DAFI91-101_AFGSCSUP — Air Force Nuclear Weapons Surety Program

DAFI91-101_AFGSCSUP governs nuclear weapon configurations and side flash separation requirements for nuclear safety protection.

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  • Publication number: DAFI91-101_AFGSCSUP
  • Title: AIR FORCE NUCLEAR WEAPONS SURETY PROGRAM
  • Date: 2026-06-09

View DAFI91-101_AFGSCSUP on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses lightning-safe configurations, side flash separation distances, and operations in hardened or protective aircraft shelters. It requires approved deviations from paragraph 5.10 and specifies when seven-foot separation applies.

Applies to: This instruction applies to all civilian employees and uniformed members of AFGSC Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard.

Topics covered

  • Nuclear weapon configurations
  • Lightning-safe configurations
  • Side flash separation distance
  • Secure Transportable Maintenance Systems
  • Hardened Aircraft Shelters
  • Protective aircraft shelters

Questions and answers

What additional configurations may apply to nuclear weapon configurations?

Weapon specific technical orders may apply additional lightning safe configurations for weapon and /or personnel safety.

What clear zone is required for side flash separation at a nuclear weapon?

The required side flash separation distance is properly applied to a nuclear weapon (or STMS) when an unobstructed minimum seven-foot clear zone exists between the weapon (or STMS) and the facility’s walls, ceiling, or any other structural member capable of conducting electrical energy (e.g., steel columns, rebar-reinforced interior walls, columns or beams).

Do objects in the floor require side flash separation when the vault is fully down?

Objects in the floor such as concrete rebar, floor grounds, and structural members of the Weapon Storage Vault, when the vault is in a full down position, do not require the application of the side flash separation distance.

Can the side flash separation distance be temporarily infringed?

Transient or temporary infringement of the side flash separation distance requirement can be permitted.

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