distance requirements are sometimes expressed by the value of K, using the terminology K9, K11, K18, to mean K equals 9,
K equals 11, K equals 18, etc. When the criteria are expressed as a K-factor, go to the applicable column of Table 3.6 to find
the required separation corresponding to the explosives content of the PES under consideration. For an existing PES, the
maximum explosives content allowed is determined by the actual distance to the ES, as shown in the applicable column of
Table 3.6.
3.11.2. Minimum Distances. While K-factor criteria provide protection against blast, minimum distances, when shown in
Table 3.3, are based on fragment distances (paragraph 3.2.5.) and provide protection from most hazardous fragments. As
such, these distances cannot be reduced, except for some specific exceptions listed in the notes to Table 3.3 and in paragraphs
3.32 through 3.39. Minimum distances fall into two categories:
H3.11.2.1. General distances for HC/D 1.1. Where specific item testing or analogy has not established a fragment distance
for a HC/D1.1 item, or when structure debris is involved, a 1250 feet minimum IB distance is required in most cases (see
Table 3.26 for exceptions).
3.11.2.2. Specific minimum distances for HC/D 1.2 and some HC/D 1.1 and 1.3 explosives. Based on testing or analogy,
fragment distances have been determined for some specific stocklisted items. Specific minimum distances, when known, are
shown in hundreds of feet by a numerical Figure (in parentheses) to the left of the HC/D designator. For example, (07)1.1
would indicate a HC/D 1.1 item with a 700-feet-minimum IB distance. Minimum PTR distance (paragraph 3.2.2.) would be
60 percent of 700 feet, or 420 feet.
NOTE: These are minimum distances for HC/D 1.1 items stored or used in an open area. For large quantities of hazard
HC/D 1.1 items, consider the total NEWQD content of the PES since the overpressure may require a greater separation.
Large quantities exist when the maximum credible event exceeds the following limits:
a. (04) 1.1--1,000 lbs
b. (05) 1.1--1,953 lbs
c. (07) 1.1--5,359 lbs
d. (08) 1.1--8,000 lbs
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 61
e. (12) 1.1--27,000 lbs
f. (14) 1.1--42,875 lbs
g. (18) 1.1--91,125 lbs
3.11.2.3. The quantity of explosives allowed in each PES is the most restrictive amount based on analyzing the nearest IM,
IL, PTR, IB or other exposed site (ES) using the criteria in Table 3.3. Where the intersecting block in Table 3.3 shows one or
more K-factors and minimum distances, the required separation is the greater of those calculated by K-factor or minimum
distances.
Where there are two or more adjacent ESs, the quantity allowed at the PES is the smallest of the amounts permitted by
considering each ES in turn. Use the criteria in Table 3.3.
3.11.2.4. Where explosives are located in a common facility or location and are further subdivided into groups by
intermagazine distance or equivalent protection, the subdivision requiring the greatest distances apply. Where IM or
equivalent protection is not provided, use the total NEWQD of all explosives.
3.11.3. Regardless of actual separations, maximum quantity limitations for certain hazard HC/Ds and type of PES, are as
follows:
Table 3.2. Maximum HC/D 1.1 Explosives Allowed.
Type PES NEW (lbs)
Igloo (7-Bar, 3-Bar & Undefined), (7-Bar Navy box type A&B) and
Aboveground Magazines
500K
Igloo (7-Bar Navy box type C, D, E &F) 350K
Nonstandard igloo (See Note) and Modules at K1.1 250K
Aircraft shelters 11K
Ready service storage facilities 22K
Combat aircraft parking area 50K
NOTE: Non-Standard igloos sited prior to February 1999 for explosives weights not exceeding 250,000 pounds remain
valid. Future sitings, including those where these igloos are ES’s, must reflect the appropriate criteria in Table 3.3.
3.11.4. TO 11N-20-7, Nuclear Safety Criteria, provides active materials storage standards for nuclear weapons and when
more restrictive, those requirements override Q-D criteria in this manual.
3.11.5. If unable to verify Q-D criteria for a specific weapon system or a given situation, contact the appropriate MAJCOM
for instructions. Such cases may include unusual circumstances, configurations, protection or hazards.
H3.11.6. Separate the following hardened facilities at reduced intraline (related facility) distance based upon their degree of
hardening. Locate occupied facilities no closer than 300 feet from any PES HAS (except 3rd generation) sited for more than
500 lbs NEW. Locate no closer to 3rd generation PES HAS than the minimum distances in note 62 to Table 3.3. For HC/D
1.2 items, use incremental related facility criteria (no minimum fragment distance) for these facilities.
3.11.6.1. Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Storage Facility - K9. The Q-D for hardened LOX generation facilities is the same as the
Q-D for hardened LOX storage tanks.
3.11.6.2. POL Truck Shelters - K9. Parking area for fuel service trucks unrelated to the PES, use IBD
3.11.6.3. Chemical Biological Radiological (CBR) Collective Protection Facility - K7.
3.11.6.4. Hardened Squadron Operations Facility--K7.
3.11.6.5. Response Force Tactical Facility (RFTF)--K9.
3.11.6.6. Survivable Collective Protection System (SCPS) with 5 feet of Earth Cover - K3. With less than 5 feet of earth
cover (never less than three feet), - K5. SCPS built before 1 September 1988 at less than 300 feet do not require a waiver or
exemption.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 62
HTable 3.3. Quantity Distance Criteria.
HAZARD CLASS/DIVISION 1.1 (35)
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
L BARRI- ABOVE ABOVE OPERATING OPERATING OPERATING MISSILE L
I CADED GROUND GROUND LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION BATTERY I
N
FROM:
POTENTIAL
EXPOSION
SITE (PES)
EARTH COVERED
IGLOO (1) MODULE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE REMOTELY UNBARRI- BARRI- DEFENSIVE N
E UNBARRI- BARRI- CONTROLLED CADED CADED E
SIDE REAR FRONT CADED CADED
(61) (61) (5)(39) (38) (2) (3) (5) (2) (3) (5) (76) (46) (5) (3) (46) (5)
TO:
EXPOSED
SITE (ES)
(72)(80)
1 7 Bar K1.25 (14) K1.25 (14) K2.75 (14) K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 1
Side 3 Bar K1.25 (14) K1.25 (14) K2.75 (14) K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
EARTH Undef K1.25 (63) K1.25 (63) K4.5 (63) K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
COVERED " K2 (64) K2 (64) K6 (64)
2 IGLOO (1) 7 Bar K1.25 (14) K1.25 (14) K2 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 2
Rear 3 Bar K1.25 (14) K1.25 (14) K2 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
Undef K1.25 (14) K1.25 (14) K2 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
3 Front 7 Bar K2.75 (14) K2 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 3
39)Unbarri 3 Bar K4.5 K4.5 K9 K9 K9 K9 K9 K9 K9 K9
(5) -caded Undef K6 K6 K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 K11
4 Front 7 Bar K2.75 (14) K2 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 4
Barri 3 Bar K4.5 K4.5 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
-caded Undef K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
5 5
K6 K6 K11 K6 K11 K6 K11 K11 K6 K11
(7) (78) (7)
ABOVE GROUND
MAGAZINE
UNBARRICADED (2)
6 6
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
ABOVE GROUND
MAGAZINE
BARRICADED
(2) (3)(5)
7 7
K1.25 K1.25 K6 K1.1 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6
(14) (14) (4)
BARRICADED
MODULE (38)
8 8
K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K24 K18 K18 K18
(6) (61) (6) (61) (61) (6) (6) (6)
OPERATING
LOCATION
UNBARRICADED
9 9
K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K24 K18 K18 K18
(6) (61) (6) (61) (6) (61) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6) (6)
OPERATING
LOCATION
BARRICADED
(3) (5)
10 10
K30 K30 K30 K30 K30 K30 K30 K30 K30 K11
(7)(23)(68)
COMBAT
AIRCRAFT
PARKING AREA
(65)
11 11
K6 K6 K11 K6 K11 K6 K30 K11 K6 K11
(68) (68) (7)(68) (68) (7)(68) (68) (7)(68) (68) (7)(23)(68)
AIRCRAFT
EXPLOSIVES
CARGO (32)
PARKING AREA
12 12
K6 K6 K11 K6 K11 K6 K24 K11 K6 K11
(7) (7) (7) (7)
FLIGHTLINE
MUNITIONS
HOLDING AREA
13 13
K5 K5 K8 K8 K8 K8 K24 K8 K8 K18
(51) (51) (51) (51) (51) (51) (51) (51) (50)
HARDENED
AIRCRAFT
SHELTER (12) (37)
14 14
K6 K6 K11 K6 K11 K6 K24 K11 K6 K11
(7) (7) (7) (7)
DEFENSIVE
MISSILE
BATTERY
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 63
HTable 3.3. Continued.
Hazard Class/Division 1.1 (35) Hazard Class/Division 1.2 HC/D 1.3 HC/D 1.4
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
HARDENED HARDENED ALL ALL
L COMBAT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT-LINE AIRCRAFT AIRCRAFT TYPES TYPES L
I AIRCRAFT EXPLOSIVE MUNITIONS SHELTER SHELTER OF OF I
N PARKING CARGO HOLDING (EXCEPT 3RD POTENTIAL POTENTIAL N
E AREA PARKING AREA 3RD GENERATION
ALL TYPES OF POTENTIAL
EXPLOSION SITES
(10)(11) (13)(15)(57)(73)(74)(78)
EXPLOSION EXPLOSION E
AREA GENERATION 1.2.1 1.2.1 1.2.2 (xx)1.2.3 SITES SITES
(18)(37) (32) (30) (12)(13) (12)(13) MCE MCE (13) (21) (13)(19)
(67) (37)(70) (37)(70) >100 lbs <100 lbs (31)(55)(76) (20)(71)
1 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 1
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 (26) (26) (26) (26) (26)
2 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 K4.5 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 2
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 (26) (26) (26) (26) (26)
3 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 3
K9 K9 K9 K9 K9 MIN (26) MIN (26) MIN (26) MIN (58) MIN
K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 300’ MIN 200’ MIN 100’ MIN (26) (26)
4 K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 50’ 4
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 (26) (26) (26) (26) (26)
5 300’ 200’ 100’ 50’ 50’ 5
K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
(7) (7) (7) (8) (8) (16)(75) (16)(75) (16)(75) (26) (26)
(78) (78) (78) (75)(78) (78)
6 300’ 200’ 100’ 50’ 50’ 6
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
(16)(75) (16)(75) (16)(75) (26) (26)
(75)
7 300’ 200’ 100’ 50’ 50’ 7
K6 K6 K6 K6 K6 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
(16) (16) (16) (26) (26)
8 T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 50’ 8
K18 K18 K18 K18 IL at IL IL IL .36(IB) (58) MIN
(6) (6) 300’ MIN Note 62 300’ MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN 50' MIN (26)
(6)(40)(41) (77) (77) (26)
9 T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 50’ 9
K18 K18 K18 K18 IL at IL IL IL .36(IB) (58) MIN
(6) (6) 300’ MIN Note 62 300’ MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN 50' MIN (26)
(6)(40)(41) (77) (77) (26)
10 T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 50’ 10
K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) (59) MIN
(7)(22)(23)(68) (7)(23)(68) (7)(23) (68) (8)(23) (68) (8)(23) (68) 300’ MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN (26)(29)
(17)(77) (17) (17) (17)
11 300’ 200' 100’ 50' 50’
K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58)) MIN
(7) (68) (7)(68) (7)(68) (8)(68) (8) (68) (17) (17) (17) (17) (26)(29)
11
12 300’ 200' 100’ 50' 50’ 12
K11 K11 K11 USE USE MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
(7) (7) (7) TABLE TABLE (16)(17) (16)(17) (16)(17) (17) (26)
3.17 3.17
13 300’ 200' 100’ 50' 50’ 13
K18 K18 SEE SEE SEE MIN MIN MIN MIN (58)) MIN
(50) (50) PARA PARA PARA (16)(17) (16)(17) (16)17) (17)(26)
3.20 3.20 3.20
14 300’ 200' 100’ 50' 50’ 14
K11 K11 K11 K11 K11 MIN MIN MIN MIN (58) MIN
(7) (7) (7) (8) (8) (16) (16) (16) (26)
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 64
HTable 3.3. Continued.
HAZARD CLASS/DIVISION 1.1 (35)
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
L BARRI- ABOVE ABOVE OPERATING OPERATING OPERATING MISSILE L
I CADED GROUND GROUND LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION BATTERY I
N
FROM:
POTENTIAL
EXPOSION
SITE (PES)
EARTH COVERED
IGLOO (1) MODULE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE REMOTELY UNBARRI- BARRI- DEFENSIVE N
E UNBARRI- BARRI- CONTROLLED CADED CADED E
SIDE REAR FRONT CADED CADED
(61) (61) (5)(39) (38) (2) (3) (5) (2) (3) (5) (76) (46) (5) (3) (46) (5)
TO:
EXPOSED
SITE (ES)
(72)(80)
15 RUN- K21/30 K15/30 K21/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 NONE 15
WAY 750’ MIN 750’ MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN REQUIRED
(30) (30) (30) (30) (30) (30) (30) (30)
16 TAXI K18 K18 K21/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 NONE 16
WAY (30) (30) 750’ MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN REQUIRED
(30) (30) (30) (30) (30) (30)
AIRFIELD
MILITARY
USE
ONLY
(66
17 RUN- K35/50 K25/50 K35/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 17
WAY 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN
(47) (52) (47) (52) (47) (52) (47) (47) (47) (47) (47)
18 TAXI K21/30 K15/30 K21/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 18
WAY 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN
(48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (48) (48) (48) (48)
AIRFIELD,
JOINT
MILITARY/
NON
MILITARY
USE (66)
19 K35/50 K25/50 K35/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K30 19
1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN (43)
(42)(47)(52 (42)(47)(52 (42)(47)(52 (42) (47) (42) (47) (42) (47) (42) (47) (42) (47)
NON-EXPLOSIVES
LOADED
AIRCRAFT (79)
20 K21/30 K15/30 K21/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K30 20
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN
(48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (48) (48) (48) (48)
PASSENGER
LOAD/UNLOAD
AREA (45)
21 21
K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K24 K18 K18 K18
FACILITIES FOR
COMBAT A/C
ALERT FORCES (49) (61) (61) (61)
22 K21/30 K15/30 K21/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 22
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN
(48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (48) (48) (25) (48) (25) (48)
ABOVE GROUND
UTILITIES, EXCEPT
POWER LINES
(6)(24)
23 23
K3 K3 K3 K3 K3 K3 K3 K3 K3 K3
80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN
UNDERGROUND
UTILITIES & BULK
POL FACILITIES
(24)( 44)
24 K35/50 K25/50 K35/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 24
1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN
(47) (54) (47) (54) (47) (54) (47) (47) (47) (47) (47)
ABOVE GROUND
BULK POL
FACILITIES
(44)
25 K21/30 K15/30 K21/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 25
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN
(48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (48) (48) (48) (48)
PUBLIC
TRAFFIC
ROUTE (9)
26 K21/30 K15/30 K21/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 26
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN
(48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (53) (48) (48) (48) (48) (48)
RECREATION
AREA/
FACILITY (34)
27 27
K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K18 K24 K18 K18 K18
(6)(41)(61) (6)(41)(61) (6)(41)(61) (6) (41) (6) (41) (6) (41) (6) (41) (6) (41) (6) (41)
RELATED
FACILITY
(36)
28 K35/50 K25/50 K35/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 28
1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN
(47) (52) (47) (52) (47) (52) (47) (47) (47) (47) (47)
INHABITED
BUILDING
(60) (33)
COLUMN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 65
HTable 3.3. Continued.
Hazard Class/Division 1.1 (35) Hazard Class/Division 1.2 HC/D 1.3 HC/D 1.4
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
HARDENED HARDENED ALL ALL
L COMBAT AIRCRAFT FLIGHT-LINE AIRCRAFT AIRCRAFT TYPES TYPES L
I AIRCRAFT EXPLOSIVE MUNITIONS SHELTER SHELTER OF OF I
N PARKING CARGO HOLDING (EXCEPT 3RD POTENTIAL POTENTIAL N
E AREA PARKING AREA 3RD GENERATION
ALL TYPES OF POTENTIAL
EXPLOSION SITES
(10)(11)(13)(15)(57)(73)(74)(78)
EXPLOSION EXPLOSION E
AREA GENERATION 1.2.1 1.2.1 1.2.2 (xx)1.2.3 SITES SITES
(18)(37) (32) (30) (12)(13) (12)(13) MCE MCE (13) (21) (13)(19)
(67) (37)(70) (37)(70) >100 lbs <100 lbs (31)(55)(76) (20)(71)
15 NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 15
REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) 17)(30) MIN
(56) (56) (56) (56) (56) 300’ MIN 200’ MIN 100’ MIN (59) (17)
(17)(30)(77) (17)(30) (17)(30) (17)(30)
16 NONE NONE NONE NONE NONE T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 16
REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) (17)(30) (59) MIN
300’ MIN 200’ MIN 100’ MIN
(56) (56) (56) (56) (12)(56) (17)(27)(30)(77
)
(17)(27)(30) (17)(27)(30) (17)(27)(30) (17)
17 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40 REAR IB at T3.8/3.9 T3.8/ T3.10 T3.13 100’ 17
1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN K62 SIDE Note 62 IB IB IB IB (59) MIN
(47) (47) (47) K50 FRONT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN (xx) MIN
(40) (77) (77)
18 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 REAR PTR at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 18
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN K37 SIDE Note 62 PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) (27) (59) MIN
K30 FRT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN
(48) (48) (48) (40) (77) (77) (27)
19 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40 REAR IB at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 19
1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN K62 SIDE Note 62 IB IB IB IB (43) (59) MIN
(43)(47) (43)(47) (43)(47) K50 FRONT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN (xx) MIN (43)
(40) (43)(77) (43)(77) (43) (43)
20 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 REAR PTR at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 20
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN K37 SIDE Note 62 PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) (59) MIN
(48) (48) (48) K30 FRT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN
(40) (77) (77)
21 K18 IL at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 50' 21
K18 K18 K18 300’ MIN Note 62 IL (77) IL (77) IL .36(IB) (58) MIN
(6) (6) (6) (6)(40)(41) 300’ MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN 50’ MIN (26) (26)
22 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 REAR PTR at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 50' 22
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN K37 SIDE Note 62 PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) (59) MIN
(25)(48) (25)(48) (25)(48) K30 FRT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN
(25)(40) (77) (77)
23 80’ 80’ 80’ 80’ 80’ 50’ 23
K3 K3 K3 K3 K3 MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN MIN
80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN 80' MIN (69) (69) (69) (69) (69) (69)
24 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40 REAR IB at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 100’ 24
1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN K62 SIDE Note 62 IB IB IB IB MIN MIN
(47) (47) (47) K50 FRONT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN (xx) MIN (29)(59) (28)
(40) (77) (77)
25 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 REAR PTR at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 25
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN K37 SIDE Note 62 PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) (59) MIN
(48) (48) (48) K30 FRT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN
(40) (77) (77)
26 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 K24/30 REAR PTR at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 26
750’MIN 750’MIN 750’MIN K37 SIDE Note 62 PTR PTR PTR .6(IB) (59) MIN
(48) (48) (48) K30 FRT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN
(40) (77) (77)
27 K18 IL at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 50' 27
K18 K18 K18 300’ MIN Note 62 IL IL IL .36(IB) (58) MIN
(6)(41) (6)(41) (6)(41) (6)(40)(41) 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN 50' MIN (26)
(77) (77) (26)
28 K40/50 K40/50 K40/50 K40 REAR IB at T3.8/3.9 T3.8 T3.10 T3.13 100’ 28
1250’MIN 1250’MIN 1250’MIN K62 SIDE Note 62 IB IB IB IB (59) MIN
(47) (47) (47) K50 FRONT 300' MIN 200' MIN 100' MIN (xx) MIN
(40) (77) (28)
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 66
NOTES:
1. To use this criteria, earth-covered igloos constructed/sited prior to February 1999 must meet the requirements of
paragraph 3.2 and the definition of “earth-covered magazine” in Attachment 1. Non standard constructed/sited prior to
February 1999 for explosives weights not exceeding 250,000 pounds remain valid. (See Paragraph 1.2.3.) Future sitings
must reflect the appropriate criteria.
2. Includes open air munition stocks, light structures (for example, some Butler buildings), and trucks, trailers or railcars
loaded with explosives. See paragraph 3.16.1 for vehicle inspection point criteria. Also includes modules, see paragraphs
3.22 through 3.24.
3. Barricades must meet the requirements of paragraph 3.12. For igloos the barricades in front of these structures will count
for Q-D purposes only when the facility is being looked at as an ES; for these facilities, no credit is given for a front
barricaded PES.
4. K1.1 is the minimum separation permitted between stacks of explosives in adjacent barricaded cells within a module and
between adjacent barricaded modules. Cells containing structures heavier than metal Butler-type buildings require K6
barricaded and K11 unbarricaded to all other cells containing HC/D 1.1 explosives.
5. For barricading consideration see paragraph 3.12.8 magazines as Barricaded Structures.
6. Continue to use K9 to properly barricaded facilities sited at K9 before 1 June 1980 until a revised siting of that facility is
necessary, except as noted below. K18 separations, or reduced intraline distances from earth-covered igloos in Table 3.7 are
required for new or revised sitings. Barricades should continue to be used in designing new facilities to limit fragment
damage. Continue to use K9 for the following properly barricaded facilities.
a. Hardened response force tactical facilities (RFTF). No barricade is required to use K9 for RFTFs.
b. Facilities of a tactical missile site. (From the missiles of the Tactical Missile Site to its manned facilities. Also applies
to Defensive Missile Batteries.)
c. Field operations in magazine areas when performing minor maintenance, packaging or surveillance inspections from
adjacent magazines.
d. Unoccupied auxiliary power facilities, transformer stations, water treatment and pollution abatement facilities and
other utilities that serve the PES and are not an integral function in the PES. Loss must not create an immediate secondary
hazard. These applications need not be barricaded. Exceptions: Unoccupied power plants or transformers that exclusively
support an explosives area or facility may be separated according NFPA standards. Transformers that directly support a
single PES requires no separation.
7. Use K6 if a barricade meeting the requirements of paragraph 3.12.1 is between the PES and the ES.
8. Use K11 where no revetment wall or barricade protects the ES from the PES. Use K6 where a revetment wall or barricade
protects the ES from the PES. No credit is allowed for a shelter wall on a PES.
9. See paragraph 3.2 for additional exposures requiring PTR separation.
H10. See note 57 for minimum distances.
11. Items in this division present a risk of propagation to adjacent aboveground magazines, particularly when packed in
combustible containers. Distances shown are not to be reduced by the presence of barricades or earth cover. Storage in
earth-covered igloos is preferred.
12. Separations are based on shelter doors remaining closed, except for aircraft towing, fueling, servicing, run up, or taxi and
during integrated combat turnarounds or short periods when maintenance equipment or munitions are being moved into or
out of shelters. If doors are left open for extended periods, normal combat aircraft parking area criteria apply out the front.
13. HAS capacity of HC/D 1.2 (with an MCE < 100 lbs), 1.3, or 1.4 explosives don't require separation in HAS except out
the front. (Currently this will exclude all HC/D 1.2 CBU’s and all HC/D 1.1 items, but include AGM-88’s, AIM-120’s in
AUR and all HC/D 1.2.2 and 1.2.3).
14. When required in austere areas (paragraph 3.21), reduce K1.25 to K1.1; reduce K2.75 to K2.5 when limiting igloo
contents to those items listed in paragraph 3.23.2.
15. If PES is an igloo with side and rear exposures use Table 3.12.
16. See paragraph 3.24 for reduced separations for austere area storage of nonmass-detonating CBUs and 20 and 30 mm
ammunition.
H17. If PES is a combat aircraft parking area, flightline munitions holding area, HAS, or explosives loaded cargo aircraft
parking area, no separation is necessary unless the MAJCOM has determined Q-D application is necessary for aircraft
survivability. If aircraft survivability is the objective, use 1.2x IBD. For aircraft parked inside of a HAS hazarded by 1.2x
PES, also use IBD but only consider line-of-sight frontal exposure. If the MAJCOM chooses not to apply any Q-D
separation, they (or wing representative) must inform the commander owning the assets (exposed sites) of the fragmentation
hazards of the applicable 1.2x PESs. No separation is required for HC/D 1.3 and 1.4 items. If PES is a defensive missile
battery use IM separation. (See paragraph 3.25.4.)
18. Aircraft undergoing end-of-runway arming or dearming are considered in the transportation mode and are exempt from
Q-D.
19. Magazines storing only HC/D 1.4 items may be sited at 50 feet (100 feet if combustible construction) from all other
magazines or explosives operating locations regardless of the HC/D or quantity of explosives authorized in the adjacent
structures. The responsible commander must accept the fact that an explosion in adjacent structures could result in loss of the
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 67
HC/D 1.4 stocks. Earth-covered structures may be filled to physical capacity with HC/D 1.4 explosives without requirement
for separation to other facilities. However, DoD requires fire protection distance from igloos storing HC/D 1.4 with the only
exception being to other igloos.
20. When required for operational necessity, store limited quantities of HC/D 1.4 items without regard for Q-D. See
paragraph 2.35 for licensing requirements.
21. For reasons of operational necessity, store only 100-pounds NEW or less of HC/D 1.3 items without regard for Q-D. See
paragraph 2.35 for licensing requirements.
22. When parking explosives-loaded combat aircraft at less than intermagazine distance between aircraft within a group,
obtain approval from at least the Numbered Air Force (NAF) Vice Commander owning the exposed aircraft. If grouping is
required for support of a Unified Commander, the Major Air Component Vice Commander having operational control of the
aircraft will be the lowest approval. Use K18 between groups. Intervening barricades, although recommended, don’t reduce
the required separation between groups. With NAF approval, K11 between groups may be used for contingency operations.
See paragraph 3.25 for additional parking criteria.
23. Use K30 for aircraft survivability, if that level of protection is desired or operationally essential. Commanders
responsible for the aircraft must be advised of the consequences if aircraft are parked at less than K30.
24. See definition of “Utilities” in Attachment 1. Paragraph 3.13 contains additional guidance on separations required for
specific utilities. Refer to paragraph 3.19 for additional Q-D guidance on electrical utilities. Use paragraph 2.23 for storage
of water for firefighting. Locate all unprotected water towers and above ground water tanks, whose loss is unacceptable, a
minimum of inhabited building distance (IBD) from explosives locations. If loss of the water tower is acceptable, no Q-D is
required. Locate tanks and reservoirs below ground level at underground POL separations. Manned or critical environmental
exposures such as, operable units, monitoring and test wells that must be located in an explosive clear zone must be separated
from a PES by incremental PTR. Other unmanned or non-critical environmental exposures require no separation.
Underground electrical and communications lines may be sited at incremental K3 with no minimum required.
25. K24/30 is the minimum separation authorized to unrelated utilities. Use K40/50 where practical.
26. A 100-feet-separation distance must be used from a PES of combustible construction.
27. No Q-D separation is necessary between an explosives-loaded aircraft parking area and the taxiways exclusively serving
or constructed as part of the area.
28. At least 50 feet from combat aircraft parking areas and aircraft explosives cargo parking areas. Use 100 feet minimum
for all other PESs.
29. The 100-feet-minimum separation does not apply to combat aircraft parking areas and aircraft explosives cargo parking
areas. All other requirements apply.
30. When required at overseas locations only, use K4.5 for HC/D 1.1 PES’s and 125 feet for non-mass-detonating PES’s. In
NATO, use the equation: D=1.8Q1/3, where D is the distance in meters and Q equals the NEW in kilograms. The use of
these reduced separations depends on operational necessity, providing the commander accepts the transient risk to military
aircraft movements. If siting facilities, the MAJCOM/CC or CV must provide HQ AFSC/SE a letter listing all bases at which
these distances will apply and state acceptance of transient risk to military aircraft movements. Exceptions for off-base
exposures, requiring SECAF approval, must obtain this approval before new construction begins. Recertification for each
site plan submitted is not necessary.
31. For intentional static firing for shelf life testing or similar operations see paragraph 3.27.3.
H32. No Q-D separation is necessary from explosives-loaded cargo aircraft when parked 24 hours or less for refueling,
servicing, crew rest or change, or maintenance performed under TO 11A-1-33, Handling and Maintenance of Explosives
Loaded Aircraft, (applies with all HC/Ds). Keep the aircraft under constant surveillance and do not load, unload, or handle
explosives. Park these aircraft on the hot cargo pad. When this is not possible, park as remotely as practical from other
explosives or populated areas. Comply with minimum airfield criteria in AFH 32-1084.
33. See paragraph 3.2.1 for additional exposures requiring IB separation.
34. Use the listed distances for recreational areas in the open, such as golf courses or tennis courts without structures. Use
inhabited building separation where structures, including bleachers, are part of the facility (such as indoor tennis courts or
golf clubhouses). No separation is necessary to recreational areas used exclusively by personnel supporting the PES,
however, use IL separation from other related PES’s.
35. For class division 1.5 items, use C/D 1.1 criteria.
36. See paragraph 3.13 for additional information and specific requirements. For non-munition War Reserve Materiel
(WRM) see paragraph 3.17 and 3.18.
37. See paragraph 3.20 for additional information and specific requirements. Use combat aircraft parking area criteria for
steel bin revetments and the unhardened front or rear of Korean TAB VEE or Flowthru shelters. See Table 3.16. For HC/Ds
1.2, 1.3, and 1.4, use intermagazine separation to protect HAS and maintenance HAS from unrelated PES (such as operating
locations, igloos, and above ground magazines).
38. Separations shown apply to side, rear, and barricaded front exposures. For exposures to or from the unbarricaded front
of a module, use unbarricaded aboveground magazine criteria. K1.1 is the minimum separation authorized between stacks of
munitions in adjacent cells and modules. See paragraph 3.22 for additional guidance concerning modules.
39. Consider the front of an igloo unbarricaded within 60 degrees from either side of the door centerline unless a barricade
meeting the requirements of paragraph 3.12 protects the igloo.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 68
40. Applies to all class/division 1.1 munitions except AIM-7, AIM-9, and AGM-65 missiles. See paragraph 3.20.5.3 for
separation distances for these items. Only 50 feet separation is necessary from the sides or rear of the HAS (other than 3rd
Generation) for 500 pounds NEW or less.
41. Use the minimum IL distance for specific items and situations in paragraph 3.39 (Table 3.26).
42. Criteria shown apply to nonmilitary aircraft. Use incremental K30 to military nonexplosives-loaded aircraft.
MAJCOMs may require greater protection for unique mission or high value airframes.
43. Q-D separations to nonexplosives military aircraft parking areas from combat aircraft parking areas, flightline munitions
holding areas, and explosives cargo aircraft parking areas are a MAJCOM responsibility. Refer to paragraph 3.13.3.1 for
collocating combat operations.
44. Consider cut and cover POL tanks as underground. Site berm fuel bladders at incremental K40/50 distance with a
minimum 400 feet from the PES supported. Q-D from igloos is K35/50 for fronts and sides and K25/50 for rears. (Fuel
bladders must be fueled from trucks, underground lines or aboveground lines that have automatic shutoffs.) These standards
apply only to bulk POL and the supply lines supporting the storage location. All other fuel systems will be constructed
according to NFPA and national consensus standards.
45. Applies to open locations where passengers enplane or deplane. For structures where passengers assemble, such as
terminal buildings, use IB distance.
46. See paragraph 3.14 for specific criteria for rocket storage, checkout and assembly buildings.
47. Use the minimum IB distance for specific items and situations (paragraphs 3.32 through 3.39) or authorized under
paragraph 3.11 in place of the 1250-feet-minimum distance.
48. Use the minimum PTR distance for specific items and situations (paragraphs 3.32 through 3.39) or authorized under
paragraph 3.11 in place of the 750-feet-minimum distance.
49. Alert force facilities which house alert crews and essential support personnel for alert aircraft, may be sited at less than
K18 if equivalent protection is provided by substantial dividing walls and blast doors. Use greater separation where response
time will permit.
50. Use K2.75 to protect against simultaneous detonation. Use K6 barricaded and K9 unbarricaded to the front of a TAB
VEE or TAB VEE Modified. Use K8 to maintenance HAS or for aircraft and shelter survival . However, survival criteria to
the front of a TAB VEE or modified TAB VEE is K18.
51. All munitions storage area PESs to TAB VEE fronts will apply K 18 if serviceability status of the doors allows them to
be closed when aircraft are inside. Otherwise, apply K30 criteria to TAB VEE fronts.
52. K-factors shown apply to 26- by 60-feet or larger igloos. For smaller igloos, use K40/50.
53. K-factors shown apply to 26- by 60-feet or larger igloos. For smaller igloos, use K24/30.
54. K-factors shown apply to 26- by 60-feet or larger igloos. For smaller igloos, use K40.
55. When necessary, fill earth-covered igloos to their physical capacity for HC/D 1.3, provided the igloos are properly sited
for at least 100 pounds of HC/D 1.1 material.
56. No explosives safety separation required. Apply airfield safety criteria. See paragraph 3.25 and AFI 32-1026, Planning
57. From the front exposures of all earth covered igloos use Table 3.3 columns 16, 17, 18, or 19. From the side and rear
exposures of all earth covered igloos use Table 3.12.
58. Use Table 3.13, IM and IL column.
59. Use Table 3.13, PTR and IB column.
60. For sparsely populated locations, reduce the minimum 1250-feet fragment distance to 900 feet [270 meters (m)] if the
PES does not exceed 11,400 pounds (5140 kg). Allow no more than 25 persons in any sector bounded by the sides of a 45
degree angle, with the vertex at the PES, and the 900 feet (270 m) and 1250 feet (380 m) arcs from the PES. See Figure 3.1.
61. When required, reduce specific distances for certain exposures. Testing proved there is attenuation of the airblast
overpressures from the sides and rear of earth-covered igloos compared to an unconfined surface burst. Some slight
overpressure increase occurs at the front. Compute intraline distances from earth-covered igloos from Table 3.4 or directly
from Table 3.7. Interpolation formulas in the notes for Table 3.6 may be used for explosives weights not listed in these
tables. The barricaded columns of Tables 3.4 and 3.7 can only be used for ES authorized K-9 separation in note 6. The
provisions of this note do not apply when the ES is a military only taxiway or runway.
Table 3.4. Factors for Computing IL from Igloos.
Exposure NEW Range
(lbs.)
K-FACTOR
Barricaded
K-FACTOR
Unbarricaded
Front 1 - 300K 10 18
300K - 500K 10 - 9 18
Side 1 - 300K 7 16
300K - 400K 7 - 9 16 – 18
Over 400K 9 18
Rear 1 - 100K 6 12
100K - 300K 6 12 – 14
300K - 400K 6-9 14 – 18
Over 400 9 18
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 69
62. Use the following table to determine Q/D from a US Third-generation Hardened Aircraft Shelter PES to an Unhardened
ES. See note 12 above. Munitions should be separated from the Hardened Aircraft Shelter walls at a distance sufficient to
eliminate local breaching. For less than 1100 lbs, a 3 feet separation from the wall is sufficient. For IM distances see
paragraph 3.20.
HTable 3.5. Quantity-Distance for 3rd Generation HAS to unhardened ES.
NEW
(Pounds)
FRONT (IB/PTR/IL) SIDES (IB/PTR/IL) REAR (IB/PTR/IL)
0 - 5 50’ 50’ 50’
6 - 500 230’ 50’ 50’
501 - 1100 230’ 395’ 165’
1101-11000 IB=K50
PTR=K26 Min 300’
IL=K18 Min 300’
IB=K62
PTR=K32 Min 395’
IL=K22 Min 395’
IB=K40
PTR=K20 Min 300’
IL=K14 Min 300’
63. Use this K factor for NEW in PES up to 250,000 lbs.
64. Use this K factor for NEW in PES above 250,000 lbs.
65. The K factor indicated will provide protection from blast overpressure. Barricades are required if
protection from low angle, high velocity fragments is desired.
66. Use Runway, Airfield Military Use Only, criteria for End of Runway and Dearm Crew shelters. See paragraph 3.13.4.
H67. Intraline is the minimum distance between separate groups of explosives loaded combat configured aircraft or between
aircraft and a pre-load or site that serves to support aircraft. Integrated Combat Turn (ICT) operations using either live or inert
munitions are considered a Combat Aircraft Parking Area and must be sited according to procedures in Chapter 4, Section A.
All aircraft undergoing Hot Pit refueling are considered to be in transportation mode and are exempt from Q-D requirements as
a PES.
68. The K factor indicated will provide IM protection only. K30 is required if blast overpressure protection is desired.
69. An 80 feet minimum is advisory, but not mandatory.
70. All hazard class/division (HC/D) 1.1 material, regardless of specific known fragment distances, will drive HAS inhabited
building (IB) clear zones based on the specific HAS Q-D criteria and the maximum credible event (MCE) for the shelter. For
example, 2500 lbs of HC/D (14)1.1 material in a 3rd Generation HAS would require K62 (841-feet) from the sides, K50 (679-
feet) from the front, and K40 (543-feet) from the rear. This guidance is predicated on the mass detonating characteristics of
HC/D 1.1 material and the demonstrated effects of a HC/D 1.1 event in a HAS.
71. If the ES is a non-combustible explosives storage facility sited only for HC/D 1.4, apply a 50’ distance. Combustible ES’s
must be at 100 feet.
72. If a specific facility is not listed in Table 3.3, see Section C - QD Criteria For Specific Facilities or Situations for the
applicable criteria.
73. Table 3.11 may be used to manage HC/D 1.2 munitions currently hazard classified with IB distance given in hundreds of
feet and are in the HC/D (XX)1.2 format until phased out in year 2003. When and where practical use the new HC/D 1.2.1,
1.2.2, or 1.2.3 criteria. New explosives site plans must incorporate the new criteria. See paragraph 4.2.3.
74. The IB for Unit Risk HC/D 1.2, (HC/D 1.2.3) is determined using Table 3.13, Hazard Class/Division 1.3 Separation
Distances, for the NEWQD for the HC/D 1.2.3 item multiplied by the number of rounds, with minimum fragment distance
specified in hundreds of feet in parentheses as “(xx)1.2.3.” PTR for Unit Risk HC/D 1.2 munitions is based on 60% of IB. IL
is computed as 36% of IB, with a minimum of 50 feet (100 feet if PES is combustible).
75. If the ES is a hardened aboveground, non earth-covered structure, apply only a 50’ minimum for all quantities and subdivisions
of HC/D 1.2. A hardened structure for this purpose is a buildings with wall thickness >12 inches of reinforced
concrete (18.7 inches brick); a roof thickness >5.9 inches of reinforced concrete and a barricade between the door and any
PES, constructed for protection against high-speed, low-angle fragments according to paragraph 3.12.1.
76. See paragraph 2.82 for personnel protection guidance. Remotely controlled operations must be terminated when operating
personnel must perform duties at less than PTR from a remotely controlled operation, or when fragmentation protection and
PTR separation is no longer provided. This should be documented in local procedures.
77. When stored in structures that may contribute to the debris hazard, the IB, PTR and IL for items whose MCE is greater
than 31 pounds is determined by using the larger of the following two distances: those given in Table 3.8. for the appropriate
Explosive Weight or those given in Table 3.9 for the appropriate MCE. Explosives in any building are assumed to create
building debris unless an engineering analysis shows fragments will not go beyond a lesser distance.
78. See paragraph 2.41, Multicube or Segregated Magazines, for special considerations when storing limited amounts of
explosives.
79. Consider parked aeroclub aircraft as non-military aircraft for QD purposes.
80. Exceptions for specific items or situations are found in Table 3.26.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 70
Figure 3.1. Reduction For Sparsely Populated Locations.
PES
Less than
11,400 lbs HC/D 1.1
No More than
25 people
in any 450
sector
900’
1250’
450
(See Table 3.3, Note 60)
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 71
Table 3.6. Quantity-Distance Separation Distance.
NET EXPLOSIVE WEIGHT
(POUNDS)
DISTANCE FROM POTENTIAL EXPLOSION SITE TO EXPOSED SITE (FOR GIVEN K-FACTOR)
(FEET)
OVER NOT
OVERCUBE
ROOT OF
UPPER LIMIT
K1.1 K1.25 K2 K2.5 K2.75 K3 K4 K4.5 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K11 K18
IM IM IM IM IM POL IM IM HAS IM HAS IL IM IL
0 1 1.00 2 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 11 18
1 2 1.26 2 2 3 4 4 4 6 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 23
2 5 1.71 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 16 19 31
5 10 2.15 3 3 5 6 6 7 9 10 11 13 16 18 20 24 39
10 20 2.71 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 13 14 17 20 22 25 30 49
20 30 3.11 4 4 7 8 9 10 13 14 16 19 22 25 28 35 56
30 40 3.42 4 5 7 9 10 11 14 16 18 21 24 28 31 38 62
40 50 3.68 5 5 8 10 11 12 15 17 19 23 26 30 34 41 67
50 100 4.64 6 6 10 12 13 14 19 21 24 28 33 38 42 52 84
100 200 5.85 7 8 12 15 17 18 24 27 30 36 41 47 53 65 106
200 300 6.69 8 9 14 17 19 21 27 31 34 41 47 54 61 74 121
300 400 7.37 9 10 15 19 21 23 30 34 37 45 52 59 67 82 133
400 500 7.94 9 10 16 20 22 24 32 36 40 48 56 64 72 88 143
500 600 8.43 10 11 17 22 24 26 34 38 43 51 60 68 76 93 152
600 700 8.88 10 12 18 23 25 27 36 40 45 54 63 72 80 98 160
700 800 9.28 11 12 19 24 26 28 38 42 47 56 65 75 84 103 168
800 900 9.65 11 13 20 25 27 29 39 44 49 58 68 78 87 107 174
900 1,000 10.00 11 13 20 25 28 30 40 45 50 60 70 80 90 110 180
1,000 1,500 11.45 13 15 23 29 32 35 46 52 58 69 81 92 104 126 207
1,500 2,000 12.60 14 16 26 32 35 38 51 57 63 76 89 101 114 139 227
2,000 3,000 14.42 16 19 29 37 40 44 58 65 73 87 101 116 130 159 260
3,000 4,000 15.87 18 20 32 40 44 48 64 72 80 96 112 127 143 175 286
4,000 5,000 17.10 19 22 35 43 48 52 69 77 86 103 120 137 154 189 308
5,000 6,000 18.17 20 23 37 46 50 55 73 82 91 110 128 146 164 200 328
6,000 7,000 19.13 22 24 39 48 53 58 77 87 96 115 134 154 173 211 345
7,000 8,000 20.00 22 25 40 50 55 60 80 90 100 120 140 160 180 220 360
8,000 9,000 20.80 23 27 42 53 58 63 84 94 105 125 146 167 188 229 375
9,000 10,000 21.54 24 27 44 54 60 65 87 97 108 130 151 173 194 237 388
10,000 15,000 24.66 28 31 50 62 68 74 99 111 124 148 173 198 222 272 444
15,000 20,000 27.14 30 34 55 68 75 82 109 123 136 163 191 218 245 299 489
20,000 25,000 29.24 33 37 59 74 81 88 117 132 147 176 205 234 264 322 527
25,000 30,000 31.07 35 39 63 78 86 94 125 140 156 187 218 249 280 342 560
30,000 35,000 32.71 36 41 66 82 90 99 131 148 164 197 229 262 295 360 589
35,000 40,000 34.20 38 43 69 86 95 103 137 154 171 206 240 274 308 377 616
40,000 45,000 35.57 40 45 72 89 98 107 143 161 178 214 249 285 321 392 641
45,000 50,000 36.84 41 47 74 93 102 111 148 166 185 222 258 295 332 406 664
50,000 55,000 38.03 42 48 77 96 105 115 153 172 191 229 267 305 343 419 685
55,000 60,000 39.15 44 49 79 98 108 118 157 177 196 235 275 314 353 431 705
60,000 65,000 40.21 45 51 81 101 111 121 161 181 202 242 282 322 362 443 724
65,000 70,000 41.21 46 52 83 104 114 124 165 186 207 248 289 330 371 454 742
70,000 75,000 42.17 47 53 85 106 116 127 169 190 211 254 296 338 380 464 760
75,000 80,000 43.09 48 54 87 108 119 130 173 194 216 259 302 345 388 474 776
80,000 85,000 43.97 49 55 88 110 121 132 176 198 220 264 308 352 396 484 792
85,000 90,000 44.81 50 57 90 113 124 135 180 202 225 269 314 359 404 493 807
90,000 95,000 45.63 51 58 92 115 126 137 183 206 229 274 320 366 411 502 822
95,000 100,000 46.42 52 59 93 117 128 140 186 209 233 279 325 372 418 511 836
100,000 110,000 47.91 53 60 96 120 132 144 192 216 240 288 336 384 432 528 863
110,000 120,000 49.32 55 62 99 124 136 148 198 222 247 296 346 395 444 543 888
120,000 125,000 50.00 55 63 100 125 138 150 200 225 250 300 350 400 450 550 900
125,000 130,000 50.66 56 64 102 127 140 152 203 228 254 304 355 406 456 558 912
130,000 140,000 51.92 58 65 104 130 143 156 208 234 260 312 364 416 468 572 935
140,000 150,000 53.13 59 67 107 133 147 160 213 240 266 319 372 426 479 585 957
150,000 160,000 54.29 60 68 109 136 150 163 218 245 272 326 381 435 489 598 978
160,000 170,000 55.40 61 70 111 139 153 167 222 250 277 333 388 444 499 610 998
170,000 175,000 55.93 62 70 112 140 154 168 224 252 280 336 392 448 504 616 1007
175,000 180,000 56.46 63 71 113 142 156 170 226 255 283 339 396 452 509 622 1017
180,000 190,000 57.49 64 72 115 144 159 173 230 259 288 345 403 460 518 633 1035
190,000 200,000 58.48 65 74 117 147 161 176 234 264 293 351 410 468 527 644 1053
200,000 225,000 60.82 67 77 122 153 168 183 244 274 305 365 426 487 548 670 1095
225,000 250,000 63.00 70 79 126 158 174 189 252 284 315 378 441 504 567 693 1134
250,000 275,000 65.03 72 82 131 163 179 196 261 293 326 391 456 521 586 716 1171
275,000 300,000 66.94 74 84 134 168 185 201 268 302 335 402 469 536 603 737 1205
300,000 325,000 68.75 76 86 138 172 190 207 276 310 344 413 482 551 619 757 1238
325,000 350,000 70.47 78 89 141 177 194 212 282 318 353 423 494 564 635 776 1269
350,000 375,000 72.11 80 91 145 181 199 217 289 325 361 433 505 577 650 794 1299
375,000 400,000 73.68 82 93 148 185 203 222 295 332 369 443 516 590 664 811 1327
400,000 425,000 75.19 83 94 151 188 207 226 301 339 376 452 527 602 677 828 1354
425,000 450,000 76.63 85 96 154 192 211 230 307 345 384 460 537 614 690 843 1380
450,000 475,000 78.02 86 98 157 196 215 235 313 352 391 469 547 625 703 859 1405
475,000 500,000 79.37 88 100 159 199 219 239 318 358 397 477 556 635 715 874 1429
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 72
Table 3.6. Continued.
NET EXPLOSIVE WEIGHT
(POUNDS)
DISTANCE FROM POTENTIAL EXPLOSION SITE TO EXPOSED SITE
(FOR GIVEN K-FACTOR) (FEET)
OVER NOT
OVERCUBE
ROOT OF
UPPER LIMIT
K15/30 K21/30 K24/30 K30 K37 K40 K25/50 K35/50 K40/50 K50 K62
IG-PTR IG-PTR PTR ACFT HAS-PTR POL IG-IB IG-IB IB HAS-IB HAS-IB
0 1 1.00 15 21 24 30 37 40 25 35 40 50 62
1 2 1.26 19 27 31 38 47 51 32 45 51 63 79
2 5 1.71 26 36 42 52 64 69 43 60 69 86 107
5 10 2.15 33 46 52 65 80 87 54 76 87 108 134
10 20 2.71 41 58 66 82 101 109 68 96 109 136 169
20 30 3.11 47 66 75 94 115 125 78 109 125 156 193
30 40 3.42 52 72 83 103 127 137 86 120 137 171 213
40 50 3.68 56 78 89 111 137 148 93 129 148 185 229
50 100 4.64 70 98 112 140 172 186 117 163 186 233 288
100 200 5.85 88 123 141 176 217 234 147 205 234 293 363
200 300 6.69 101 141 161 201 248 268 168 235 268 335 416
300 400 7.37 111 155 177 222 273 295 185 258 295 369 457
400 500 7.94 120 167 191 239 294 318 199 278 318 397 493
500 600 8.43 127 178 203 254 313 338 211 296 338 422 523
600 700 8.88 134 187 214 267 329 356 222 311 356 444 551
700 800 9.28 140 195 223 279 344 372 233 325 372 465 576
800 900 9.65 145 203 232 290 358 387 242 338 387 483 599
900 1,000 10.00 150 210 240 300 370 400 250 350 400 500 620
1,000 1,500 11.45 172 241 275 344 424 458 287 401 458 573 710
1,500 2,000 12.60 189 265 303 378 467 504 315 441 504 630 782
2,000 3,000 14.42 217 303 347 433 534 577 361 505 577 722 895
3,000 4,000 15.87 239 334 381 477 588 635 397 556 635 794 985
4,000 5,000 17.10 257 360 411 513 633 684 428 599 684 855 1,061
5,000 6,000 18.17 273 382 437 546 673 727 455 636 727 909 1,127
6,000 7,000 19.13 287 402 460 574 708 766 479 670 766 957 1,187
7,000 8,000 20.00 300 420 480 600 740 800 500 700 800 1,000 1,240
8,000 9,000 20.80 313 437 500 625 770 833 521 729 833 1,041 1,290
9,000 10,000 21.54 324 453 518 647 798 862 539 755 862 1,078 1,336
10,000 15,000 24.66 370 518 592 740 NOT 987 617 864 987 NOT NOT
15,000 20,000 27.14 408 571 652 815 AUTH 1,086 679 951 1,086 AUTH AUTH
20,000 25,000 29.24 439 615 702 878 1,170 732 1,024 1,170
25,000 30,000 31.07 467 653 746 933 1,243 777 1,088 1,243
30,000 35,000 32.71 491 687 786 982 1,309 818 1,145 1,309
35,000 40,000 34.20 513 719 821 1,026 1,368 855 1,197 1,368
40,000 45,000 35.57 534 747 854 1,068 1,423 890 1,245 1,423
45,000 50,000 36.84 553 774 885 1,106 1,474 922 1,290 1,474
50,000 55,000 38.03 571 799 913 1,141 1,522 951 1,332 1,522
55,000 60,000 39.15 588 823 940 1,175 1,566 979 1,371 1,566
60,000 65,000 40.21 604 845 965 1,207 1,609 1,006 1,408 1,609
65,000 70,000 41.21 619 866 990 1,237 1,649 1,031 1,443 1,649
70,000 75,000 42.17 633 886 1,013 1,266 1,687 1,055 1,477 1,687
75,000 80,000 43.09 647 905 1,035 1,293 1,724 1,078 1,509 1,724
80,000 85,000 43.97 660 924 1,056 1,320 1,759 1,100 1,539 1,759
85,000 90,000 44.81 673 942 1,076 1,345 1,793 1,121 1,569 1,793
90,000 95,000 45.63 685 959 1,096 1,369 1,826 1,141 1,598 1,826
95,000 100,000 46.42 697 975 1,114 1,393 1,857 1,161 1,625 1,857
100,000 110,000 47.91 773 1,045 1,178 1,438 1,917 1,287 1,741 1,962
110,000 120,000 49.32 849 1,112 1,238 1,480 1,973 1,415 1,853 2,064
120,000 125,000 50.00 888 1,146 1,268 1,500 2,000 1,480 1,909 2,113
125,000 130,000 50.66 927 1,178 1,297 1,520 2,027 1,544 1,964 2,161
130,000 140,000 51.92 1,005 1,243 1,353 1,558 2,077 1,674 2,072 2,255
140,000 150,000 53.13 1,083 1,307 1,408 1,594 2,126 1,805 2,178 2,347
150,000 160,000 54.29 1,162 1,369 1,462 1,629 2,172 1,936 2,282 2,436
160,000 170,000 55.40 1,241 1,431 1,514 1,662 2,216 2,069 2,384 2,523
170,000 175,000 55.93 1,281 1,461 1,539 1,679 2,238 2,135 2,434 2,565
175,000 180,000 56.46 1,321 1,491 1,565 1,694 2,259 2,201 2,484 2,607
180,000 190,000 57.49 1,401 1,550 1,614 1,725 2,300 2,335 2,583 2,690
190,000 200,000 58.48 1,482 1,609 1,663 1,755 2,340 2,469 2,681 2,771
200,000 225,000 60.82 1,685 1,752 1,779 1,825 2,433 2,807 2,919 2,965
225,000 250,000 63.00 1,890 1,890 1,891 1,890 2,520 3,149 3,150 3,151
250,000 275,000 65.03 1,951 1,951 1,951 1,950 2,602 3,252 3,252 3,252
275,000 300,000 66.94 2,009 2,009 2,009 2,009 2,678 3,348 3,348 3,348
300,000 325,000 68.75 2,063 2,063 2,063 2,063 2,751 3,438 3,438 3,438
325,000 350,000 70.47 2,115 2,115 2,115 2,115 2,819 3,524 3,524 3,524
350,000 375,000 72.11 2,164 2,164 2,164 2,164 2,885 3,606 3,606 3,606
375,000 400,000 73.68 2,211 2,211 2,211 2,211 2,948 3,685 3,685 3,685
400,000 425,000 75.19 2,256 2,256 2,256 2,256 3,008 3,760 3,760 3,760
425,000 450,000 76.63 2,299 2,299 2,299 2,299 3,066 3,832 3,832 3,832
450,000 475,000 78.02 2,341 2,341 2,341 2,341 3,121 3,902 3,902 3,902
475,000 500,000 79.37 2,382 2,382 2,382 2,382 3,175 3,969 3,969 3,969
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 73
NOTES:
1. As an alternate to the table or to compute distance for K-factors not shown, use the formula D= KxW1/3or use multiples
of given K-factors, as shown in the following examples:
K36 distance = 2 x K18 distance
K60 distance = 1.5 x K40 distance
K300 distance = 10 x K30 distance
2. For weights not shown or weights over 500,00 pounds, distance may be calculated using D=K x W1/3.
3. K24/30, K40/50, etc., are K-factors that vary with NEW. For any of these type K-factors with a lower (Kxx) and upper
(Kyy) value, the change in value is as follows:
NEW (pounds) Kxx/yy Value
0 – 100,000 Kxx
100,000 – 250,000 Kxx-Kyy
Over 250,000 Kyy
The K-factors between 100,000 pounds and 250,000 pounds increase gradually, but not proportionately, to the NEW. These
changes are based on test results that have shown increased blast effects for large NEWs. For NEWs between the values
given, compute the required distance using the following formula:
For known distance [D] use: Wx= WL + N(WH-WL) where N =
( D-DL )
( DH -DL )
For known NEW [W] use: Dx= DL + M(DH-DL) where M =
( W-WL )
( WH -WL )
Where:
Wx = unknown NEW (for a given D)
Dx = unknown distance (for a given W)
M and N = calculated multiplier between .01 and .99
WH = known NEW (from “NOT OVER” column) and distance greater than the
unknown NEW (from Table 3.6).
WL = known NEW (from “NOT OVER” column) and distance less than the unknown
NEW (from Table 3.6).
DH = known distance (from K factor column) and NEW greater than the unknown
distance (from Table 3.6).
DL = known distance (from K factor column) and NEW less than the unknown
distance (from Table 3.6).
100K – 250K: K25/50 use D= 0.004125W 1.0898
K35/50 use D= 0.3955W 0.7227
K40/50 use D= 2.42W 0.577
K15/30 use D= 0.002475W1.0898
K21/30 use D=0.2373W0.7227
K24/30 use D= 1.452W0.577
1160 ft – 3148 ft: K25/50 use W= 242.4242D0.9176
1624 ft – 3148 ft: K35/50 use W= 2.52844D1.3837
1875 ft – 3148 ft: K40/50 use W= 0.413223D1.7331
696 ft – 1890 ft: K15/30 use W= 404.0404D0.9176
975 ft – 1890 ft: K21/30 use W= 4.21408D1.3837
1114 ft – 1890 ft: K24/30 use W= 0.688705D1.7331
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 74
Table 3.7. Class/Division 1.1 Intraline Distances From Earth-Covered Igloos.
NEW (lbs) Barricaded (ft) Unbarricaded (ft)
Front Side Rear Front Side Rear
50 35 25 20 60 60 45
100 45 30 30 80 75 55
200 60 40 35 100 95 70
300 65 45 40 120 105 80
400 75 50 45 130 120 90
500 80 55 50 140 125 95
600 85 60 50 150 135 100
700 90 60 55 160 140 105
800 90 65 55 170 150 110
900 95 70 60 175 155 115
1,000 100 70 60 180 160 120
1,500 115 80 70 210 185 135
2,000 125 90 75 230 200 150
3,000 145 100 85 260 230 175
4,000 160 110 95 290 255 190
5,000 170 120 100 310 275 205
6,000 180 125 110 330 290 220
7,000 190 135 115 340 305 230
8,000 200 140 120 260 320 240
9,000 210 145 125 370 330 250
10,000 215 150 130 390 345 260
15,000 245 175 150 450 395 295
20,000 270 190 165 490 435 325
25,000 290 205 175 530 470 350
30,000 310 220 185 560 500 370
35,000 325 230 195 590 525 390
40,000 340 240 205 620 545 410
45,000 355 250 215 640 570 425
50,000 370 260 220 660 590 440
55,000 380 265 230 680 610 455
60,000 390 275 235 700 625 470
65,000 400 280 240 720 645 480
70,000 410 290 245 740 660 495
75,000 420 295 255 760 675 505
80,000 430 300 260 780 690 520
85,000 440 310 265 790 705 530
90,000 450 315 270 810 715 540
95,000 455 320 275 820 730 545
100,000 465 325 280 840 745 555
125,000 500 350 300 900 800 605
150,000 530 370 320 960 850 650
175,000 560 390 335 1,010 895 700
200,000 585 410 350 1,055 935 745
225,000 610 425 365 1,090 975 795
250,000 630 440 380 1,135 1,005 840
275,000 650 455 390 1,170 1,040 890
300,000 670 470 400 1,200 1,070 935
325,000 675 520 465 1,240 1,135 1,035
350,000 680 570 530 1,270 1,200 1,130
375,000 685 615 600 1,300 1,265 1,230
400,000 690 665 665 1,330 1,330 1,330
500,000 715 715 715 1,430 1,430 1,430
NOTE: Variable K factors are incorporated. See Table 3.3, Note 61 for additional information.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 75
HTable 3.8. Hazard Sub-Division 1.2.1 Quantity-Distances (IB, PTR, IL)8,9 For Munitions With NEWQD > 1.60
Pounds. 7
Explosive
Weight
(1)
Inhabited
Building
Distance
(2)(3)(4)
Public
Traffic
Route
Distance
(5)
Intraline
Distance
(6)
Explosive
Weight
(1)
Inhabited
Building
Distance
(2)(3)(4)
Public
Traffic
Route
Distance
(5)
Intraline
Distance
(6)
7,000 1033 620 372
2 200 200 200 8,000 1055 633 380
5 200 200 200 9,000 1074 644 386
10 200 200 200 10,000 1090 654 392
20 200 200 200 15,000 1154 692 415
40 200 200 200 20,000 1198 719 431
60 200 200 200 25,000 1232 739 444
80 224 200 200 30,000 1260 756 453
100 268 200 200 40,000 1302 781 469
150 348 209 200 50,000 1335 801 481
200 404 242 200 60,000 1361 817 490
300 481 289 200 70,000 1383 830 498
400 535 321 200 80,000 1402 841 505
600 610 366 219 90,000 1419 851 511
800 662 397 238 100,000 1433 860 516
1,000 702 421 253 150,000 1489 893 536
1,500 774 464 278 200,000 1528 917 550
2,000 824 494 296 250,000 1557 934 561
2,500 862 517 310 300,000 1581 949 569
3,000 893 536 321 350,000 1601 961 576
3,500 919 551 331 400,000 1618 971 582
4,000 941 565 339 450,000 1633 980 588
5,000 978 587 352 500,000 1646 988 593
6,000 1008 605 363 >500,000 Note 4 Note 5 Note 6
NOTES:
1. Explosive Weight = Number of Items x NEWQD
2. IB = -735.186 + [237.559 x (ln(number of items x NEWQD))] – [4.274 x (ln(number of items x NEWQD))2 ] IB in feet,
NEWQD in pounds; ln is natural logarithm, with a minimum of 200 feet.
3. Number of items x NEWQD = exp[27.791-(600.392-0.234 x IB)1\2]. IB in feet; NEWQD in pounds; exp(x) is ex.
4. Use of equations given in Note 2 and 3 to determine IB/weight combinations is allowed.
5. PTR = 60% of IB with a minimum of 200 feet.
6. ILD = 36% of IB with a minimum of 200 feet.
H7. When stored in structures which may contribute to the debris hazard, the IB for items whose MCE is greater than 31
pounds is determined by using the larger of the following two distances: those given in this table for the appropriate
Explosive Weight or those given in Table 3.9 for the appropriate MCE.
H8. For IM criteria, see Table 3.3, Columns 16 & 17, Rows 1-7 and 11-14.
9. See Table 3.12 for side and rear exposures of igloos.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 76
HTable 3.9. Minimum Fragment Distances For HC/D 1.2.1 or HC/D 1.1
Items Stored In Structures Which Can Contribute To The Debris Hazard.9, 10, 11
Minimum Fragment Distance 3,4,5 (ft)
Intraline Distance
MCE
(lbs)
Inhabited
Building
Distance
(1,2)
Public
Traffic Route
Distance
(6)
HC/D 1.2.1
(7)
HC/D 1.1
(8)
<31 200 200 200 (K18)
35 249 200 200 59
40 301 200 200 62
45 347 208 200 64
50 388 233 200 66
75 546 328 200 76
100 658 395 300 84
125 744 447 300 90
150 815 489 300 96
175 875 525 315 101
200 927 556 334 106
225 973 584 350 110
250 1,014 608 365 114
275 1,051 631 378 117
300 1,085 651 391 121
325 1,116 670 402 124
350 1,145 687 412 127
375 1,172 703 422 130
400 1,197 718 431 133
425 1,220 732 439 136
450 1,243 746 447 138
>450 1,250 750 450 (K18)
NOTES:
H1. For MCEs between 31 and 450 pounds: Minimum Fragment Distance for IB= -1133.9 + [389 x ln(MCE)]; MCE in
pounds, Minimum Fragment Distance in feet with a minimum distance of 200 feet; “ln” is natural logarithm.
H2. For IBD between 200 and 1250 feet MCE=exp[(IBD +1133.9)/389]; IBD in feet (maximum 1250 feet); MCE in
pounds; exp(x) is ex.
H3. Use of equation given in Note 1 and 2 to determine MCE/Minimum Fragment Distance for MCEs between 31 and 450
pounds or IBD between 200 and 1250 feet, is allowed.
4. HC/D 1.2.1 (MCE >100 lbs), minimum Intermagazine distance for above ground magazines is 300 feet.
5. HC/D 1.2.1 (MCE <100 lbs), minimum Intermagazine distance for above ground magazines is 200 feet.
6. Public Traffic Route distance is based on 60% of the Inhabited Building distance with a minimum of Intermagazine
distance.
7. HC/D 1.2.1, Intraline distance is based on 36% of the Inhabited Building with a minimum of Intermagazine distance.
8. HC/D 1.1, Intraline distance is based on K=18.
H9. Use the MCE or actual quantity (NEWQD) of the HC/D 1.2.1; whichever is less to find the distances in table. For
example, one NSN listed for 2.75” WP rockets has an MCE of 104.4 pounds requiring 674 feet IBD based on Table 3.9 (this
MCE is based on the default 3 shipping containers - 12 rockets). Let’s assume you only have 300 feet to the nearest IBD
exposure. If you limit your M&I facility to one container (4 rockets = 34.8 lbs), then your real MCE is now 34.8 lbs based on
limiting the facility to 4 rockets and the required IBD is 247 feet.
10. Explosives in any building are assumed to create building debris unless an engineering analysis shows fragments will not
go beyond a lesser distance. When in doubt, contact HQ AFSC/SEW, Kirtland AFB.
H11. See Table 3.12 for side and rear exposures of igloos.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 77
HTable 3.10. Hazard Sub-Division 1.2.2 Quantity Distances (IB,PTR,IL)7,8
For Munitions with NEWQD < 1.6 Pounds.
Explosive
Weight
(1)
Inhabited
Building
Distance
(2)(3)(4)
Public
Traffic
Route
Distance
(5)
Intraline
Distance
(6)
Explosive
Weight
(1)
Inhabited
Building
Distance
(2)(3)(4)
Public
Traffic
Route
Distance
(5)
Intraline
Distance
(6)
1 100 100 100 7,000 366 220 132
2 100 100 100 8,000 376 226 135
5 100 100 100 9,000 385 231 139
10 100 100 100 10,000 394 236 142
20 100 100 100 15,000 427 256 154
40 113 100 100 20,000 451 271 162
60 123 100 100 25,000 471 282 169
80 131 100 100 30,000 487 292 175
100 138 100 100 40,000 514 308 185
150 152 100 100 50,000 535 321 193
200 162 100 100 60,000 553 332 199
300 179 107 100 70,000 568 341 204
400 192 115 100 80,000 581 349 209
600 211 127 100 90,000 593 356 214
800 226 136 100 100,000 604 362 217
1,000 238 143 100 150,000 647 388 233
1,500 262 157 100 200,000 678 407 244
2,000 279 168 101 250,000 703 422 253
2,500 294 176 106 300,000 723 434 260
3,000 306 183 110 350,000 741 445 267
3,500 316 190 114 400,000 757 454 272
4,000 325 195 117 450,000 771 462 277
5,000 341 205 123 500,000 783 470 282
6,000 355 213 128 >500,000 Note 4 Note 5 Note 6
Notes:
1. Explosive Weight = Number of items x NEWQD.
2. IB = 101.649 – [15.934 x (ln(number of items x NEWQD))] + [5.173 x (ln(number of items x NEWQD))2 ] IBD in feet,
NEWQD in pounds; ln is natural logarithm.
3. Number of items x NEWQD = exp[1.5401+(-17.278+0.1933 x IBD)1\2]. IB in feet; NEWQD in pounds; exp(x) is ex.
4. Use of equations given in Note 2 and 3 to determine IBD/weight combinations is allowed.
5. PTR = 60% of IBD with a minimum of 100 feet.
6. IL = 36% of IBD with a minimum of 100 feet.
7. For IM criteria, see Table 3.3.
8. See Table 3.12 for side and rear exposures of igloos.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 78
Table 3.11. Hazard Class Division 1.2 Separation Distances (Current Inventory with [XX] Sub-Divisions.)
Category NEW Inhabited
Building
Distance
Public
Traffic
Route
Distance
Intraline
Distance
(10)
Magazine
Above
Ground
Distance
Earth
Covered
[04]
(1) (2)
Physical Capacity 400 240 144 100
(3) (4)
[08]
(5)
Physical Capacity 800 480 288
(6)
200
(3) (4)
[12]
(7) (9)
500,000 1200 720 432
(6)
300
(3) (4)
[18]
(8) (9)
500,000 1800 1080 648 300
(3) (4)
Notes:
1. Example of items: Small arms ammunition with explosive projectiles; fuzed ammunition with non-explosive projectiles
when caliber and packing limit the hazard in accordance with this hazard division; WP smoke hand grenades; and nonmassdetonating
CBUs.
2. Limited quantities of items in this hazard division, for reasons of operational necessity, may be stored in facilities such as
hangars, troop buildings, and manufacturing or operating buildings without regard to quantity-distance. Examples of such
items are small destructors, fuzes, firing devices, and 40mm grenades. Fragmentation shielding will be provided.
3. For module storage a light metal shed or other lightweight fire retardant cover may be used for weather protection for
individual cells. Heavy structures (reinforced concrete, dense masonry units) or flammable material will not be used.
Priority shall be given to covered storage (igloos) for items requiring protection from the elements or long term storage. The
maximum NEW permitted to be stored within each cell is 250,000 lbs.
H4. In no case will the required IB, PTR, or IL distances be less than the minimum specified when a subdivision of HC/D 1.2
is being stored. For example, 1800 feet is required for HC/D (18)1.2. Refer to Table 3.3, Column 16-19 as applicable.
5. Example of items: Fixed and semi-fixed ammunition, rockets and rocket components, chemical ammunition containing
explosive elements, and nonmass-detonating CBUs.
6. If the HE in (08)1.2 or (12)1.2 items at an operating location and the PES is limited to 5000 lbs, intraline distance may be
reduced to 200 ft.
7. Example of items: Separate projectiles with explosive “D” filler, except high capacity types, caliber 8-inch or larger; fixed
and semi-fixed ammunition; nonmass-detonating CBUs; rockets, rocket motors and nonmass-detonating rocket heads; and
chemical ammunition containing explosive components.
8. Example of items: Nonmass-detonating HE-loaded projectiles, fixed and semi-fixed ammunition, and rockets and rocket
heads.
9. Items of this category present a risk of propagation to adjacent aboveground magazines, particularly when packed in
combustible containers. Storage in earth-covered magazines is therefore preferred.
10. See paragraph 3.3 for using substantial dividing walls as IL equivalency.
HTable 3.12. Hazard Class Division 1.2 Separation Distances From Side and Rear Exposures of All Igloos.1
Category HC/D 1.2.1
MCE >100 pounds
HC/D1.2.1
MCE <100 pounds
HC/D 1.2.2 HC/D 1.2.3
Intermagazine2
Distance
50’ MIN 50’ MIN 50’ MIN 50’ MIN
Intraline2
Distance
50’ MIN 50’ MIN 50’ MIN 50’ MIN
Public Traffic
Route Distance
300’ MIN 200’ MIN 100’ MIN 50’ MIN
Inhabited
Building
Distance
300’ MIN 200’ MIN 100’ MIN 50’ MIN
Notes:
H1. For front exposures from all igloos use Table 3.3, columns 16, 17, 18 or 19, as applicable.
H2. No separation is required to other side/rear igloo exposures.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 79
Table 3.13. Hazard/Class Division 1.3 and 1.2.3 Separation Distances. (1) (2)(4)(7)(8)(9)
NEW
(lbs)
IB (7) or
PTR (ft)
(3)(5)
Above-
Ground
IM or IL
(ft)(3)(6)
NEW
(lbs)
IB (7) or
PTR (ft)
(3)(5)
Above-
Ground
IM or IL
(ft)(3)(6)
NEW
(lbs)
IB or
PTR
(ft)
(3)(5)
Above-
Ground
IM or IL
(ft)(3)(6)
1,000 75 50 92,000 296 196 560,000 627 413
2,000 86 57 94,000 297 197 570,000 632 415
3,000 96 63 96,000 298 198 580,000 636 418
4,000 106 69 98,000 299 199 590,000 641 420
5,000 115 75 100,000 300 200 600,000 645 422
6,000 123 81 110,000 307 205 610,000 649 424
7,000 130 86 120,000 315 210 620,000 654 426
8,000 137 91 130,000 322 215 630,000 658 428
9,000 144 96 140,000 330 220 640,000 662 430
10,000 150 100 150,000 337 225 650,000 667 432
12,000 159 105 160,000 345 230 660,000 671 435
14,000 168 111 170,000 352 235 670,000 675 437
16,000 176 116 180,000 360 240 680,000 679 439
18,000 183 120 190,000 367 245 690,000 684 441
20,000 190 125 200,000 375 250 700,000 688 443
22,000 195 130 210,000 383 255 710,000 692 445
24,000 201 134 220,000 390 260 720,000 696 447
26,000 206 138 230,000 398 265 730,000 700 449
28,000 210 142 240,000 405 270 740,000 704 451
30,000 215 145 250,000 413 275 750,000 708 453
32,000 219 147 260,000 420 280 760,000 712 455
34,000 224 149 270,000 428 285 770,000 716 457
36,000 228 151 280,000 435 290 780,000 720 459
38,000 231 153 290,000 443 295 790,000 724 461
40,000 235 155 300,000 450 300 800,000 728 463
42,000 238 157 310,000 458 305 810,000 732 465
44,000 242 159 320,000 465 310 820,000 735 467
46,000 245 161 330,000 473 315 830,000 739 469
48,000 247 163 340,000 480 320 840,000 743 471
50,000 250 165 350,000 488 325 850,000 747 472
52,000 252 167 360,000 495 330 860,000 750 474
54,000 254 169 370,000 503 335 870,000 754 476
56,000 256 171 380,000 510 340 880,000 758 478
58,000 258 173 390,000 518 345 890,000 761 480
60,000 260 175 400,000 525 350 900,000 765 482
62,000 262 177 410,000 533 355 910,000 769 484
64,000 264 180 420,000 541 361 920,000 772 486
66,000 266 182 430,000 549 366 930,000 776 487
68,000 268 183 440,000 556 371 940,000 779 489
70,000 270 185 450,000 564 376 950,000 783 491
72,000 272 186 460,000 571 381 960,000 786 493
74,000 274 187 470,000 579 386 970,000 790 495
76,000 276 188 480,000 586 391 980,000 793 496
78,000 278 189 490,000 593 395 990,000 797 498
80,000 280 190 500,000 600 400 1,000,000 800 500
82,000 284 191 510,000 605 402
84,000 287 192 520,000 609 404
86,000 290 193 530,000 614 407
88,000 293 194 540,000 618 409
90,000 295 195 550,000 623 411
Notes:
1. For quantities less than 1,000 lbs, the required distances are those specified for 1,000 lbs. The use of lesser distances may
be approved when supported by test data and/or analysis. Linear interpolation of NEW quantities between table entries is
permitted. For quantities above 1,000,000 lbs, the values given above will be extrapolated by means of cube-root scaling as
follows:
Ha. For inhabited building distance (IB) and public traffic route (PTR) distance, use D = 8 W1/3.
Hb. For aboveground intermagazine distance (IM) and intraline distance (IL), use D = 5 W1/3.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 80
2. List of items (examples only): Military pyrotechnics; solid propellants in bulk, in containers, or in ammunition items; and
nontoxic chemical ammunition.
3. Items will be placed in this hazard division if they qualify for assignment to it after evaluation in accordance with Chap 2.
4. For reasons of operational necessity, limited quantities of items in this hazard division, such as document destroyers,
signaling devices, riot control munitions and the like, may be stored without regard to quantity-distance in accordance with
fire protection regulations in facilities such as hangars, arms rooms, and operating buildings.
5. The same distances are used for IB and PTR.
6. The same distances are used for aboveground IM and IL. Earth-covered buildings may be used to their physical capacity
for this hazard division provided they comply with the construction and siting requirements of Chapter 3 for HC/D 1.1.
Earth-covered magazines used to store only HC/D 1.3 items must be sited for a minimum of 100 lbs of HC/D 1.1 item.
H7. This Table is also used to determine IB distances for Unit Risk HC/D 1.2.3 munitions. Multiply the NEWQD for the
HC/D 1.2.3 items by the corresponding number of HC/D 1.2.3 rounds and use the IB column, with a minimum fragment
distance specified in hundreds of feet in parentheses as “(xx) 1.2.3.” PTR for Unit Risk HD 1.2.3 ammunition is based on
60% of IB (50 feet minimum). IL is computed as 36% of IB, with a minimum distance equal to the Intermagazine Distances
given in Table 3.3 (50 feet minimum).
H8. See paragraph 2.41, Multicube or Segregated Magazines, for special considerations when storing limited amounts of
explosives.
H9. See Table 3.12 for side and rear exposures of igloos (HC/D 1.2.3 only).
Table 3.14. Hazard Class/Division 1.6 Separation Distances.
NEW (lbs) IBD or PTR IM or IL (ft) NEW(lbs) IBD or PTR (ft) IM or IL (ft)
0-100 37 23 75,000 337 211
200 47 29 80,000 345 215
300 54 33 85,000 352 220
400 59 37 90,000 359 224
500 64 40 95,000 365 228
600 67 42 100,000 371 232
700 71 44 110,000 383 240
800 74 46 120,000 395 247
900 77 48 125,000 400 250
1,000 80 50 130,000 405 253
2,000 101 63 140,000 415 260
3,000 115 72 150,000 425 266
4,000 127 79 160,000 434 271
5,000 137 86 170,000 443 277
6,000 145 91 175,000 447 280
7,000 153 96 180,000 452 282
8,000 160 100 190,000 460 287
9,000 166 104 200,000 468 292
10,000 172 108 225,000 487 304
15,000 197 123 250,000 504 315
20,000 217 136 275,000 520 325
25,000 234 146 300,000 536 334
30,000 249 155 325,000 550 344
35,000 262 164 350,000 564 352
40,000 274 171 375,000 577 361
45,000 285 178 400,000 589 368
50,000 295 184 425,000 601 376
55,000 304 190 450,000 613 383
60,000 313 196 475,000 624 390
65,000 322 201 500,000 635 397
70,000 330 206
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 81
Notes:
1. Earth-covered magazines may be used to their physical capacity for this hazard division, provided they are properly sited
for at least 100 lbs HC/D 1.1.
2. Interpolation is permitted. For inhabited building distance and public traffic route use D = 8W 1/3. For aboveground IM
and IL distance use 5W 1/3.
3. Single round distance applies as a minimum; that is, for IB or PTR, D = 40W 1/3 or minimum fragment distance,
whichever is greater; and for aboveground IM or IL, D = 18W 1/3, based on a single round of ammunition. Minimum
fragment distance is based on hazardous fragment aerial density requirements as determined for HC/D 1.1 munitions.
4. When specifically approved by HQ AFSC/SE, HC/D 1.6 items, packed in non-flammable pallets or packing, may be
stored in earth-covered igloos at the following distances, unless Table 3.14 permits a lesser distance requirement: IB and
PTR--100 ft; aboveground IM and IL--50 ft; earth-covered IM--No specified requirement.
3.12. Barricades.
3.12.1. Protection against high-speed, low-angle fragments. Properly constructed or natural barricades provide protection
against low angle fragments. Barricades or earth-covered structures eliminate the risk of propagating explosions caused by
low-angle, high-speed fragments. Barricade elevation is effective when a straight line, drawn from a point described in
paragraph 3.12.1.1.1 to a point described in paragraph 3.12.1.1.2, passes through the top width of the barricade. A barricade
of this elevation should prevent simultaneous detonation of an explosion from one quantity of mass-detonating explosives to
another. See Figure 3.2.
3.12.1.1 From:
3.12.1.1.1 The top of the side wall of a magazine or operating building.
3.12.1.1.2. The top of a stack containing explosives, as in paragraph 3.12.1.1.4.
3.12.1.1.3. Explosive items on aircraft or emplaced missiles.
3.12.1.1.4. Base barricade heights derived from the use of 3.12.1.1.2. on the following. A straight line drawn from the top of
the far edge of the stack edge away from the barricade) at a two degree angle above the horizontal must pass through the 3-
feet width of the crest (berm) of the barricade. Where feasible, scale barricade heights up 3 to 5 feet, based on a line drawn
(as explained above) at an angle of 5 degrees above the horizontal. When protecting aircraft, facilities and personnel at K26
or less, a vertical-sided barricade provides a reduction in blast overpressure to three or four times the height of the barricade
in a horizontal line (for example, a 20-feet barricade would shield a 40-feet-deep building setting 20 feet from the barricade,
from low-angle, high-speed fragments and some blast pressure). The slope-sided barricade may ricochet fragments and is
less effective in deflecting blast pressure.
3.12.1.2. To:
3.12.1.2.1. The highest point of any IB being protected.
3.12.1.2.2. A point 12 feet above the center of any highway or railway being protected.
3.12.1.2.3. Barricade protection to the highest point on an aircraft or missile launcher may be desirable to reduce direct
fragment damage to the aircraft.
3.12.1.2.4. If desiring to protect any magazine, operating building, storage site or other facility or material containing
explosives, choose a point at least the minimum given in paragraphs 3.12.1.2.1, 3.12.1.2.2, and 3.12.1.2.3.
3.12.2. Overpressure mitigation. Based on experimental work, the overpressure loading on a surface shielded by a barricade
is reduced by 50% when the following length, height, and location conditions are satisfied.
3.12.2.1. Location. The barricade must be located within two barricade heights from the ES.
3.12.2.2. Height. The top of the barricade must be at least as high as the top of the ES.
3.12.2.3. Width. The width of the barricade must be at least two times the width of the ES.
3.12.3. Natural Barricades. Protected storage facilities built underground, into hills or separated by hills may permit reduced
QD. Consider each case separately. Submit details in the site plans, including topographical maps of the terrain.
3.12.4. Artificial Barricades. Select cohesive earth fill, free from unhealthy organic matter, trash, debris and frozen material.
Keep in the lower center of the barricade. Don’t use stones heavier than 10 pounds or larger than 6 inches. Compact and
prepare the surface to keep structural integrity and control erosion. Effective artificial barricades are:
3.12.4.1 Earth, 20 feet or less in height, having a crest (berm) at least three feet wide. The slope will not be steeper than 1.5
horizontal to 1 vertical. Use slopes of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical for new facilities to reduce erosion and ease maintenance.
3.12.4.2. Earth more than 20 feet in height and at least 5 feet wide at the top, with earth sloping as in paragraph 3.12.4.1.
3.12.4.3. Earth meeting the requirements of paragraphs 3.12.4.1 or 3.12.4.2, modified by substituting a retaining wall for the
slope on one side. The slope and thickness of the retaining wall (preferably of concrete) must ensure a wide enough top to
hold the earth firmly in place.
3.12.5. Earth-Filled, Steel-Bin-Type Barricades (ARMCO, Republic type, or equal.) These barricades will prevent
simultaneous detonation of adjacent explosives; however, they will not prevent major damage or destruction of aircraft or
munitions.
3.12.5.1. A connected series of such revetments may be sited for the explosives weight of one revetment.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 82
3.12.5.1.1. Site flight-line revetment sets for combat aircraft parking and loading as a combat aircraft parking area according
to Table 3.3. These revetment sets may be used for both aircraft parking and munitions holding.
3.12.5.1.2. Site flightline revetment sets used for munitions as flightline munitions holding areas according to Table 3.3.
3.12.5.1.3. Sites used solely for the storage of munitions as barricaded (ES) above-ground magazines according to Table 3.3.
3.12.5.2. To limit mishap potential, munitions should be dispersed as widely as possible within each cell. Munitions shall be
positioned with the objective of distributing them over the available area within the cell, rather than concentrating them in a
small area. The contents of a cell (stored in quantities near the maximum NEW limit) must not be configured into a single
row of stacks, pallets, or trailers. However, in all cases, explosives will be positioned at least 10 feet from revetment walls,
three feet from the end of the wing walls, and two feet below the top of walls. Storage of munitions in flammable outer-pack
configurations must be minimized. See attachment 8 for a list of munitions approved for this type of storage.
3.12.5.2.1. Revetments with earth-filled walls at least 6-feet 11-inches thick may be used to limit the Maximum Credible
Event (MCE) in a series of cells to the largest quantity in any single cell if that quantity does not exceed 30,000 pounds
NEW.
3.12.5.2.2. Revetments with earth-filled walls at least 5-feet 3-inches thick may be used to limit the MCE, provided no cell
contains more than 5,000 pounds NEW.
3.12.6. Inspection of Barricades. Inspect barricades periodically to determine the degree of settling or erosion. Add fill if a
barricade has deteriorated and it no longer provides effective protection. Also inspect wood riveted barricades and replace
rotten timbers or planking.
3.12.7. Siting Barricades. For protection against high-velocity, low-angle fragments a barricade may be placed anywhere
between the PES and ES providing the criteria in paragraph 3.12.1 is met. See paragraph 3.12.2 for siting an overpressure
mitigation barricade.
3.12.8. Magazines as Barricaded Structures. The earth cover over an igloo magazine must be at least 2 feet deep. Earth
cover and side fill requirements are the same as for barricades in paragraph 3.12.4. Restrict any large stones to the lower half
of fills. The earth covers on the sides and rear of an igloo may be treated as barricades. Consider an aboveground magazine
barricaded when it is protected by a barricade meeting the requirements of paragraph 3.12.3 or 3.12.4. A concrete-arch or
steel-arch, earth-covered igloo is the preferred type of "barricaded" magazine for storing maximum amounts of HC/D 1.1
explosives, with minimum separation between locations. Consider igloo magazines as barricaded except for a 60 degree arc
on either side of the centerline of the door. See Figure 3.3B for description of unbarricaded area for igloo door, side and rear
exposures. Consider as side exposure of an igloo the area from the radial of the front unbarricaded angle to a radial 45
degrees at the rear of the igloo with the base of the angle extending along the side, perpendicular and past the rear wall. The
rear exposure of an igloo is the area between the two 45 degree angles which are the rear limits of the side exposure. See
Figure 3.4. For those igloos with unusual orientations refer to Figure 3.3:
3.12.8.1. In Figure 3.3(a) and (b) site A is a side-to-side ES and site B is a side-to-side orientation. Think of the orientations
as from the PES to the ES.
3.12.8.2. In Figure 3.3(c) site A as a side-to-front ES and site B as a front-to side ES.
3.12.8.3. In Figure 3.3(d) site each igloo as a front-to front ES. Site C as a barricaded ES. Site A and B as unbarricaded
ESs.
3.12.8.4. In Figure 3.3(e) site A as a side-to-front ES and site B as a front-to-side ES.
3.12.8.5. In Figure 3.3(f) site A as a side-to front ES and Site B as a front to side ES.
3.12.8.6. See Figure 3.3(g): When considering the relationship between igloos and aboveground magazines or operating
locations apply the following:
3.12.8.6.1. For igloo siting applications, no credit is given for a barricade in front of an igloo acting as a PES. When acting
as an ES, the same igloo with a barricade in front may be sited as a barricaded ES.
3.12.8.6.2. For igloo siting applications, no credit is given for a barricade in front of an aboveground magazine acting as a
PES. When acting as an ES, the same aboveground magazine with a barricade in front may be sited as a barricaded ES.
3.12.8. Barricade Value.
3.12.8.1. Barricades have no effect on high-angle fragments that escape over their top. Some of these fragments may travel
to the outer limits of protection areas set up for PTR and IB distances.
3.12.8.2. Eliminating dangerous low-angle, high-velocity fragments by barricading considerably reduces fragment density
within a given radius. This will not reduce the size of the hazardous circle at distances discussed in paragraph 3.12.8.1.
3.12.8.3. Barricades, if properly designed and located, stop fragments. A barricade at the source can reduce fragment speed
and density where high-density exposures of personnel and equipment may occur. A secondary barricade at sites of missionessential
equipment and personnel (such as wing communications and trim pads) can provide some additional protection;
however, high-angle, low-velocity fragments will still impact the exposed site.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 83
Figure 3.2. Typical Barricade - Stack Relationships.
3 FT
MIN
CREST SECOND LINE
FIRST LINE
LEVEL TERRAIN
STACK
STACK
STACK
STACK
STACK
STACK
SECOND LINE
FIRST LINE
CREST
3 FT
MIN
CREST
3 FT MIN
3 FT MIN
SLOPING TERRAIN
2o
2o
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 84
Figure 3.3. Orientation Effects on Intermagazine Distance.
Intraline
distance
Intraline
distance
Intraline
distance
Aboveground
Magazine
Aboveground
Magazine
Aboveground
Magazine
Barricade
(g) Barricaded & unbarricaded distances
(a) Both headwalls outside of 120 sector O
120O
120O
A
B
(b) Both headwalls outside of 120 sector O
B
A
(e) Canted Igloos
120O
120O
B A
(f) Igloos of significantly different length
120O
120O
B
A
(c) One headwall inside 120 sector O
B
A
(d) Both headwalls inside 120 sector O
B
A
C
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 85
3.12.8.4. Barricades with sloped sides are less effective than those with vertical sides (for example, steel bin barricades at
least K1.1 from the source) in reducing blast pressure. However, for sources under 100,000 pounds NEW, either may give
overpressure reduction of several psi out to three or four times the height of a barricade. The barricade becomes less
effective as the blast wave progresses toward K40, where it is negligible; however, even here it is still effective against lowangle
fragments. For quantities greater than 100,000 pounds NEW, the barricade provides some reduction in overpressure
out to K15; however, it tends to increase overpressure from K15 to K40. Therefore, use of barricades at sources over
100,000 pounds NEW makes desirable the use of K28 to K36 for PTR distance, instead of K24/30 which is prescribed.
3.12.8.5. Barricades around the exposed site can be used to reduce minimum separations required by Table 3.3 or fragment
distances from 1.2 munitions if tests or engineering analysis show the barrier will stop the low-angle, high-velocity fragments
and the building will provide protection from the high-angle fragments that can be expected from the PES. The distance
cannot be reduced below that required to provide adequate overpressure protection to the ES.
Section 3C--Q-D Criteria For Specific Facilities or Situations
3.13 Related Facilities. Certain non-explosives facilities that closely support a PES are known as related facilities. Use K18
separation for these facilities from the supported PES.
3.13.1. General Related Facilities. Separate PES’s from the applicable ES’s listed below by the following minimum distances.
Provide greater separations where possible.
HTable 3.15. Related Facilities.
Facility Separation Required
Gatehouses; field offices
2,3
; dunnage preparation; small packing and shipping buildings; dog
kennels; area security control (not central security control [CSC]) ; Motor pool dispatch points (for
vehicles supporting storage area only); staffed power plants and staffed non-explosive hazardous
material collection points (only supporting the weapons storage area); maintenance and inspection
facilities; response force tactical facilities (RFTF); lunch rooms(with serving personnel);
breakrooms and change houses supporting multiple PESs; inert operations involving components
of an explosive weapon system.4
Use the "Related
Facilities" row of Table
3.3.
Non-explosives auxiliary storage facilities6; one-person guard towers,
1,3
hazardous material
collection points7, unoccupied power plants or transformer stations; which exclusively support an
explosives storage area.
50 feet
Low pressure boilers
5
; paint storage buildings providing direct support to the PES. 50 feet
Guard (sentry) shelters and defensive fighting positions. Breakrooms, supply rooms, offices2 and
change houses used exclusively by personnel with duties within a single PES.
None
NOTES:
1. When essential for security purposes, site one-person guard towers at a distance equal to the height of the tower plus 50 feet
(fire break distance) from explosives locations. However, the distance must not be less than the minimum given above.
2. Do not apply Q-D to the offices of personnel (located within the PES) who perform hands-on maintenance in the bays
(assemble, maintain, inspect, and test). The NCOIC and first level supervisors (crew chiefs) of those who do hands-on work,
are also included in this Q-D exemption. Apply IL to branch/flight level supervision. For example, a missile shop does not
need Q-D separation to those persons assigned, who perform missile maintenance, and their supervisors, to include the NCOIC
of the missile shop. IL applies to anyone else, such as Munitions Operations (AFK), munitions control, training, mobility, etc.
3. One-person security structures for weapons-loaded aircraft are exempt from separation requirements. However, provide the
distance shown when possible.
4. The operation must involve support of an explosive operation such as repairing bomb fins, or the operation simulates an
explosive operation, for example: Munitions Assembly Conveyor (MAC).
5. Some specially designed operating buildings have attached rooms for low-pressure boilers and other facilities. These
buildings have safety features such as protective concrete separating walls (without openings) between boiler and working
areas, light roof and frangible exterior walls for boiler enclosures. Such buildings, built according to Air Force definitive
drawings, are exempt from these distance criteria. This exception applies only where equipment installed or contained in
attached rooms meets or exceeds original specifications and does not create additional hazards.
6. The loss of the non-explosives material must not adversely impact the mission.
7. Manned hazardous waste collection points which exclusively support an explosives storage area may be separated at IL.
Hazardous waste collection points which do not exclusively support an explosives storage area must be separated at IB.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 86
3.13.2. Munitions or Weapons Storage Area Related Activities. Activities directly associated with munitions storage or
munitions operations are considered related. All related operations or activities within a munitions area are related to one
another, regardless of the owning service, organization or country. As an exposed site related facilities must not only be
separated by IL from a PES they are related to, (for example: the munitions storage area office from the munitions storage area
igloos), but must also be separated from any PES outside the munitions storage area they are not related to by incremental IBD.
(For example: the munitions storage area office from a combat aircraft.) However, explosives operating locations may be
protected by IL distance from combat aircraft.
3.13.3. Direct Combat Aircraft Generation Related Facilities. All facilities and functions directly involved in maintaining,
servicing, controlling, and flying combat aircraft are considered related to ammunition and explosives on the flightline
supporting those combat aircraft. Flightline related facilities and functions, which have in common, the need to directly
support the same combat aircraft, can be considered integral parts of the aircraft generation; this also applies to “related”
flightline munitions operating locations and pre-load areas. Because the combat aircraft generation cannot progress without
their combined efforts, these flightline support functions and facilities may be considered “related” to each other, if they are
considered “related” to the combat aircraft. Therefore, all support functions and facilities deemed “related” to combat aircraft
generation activities on the flightline may be located at IL distance from one another. For Q-D purposes, all combat forces at a
single location are considered related. This may include Air Force, Army, Navy, and host nation aircraft. One set of Q-D
criteria applies to all combat forces at a single location. For example facilities/functions related to Air Force fighter aircraft are
also related to Navy fighter aircraft. When the services disagree on the required safety distance for Interservice Explosive
Facilities, forward the problem through channels to HQ AFSC/SE for action.
3.13.3.1. Separate unhardened combat aircraft generation-related facilities from munitions storage and operating facilities by
incremental K40/50. If these functions are located in a HAS, reduce separation to K30 to the frontal cone and K9 or K18
(Table 3.3, note 6) to the sides or rear. Site other hardened facilities at less than K40/50, dependent on the design of the facility
and the hazards of the PES. Provide equivalent protection.
3.13.3.2. The primary test to be applied in determining related facilities is that the function must provide essential daily and
direct support for the PES presenting the hazard.
3.13.3.3. Examples of facilities and functions generally considered related to combat aircraft generation include:
3.13.3.3.1. Logistics Group and Operations Group functions.
3.13.3.3.2. POL or LOX servicing facilities, including hot pit refueling areas.
3.13.3.3.3. Civil engineering functions solely dedicated to maintaining the runway and taxiways.
3.13.3.3.4. Forward supply points.
3.13.3.3.5. Intelligence, debriefing, and flightline security functions.
3.13.3.4. Q-D separation standards do not apply to arm and dearm pads when the PES is an aircraft undergoing servicing at
these locations. For hot pit refueling pads see Table 3.3, Note 67.
3.13.4. Cargo Aircraft Separations. Parked explosives-loaded cargo aircraft is considered a storage function for purposes of
assigning Q-D standards. Flightline personnel who solely support these aircraft, and all munitions maintenance activities are
considered related. Other flight-line facilities/activities which are not directly supporting these operations and maintenance
will be separated by incremental K40/50, minimum fragment distances are not required. End of runway and dearm crew
shelters do not require separation from explosives-loaded cargo aircraft. See Table 3.3, note 66.
3.13.5. Defensive Missile Battery Separation. The following criteria apply to deployed defensive missile batteries (e.g.
Patriots) and associated support functions. See Table 3.3.
3.13.5.1. Missile batteries deployed in IB clear zones may be sited at K18 to manned functions considered related to those
explosives operations.
3.13.5.2. Those functions solely providing support to defensive missile units, such as motor pools, may be sited at K18 to
batteries and other explosives activities when the missile battery is located in these areas.
3.13.5.3. No separation is required between missile batteries and the security force structures exclusively supporting them.
3.13.6. Facilities not Related. The following facilities are not considered “related” to any potential explosion site:
3.13.6.1. MWR facilities, except those exclusively used by flightline personnel.
3.13.6.2. Base civil engineering headquarters.
3.13.6.3. Central base supply.
3.13.6.4. Family housing, passenger terminals, and chapels.
3.13.6.5. Military billets, including permanent party dormitories, transient quarters, and other temporary billeting facilities,
such as tent cities.
3.13.6.6. Commissaries, schools, and nurseries.
3.13.6.7. Wing and base headquarters, staff agencies (plans, manpower, safety, comptroller functions, etc).
3.13.6.8. Hospitals and dispensaries.
3.13.6.9. Theaters.
3.13.6.10. Main exchanges, except for flightline annexes.
3.13.6.11. Base fire departments, except for flightline fire stations.
3.13.6.12. Law enforcement and central security control.
3.13.6.13. Hydrazine servicing facilities which support multiple bases.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 87
3.14. Rocket Storage, Checkout, and Assembly (RSCA) Building. (Air Force Definitive Drawing 33-39-03) 3/8” steel
doors must be installed to meet requirements.
3.14.1. As an ES, if the RSCA is used as an operating location, use IL from the PES it is supporting. For example, chaff and
flare and argon recharging operations in the RSCA may be separated by IL from the combat aircraft they are supporting.
3.14.2. As a PES, each bay may singularly store physical capacity of HC/D 1.4, 100 lbs of HC/D 1.3 and 50 lbs of HC/D 1.2.2
or (04) 1.2 with zero IM bay to bay and zero IL, PTR and IB. Use normal IM criteria to other PESs. If used as an operating
location to support combat aircraft, apply IL to the same facilities/activities as in paragraph 3.13.3. When the RSCA is located
outside of an explosives clear zone, licensing requirements apply. See paragraph 2.35.
3.15. Loading Docks. Site loading docks used for the transfer of munitions between transportation modes and involving
lifting as an operating location. Loading docks used to support multiple storage or operating locations are considered above
ground magazines for Q-D purposes. Q-D does not apply to loading docks used to support a single PES.
3.16. Vehicle and Rail Transportation Areas. Quantity-distance (Q-D) criteria does not apply to munitions and explosives
in the transportation mode. See paragraphs 2.59 through 2.78 for explosives safety requirements for transportation.
3.16.1. Incoming Vehicle and Rail Inspections Stations. If used solely as an inspection area, Q-D does not apply. The inspection
station should be as remote as practical from hazardous areas such as explosives, POL sites, populated areas, and flightlines. If
the inspection station is used for explosives storage or as a suspect vehicle holding area, it must meet Q-D criteria..
3.16.2. Vehicle and Rail Interchange Yards. Where necessary, an interchange yard may be established in a remote area on
the same basis as, or together with, the inspection station in paragraph 3.16.1 above. Explosives Q-D criteria will not be
applied if the exchange is made and the vehicles/railcars removed promptly.
3.16.3. Site vehicle and rail holding yards as above ground magazines.
3.16.3.1. Where possible, explosives-loaded vehicles/railcars should be separated from each other by the applicable
aboveground magazine distance.
3.16.3.2. If magazine distance between vehicles/railcars cannot be met, they should be parked in groups, with magazine
separation between each group. Distances to other exposures will then be based on the total amount of explosives within a
group of vehicles/railcars.
3.16.3.3. Where neither 3.16.3.1 nor 3.16.3.2 above is possible, the total explosives weight of all vehicles will be used to
determine separation distances.
3.16.4. In developing large rail holding yards, consider the following layout guidance:
3.16.4.1. Design rail holding yards on a unit car or explosives weight group basis. (For example, 50,000, 100,000, or 250,000
net pounds of HC/D 1.1 explosives, regardless of the number of cars involved). Separate each explosives quantity car group
from all other groups by IM distance.
3.16.4.2. Yards may be formed by two parallel ladder tracks connected by diagonal spurs or by a "Christmas tree" arrangement
(a ladder track with diagonal dead-end spurs projecting from each side at alternate intervals). Other arrangements tailored to
the operation are allowed. However, separate parallel tracks and spurs of all types by intermagazine distances for the group
quantities of explosives involved.
3.16.5. Rail Classification Yards. Where the volume of rail traffic necessitates, establish a classification yard primarily for
receiving, classifying, switching, and dispatching explosives-laden rail cars. Intermagazine Q-D separation is required, as a
minimum, between PESs of all types and the classification yard. Within the classification yard, no Q-D separation is required
between individual cars unless the yard is used for other purposes (such as placing or removing dunnage or explosive items
into or from cars). Then Q-D criteria between cars will apply. No Q-D separation is required from the classification yard to
any non-explosives exposed sites.
3.16.6. Railcars or Vehicles Spotted at Operating Buildings. Rail cars and vehicles should not be used as service magazines
for operating buildings or locations. If such use is essential, park at intraline distance from the operation or operating
building.
3.16.7. Transportation mode change locations. Intraline Q-D separation applies to all transfer operations involving
explosives except for:
3.16.7.1. Roll-on/roll-off operations (not involving lifting); and,
3.16.7.2. Off-installation MILVAN/ISO container inter-/intramodal transfers, including Trailer on Flat Cars (TOFC), where
containers are not stored or other operations are performed. No Q-D separation is required for these operations.
3.17. Vehicle Parking Areas.
3.17.1. Government Owned Vehicle (GOV) Parking. GOV and powered Aerospace Ground Equipment (AGE) parking
areas will be located at least 100 feet from explosives locations. Other motor pools normally require IB separations because
of office, workshops, and other inhabited areas. Temporary parking of GOVs and AGE, other than those being loaded or
unloaded, will not be parked closer than 25 feet to any explosives facility. Temporary means the length of time for which the
presence of the vehicle is essential to completion of a single task (e.g., a single work order number.) This restriction does
not apply to approved operations inside hardened aircraft shelters. Local fire and safety officials may reduce these parking
requirements for licensed locations.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 88
3.17.2. Privately Owned Vehicles (POV) Parking. Separate POV parking lots supporting multiple PESs by IL. When a
POV parking lot supports a single PES it may be 100 feet minimum from its associated facility and IL from all other PESs.
Parking areas for all other POVs should be located outside munitions storage areas and at least PTR distance from explosives
locations. Minimum fragment distance applies except for POVs supporting a PES. Local fire and safety officials may reduce
these parking requirements for licensed locations.
3.17.3. War Reserve Material (WRM) Vehicles Parking. Parking areas used exclusively for WRM vehicles will be sited at
IL distances from explosives locations. PTR or IB separation distances should be used, when possible, to prevent unacceptable
damage to critical war support vehicles and equipment.
3.18. Warehouses. As a minimum, these facilities will be separated from explosives locations by the applicable
unbarricaded, intermagazine distance. When the warehouse is used for non-munitions WRM (trailers, etc) use IL. Separation
by PTR or IB distance should be used, when possible, to further limit damage or loss of assets.
3.19. Electrical Utilities. The following Q-D criteria apply to each explosives location within an explosives storage area
and to flightline munitions holding areas. They do not apply to services provided to individual or group explosives facilities
when that service is not also secondarily provided to other parts of the installation or community. They do not apply to
licensed explosives locations on the base (such as survival equipment rooms, egress systems maintenance shops, or
armories).
3.19.1. For aboveground electrical transmission lines carrying less than 69 kilovolts (kV), the towers or poles supporting
these lines and unmanned electrical substations will be no closer to explosives exposures than incremental PTR distance.
3.19.2. For aboveground electrical transmission lines carrying 69 kV or more, the towers or poles supporting these lines and
power houses which are part of a grid system serving a large off-base area will be located no closer to explosives exposures
than incremental inhabited building distance. Incremental PTR may be used if loss of the line will not create serious social or
economic hardships
3.19.3. Electrical transmission lines which can be interrupted without loss of power (i.e. power is rerouted through other
existing lines or networks) will be separated from combustible explosives facilities and open PES’s by at least the distance
between the poles which support the lines, unless an effective means is provided to ensure that energized lines on breaking
cannot come into contact with the facility. No separation is required for non-combustible facilities.
3.19.4. Unoccupied power plants or transformer stations that exclusively support an explosives area must be separated by at
least 50 feet. Transformers that directly support a single PES requires no separation.
3.20. Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS) and Flow-thru Revetments. Tables 3.16 and 3.17 show intershelter separation
requirements that provide different levels of protection to meet different levels of risk. Table 3.3 shows separation
requirements to other facilities. Paragraph 3.12.5 provides criteria for revetments.
3.20.1. The separations shown in Table 3.16 provide reasonable assurance that aircraft in closed hardened shelters will remain
operable should an explosion occur in an adjacent shelter or ready service storage facility. These aircraft may not be
immediately removable due to debris. For shelters with third generation-type rear doors, the aircraft may be damaged
substantially unless modifications have been made to prevent the rear doors from being blown against the aircraft. No
occupied facility can be within 300 feet of a HAS (except 3rd generation) sited for more than 500 pounds NEW. For 500
pounds NEW or less, use 50 feet separation from the sides or rear, but from the front use only the incremental separation
required by Table 3.3. Occupied facilities (see glossary) will be no closer to 3rd generation HAS than the minimum distances
specified in note 62 to Table 3.3.
3.20.2. The separations shown in Table 3.17 will prevent simultaneous detonation between adjacent shelters, aircraft or ready
service storage facilities. However, these adjacent structures, aircraft and stored munitions may be substantially damaged or
destroyed. This is equivalent protection to that provided unsheltered aircraft separated by intermagazine distance (K6 or K11).
3.20.3. Use Table 3.16 to site first, second, and third generation shelters sited and constructed after December 1984. Separate
first, second, and third generation shelters, sited and constructed before 1984, used to store munitions in peacetime from other
shelters and ready service storage facilities according to Table 3.16. The MAJCOM commander may approve the use of the
separations in Table 3.17. Use Table 3.17 to separate Korean TAB VEE and Flow-thru shelters and ready service storage
facilities from other shelters and ready service facilities. The MAJCOM may establish procedures to allow use of the lesser
separations in Table 3.17 to first, second, and third generation shelters during periods of increased readiness or during
operational readiness exercises.
3.20.4. HASs used solely as permanent maintenance facilities would normally be classified as related facilities and require IL
separation from supported PES (HAS containing combat configured aircraft, etc.). However, because TAB VEE and second
and third generation HAS provide increased protection to equipment and personnel, the reduced separations shown in Table
3.12 are permitted with the following provisions:
3.20.4.1. Don't use the maintenance HAS for storage of explosives (except as permitted for a licensed facility per paragraph
2.35 or parking of explosives-loaded aircraft as defined in paragraph 3.25.4).
3.20.4.2. Keep the maintenance HAS doors closed (except for short periods to move equipment in and out, run aircraft
engines, etc.) whenever the maintenance HAS is exposed to a PES capable of generating an overpressure of 3.5 psi or greater
(normally K18 or less separation).
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 89
3.20.4.3. The maintenance HAS is located no closer than 300 feet from any PES HAS (except for 3rd generation) sited for
more than 500 pounds NEW. Separate maintenance HAS from 3rd generation PES HAS according to Table 3.16 and the
minimum distances in note 62 of Table 3.3.
3.20.5. The following criteria apply to the listed munitions when loaded on sheltered aircraft or stored as additional loads in
shelters.
3.20.5.1. Twenty and 30-millimeter (mm) ammunition is exempt from Q-D requirements if the shelter doors remain closed.
3.20.5.2. Class/division 1.3 and 1.4 munitions are exempt from Q-D requirements if the shelter doors remain closed. With the
doors open, only the frontal separation required by paragraph 3.25.4 applies.
3.20.5.3. AIM-7, AIM-9, and AGM-65 missiles meeting the missile-to-missile separation requirements of paragraph 3.34 may
use the separations in Table 3.18. For the AIM-7M with the WAU-17/B warhead, use Table 3.18, if no more than three
warheads are in radial alignment. If necessary, store 20mm and 30mm ammunition with these missiles.
3.20.6. The side walls of the arch provide a shotgun effect that projects most hazardous fragments in a 30-degree cone. This
cone applies to the front of a HAS as a PES only. Use Figure 3.4 to determine HAS exposure boundaries.
3.21. Munitions in Austere Areas. The following "austere area" provisions for explosives storage areas are authorized for
use in:
3.21.1. All zones where hostilities exist.
3.21.2. Areas approved by PACAF, USAFE and USCENTAF, where arrangement under paragraph 1.4 will allow their
application.
3.21.3. All "bare bases" and "limited bases."
3.21.4. Other areas as may be approved by HQ AFSC/SE.
3.21.5. Normal explosives safety standards, procedures, Q-D criteria, and methods of application in this regulation apply. The
exceptions that follow are alternatives to normal criteria and may be used if necessary. Minimum separations should prevent
simultaneous detonation of explosives on opposite sides of an approved barricade and minimize the possibility of later, nonsimultaneous
propagating explosions. Use greater separations where possible.
3.21.6. Open storage is authorized for all HC/D of munitions and explosives. Give priority for cover to items requiring
protection from the elements, considering the type packing material involved.
3.21.7. Avoid single stacks of large quantities of mass-detonating explosives. Smaller stacks may limit losses due to accident
or enemy action and often result in decreased land area requirement. Smaller stacks reduce the distance required between the
explosives storage area and "outside" exposures, such as flightline areas, inhabited buildings, or bulk POL storage.
3.21.8. When normal aboveground magazine separation is not feasible, use the modular concept of barricaded open storage
described in paragraph 3.22. Large quantities of explosives may be stored in this manner with relative safety.
3.21.9. If land is scarce and covered storage is required, consider the use of approved steel arch, earth-mounded igloos. These
sectionalized, corrugated-arch structures allow storage of maximum amounts of mass-detonating explosives with minimum
space between igloos. They are available in any practical length in widths up to 30 feet. The common earth cover gives
acceptable protection against propagation of an explosion from one igloo to another.
3.21.10. Site tri-service or joint use storage facilities under the standard criteria. However, if operational requirements
prescribe, austere area criteria apply to any part of the facility falling directly under Air Force control.
3.22. Module Description and Siting Criteria in Austere Areas. A module is a barricaded area comprised of a series of
connected cells with hard surface storage pads separated from each other by barricades. See Figure 3.5.
3.22.1. A light metal shed or other lightweight fire retardant cover may be used for weather protection for individual cells.
Heavy structures (reinforced concrete, dense masonry units) or flammable material will not be used.
3.22.2. The maximum NEW permitted to be stored within each cell is 250,000 lbs.
3.22.3. Module cell to module cell separation is K1.1. This is a significant reduction from the K6 barricaded IM requirement.
Modules allow the same amount of explosives to be stored using far less land space. However, in the event of an unplanned
detonation in an adjacent cell, munitions will be covered with earth and unavailable for use until extensive uncovering
operations and possibly maintenance are completed.
3.22.4. Barricades must comply with the appropriate requirements of this chapter. Module barricades must comply with the 2-
degree rule in paragraph 3.12. Where possible use a 50 instead of a 20 angle. The line of sight between the tops of stacks must
pass through at least 3 feet of earth.
3.22.5. To reduce the MCE expected from an explosion in one cell, "buffered" storage arrangements may be used as described
in paragraph 3.36.
3.22.6. CBUs (HC/D 1.2), 20 and 30-mm ammunition, when stored in barricaded facilities, are exempt from meeting the two
degree requirement of paragraph 3.12.
3.22.7. There is no restriction on the arrangement of cells within a module or groups of modules. When explosives stacks are
not separated by a barricade, use K11.
3.22.8. An above ground magazine may be considered a module provided all standards applicable to modules are met.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 90
Table 3.16. Intershelter Separation Criteria for Aircraft Survival1.
TO
FROM
PES
TAB VEE or TAB
VEE Modified
(First Generation
Aircraft Shelter)
Second or Third
Generation Aircraft
Shelter
Ready Service Igloo
Ready Service
Magazine
Ready
Service
Module
ES
Side Rear Front
(2)
Side Rear Front
(2)
Side Rear Front
Barricaded
Front
Unbarricaded
Barricaded
Unbarricaded
Barricaded
TAB VEE or
Side
K9
K6
K9
K9
K6
K9
K2.75
K2.75
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
TAB VEE
Modified
Rear
K8
K5
K8
K8
K5
K8
K2.75
K2.75
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
(1st Generation
Aircraft
Shelter)
Front
(2)
K18
K18
K18
K18
K18
K18
K11
K9
K18
K18
K18
K18
K18
2nd or 3rd
Generation
Side
K9
K6
K9
K9
K6
K9
K2.75
K2.75
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
Aircraft Shelter
Rear
K8
K5
K8
K8
K5
K8
K2.75
K2.75
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
Front
(2)
K11
K9
K18
K11
K9
K18
K2.75
K2.75
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
Side
K9
K8
K9
K9
K8
K9
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
TAB VEE
Maintenance
HAS
Rear
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
(See note)
Front
(2)
K18
K18
K18
K18
K18
K18
K11
K9
K18
K18
K18
K18
K18
2nd or 3rd
Generation
Side
K9
K8
K9
K9
K8
K9
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
Maintenance
HAS
(See Note)
Rear
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
Front
(2)
K11
K9
K18
K11
K9
K18
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
K8
Notes:
H1. The separation criteria in this table apply only to USAF aircraft and provides minimum protection from blast
overpressure only. It is not specifically designed to prescribe survival or protection distances for any other resource. For
HC/D 1.2.x fragmentation protection see Table 3.3 Note 17.
H2. Separations are based on shelter doors remaining closed, except for short periods for aircraft towing, fueling, servicing,
run up, or taxi and during integrated combat turnarounds or when maintenance equipment or munitions are being moved into
or out of shelters. If doors are left open beyond these short periods apply K30.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 91
HTable 3.17. Intershelter Separation Criteria To Prevent Simultaneous Detonation6,7.
TO
FROM
PES
TAB VEE or TAB VEE
Modified
(First Generation
Aircraft Shelter)4
Second or Third
Generation Aircraft
Shelter4
Korean
TAB VEE4
Korean
Flow thru4
Ready Service Igloo
Ready Service
Magazine5
& Flt Line
Holding Area
Ready Service Module5
ES
Side Rear Front8
Side Rear Front8 Side Rear Front8 Side Front
& Rear8
Side Rear Front
Barricaded
Front Unbarricaded
Barricaded
Unbarricaded
Barricaded
TAB VEE
or TAB
Side
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K4.5
K2
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
VEE
Modified (First
Rear
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K4.5
K2
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
Generation Aircraft
Shelter)
Front
K6
K4.5
K8
K6
K4.5
K93
K6
K4.5
K93
K6
K9
K1.251
K2.752
K62
K92
K6
K9
K6
2nd or 3rd
Generation
Side
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K4.5
K2
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
Aircraft
Shelter
Rear
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K4.5
K2
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
Front
K4.5
K2.75
K5
K4.5
K2.75
K6
K4.5
K2.75
K4.5
K4.5
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
Korean
Side
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K4.5
K2
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
TAB VEE
Rear
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K4.5
K2
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
Front
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K62
K62
K62
K112
K6
K11
K6
Korean
Flow
Side
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K4.5
K2
K4.5
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K2.75
K2.75
K2.75
thru Front
&
Rear
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K113
K62
K62
K62
K112
K6
K11
K6
Ready
Side
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2.75
K1.251
K1.251
K2.752
K2.752
K4.5
K4.5
K4.5
Service
Igloo
Rear
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2
K2.75
K2
K2.75
K1.251
K1.251
K22
K22
K4.5
K4.5
K1.25
Front Barricaded
K2.75
K2.75
K5
K2.75
K2.75
K6
K2.75
K2.75
K6
K2.75
K6
K2.752
K22
K62
K62
K6
K6
K6
Front Unbar
ricade
d
K6
K4.5
K8
K6
K4.5
K9
K6
K4.5
K9
K6
K9
K2.752
K22
K112
K112
K11
K11
K6
Ready
Service
Magazine
Barri- caded
K2.75
K2.75
K6
K2.75
K2.75
K6
K6
K6
K6
K6
K6
K4.52
K4.5 2
K62
K62
K6
K6
K6
& Flt Line Holding
area
Unbar
ricade
K11
K11
K11
K11
K11
K11
K11
K11
K11
K11
K11
K62
K62
K112
K112
K6
K11
K6
Ready
Service
Module
Barri- caded
K6
K4.5
K6
K6
K4.5
K6
K6
K6
K6
K6
K6
K1.252
K1.252
K62
K62
K6
K6
K1.1
NOTES:
1. Use K2.75 if the loading density of the igloo exceeds 0.6 pounds NEW per cubic foot of interior volume. Do not exceed
the maximum NEW limit of 22,000 lbs.
2. If required, use the separation shown regardless of loading density. Do not exceed the maximum NEW limit of 22,000 lbs
in a Ready Service Magazine or a Ready Service Igloo.
3. If required, use K6 if barricaded. Also, see Table 3.3, Note 37 for Combat Aircraft criteria.
4. Do not exceed the maximum NEW limit of 11,000 lbs per shelter.
5. Do not exceed the maximum NEW limit of 22,000 lbs in a Ready Service Magazine or a Ready Service Igloo.
6. For circumstances not covered in this table, refer to Table 3.3.
7. This table is the minimum standard authorized for separating HAS’s containing weapons storage vaults (WSVs) from all
other HAS’s with or without WSVs. HAS to HAS distance in this table still applies when personnel are opening/closing
WSVs or performing weapons maintenance operations in HASs, with or without using weapons maintenance trucks
(WMTs). The presence of personnel, WSVs, or WMTs (or even a combination of all three) in HASs does not change or
negate the applicability of this table. See “occupied” and “unoccupied” facility in the glossary.
8. Separations are based on shelter doors remaining closed, except for aircraft towing, fueling, servicing, run up, or taxi and
during integrated combat turnarounds or short periods when maintenance equipment or munitions are being moved into or
out of shelters. If doors are left open for extended periods, normal combat aircraft parking area criteria apply out the front.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 92
Table 3.18. Separation Distances for Missiles in Aircraft Shelters.
Type of Aircraft Shelter
Intraline/Related Facility Distance (ft)
Public Traffic Route Distance (ft)
Inhabited Building Distance (ft)7
AIM-7 AIM-9 AGM-65A/B/D9 AIM-7 AIM-9 AGM-65A/B/D9 AIM-7 AIM-9 AGM-65A/B/D9
1/LAU 2-3/LAU 1/LAU 2-3/LAU 1/LAU 2-3/LAU
TAB VEE and TAB
Front
501
401
801
3002
904
654
2404
3004
1508
1108
4005
5005
VEE/Modified
(First Generation
Side
0
0
0
3002
0
0
1654
3002
0
0
2756
3953
A/C Shelter
Rear
0
0
0
3002
0
0
1054
3002
0
0
1756
3002
Second and Third
Front
501
401
801
3002
904
654
2404
3004
1508
1108
4005
5005
Generation
Aircraft Shelter
Side
0
0
0
3002
0
0
1654
3002
0
0
2756
2953
Rear
0
0
0
3002
0
0
1054
3002
0
0
1756
3002
Korean
Flow Thru
Front
& Rear
501
401
801
3002
4204
2404
2404
3004
7005
4005
4005
5005
Side
0
0
0
3002
0
0
1654
3004
0
0
2756
3953
NOTES:
1. Based on K18 for the NEW of one missile.
2. Based on minimum HAS fragment distance.
3. Based on K62 for NEW of 3 missiles per launcher. For 2 per launcher, use 345 feet.
4. Based on 60 percent of IBD.
5. Based on minimum fragment distance.
6. Based on K62 from the side or K40 from the rear.
7. Also applies to other facilities or locations requiring IB separation.
8. Base on K50 for the NEW of one missile. For AIM-7M with WAU-17 warhead, use 165 feet for a single warhead; use
165 feet for a single warhead; 205 feet for two warheads in radial alignment, and 235 feet for three warheads in radial
alignment.
9. For AGM-65E/F/G use Table 3.26.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 93
Figure 3.4. Hazard Zones for Hardened Aircraft Shelters and Igloos.
120O
60O 60O
45O
45O
45O
45O
45O 45O
45O 45O
15O
HAS as an Exposed Site (ES) HAS as a Potential Explosion Site (PES)
Igloo as an ES or PES
Side
Front
Side
Rear
Side Side
Side
Side
Front Front
Rear Rear
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 94
Figure 3.5. Typical Eight Cell Module.
P
P
P
M
M
Storage Pad
Hardstand
Barricade
Road
C
P
M
Barricade Front and Side
Zones if Needed
Typical Eight Cell Module
Number of Cells, Cell Explosives Weights,
Pad Size (P), and Distances Between Cells (C)
and Modules (M) Vary.
Unbarricaded Zone
Section A-A
4’ Barricade Barricade Roadway 12’ Hardstand
3’
Min 3’
Min
Post and Plank
Face
Gutter
Section A-A
2
1 Sod
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 95
3.23. Modular Storage Restrictions. The Q-D relief for using module storage is predicated on the measures taken to
minimize the risk of fire and the throwing of firebrands in the event of an unplanned explosion.
3.23.1. Other than dunnage to support munitions containers, no wood or other flammable materials are allowed in a module.
3.23.2. Stocks are limited to HE bombs, (fuzed or unfuzed, with or without fins), and the following contained in nonflammable
or metal shipping containers: 30mm and smaller ammunition, CBUs, inert munitions components, and hazard division 1.4
munitions. Do not store HC/D 1.3 munitions in modules.
3.23.3. Limit stocks in each module cell to one type of item in the standard shipping configuration unless mixed storage is
authorized by the MAJCOM. (Mixed storage of high-explosive bombs and CBUs present an extreme fragment hazard and
should be avoided.)
3.23.4. Combustible dunnage or other flammable material shall not be stored in or within 100 feet of modules.
3.24. Open Storage in Austere Areas. Comply with Table 3.3 except for separation between open storage sites, pads, and
modules (above ground magazines), used solely for the storage of non-mass detonating CBUs in metal containers and/or 20mm
and 30mm ammunition in metal containers. Such locations will be separated from each other by a minimum distance of 70 feet
for a maximum of 500,000 pounds NEW. All other normal Q-D requirements apply.
3.25. Combat Aircraft, Explosives-Loaded Aircraft, Airfield Areas, and Related Support Facilities. Parked explosivesloaded
aircraft must comply with minimum airfield criteria in AFMAN 32-1123 (I), Airfield and Heliport Planning and Design
and AFH 32-1084, Facility Requirements.
3.25.1. Forward Firing Munitions. Weapon systems such as guns, rockets, missiles, and flare dispensers pose an additional
hazard because of their directional response and potential long range if inadvertently activated on the ground. Position aircraft
to present the minimum hazard to personnel and resources in the event of a mishap. Don’t unnecessarily stand or park vehicles
in front of, or behind, these munitions when power is applied to the aircraft. Comply with AFI 91-101 for PNAF missions.
3.25.2. Airfield Explosives-Prohibited Areas. Explosives, explosive facilities, and parked explosives-loaded aircraft will be
excluded from runway Clear Zones and Accident Potential Zones I and II. EXCEPTION: For rotary wing aircraft, do not site
explosives or activities involving explosives within 1,200 feet from the center of the designated landing area. These imaginary
surfaces are presented in AFMAN 32-1123 (I), Airfield and Heliport Planning and Design. They are also discussed in AFI 32-
7063, Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Program, and AFH 32-7084, AICUZ Program Managers Guide.
3.25.3. Q-D separation requirements for explosives-loaded aircraft and related facilities are shown in Table 3.3.
3.25.4. EXCEPTION: Combat aircraft configured with the items listed below are exempt from intraline distance Q-D
requirements to related facilities; IB and PTR distances still apply. Park in a designated combat aircraft parking area and treat
as explosives-loaded aircraft in all other respects. This principle should give enough clearance to protect against the effects of
an accidental detonation of a single item or a series of propagating explosions.
3.25.4.1. Internal gun ammunition 30 mm or less of HC/D (04) 1.2 or HC/D 1.2.2.
3.25.4.2. Internal HC/D 1.3 or 1.4 ammunition and explosives.
3.25.5. EXCEPTION: Cargo aircraft and transient combat aircraft containing only HC/D 1.4 ammunition or less than 100
pounds of HC/D 1.3 explosives are exempt from Q-D and do not require a site plan. Park these aircraft in a designated aircraft
parking area.
3.25.6. To meet contingency requirements, MAJCOMs may authorize up to 600 pounds NEW of aircraft flares to be carried as
Q-D exempt aircraft equipment. Distances between aircraft will be in accordance with the applicable airfield criteria. If
contingency operations authorize closer distances between aircraft, use a 50 ft minimum for IM and 75 ft minimum IB unless
the separations used during contingency operations are greater. MAJCOMs will determine when and where this exception is
applicable. They will also approve the packing configuration of these articles, plus the type of maintenance or other activity
that will be permitted to take place on these aircraft.
3.26. Aircraft Battle Damage Repair Sites. The maximum NEW charge permitted is 2 ounces of HC/D 1.1. When using
sandbags to cover charges and prevent fragment escape, a 300-feet clear zone is required. For un-sandbagged charges, a 500-
feet clear zone is necessary.
3.27. Planned Detonation or Burns. The planned detonation or burning of explosives requires more stringent safety
distances. If the minimum separation distance requirements for previously approved DDESB sitings or those prescribed in the
subparagraphs below cannot be met, then personnel shall be provided equivalent protection. This equivalent protection may
include, but is not limited to, the construction of barricades or other protective structures. Forward design information
(including sketches, lists of materials to be used, and dimensions) or other proposed mitigation procedures through command
channels to AFSC/SE for approval. If no equivalent protection can be put into effect, apply for the appropriate category of
exception IAW Chapter 5 of this manual. Select and operate the destruction site based on the types of munitions involved and
the criteria outlined below:
3.27.1. Disposal, demonstrations, and EOD Operations using detonation.
3.27.1.1. Use the following criteria from the detonation site for all locations involving personnel that are not essential to the
planned detonation, also, for non-explosives related facilities, locations with exposed aircraft and open storage explosives sites.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 96
3.27.1.1.1. K328 (1250 feet minimum) for non-fragmenting explosive materials.
3.27.1.1.2. K328 (2500 feet minimum) for fragmenting explosives.
3.27.1.1.3. K328 (4000 feet minimum) for bombs and projectiles with a caliber exceeding 5 inches. Heavy fragments such as
the base plate and lugs may travel further than 4000 feet. These fragmenting munitions will be buried or covered with a
minimum of 4 feet of earth cover (in every direction) or double the required distance to ensure against fragment damage. (See
paragraph 3.27 above.)
3.27.1.2. Use the following criteria from the detonation site for all locations involving personnel that are essential to the
planned detonation, as well as, for buildings or igloos storing explosives and above ground utilities.
3.27.1.2.1. K105 (500 feet minimum) for non-fragmenting explosive materials.
3.27.1.2.2. K105 (500 feet minimum) for fragmenting explosive materials. Provide a personnel shelter that offers fragmentproof
overhead and frontal protection, or double the required distance to ensure against fragment damage or personnel injury.
3.27.1.2.3. If the minimum personnel protection distances from the detonation site are not available construct a personnel
shelter that will provide protection from the expected psi and fragment hazards for the types of munitions used. Locate it at
least 300 feet from the disposal site. Obtain shelter design approval from AFSC/SE prior to construction.
3.27.1.3. On-site authorities designate essential personnel and determine minimum distance for non-explosives facilities and
equipment.
3.27.1.4. Control sites for planned detonations must be at least intraline distance from other PESs based on the PES NEW.
3.27.1.5. For underground utilities, a minimum protection factor of K18 (100 feet minimum) is required.
3.27.1.6. Withdraw non-essential personnel to a minimum of 500 feet for EOD operational incidents involving improvised
explosive devices. On-scene authorities may expand this distance when situations warrant.
3.27.1.7. For quarry and building demolition operations, a minimum protection factor of K328 is required.
3.27.2. Disposal, demonstrations, and EOD Operations using burning.
3.27.2.1. Burning HC/D1.3 materials can generate significant internal pressures. Some HC/D 1.3 materials can undergo a
transition from a deflagration to a detonation, in which case the effects are virtually identical to the detonation of
conventional high explosives (HC/D 1.1). For information on these items, contact the item manager.
3.27.2.2. From burning areas to all locations involving personnel that are not essential to the planned burn, or for nonexplosives
related facilities apply K40 (1,250 feet minimum). NOTE: The minimum distance is 670 feet for NEW less than
100 pounds and for NEWs between 101-450 pounds use Table 3.9.
3.27.2.3. From burning areas to explosives operating locations not related to the burn and locations with exposed aircraft,
apply incremental K40.
3.27.2.4. When powder trains or squibs are used to initiate a burn, apply incremental K24 from burning areas to all locations
involving personnel that are essential to the planned burn, or facilities storing explosives and above ground utilities.
3.27.2.5. When blasting caps or other HC/D 1.1 explosives are used to initiate the burn, apply incremental K40 from burning
areas to all locations involving personnel that are essential to the planned burn, facilities storing explosives and above ground
utilities.
3.27.2.6. Use the NEW of the explosives at the burning area. Apply K18 from PESs to burning areas.
3.27.2.7. Control sites for planned burns must be at least intraline distance from other PESs based on the PES NEW.
3.27.2.8. Locate burning kettles at least 300 feet from inhabited buildings, public transport routes, and the base boundary.
Separate from other explosives facilities by 300 feet or intraline distance, whichever is greater.
3.27.3. Static Test Firing Propellant Loaded Items
3.27.3.1. Using the total NEW of the propellant, site static test locations using incremental K40, minimum 300 feet, distance
to potential explosive sites and to locations where there are non-essential personnel and operations. Maintain a minimum of
50 feet from the non flame exposure area and 300 feet from the flame exposure area to related non-explosive exposed sites,
unless an engineer analysis shows a lesser distance is adequate. The flame exposure area is 45 degrees on either site of the
flame exit nozzle or port.
3.27.3.2. Test authorities designate essential personnel. Provide these personnel with protection as required in paragraph
2.82.
3.28. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training.
3.28.1. Proficiency Ranges. Because the quantity of explosives required to maintain EOD proficiency is small, criteria for an
EOD training range are not as stringent as required for actual disposal operations. Limit EOD training ranges to a maximum of
5 pounds of demolition explosives (bare charges or charges without a fragment hazard, such as MK-series shaped charges).
When siting these ranges, as an ES use incremental PTR distance from other PES based on the NEW of the other PESs.
Construct and site as follows:
3.28.1.1 Locate the destruction point at least 500 feet from all aboveground facilities (including public highways, base
boundaries, runways, taxiways, parking aprons and any PES). Maintain at least 100 feet from underground utilities.
3.28.1.2. Construct a barricade within 10 feet of the destruction point to control ejection of debris. Make it the equivalent of
two sandbags thick and at least 6 feet high.
3.28.1.3. The barricade must have two entrances (on opposite sides of enclosure), each with a barricade equivalent to two
sandbags thick and long enough to effectively block all fragments and blast.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 97
3.28.1.4. If the destruction point can’t be at least 500 feet from facilities locate at 300 feet and limit to 2.5 pounds of
demolition explosives, or 200 feet and 1.25 pounds.
3.28.1.5. If using the training range for operations that will produce fragments above the level expected for normal EOD
proficiency training (normally open shots), meet the requirements of paragraph 3.27 and TO 11A-1-42, Section I.
3.28.1.6. If EOD training is done using explosively operated tool kits, reduce range distance to 100 feet. Barricade and use
only inert bombs and fuzes.
3.28.2. EOD proficiency ranges may be used for burning operations for cased ammunition if the following conditions are met:
3.28.2.1. Observe guidance provided in TO 11A-1-42 and this chapter to ensure personnel safety and fire prevention.
3.28.2.2. Barricade and cover pit, trench, and furnace operations to prevent fragment scatter.
3.28.2.3. Check environmental compliance and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements and permits
for this operation.
3.28.3. EOD personnel may use procedures with explosively propelled liquids, shots, gases, slugs, or heat at off-range
locations on military installations in support of unit training, inspections, and evaluations. EOD teams may use the following
tools.
3.28.3.1. MK 1 Remote Wrench.
3.28.3.2. MK 2 .50 Dearmer.
3.28.3.3. MK 31 Jet Remote Opening Device (JROD).
3.28.3.4. Improvised Dearmer.
3.28.3.5. MK 2/MK VIA Robotic Vehicle (with shotgun).
3.28.4. Procedures: Use only the explosives items listed below for off-range unit training inspection and evaluation
operations. Quantities shown are the maximums authorized for each inspection or evaluation scenario.
3.28.4.1. Two .50 caliber impulse cartridges.
3.28.4.2. Two .50 caliber ball, M2 cartridges (projectile extracted).
3.28.4.3. Two electric or non-electric blasting caps.
3.28.4.4. Six feet of detonating cord.
3.28.4.5. Thirteen feet of safety fuse.
3.28.4.6. Two M60 fuse lighters.
3.28.4.7. Three AN-M14 thermite grenades.
3.28.4.8. Five 12 gauge shotgun shells (Note: Do not use 00 buckshot at off-range locations. When using # 7 1/2 shot,
ensure a safe distance for shot travel).
3.28.5. Authorized Operations. Under the following conditions, EOD personnel may conduct off-range operations using the
tools, explosives, and procedures described in paragraph 3.28.4 without the use of barricades (see paragraph 3.28.1, for
information on operations using barricades).
3.28.5.1. Coordinate specific location with the installation weapons safety office, prior to the operation.
3.28.5.2. Make proper notifications concerning anticipated noise.
3.28.5.3. Do not locate the operation in an explosives prohibited zone.
3.28.5.4. Evacuate personnel to the applicable withdrawal distances required for an actual situation.
3.28.5.5. Place a minimum of three filled sand bags in front and behind tools that project slugs, fluids or shot to limit
directional force.
3.28.5.6. Use only slugs made of plaster, which will disintegrate on impact
3.28.5.7. Select an area free of all fire hazards and use only inert training ordnance as a target.
3.28.5.8. When operating tool sets inside a building, take positive measures to prevent secondary or collateral damage.
3.29. Petroleum, Oil, Lubricant (POL).
3.29.1. Operating quantities of POL or other hazardous material that support explosives operations do not require Q-D
separation but will comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 30, Flammable and Combustible
Liquids Code.
3.29.2. Separate parking areas for fuel service trucks by IL distance. Parking area for fuel service trucks unrelated to the PES,
use IBD.
3.29.3. There must be at least 100 feet between explosives and any mobile petroleum dispensing unit operating in an
explosives area, except: where a shorter distance is needed during transfer operations to an underground tank located at less
than 100 feet or where needed to refuel a mobile explosives transporter (such as the environmental control unit for the LGM-
30) with the load aboard
3.29.4. Liquid petroleum (LP) gas tanks must meet the requirements of this section for like quantities of fuel and explosives of
the various divisions.
3.29.5. Except for special situations described below, use Table 3.3 for separations from explosives locations or explosives
loaded aircraft to more than 5,000 gallons of POL bulk storage, railroad tank car and railroad tank car transfer
points/operations, tanks trucks, POL transmission pipelines, and hydrants. Fuel truck transfer points/operations may be
separated by incremental (K24/30) PTR distance if the trucks are limited to less than 48 hours at the location. Keep
pumps/pump houses serving underground POL at least 50 feet from explosives locations. If required fire distances in NFPA
Standard 30 are greater than those in this manual, use the greater distance.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 98
3.29.5.1. POL tanks that are on/above ground surface, are supplied by trucks, underground lines or aboveground lines that
have automatic shutoffs, and service only an explosives operating area or multiple PESs of all types may be sited at
incremental (K40/50) IB, 400 feet minimum, from supported PESs. The tanks must have a dike system meeting the
requirements of NFPA Standard 30. MAJCOM accepts possible loss or collateral damage if fragments puncture the tank and
cause a fire.
3.29.5.2. Above or underground POL tanks servicing a single PES or a single ES within the explosives clear zone do not
require Q-D separation but will comply with NFPA Standard 30
3.29.6. EXCEPTIONS: The following are exempted from Q-D requirements:
3.29.6.1. Explosives loaded aircraft to POL hydrants set on the flightline flush with the pavement.
3.29.6.2. Ammunition and explosives to in use materiel-handling equipment.
3.29.6.3. Licensed locations to POL facilities.
3.30. Liquid Propellants. General Information:
3.30.1. These criteria are minimum requirements for all Air Force installations where liquid propellants are present. This
includes liquid and gaseous substances used for propulsion of missiles, rockets, and other related devices.
3.30.2. These criteria do not apply to:
3.30.2.1. Liquid propellant manufacturing facilities.
3.30.2.2. Prepackaged liquid propellant units when installed as components of weapon systems having assigned storage
compatibility and explosives classifications.
3.30.2.3. A single, minimum-size standard shipping container of a given propellant. This container may be one 55-gallon
drum or one 500-pound net weight cylinder. Such containers will be stored in the normal manner prescribed for the
commodity.
3.30.2.4. One nonstandard container with lesser quantities than 3.30.2.3 above.
3.30.2.5. Hydrocarbons and other liquid fuels, or substances used as fuels or propellant, will be considered as propellants
when it is used in a missile system, rocket, ammunition or weapon subsystem.
3.30.3. When storage involves other explosives (solid) or explosive items, the Q-D criteria for those hazards, together with
the criteria for the liquid propellant, will be used.
3.30.4. These criteria do not consider toxic hazards. If the toxic hazard is a controlling factor in siting and storing a liquid
propellant, it should be considered along with explosives hazards when a site plan is prepared.
3.30.5. The MAJCOM developing a liquid propellant (or first adopting for use any liquid propellant not listed here) must
recommend the hazard classification and compatibility group designation. The responsible MAJCOM will forward
substantiated proposals for such assignments as soon as systems application planning allows or warrants to HQ AFSC/SE.
3.30.6. Determining the Propellant Quantity to Consider in Calculating Required Separation:
3.30.6.1. The NEW of a propellant is the total quantity of the propellant in a tank, drum, cylinder, or other container. When
storage containers are not separated from each other by required distances, calculate the quantity of propellant on the basis of
the total contents of all such storage containers. Propellant in related piping must be included to the point that positive means
have been provided for interrupting the flow in the event of a mishap.
3.30.6.2. Where incompatible propellants are not separated by the required distances, or provisions are not made to prevent
their mixing, the combined quantity of the two will be used. Consult Table 3.19 to see if high-explosives equivalents apply.
3.30.6.3. When quantities of propellants are given in gallons, Table 3.20 will be used to find the quantity in pounds.
3.30.7. Measuring Separation Distances to Exposures:
3.30.7.1. Measure the distance from the closest point of all hazard sources (containers, buildings, or positive cut-off points in
piping). The source requiring the greatest distance will be the controlling factor. See 3.30.9.8 below for pipelines.
3.30.7.2. When buildings containing a propellant in cylinders or drums are effectively subdivided, measure distances from
the nearest container or the separate subdivision of containers requiring the greatest separation.
3.30.8. Hazard and Compatibility Storage Groupings:
3.30.8.1. Liquid propellants may be hazards of various types and degrees (Table 3.21). The following groups are based on
these hazards:
3.30.8.2. Group I. Relatively Low Fire Hazard (Table 3.22). These materials are the least hazardous. They have, or may
develop, a fire hazard potential requiring some separation.
3.30.8.3. Group II. Fire Hazard (Table 3.22). These materials are strong oxidizers, subject to rapid combustion. When they
come in contact with certain materials, such as organic matter, these propellants present a serious fire hazard. Therefore,
storage facilities are prescribed, on the basis of quantities involved, to minimize property loss.
3.30.8.4. Group III. Fragment and Deflagration Hazard (Table 3.22). Storage containers of these materials may rupture in a
fire or deflagration or there may be a vapor phase explosion. Either the pressure rupture or vapor phase explosion can cause a
fragment hazard from the container, its protective structure, or adjacent material.
3.30.8.5. Group IV. Detonation Hazard (Table 3.23). These materials present the same hazard as mass-detonating
explosives. They create air blast overpressure as well as severe fragment hazards from containers and surrounding equipment
and material.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 99
Table 3.19. Liquid Propellant TNT Equivalents.
Propellant Combinations (1) Static Test Stands (2) Range Launch (2)
LO 2 /LH 2 or B 5 H 9 + an
oxidizer
Note 5 Note 5
LO 2 /LH 2 + LO 2 /RP-1 Sum of (60% for LO 2 /LH2)+
(10% for LO 2 /RP-1)
Sum of (60% for LO 2 /LH2)+
(20% for LO 2 /RP-1)
LO 2 /RP-1 or LO 2 /NH 3 or
B 5 H 9 + a fuel
10% 20% up to 500,000 pounds plus
10% over 500,000 pounds
IRFNA/Aniline (3)(4) 10% 10%
IRFNA/UDMH (3) (4) 10% 10%
IRFNA/UDMH + JP-4 (3)(4) 10% 10%
N 2 O 4 /UDMH + N 2 H 4
(3)(4)
5% 10%
N 2 O 4 /UDMH + N 2 H 4 +
solid propellants
(3)(4)
5% plus the explosive
equivalent of the solid
propellants.
10% plus the explosive
equivalent of the solid
propellant.
Tetranitromethane (alone or
in combination)
100% 100%
Nitromethane (alone or in
combination)
100% 100%
NOTES:
1. Basis of the table. Developed by the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board Work Group on Explosives
Equivalents for Liquid Propellants. Tetranitromethane and nitromethane are Hazard Group IV propellants and are known to
be detonable. The net weight of all nonnuclear mass-detonating explosives involved in any configuration, including
components of nuclear items, will be added to the above equivalencies, where applicable, in determining required
separations. See paragraph 3.30.5 concerning equivalents for combinations other than shown above.
2. The percentage factors used for the explosives equivalencies of propellant mixtures at launch pads and static test stands
were based on such propellants located aboveground and unconfined except for their tankage. Other configurations will be
considered on an individual basis to determine applicable equivalencies. MAJCOMs concerned will submit substantiated
recommendations to HQ AFSC/SE, together with, or in the same manner as, site plans for new facilities under chapter 4.
3. These are hypergolic combinations. (Fuel and oxidizers that will ignite with each other.)
4. Substitutions. Alcohols or other hydrocarbons substitute for RP-1; H2O2, F, BrF5, CLF3, OF2, or O3F3 substituted for LO2,
Monomethylhydrazine substituted for hydrazine or unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH), or ammonia substituted for
any fuel where hypergolic combination results.
5. For siting launch vehicles and static test stands, the explosives equivalent weight is larger of:
a. The weight equal to 8W2/3 where W is the weight of the LO2/LH2,or
b. 14 percent of the LO2/LH2 weight.
For these calculations, use the total weight of LO2/LH2 present in the launch vehicle, or the total weight in test stand run
tankage and piping for which there is no positive means to prevent mixing in credible mishaps. When it can be reliably
demonstrated that the maximum credible event involves a lesser quantity of propellant subject to involvement in single
reaction, the lesser quantity may be used in determining the explosive equivalent yield. When siting is based on a quantity
less than the total propellant present, the maximum credible event and associated explosive yield analysis must be
documented in an approved explosives site plan.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 100
Table 3.20. Factors For Converting Gallons of Propellant into Pounds.
Item Pounds per
Gallon
At Temperature
oF
Anhydrous ammonia 5.1 68
Aniline 8.5 68
Bromine pentafluoride 20.7 68
Chlorine trifluoride 15.3 68
Ethyl alcohol 6.6 68
Ethylene oxide 7.3 68
Fluorine (liquid) 12.6 -306
Furfuryl alcohol 9.4 68
Hydrocarbon fuel JP-4 6.35 60
Hydrocarbon fuel JP-5 6.84 60
Hydrogen peroxide (90 percent) 11. 68
Hydrazine 8.4 68
Isopropyl alcohol 6.6 68
Liquid hydrogen 0.59 -423
Liquid oxygen 9. -297
Methyl alcohol 6.6 68
Mono methyl hydrazine 7.3 68
Monopropellant NOS-58-6 9.46 68
Nitromethane 9.5 68
Nitrogen tetroxide 12.1 68
Otto fuel 10.5 77
Oxygen difluoride 12.7 -229
Ozone difluoride 14.6 -297
Pentaborane 5.2 68
Perchloryl fluoride 12.0 68
Red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA) 12.5 68
RP-1 6.8 68
Tetranitromethane 13.6 78
Triethyl Boron B 5.8 73
UDMH 6.6 68
UDMH/hydrazine 7.5 68
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 101
Table 3.21. Propellant Hazards and Compatibility Groups.
Propellant Hazard
Group (1)
Storage
Group (2)
Alcohols CH 3 OH, C 2 H 5 OH, (CH 3 ) 2 CHOH I C
Anhydrous Ammonia NH 3 I C
Aniline C 6 H 5 NH 2 I C
Hydrocarbon Fuels JP-4, JP-5, RP-1 I C
Monopropellant NOS-58-6 I C
Nitrogen Tetroxide N 2 O 4 I A
Otto Fuel II I G
Red Fuming Nitric Acid HNO 3 I A
Bromine Pentafluoride B r F 5 I I A
Chlorine Trifluoride ClF 3 I I A
Hydrogen Peroxide Greater than 52% H 2 O 2 I I (3) A
Liquid Fluorine LF 2 I I A
Liquid Oxygen LO 2 I I A
Perchloryl Fluoride CLO 3 F I I A
Oxygen Difluoride OF 2 I I A
Ozone Difluoride O 3 F 2 I I A
Ethylene Oxide C 2 H 4 O I I I D
Hydrazine N 2 H 4 I I I C
Hydrazine-UDMH Mixtures I I I C
Liquid Hydrogen LH 2 I I I C
Mixed Amine Fuels I I I C
Monomethylhydrazine CH 3 NHNH 3 I I I C
Pentaborane B 5 H 9 I I I D
Triethyl Boron B (C 2 H 5 ) 3 I D
UDMH (CH 3 ) 2 NNH 2 I I I C
Nitromethane CH 3 NO 2 IV (4) F
Tetranitromethane C(NO 2 ) 4 IV F
NOTES:
1. The toxic hazard may be an overriding consideration. Consult Bio-environmental personnel to determine toxicity and
safety requirements.
2. If the propellants can be stored together without increasing the hazards, they are assigned the same compatibility group
letter. Propellants with unlike letters are incompatible for storage. The prefix "Liq" is used here to distinguish liquid
propellant groups from the groups listed in paragraph 2.42. Do not mix liquid compatibility storage groups with other
explosives storage groups. Groups F and G have been added.
3. Under certain conditions, concentrated hydrogen peroxide greater than 74 percent can detonate.
4. Although nitromethane is chemically compatible with Liq-C propellants, it is assigned to a separate group because of
explosives hazard differences. Group F has been added to provide the required degree of safety under the circumstances.
3.30.9. Since the hazards differ in each of the above groups, the predominant hazard of a propellant can vary with the storage
location and the operation involved. In determining safety criteria and separation distances, consider the following
conditions:
3.30.9.1. Range Launch Pads. Range launch pads involve research, development, test, and space exploration launches. The
closeness of fuel and oxidizer to each other makes these operations hazardous. Launch vehicle tanks are also involved. Highexplosives
equivalents must be used.
3.30.9.2. Operational Launch Pads. Activities at operational launch pads are similar to those at range launch pads. Launch
vehicle tanks are involved at these locations. High-explosives equivalents must be used for all quantities of incompatible
propellants that could possibly become mixed in the event of a mishap. When an operational launch pad is used for training
launches, it will be considered a range launch pad.
3.30.9.3. Static Test Stands. These units remain static and are subject to better control than obtainable in paragraphs 3.30.9.1
and 3.30.9.2 above. To reduce the hazard related to rockets or missiles on launch pads, tanks may be separated (except fuel
and oxidizer tanks that are mounted one above the other). High-explosives equivalents must be used for all quantities of
incompatible propellant that could possibly become mixed in the event of a mishap. The hazards from properly separated
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 102
"run tanks" (operating tanks) and piping are generally the hazards for the materials they contain. This does not apply if the
materials are incompatible and may become mixed. If the materials are subject to mixing, use high-explosives equivalents.
3.30.9.4. Ready Storage. This storage is close to launch and static test stands, but it is not usually directly involved in
feeding the engine. If the facility is designed to prevent mixing fuels and oxidizers or initiation of a detonation in or on
nearby facilities, it presents Group I through III hazards. However, if positive measures cannot be taken to prevent mixing of
fuel and oxidizer or to prevent the propagation of a detonation, use high-explosives equivalents.
3.30.9.5. Cold-Flow Test Operations. These present only fire and fragment hazards if the system is airtight, fuels and
oxidizers are never employed concurrently, each commodity has a completely separate isolated system and fittings to
positively prevent intermixing, and the propellants are of required purity. Otherwise, use high-explosives equivalents.
3.30.9.6. Bulk Storage. This is the most remote storage. It is never directly connected to any launch or test operation. It
consists of the area, tanks, and other containers. It includes the tanks and containers used to hold propellant for supplying
ready storage and, indirectly, run tanks where no ready storage is available. It generally presents fragment hazards.
However, if positive measures cannot be taken to prevent mixing of fuel and oxidizer or to prevent propagation of a
detonation, use high-explosives equivalents.
3.30.9.7. Rest Storage. This resembles bulk storage. It is a temporary parking location for barges, trailers, tank cars, and
portable tanks used for topping operations (when not engaged in topping operations). It includes parking locations for such
vehicles when they are unable to empty their cargo promptly into proper storage containers. Fire and fragment hazards
govern. A transporting vehicle becomes a part of the storage container to which it is attached during propellant transfer.
3.30.9.8. Transfer Pipelines. These present minimum hazards when used to transfer Group I through III propellants between
unloading points and storage areas or between storage areas and points of use. Group IV material is generally too hazardous
to be moved any significant distance through such lines. Short fill, drain, or feeder lines that are part of a system are not
considered "transfer pipelines" within the meaning of this paragraph. The following apply to transfer pipelines:
Group I. No minimum Q-D has been set up. Give normal fire protection for each pipeline site.
Groups II and III. Keep at least 25 feet between the pipeline and inhabited buildings. Give normal fire protection
for each pipeline site.
Group IV. Considered as mass detonating. It is generally considered too hazardous to transport by pipeline.
However, if the line is designed to carry the material, apply the criteria in Table 3.23
3.30.9.9. Liquid propellants used for propulsion or operation of missiles, rockets, and other related devices are assigned to
hazard groups and compatibility storage groups.
3.30.10. Tables of Distances:
3.30.10.1. Group I. Relatively Low Fire Hazard. Table 3.22 applies.
3.30.10.2. Group II. Fire Hazard. Table 3.22 applies.
3.30.10.3. Group III. Fragment and Deflagration Hazard. Table 3.22 applies.
3.30.10.4. Group IV. Detonation Hazard (100 percent high-explosives equivalent). Table 3.23 applies.
3.30.10.5. Compatible Storage. Separation distance between stored quantities of different propellants of the same
compatibility storage group will be determined as follows:
3.30.10.5.1. For propellants of the same hazard group, use the distance given in the intragroup/intraline column of the
applicable Table 3.22 for the largest quantity of propellant involved.
3.30.10.5.2. For propellants of different hazard groups, based on each quantity of propellant involved, determine the distance
given in the intragroup/intraline column of the applicable table for each hazard class. Use the greatest distance.
3.30.11. Incompatible Storage:
3.30.11.1. When propellants are of different compatibility groups, use the greatest IB distance. EXCEPTION: If propellants
are subdivided by barriers, or other means to prevent mixing in the event of a mishap, determine the minimum separation as
in 3.30.10.5 or 3.30.10.5.1 above, as applicable.
3.30.11.2. Minimum separation between quantities of propellants (all groups) and the various "divisions" of other explosives
will be the distances prescribed for POL in paragraph 3.29. Use Table 3.3 for the division of explosives involved. If more
than one division is involved, use the distance for the greatest separation.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 103
Table 3.22. Quantity-Distance for Propellants.9
Hazard Group 1 Hazard Group II Haz ard Group III
Pounds of Propellant IB, PTR, &
Incompatible
Group I 2,4,10
Intra-group
IL1
Group I 5
IB, PTR, &
Incompatible
Group II 2,6,10
Intra-group
IL 1 &
Group II 7
IB,
Incompatible
2,10
PTR &
Group III
Intra-
group
IL 1 &
Over Not Over
Unprotected
9
Protected
8, 10
Group III
11
0 100 30 25 60 30 600 80 30
100 200 35 30 75 35 600 100 35
200 300 40 35 85 40 600 110 40
300 400 45 35 90 45 600 120 45
400 500 50 40 100 50 600 130 50
500 600 50 40 100 50 600 135 50
600 700 55 40 105 55 600 140 55
700 800 55 45 110 55 600 145 55
800 900 60 45 115 60 600 150 60
900 1000 60 45 120 60 600 150 60
1000 2000 65 50 130 65 600 175 65
2000 3000 70 55 145 70 600 190 70
3000 4000 75 55 150 75 600 200 75
4000 5000 80 60 160 80 600 210 80
5000 6000 80 60 165 80 600 220 80
6000 7000 85 65 170 85 600 225 85
7000 8000 85 65 175 85 600 230 85
8000 9000 90 70 175 90 600 235 90
9000 10000 90 70 180 90 600 240 90
10000 15000 95 75 195 95 1200 260 95
15000 20000 100 80 205 100 1200 275 100
20000 25000 105 80 215 105 1200 285 105
25000 30000 110 85 220 110 1200 295 110
30000 35000 110 85 225 110 1200 300 110
35000 40000 115 85 230 115 1200 310 115
40000 45000 120 90 235 120 1200 315 120
45000 50000 120 90 240 120 1200 320 120
50000 60000 125 95 250 125 1200 320 125
60000 70000 130 95 255 130 1200 340 130
70000 80000 130 100 260 130 1200 350 130
80000 90000 135 100 265 135 1200 360 135
90000 100000 135 150 270 135 1200 365 135
100000 125000 140 110 285 140 1200 380 140
125000 150000 145 110 295 145 1800 395 145
150000 175000 150 115 305 150 1800 405 150
175000 200000 155 115 310 155 1800 415 155
200000 250000 160 120 320 160 1800 425 160
250000 300000 165 125 330 165 1800 440 165
300000 350000 170 130 340 170 1800 455 170
350000 400000 175 130 350 175 1800 465 175
400000 450000 180 135 355 180 1800 475 180
450000 500000 180 135 360 180 1800 485 180
500000 600000 185 140 375 185 1800 500 185
600000 700000 190 145 385 190 1800 515 190
700000 800000 195 150 395 195 1800 530 195
800000 900000 200 150 405 200 1800 540 200
900000 1000000 205 155 410 205 1800 550 205
1000000 2000000 235 175 470 235 1800 630 235
2000000 3000000 255 190 505 255 1800 675 255
3000000 4000000 265 200 535 265 1800 710 265
4000000 5000000 275 210 555 275 1800 740 275
5000000 6000000 285 215 570 285 1800 760 285
6000000 7000000 295 220 585 295 1800 780 295
7000000 8000000 300 225 600 300 1800 800 300
8000000 9000000 305 230 610 305 1800 815 305
9000000 10000000 (3) 310 235 620 310 1800 830 310
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 104
NOTES:
1. See Paragraph 3.30.2.3 and 3.30.2.4.
2. See Paragraph 3.30.11.
3. Extrapolations above 1,000,000 lbs extend well outside data included in the Bureau of Mines report from which original
Q-D tables were derived; however, they are supported by independent calculations and knowledge of like phenomena.
4. Values are one-half of the Group II inhabited building distance.
5. Values are three-fourths the Group II and Group III intra-group distances.
6. Distances were selected as three-fourths the Group III inhabited building distance and considered reasonable due to the
lesser hazard.
7. Distances were derived from the Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior Report No. 5707, dated 1961, modified and
expanded. They average 37.5 percent of the inhabited building distances given in this report.
8. The term "protected" means that protection from fragments is provided by terrain, effective barricades, nets, or other
physical means.
9. Distances are necessary to provide reasonable protection from fragments of tanks or equipment that are expected to be
thrown in event of a vapor phase explosion.
10. Distances are the recommended inhabited building distances given in the Bureau of Mines, Department of the Interior
Report No. 5707, dated 1961, and extrapolation thereof (2 cal/cm 2 on 1 percent water vapor curve).
11. Distances are an average of 37.5 percent of "protected" column.
Table 3.23. Hazard Group IV Separation Distances.
Quantity of
Propellant/Explosives
Distance in Feet from Propellant/Explosive Hazard
Total Weight Gp IV
Propellant or H.E.
Equivalents for other
To
Inhabited Buildings
To
Public Traffic Routes
Intraline (2)
Propellants/Explosives
See Table 3.19 (1)
in pounds
Use Table 3.6, K40/50
Column. 1250’ Min
Use Table 3.6, K24/30
Column. 750’ Min
Use Table 3.6
K18 Column
NOTES:
1. Distances must be increased, where required, to provide proper protection for all additional mass-detonating explosives
(nonnuclear material) and all added solid propellants involved in the system or operation, as follows:
a. Use the net weight of all mass-detonating explosives involved in any configuration, including high-explosive
b. Use the applicable high-explosives equivalent assigned to all solid propellant motors involved.
c. The required separation distance will be determined by using the sum of the high-explosives values of the liquid
propellants and other explosives involved, on the basis of a and b above. Do not determine the distances for each
explosive element separately and then add these distances together.
2. Distances less than intraline are not applicable to the propellants and situations covered by this table.
Section 3D--Applying Q-D Principles to Specific Weapons Systems and Special Storage Configurations.
3.31. General Information. This section expands the general quantity-distance (Q-D) principles and applies those
principles to specific situations where testing has been conducted. These tests provided information to establish specific
separation distances. Criteria is provided for weapons systems or special storage configurations that have been tested, or
where an analysis has been performed, to verify special Q-D criteria.
3.31.1. In many cases the use of these criteria requires that certain configurations or situations exist before the reduction can
be applied. If these requirements are not adhered to, calculate the total net explosives weight (NEW) of explosives present,
and use the criteria in Table 3.3 to determine Q-D separations.
3.32. LGM-30 (Minuteman). Use the following high explosives equivalency for the LGM-30 missile while calculating
Q-D separations.
Table 3.24. Minuteman TNT Equivalencies.
Stage HC/D NEW TNT Factor TNT Equiv
I (F&G) 1.3 45,800 NA NA
I (F&G) 1.3 45,800 .035 1600(1)
II (F&G) 1.3 13,680 NA NA
II (F&G) 1.3 13,680 .152 2100(1)
III (F) 1.1 3671 1.01 3700(1)
III (G) 1.3 7281 NA NA
III (G) 1.3 7281 .506 3700(1)
Note: 1. These equivalencies apply to LGM 30 Minuteman motors, whether assembled into a set or stored/handled
separately, when a HC/D 1.1 initiator is present.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 105
3.32.1. Calculate NEW for motor sets (Stages I, II, and III), assembled or unassembled, with HC/D 1.1 material, on HC/D
1.1 equivalency basis unless the 1.3 hazard is greater.
3.32.2. When only HC/D 1.3 motors are present, use total NEW of the motors, and apply HC/D 1.3 Q-D criteria. For
LGM-30G motors use class/division 1.3 Q-D criteria for shipping and storage purposes. When a warhead is added to the
assembled set, the 7400-pound high explosives equivalency applies. Safety distances are based on 7400 pounds HC/D 1.1
high explosive equivalency for all LGM-30 missile motor sets (models A through G) with or without a warhead installed.
IB distances are 1570 feet from buildings of public assembly and 1200 feet from all other inhabited buildings.
3.32.3. Separations for aircraft loading and unloading sites for solid propellant motors in shipping and storage containers,
Ballistic Missile Containers (SSCBM) and Payload Transporter Container:
3.32.3.1 IB distance is 1200 feet (includes missile holding pads, facilities, aircraft or other equipment essential to the
mission of the base; PTR is 720 feet.
3.32.4. Aircraft Loading and Unloading Sites. When an aircraft loaded with these motors must be refueled, a fully staffed
fire fighting truck will be on standby at the aircraft during fueling operations.
3.32.5. Railroad Loading and Unloading Sites. Criteria in paragraph 2.76.18 apply to railroad loading and unloading sites
for Minuteman missile motors in the SSCBM and missile transporters shipped by the “piggyback” method.
3.32.6. Missile Alert Facility (MAF). Explosives-loaded vehicles (payload transporter, reentry vehicle guidance and
control van, transporter erector) may be temporarily parked at the MAF, subject to the following controls:
3.32.6.1. Each instance must be approved by the wing/installation commander or his designated representative.
3.32.6.2. Allow parking if needed for severe weather, equipment breakdown and repair, crew rest, darkness (where state
law prohibits vehicle travel on highways after dark) or other emergency conditions.
3.32.6.3. No smoking outside missile alert facility support buildings.
3.32.6.4. Park only one explosives-loaded vehicle.
3.32.6.5. Publish a detailed operating instruction of safety precautions and controls.
3.32.6.6. Ensure required security is maintained.
3.33. LGM-118 (Peacekeeper). Use the following high explosives equivalency for the LGM-118 missile while
calculating Q-D separations.
3.33.1 Peacekeeper Separation. General explosives safety standards and Q-D criteria apply to the Peacekeeper except as
outlined below:
3.33.1.1. When stages 1, 2, and 3 are assembled at other than a silo launch facility (with or without stage 4 warheads being
attached), the net explosives equivalency for the missile is 203,412 pounds, class/division 1.1.
3.33.2. When the missile is in a silo launch facility or during missile installation or removal from the silo, the net
explosives equivalency is 20,000 pounds, class/division 1.1. This equivalency is to be used only for calculating
intermagazine and intraline separations, and for use in risk assessments based on blast overpressure. Applicable distance
for PTR is 1,050 feet and for IB, 1,750 feet.
Table 3.25. Peacekeeper TNT Equivalencies.
Stage HC/D NEW TNT Factor TNT Equiv
I 1.3 99,133 NA NA
I 1.3 99,133 1.20 118960(1)
II 1.3 54,120 NA NA
II 1.3 54,120 1.20 64,944(1)
III 1.1 15,606 1.25 19,508(1)
Note: 1. These equivalencies apply to Peacekeeper motors, whether assembled into a set or stored/handled separately,
when a HC/D 1.1 initiator is present. When stage III’s are stored only with other stage III’s, the HC/D 1.1 NEW versus
TNT equivalency may be used.
3.34. Tactical Missile Separations:
3.34.1. AIM-7 Missile (Other than WAU-17 Warhead). When these conditions are met MCE is limited to a single AIM-7
warhead with an HC/D of (07)1.1.
3.34.1.1. Separate warheads of adjacent AIM-7 missiles by 5 inches or more.
3.34.1.2. Separate AIM-7 warheads from all AIM-9 warheads by at least 22 inches.
3.34.1.3. Or, warheads are not radially aligned.
3.34.2. AIM-7 Missiles (Other than WAU-17 Warhead) in Containers. AIM-7 missiles that explode in an all up round
container (AURC) will not propagate to warheads in adjacent containers, either vertically or horizontally. MCE is limited to
four warheads.
3.34.3. AIM-7 Missiles With WAU-17 Warhead in an AURC. All missiles in an AURC will sympathetically detonate,
therefore the MCE is 36 x 4 or 144 pounds.
3.34.3.1. These warheads can sympathetically detonate other HC/D 1.1 explosives in radial alignment of the warhead.
NOTE: Until actual testing is completed, use radial aligned separation distance of 100 inches (8’4”) to prevent propagation of
one warhead to another.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 106
3.34.3.2. Detonation of warheads in an AURC will not transfer to adjacent containers side-by-side, but containers within a
single vertical stack must be alternated, nose-to-tail, to prevent propagation vertically. MCE would then be four warheads.
3.34.4. When AIM-7 missiles (with WAU-17) are in the open, the hazardous fragment distance (IBD) varies with the number
of warheads in radial alignment and at less than 100 inches as follows:
# Warheads IBD
(Up to) 4 400
5 500
8 620
3.34.5. When AIM-7 missiles (with WAU-17) have an MCE that exceeds 100 pounds, use Table 3.9.
3.34.6. AIM-9 Missiles. A warhead detonation will not cause sympathetic detonation of adjacent AIM-9 missiles provided
warheads are separated by 22 inches or more, or warheads are not radially aligned. If these conditions are met, MCE is limited
to a single AIM-9 warhead. AIM-9 missiles that detonate in AUR containers will not propagate to any adjacent container
either vertically or horizontally. MCE is limited to four warheads.
3.34.7. AGM-65 Missiles. Explosives weights of individual AGM-65 missiles or loaded launchers need not be added together
if adjacent missiles or launchers are separated by at least 130 inches and the nose of any AGM-65 missile does not point at any
other missile.
H3.34.8. AGM-88 Hi-Speed Anti-radiation Missile (HARM). For storage and transportation in AUR container, missiles are
assigned HC/D 1.2.1, with an MCE <100 lbs [HC/D (04)1.2]. Out of container, missiles are assigned HC/D (04)1.1. A
warhead detonation will not cause sympathetic detonation of adjacent warheads if they are separated by at least 6 inches, or if
the warheads are not radially aligned.
H3.34.9. AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). For storage and transportation in AUR
container, AIM-120A/B/C1-3 models are assigned HC/D 1.2.1 (HC/D (08)1.2) with an MCE of 68 pounds (NEWQD is 16.9
pounds per missile). AIM-120C4/5 models in AUR containers are assigned to HC/D 1.2.1 with an MCE of 76 pounds
(NEWQD is 19 pounds per missile). Out of container, missiles are assigned hazard class/division 1.1, with a hazardous
fragment distance of 500 feet for one missile. For missiles out of container and with radially aligned warheads at less than 100
inches of separation, the following IBD applies:
# Warheads IBD
2 600
3 650
4 700
8 800
NOTE: Interpolate distances for quantities between or over those listed above.
3.34.10. Mixed Trailer Loads. Use criteria in paragraph 3.34 and configurations shown in TO 11-1-38, Positioning and Tie-
Down Procedures--Nonnuclear Munitions, to determine MCE
3.35. Aircraft Criteria. Unless otherwise specified, aircraft loaded with explosives and munitions will be considered an
above ground magazine. For Q-D purposes, do not combine explosives considered part of aircrew survival equipment. See
paragraph 3.25.4 for procedures on other Q-D exempt ordnance.
3.35.1. For B-52 aircraft with certain approved nuclear weapons loads (internal load only), authorized IBD is 760 feet and
PTR is 460 feet with and NEW of 400 lbs HC/D 1.1 explosives. For guidance, contact MAJCOM/SEW.
H3.35.2. F-15 aircraft with AIM/AGM Series Missiles. For an F-15 configured with 4 AIM-9s (7.4 lbs NEW) and 4 AIM-
7s (WAU-17 warhead with 36 lbs NEW), the MCE of 101.6 lbs NEW applies: IM distance is 52 feet; IL distance is 84 feet;
PTR is 240 feet; and IBD is 400 feet. For other F-15 configurations see Figure 3.7.
3.35.3. F-16 aircraft with AIM/AGM Series Missiles. See Figure 3.8.
3.35.4. Other aircraft configurations with mixed missile loads must be requested through MAJCOM/SEW
3.36. Buffered Storage Concept. Under certain conditions, propagation can be prevented between stacks of tritonal-filled
MK-82 and MK-84 bombs. NEW for Q-D purposes is the explosives weight of the largest stack plus explosives weight of
intervening buffer material. Buffered storage can be used in earth covered magazines, aboveground magazines, or open stacks.
3.36.1. Stacks are limited to 64 MK84 or 312 MK82 bombs. Combined stacks are limited to 60,500 pounds NEW.
3.36.2. Acceptable buffer materials are: palletized 20mm ammunition, palletized 30mm ammunition, or CBU-58s packaged
two per metal container, stacked one pallet wide (one container CBU-58) and as high as the stack being protected.
3.36.3. Buffer materials must be positioned between the two stacks of bombs to prevent line-of-sight exposure between stacks.
3.36.4. Units wanting to use different configurations or buffer materials must submit definitive drawings through the
MAJCOM to AFSC/SE for approval. These new buffers will consist of HC/D 1.2, 1.4 or inert materials that have an aerial
density of 500 pounds per square foot. For bomb stacks less than 24,000 pounds, an aerial density of 250 pounds per square
foot is acceptable.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 107
3.36.5. Steel nose and tail plugs must be used in all bombs. Bombs are arranged so the noses of the bombs in each stack are
facing the buffer.
3.36.6. A minimum of 38 feet is maintained between the nearest bombs of the separate stacks. For bomb stacks of 24,000
pounds or less, 20 feet is acceptable. The stacks will be arranged within a structure so access is possible to verify the
configuration.
3.36.7. Only serviceable munitions may be used in the bomb stacks or the buffer stacks.
3.36.8. Buffer material may be removed for periodic inspections without effecting sited capacities if it is returned within 24
hours.
3.36.9. The above criteria is approved for storage in the Continental United States (CONUS) and overseas locations where US
explosives safety standards are the only criteria applied. In Europe, or other locations where host nation has established safety
criteria, these principles must be accepted by the host nation before they may be applied.
3.37. Angled Storage. Test have shown that fragments from an exploding MK-82/84 bomb that are capable of initiating a
nearby bomb are limited to a zone extending perpendicular to the bomb. Therefore positioning of bombs outside the fragment
zone of other bombs may significantly reduce the MCE.
3.37.1. In Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS). Place single bombs and loaded triple ejector racks (TER), or bomb rack units at
a 15 degree angle along one shelter wall. Angle bomb and rack away from the aircraft and point tails toward the wall.
3.37.1.1. Maintain a 4-feet separation from MK-84s to other weapons and a 30-inch separation from MK-82s to other
weapons.
3.37.1.2. Do not align unfuzed cavities of bombs.
3.37.1.3. Install fuzes, boosters, steel nose and tail plugs or guidance packages.
3.37.1.4. Do not place bombs in an area on either side of another bomb bounded by two lines, 20 degrees forward and aft of
lines perpendicular to the bomb centerline and starting at the nose and the tail of the bomb, respectively. See Figure 3.6.
3.37.1.5. If above criteria is complied with, the MCE is the cumulative NEW of one TER or BRU, or for single angled
bombs, it is the NEW of one bomb.
3.37.2. On Aircraft Parked on Open Ramps. The same fragment principle applies whether or not the bombs are on an
aircraft or support stands. Open ramp, bomb loaded aircraft, separated at less than K11, may be angled to prevent
simultaneous detonation. Combat aircraft parked at 45o with standard wingtip separation (see AFH 32-1084) meet the IM
separation requirement for MK 82/84 bombs. The MCE would be one aircraft. However, this principle applies only to
general purpose bombs. Therefore do not site aircraft with an air-to-ground mission requiring other ordnance using reduced
MCE for angled parking. Nevertheless, parking loaded aircraft at an angle may significantly limit collateral damage to
adjacent aircraft and is preferred.
3.37.3. On Aircraft in HASs. When an explosives loaded aircraft is in the shelter, the weight of the explosives on the aircraft
and the stored weapons must be combined if either the weapons on the aircraft or the stored weapons are in the fragment
zone, described above, of the other weapons.
3.38. Weapons Storage Vaults in Hardened Aircraft Shelters. The special weapon contents of a weapons storage vault
(WSV) will not contribute to an explosion in a HAS if certain separations are maintained. The explosives in the WSV need
not be considered when computing the NEW of the HAS if the presence and location of conventional munitions in the HAS
correctly conform to what is allowed by the applicable weapons system safety rules (WSSRs), AFI 91-112 and AFI 91- 113.)
Figure 3.6. Fragment Zones for General Purpose Bombs.
20o
DONOR
ACCEPTOR
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 108
Figure 3.7. F-15 Aircraft Criteria.
AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120
(16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
AIM-9P AIM-9P AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM-9L/M AIM-9L/M AIM 120 AIM 120
(10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (7.4 LBS) (7.4 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
AIM-7 AIM-7 AIM-7 AIM-7 AIM-7 AIM-7 AIM-7M AIM-7M
(26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS)
F-15 F-15 F-15 F-15
CONFIG: 1 CONFIG: 2 CONFIG: 3 CONFIG: 4
NEW: 107 NEW: 153.6 NEW: 134.6 NEW: 139.6
IM: 53’ IL: 86’ IM: 59’ IL: 97’ IM: 57’ IL: 93’ IM: 57’ IL: 94’
IBD: 700’ IBD: 760’ IBD: 700’ IBD: 700’
PTR: 420’ PTR: 456’ PTR: 420’ PTR: 420’
AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120
(16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
AIM 120 AIM 120 AGM 88 AGM 88 AIM-9P AIM-9P AIM 9L/M AIM 9L/M
(16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (45.2 LBS) (45.2 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (7.4 LBS) (7.4 LBS)
AIM-7M AIM-7M AIM-7M AIM-7M AIM-7 AIM-7
(36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS)
F-15 F-15 F-15 F-15
CONFIG: 5 CONFIG: 6 CONFIG: 7 CONFIG: 8
NEW: 173.4 NEW: 90.4 NEW: 126.8 NEW: 100.8
IM: 62’ IL: 101’ IM: 50’ IL: 81’ IM: 56’ IL:91’ IM: 52’ IL: 84’
IBD: 760’ IBD: 400’ IBD: 600’ IBD: 700’
PTR: 456’ PTR: 240’ PTR: 360’ PTR: 420’
AIM 7 AIM 7 AIM 7 AIM 7 AIM 7 AIM 7 AIM 7M AIM 7M
(26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS)
AIM-9 AIM-9 AIM 9 AIM 9 AIM-9 AIM-9 AIM 9L AIM 9L
(10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (7.4 LBS) (7.4 LBS)
AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120
(16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9LBS)
F-15 F-15 F-15 F-15
CONFIG: 9 CONFIG: 10 CONFIG: 11 CONFIG: 12
NEW: 159.2 NEW: 107 NEW: 140.8 NEW: 120.6
IM: 60’ IL: 96’ IM: 53’ IL: 86’ IM: 58’ IL: 94’ IM: 55’ IL: 89’
IBD: 700’ IBD: 700’ IBD: 700’ IBD: 600’
PTR: 420’ PTR: 420’ PTR: 420’ PTR: 360’
Note: IM or IL criteria for the internal HC/D 1.2 gun ammunition and internal HC/D 1.3 flares do not need to be considered
with these loads.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 109
Figure 3.8. F-16 Aircraft Criteria.
AIM 120 AIM 120
AIM 9L/M AIM 9L/M (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
(7.4 LBS) (7.4 LBS)
AIM 9L/M AIM 9L/M AIM 120 AIM 120
(7.4 LBS) (7.4 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120
(16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
F-16 F-16 F-16
CONFIG: 1 CONFIG: 2 CONFIG: 3
NEW: 48.6 NEW: 82.4 NEW: 101.4
IM: 41’ IL: 66 IM: 48’ IL: 79’ IM: 52’ IL: 84’
IBD: 600’ IBD: 700’ IBD: 760’
PTR: 360’ PTR: 420’ PTR: 456’
AIM 7 AIM 7
(26.1 LBS) (26.1 LBS)
AIM 9L/M AIM 9L/M AIM-9P AIM-9P AGM 88 AGM 88
(7.4 LBS) (7.4 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (45.2 LBS) (45.2 LBS)
AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120
(16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
F-16 F-16 F-16
CONFIG: 4 CONFIG: 5 CONFIG: 6
NEW: 100.8 NEW: 54.8 NEW: 90.4
IM: 52’ IL: 84’ IM: 42’ IL: 69’ IM: 50’ IL: 81’
IBD: 700’ IBD: 600’ IBD: 400’
PTR: 420’ PTR: 360’ PTR: 240’
AGM 88 AGM 88 AIM 7M AIM 7M AIM 7M AIM 7M AIM 120 AIM 120
(45.2 LBS) (45.2 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (36.0 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS)
AIM-9P AIM-9P AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM-9P AIM-9P AIM 9L AIM 9L
(10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (10.5 LBS) (7.4 LBS) (7.4 LBS)
AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120 AIM 120
(16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9 LBS) (16.9LBS)
F-16 F-16 F-16 F-16
CONFIG: 7 CONFIG: 8 CONFIG: 9 CONFIG: 10
NEW: 145.2 NEW: 139.6 NEW: 126.8 NEW: 82.4
IM: 58’ IL: 95’ IM: 57’ IL: 94’ IM: 56’ IL: 91’ IM: 48’ IL: 79’
IBD: 600’ IBD: 700’ IBD: 600’ IBD: 700’
PTR: 360’ PTR: 420’ PTR: 360’ PTR: 420’
Note: IM or IL criteria for the internal HC/D 1.2 gun ammunition and internal HC/D 1.3 flares do not need to be considered
with these loads.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 110
3.39. Specific Items and Situations. Some munitions have been tested sufficiently over the years that explosives criteria
have been adopted for the specific item or situation. Table 3.26 gives these criteria.
HTable 3.26. Minimum Distances for Specific Items and Situations.
Line Item/Situation Quantity of
Explosives
Required Distance (Feet)
IB (NOTE) PTR (NOTE) IL (NOTE)
<100 lbs NEW (1) (1) (6) 1 Above ground storage of
demolition explosives, thin cased
low fragmentation munitions and
in-process explosives
1.1 Above ground storage – all HC/D
1.1 munitions and explosives.
100-450 lbs
NEW
(1) (9) (1) (6)
1.2 451-30,000 lbs
NEW
1250 (1) 750 (1) (6)
1.3 451-11,400 lbs
NEW (2)
900 (2) 750 (6)
2 Earth covered igloos – all HC/D
1.1 munitions and explosives.
1-150 lbs NEW 500 front
250 side/rear
300 front
150 side/rear
(8)
2.1 151-450 lbs NEW 700 front
250 side/rear
420 front
150 side/rear
(7) (8)
2.2 For ECMs < 26’ x 60’ 451-11,400 lbs
NEW (2)
900 750 (7) (8)
2.3 For ECMs > 26’ x 60’ 451-17,000 lbs
NEW
900 750 (7)(8)
3 Locations where structures, blast
mats, and personnel shielding will
completely confine fragments and
debris (for igloos see line 2).
50 lbs NEW or
less
K40/50 K24/30 (6)
4 Explosives detector dog training in
facilities or buildings.
7 lbs NEW or less
dispersed in
structure
100 (4) 100 (4) 50
5 Explosives detector dog training
Security Police Academy, Lackland
AFB TX.
10 lbs NEW or
less dispersed in
structure
100 100 50
6 2.75” rockets having 4-in. parallel
and vertical separation.
all quantities
(AUR)
400 240 50 (7)
6.1 2.75” rockets stored and maintained
in RSCA buildings. (5)
all quantities 0 0 0
7 AIM-7 series AUR missiles with
other than WAU-17 warhead.
7.1 Single missiles separated according
to paragraph 3.34.1.
all quantities 700 420 (6) (7)
7.2 Packed in AUR containers – igloo
storage only.
all quantities 500 front
250 side/rear (3)
300 front
150 side/rear (3)
(8)
7.3 Packed in AUR containers -
Facilities with aboveground
magazines other than igloos.
all quantities 700 420 (6) (7)
8 AIM-7 Series AUR missiles with
WAU-17.
8.1 Alternately stacked containers
according to paragraph 3.34.3 in
igloo storage only.
all quantities 500 front
250 side/rear
(3)
300 front
150 side/rear
(3)
(8)
8.2 Alternately stacked containers
according to paragraph 3.34.3 in the
open.
all quantities 400 240 95
8.3 Alternately stacked containers
according to paragraph 3.34.3 in
facilities other than igloos.
all quantities 670 400 (6)
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 111
HTable 3.26. Continued.
Line Item/Situation Quantity of
Explosives
Required Distance (Feet)
IB (NOTE) PTR (NOTE) IL (NOTE)
9 AIM-7 AUR on trailer with or
without other AIM-7 or 9 missiles
stored in igloos
total quantity of
all warheads
radially aligned
(10)
Same as 2 above Same as 2 above (8)
10 AIM-7 AUR on trailer with other
AIM-7 missiles (not WAU-17) not
stored in igloos
2-24 warheads
radially aligned
700 420 (6) (7)
11 AUR on trailer with other AIM-7
missiles (with WAU-17) in the
open.
all quantities See paragraph
3.34.4
(9) (6) (7)
12 AIM 7 missiles (all W/Hs) stored in
facilities other than igloos.
MCE – 100 lbs or
less
700 400 (6)
all quantities
400
240
50 (3)
13a
13b
Single AIM-9 series missiles,
separated according to paragraph
3.34.6, in the open.
In facilities other than igloos. all quantities 670 400 (6)
14 AIM-9 in AUR containers stored in
facilities other than igloos.
all quantities 670 400 (6)
15 AGM-65 series missiles separated
according to paragraph 3.34.7 in the
open.
15.1 A/B//D Models
1 missile 400 240 73 (7)
15.2 A/B//D Models 2 or 3 missiles
on launcher
500 300 115(7)
15.3 E/F/G Models
1 missile 670 400 84
15.4 E/F/G Models 2 or 3 missiles
on launcher
900 or
1200 (2)
540 for 2
750 for 3
105 for 2
121 for 3
16 MK82 GP bombs in the open or 1 bomb 670 400 (6) (7)
16.1 light structures 2 bombs 860 515 (6) (7)
16.2 3-5 bombs 1080 650 (6) (7)
16.3 6-10 bombs 1240 740 (6) (7)
17 M117 GP bombs in the open or 1 bomb 690 415 (6) (7)
17.1 light structures 2 bombs 820 490 (6) (7)
17.2 3-5 bombs 1020 610 (6) (7)
17.3 6-128 bombs 1470 880 (6) (7)
NOTES:
H1. Incremental K40 (IB) or K24 (PTR) may be used when fragments or building debris are not involved. When
fragments or building debris are involved see Table 3.9. HC/D 1.2 munitions and HC/D 1.1 munitions with a fragment
hazard number assigned are considered high fragmenting munitions. Explosives in any building are assumed to create
building debris unless an engineering analysis shows fragments will not go beyond a lesser distance. When in doubt,
contact HQ AFSC/SE, Kirtland AFB.
2. For sparsely populated locations, reduce the minimum 1250-feet fragment distance to 900 feet [270 meters (m)] if the
PES does not exceed 11,400 pounds (5140 kg). Allow no more than 25 persons in any sector bounded by the sides of a 45
degree angle, with the vertex at the PES, and the 900 feet (270 m) and 1250 feet (380 m) arcs from the PES. See Figure
3.1.
3. Missile fragments are contained, therefore, since only the contents of one container will react, the secondary igloo
debris distances apply.
4. Nonessential personnel will be evacuated a minimum of 100 feet during training exercises.
5. RSCA buildings must have at least 3/8” steel doors. Rockets must face a 12” wall.
H6. See Table 3.9. 7. Does not provide protection against fragments.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 112
7. Does not provide protection against fragments.
8. Use K18 from front, K16 from sides, K12 from rear for MCE, minimum 50 feet (less distance may be used when
structures, blast mats and the like can completely contain fragment and debris).
9. Calculate PTR as 60 percent of IB.
10. NEWs for missiles in radial alignment need to be totaled only if warheads are separated by less than 100 inches
3.40. Space and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Criteria.
3.40.1. Some launch pad facilities such as mobile service towers, umbilical mast towers, launch ducts, blockhouse, and
launch mounts are identified by a building number on the base master plan. But, for the purpose of explosive site planning,
they are considered an “integral part of the facility” and do not require exposed site separation distances due to the nature of
their function. Likewise, facilities that provide direct support to these launch pads such as maintenance and build-up shops,
pressurization systems, instrumentation terminal rooms, etc., are an integral part of the facility and do not require QD
separation distances from the pads they support.
3.40.2. Technical support areas may be associated with these facilities. Locate all direct support personnel at no less than IL
distance or equivalent protection from the PES and dispatch them to the PES as required.
3.40.3. Locate any parking lots (GOV or POV) which exclusively serves the motor or motor storage, staging, or operations
facility according to chapter 3.
3.40.4. Locate launch complexes at AF launch ranges using two sets of criteria. The first set is based on Q-D criteria. They
address pre-launch operations (including pressurized launch rehearsal) and static explosive threats. These will be defined for
each facility in the explosives safety site plan. The TNT equivalencies to be utilized are included in Table 3.19. The second
set of criteria used to locate a launch complex on the range address launch and space vehicle dynamic flight. Range safety
guidance will define the criteria and flight safety analysis techniques required to determine the down range explosive threat
resulting from a launch.
3.40.4.1. Separate new launch pads by at least an IL distance from each other. The larger NEW of the two launch vehicles
will dictate the minimum separation between the two launch pads. For HC/D 1.1 launch vehicles, the minimum separation
required is K-18. For HC/D 1.3 launch vehicles, Table 3.13, IL column. Hazardous operations in one facility may impact
operations in another related facility. In order to protect personnel and not impact operations due to evacuation, IB quantity
distance criteria should be used to initially site the two facilities, as opposed to IL distances.
3.40.4.2. Determine launch complex locations in the range launch area based on flight safety analyses including risk analysis
such as the Launch Area Risk Analysis (LARA) program and other flight safety techniques described in range safety
guidance. The Range Safety Office responsible for a launch area will consider explosive siting and missile flight hazards
when determining the location of a launch complex in relationship with other launch complexes and support facilities.
3.40.4.3. For QD purposes, measure from the explosives at the launch mount, for a launch complex and at the test stand, for
a test complex.
3.40.5. Space Test Facilities. During explosives site planning for new motor or motor segment test operation facilities,
provide a personnel direct support facility at least intraline distance from the PES. Note: This separate location will
permanently house direct support personnel for the PES. It will be a dispatch point, break room, and change room for these
personnel. These direct support personnel facilities may be located at closer than IL distances if protective measures are used
to provide minimum required overpressure and fragment protection. Use the prevailing wind direction as a primary
consideration when locating test stands in relationship to other facilities that will be inhabited during testing. Non-DoD
LSRM test facilities on AF installations must not hazard Government assets. Use Table 3.27 to determine siting criteria for
non-DoD activities.
3.40.6. Static Test Facilities. Site and construct static test facilities for maximum flexibility to meet frequently changing
technological requirements. A typical static test facility will have several test stands that share common support facilities
such as ready storage tanks, pressurization systems, test control rooms, maintenance support and build-up shops, and steamgenerating
vacuum systems. To the extent possible, separate test stands by intraline distance. In some cases, test support
requirements, such as vacuum testing, do not support QD separation if test objectives are to be achieved. To minimize the
risk to adjacent test stands, only one test stand will be used at a time when QD requirements cannot be met. Remove or
protect all equipment not being used to support current test operations, or obtain a waiver approved at the appropriate level.
See Chapter 5 for waiver/exemption procedures.
3.40.7. Building and Use of Non-DoD Space Explosives Facilities on AF Installations and Non-DoD Use of Existing
Government Facilities. AF policy permits a non-DoD space user to lease land on an AF installation and construct explosives
facilities to support non-DoD and/or Government space operations. Additionally, a non-DoD space user may be granted a
license to use an existing Government explosives facility. These facilities include but are not limited to explosives storage
facilities, explosives operations facilities, missile launch pads, test facilities, and combinations thereof. Use Table 3.27 for
QD criteria for siting non-DoD activities.
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 113
Table 3.27. Quantity Distance Criteria For Non-DoD Explosives Activities.1,2
From
To
Non-DoD4
Storage
DoD3/Joint6
Storage
Non-DoD4
Operations
DoD3
Operations
Shared5
Launch
Facilities
Non-DoD
Storage
Check for
IM
IM Check for
IM
IB IB
DoD/Joint
Storage
IM IM IB IL IB
Non-DoD
Operations
Check for
IM
IB Check for
IM
IB IB
DoD
Operations
IB IL IB IL IB
Shared
Launch
Facilities
IB IB IB IB IL
DoD Non-Explosives/
Operations Non- Related IB IB IB IB IB
NOTES:
1. Non-DoD activities must be conducted only when risk to Air Force mission has been evaluated and accepted by the
appropriate Air Force Commander.
2. “Check for IM” means Air Force personnel will determine the MCE for an event as that quantity of explosives that are not
separated by IM distance, or equivalent protection.
3. Explosives operations conducted by DoD, or other federal agency, under DoD oversight, procedure, and/or control and in
accordance with the explosives safety standards of this manual. This term is applicable only to DoD and federal explosives
operations, and to non-DoD commercial enterprises directly supporting DoD and federal explosives contractual efforts.
4. Explosives operations/storage conducted on DoD property in accordance with only this table, BATF, FAA or other
federal, state, and local explosives safety requirements. Under these type operations, DoD will be responsible only for
insuring IM standards are met as outlined in explosives site plan submissions. This does not constitute “DoD oversight” as
intended in note 3.
5. Any space or orbital launch facility that supports both DoD and non-DoD launch services and operations, as determined
by Air Force personnel or by mutual agreement when multiple DoD military services are involved.
6. DoD/non-DoD explosives storage under DoD control.
3.40.8. Explosives Site Plans for Non-DoD Explosives Facilities. An explosives site plan for non-DoD explosives facilities
on AF installations must be prepared and submitted through AF channels for DDESB approval. These site plans will identify
any explosives safety risk to Government assets within or outside of the non-DoD space facility explosives QD. DDESB site
approval for non-DoD operations and non-DoD storage will be limited to a “foot print”only (data that determines the IB arc).
Building design, lightning protection, etc., will not be included unless it is used to determine the IB arc. Approval of the
explosives site plan is only one of a series of approvals that must be granted by Government organizations to allow a non
DoD explosives operations on an AF installation. The local installation commander must sign all explosives site plans prior
to submittal to higher headquarters. The local installation commander must make a safety assessment concerning the
possible loss/damage to any exposed Government facility/hardware based on current AF mission requirements, future use of
the facility by the AF, range safety criteria, and any other pertinent data such as probability of occurrence of an explosives
incident and time of exposure of Government assets, as applicable. Non-DoD user insurance coverage for Government assets
will not, by itself, be adequate justification for a non-DoD space user to expose a Government facility to an unacceptable
risk.
3.40.9. Waivers, Deviations, and Exemptions. Waivers, deviations, and exemptions to AF explosives safety requirements of
this manual will not be granted to non-DoD user explosives site plans for explosives facilities. Rather the site plan will: (1)
Clearly specify situations where non-compliance with explosives safety requirements exist, (2) Include a risk
acknowledgment letter by the non-DoD user, (3) Include the necessary operating restrictions to ensure that Government
owned flight hardware, facilities, or other resources will not be hazarded by the non-compliances to a level unacceptable to
the owner of the assets, and (4) Include a recommendation for approval/disapproval of the site plan from the local AF
AFMAN 91-201 7 MARCH 2000 114
explosives safety office with supporting rationale, and obtain the coordination of the non-DoD space user on the explosives
site plan prior to submittal to higher headquarters.
3.40.10. DOD Explosives Hazard Classification. Apply DOD explosives hazard classifications to explosives stored or used
on military installations and reflect them in all applicable facility explosives site plans. For commercial explosive items that
have not been acquired and adopted for use by the Air Force, but will be stored and transported on an Air Force installation in
conjunction with commercial launch programs, the following exceptions may be applied:
3.40.10.1. The items may be offered for transportation off the installation via commercial carriers using hazard classification
approvals issued to the item manufacturers by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
3.40.10.2. An item may be stored, handled, and transported on the installation using the hazard classification approval issued
by DOT if the local commander reviews and concurs with that hazard classification, except for articles assigned to hazard
class/division 1.2. These must be stored and handled as DOD hazard class/division 1.1. Obtain approval to store non-DOD
commercial items as hazard class/division 1.2 from a DOD hazard classification authority listed in TO 11A-1-47.
3.40.11. Expanding Q-D and Risk Assessment. Problems are encountered around launch pads and test stands where lack of
real estate coupled with a high concentration of people, facilities, and equipment make compliance with Q-D standards
impossible. Explosive content of a launch pad/test stand varies according to a well defined operational concept and the
maximum NEW is typically present only during a short period of time just before launch/test. This allows management to
take actions to protect or remove resources and personnel as the NEW is increased.
3.40.12. Expanding Q-D. Expanding Q-D is a process available to commanders similar to tiered siting which allows them to
analyze and minimize risk to personnel, facilities, and operational capabilities. Expanding Q-D is a risk-based management
tool that provides an organized way to evaluate risks and assess action that will mitigate the impact of an explosive mishap
during periods of increased activity. In an expanding Q-D system, a launch pad or test stand may have different NEWs
during different stages of prelaunch/test missile buildup. To maximize protection under the expanding Q-D approach, the
responsible commander will develop and publish procedures to ensure non-essential equipment, supplies, and personnel are
removed prior to increasing NEW limits.
3.40.13. Procedures for Expanding Q-D Risk Management. Determine launch pad/test stand NEW for various stages of
launch vehicle buildup. For each stage, evaluate all exposed sites (ES) that are within the Q-D arc generated by the NEW. If
Q-D criteria is not violated in the largest arc, submit a site plan for the maximum NEW. If violations exist, the following
actions are required:
3.40.13.1. Evacuate non-direct support personnel from an ES falling within the QD arc generated by the NEW. A waiver or
exemption is required if the ES cannot be evacuated
3.40.13.2. Publish procedures to minimize risk for stage with QD violations. Guidelines must specify:
3.40.13.2.1. The organization responsible for implementing risk reduction actions
3.40.13.2.2. Conditions under which risk reduction actions will be directed and when they will take place
3.40.13.2.3. On-scene inspection procedures to ensure risk management actions are being accomplished
3.40.13.2.4. Facilities to be evacuated
3.40.13.2.5. Critical equipment and supplies to be protected or evacuated
3.40.13.2.6. Procedures to ensure the program is evaluated on a recurring basis
3.40.13.3. On the site plan, clearly label the different Q-D arcs associated with the different NEW levels.
3.40.14. Blockhouse Requirements.
3.40.14.1. Launch Complex Blockhouse. In general, the AF is moving away from the use of hardened blockhouses located
at launch complexes in favor of soft, remote launch control centers. Until all operations requiring on-site manning in the
blockhouse during launch are moved to remote locations, ensure blockhouse personnel are protected to a reasonable degree
of safety. In the event of detonation of a launch vehicle on the launch pad or shortly after lift-off, the blockhouse must be
able to withstand a direct impact of the largest expected amount of explosive debris and also the over-pressure resulting from
the initial explosion and from subsequent explosions of firebrands landing nearby.
3.40.14.2. Test Control Blockhouse. Blockhouses for static test stands can either be unprotected facilities at K-24 for the
maximum propellant load, or be hardened facilities capable of providing K-24 overpressure protection and fragment
protection from the maximum propellant load.