Distance X for Tank Fighting vehicle gunnery SDZs is based off what quadrant elevation?

The distance X for Tank Fighting Vehicle gunnery Safety Danger Zones (SDZs) is primarily determined based on a 10° quadrant elevation. The 10° elevation is considered a standard firing angle that balances range and trajectory when calculating the danger zones for gunnery. This angle helps to ensure that the SDZs adequately encompass the area affected by projectiles, taking into account the trajectory and potential impacts while minimizing the risk to personnel and equipment outside the designated zone.

Using a 10° quadrant elevation allows range safety officers to effectively manage the safety parameters for operations, ensuring that the weapons system is being used within a calculated and controlled environment. This standard reflects historical data and experience with tank gunnery operations, providing a reliable guideline for establishing safe distances during live-fire exercises.

Other elevations, such as 5°, 15°, and 20°, would yield different ranges and might not provide an accurate representation of the maximum extent of danger associated with the weapon system being fired. Knowing these specific angles is essential for understanding how the SDZs are fundamentally constructed and maintained for safe operations.