DAFI91-101_AMCSUP — Air Force Nuclear Weapons Surety Program

DAFI91-101_AMCSUP governs weapon configurations for nuclear safety protection, including side flash separation requirements.

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  • Publication number: DAFI91-101_AMCSUP
  • Title: AIR FORCE NUCLEAR WEAPONS SURETY PROGRAM
  • Date: 2026-02-11

View DAFI91-101_AMCSUP on armypubs.army.mil


It specifies clear-zone distances, shelter conditions, and exceptions for nuclear weapon operations. It requires approval for deviations from paragraph 5.10.

Topics covered

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

Questions and answers

What additional configurations may technical orders require for weapons or personnel?

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

What clear zone is required around a nuclear weapon or STMS?

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 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 temporary infringements of the side flash separation distance be permitted?

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

What side flash separation applies when using an STMS in a HAS or PAS?

When using a Secure Transportable Maintenance System (STMS), no minimum side flash separation distance is required between the STMS and the HAS or PAS during nuclear weapon operations.

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