Appendix G ETL 08-11 Range Design Criteria.dat

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

HEADQUARTERS AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER SUPPORT AGENCY

20 OCT 2008

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE: DISTRIBUTION UNLIMITED

FROM: HQ AFCESA/CEO

139 Barnes Drive, Suite 1 Tyndall AFB, FL 32403-5319

SUBJECT: Engineering Technical Letter (ETL) 08-11: Small Arms Range Design and Construction

1. Purpose. This ETL provides criteria for the design and construction of Air Force small arms ranges, and applies to both new construction and major renovations.

Additionally, this document should be used as a guide for any ranges purchased as equipment items. The intent of this ETL is to provide the minimum design criteria necessary for achieving a safe range design. This ETL assumes users have a formal engineering education and background, or access to local engineering expertise. This ETL does not establish the number of firing points, target distance, targetry, or type of range. A planning team composed of major command (MAJCOM) and installation-level combat arms (CA), civil engineering (CE), bioenvironmental engineer (BE), and safety (SE) personnel will jointly establish the number of firing points, the target distance, and the type of range based on mission, training requirements, and available real estate.

This ETL is directive in accordance with Air Force instruction (AFI) 32-1023, Design and Construction Standards and Execution of Facility Construction Projects, and AFI 36- 2226, Combat Arms Program, and must be used by a range designer when designing a new range or renovating an existing range. The range designer ultimately has the responsibility to ensure the minimum criteria presented in this ETL are used to provide a safe range design. This ETL may not cover all site-specific concerns and it is the designer’s responsibility to adapt the intent of the ETL criteria to ensure the range is operationally safe. This ETL is not a specification or a prescriptive checklist and is not intended to replace professional judgment by a competent licensed professional engineer, after coordination with the end-user or installation CA section. Additionally, nothing in this ETL should preclude consideration and use of emerging technologies and commercially available products if these can be proven to result in a safe and otherwise satisfactory range design.

This ETL supersedes ETL 06-11, Small Arms Range Design and Construction.

Note: The use of the name or mark of any specific manufacturer, commercial product, commodity, or service in this ETL does not imply endorsement by the Air Force.

2. Summary of Revisions. This ETL is substantially revised and must be completely reviewed. It updates requirements and standards consistent with current technology and lessons learned. Editorial updates were performed to improve clarity and organization.

This ETL also includes critical improvement to bullet traps that eliminated any blunt surface that would cause ricochet. This ETL incorporates the common general building requirements in accordance with Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 1-200-01, General Building Requirements. Because these salient safety, health, and environmental features of permanent ranges apply to expeditionary or portable ranges, these ETL standards should apply toward portable ranges purchased as equipment.

3. Application: All Air Force installations.

• The criteria in this ETL shall apply to all small arms ranges where the design phase is 35 percent complete or less on the effective date of this ETL.

• New partially contained ranges will not be designed or constructed. If planned major range or component repairs of an existing range will cost more than 50 percent of the estimated range replacement cost (plant replacement value), the entire facility must be upgraded to comply with this ETL.

• After MAJCOM approval, HQ AFSFC/SFXW may approve deviations from the criteria in this ETL. MAJCOMs will submit requests for deviation to HQ AFSFC/SFXW, who will coordinate with HQ AFCESA for review.

3.1. Authority: Air Force policy directive (AFPD) 32-10, Installations and Facilities.

3.2. Effective date: Immediately.

3.3. Intended Users: MAJCOM functional managers; base civil engineers (BCE);

bioenvironmental engineers; combat arms (CA), and range designers for the Air Force.

3.4. Coordination: MAJCOM functional managers and HQ AFSFC/SFXW.

4. Referenced Publications. In some instances, the references listed in paragraphs

4.1 through 4.8 may advocate procedures that seem to contradict those in this ETL. In these cases, the information in this ETL supersedes any other design and construction source and policy guidance on range operation and maintenance contained in AFI 36- 2226 takes precedence over other sources.

4.1. Public Law:

• Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.1025, Lead, available at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html

4.2. Department of Defense (DOD):

• DOD Directive 5100.76-M, Physical Security of Sensitive Conventional Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives, available at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html/510076m.htm

• Military Handbook (MIL-HDBK) 1027/3B, Range Facilities and Miscellaneous Training Facilities Other Than Buildings, available at http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_cat.php?o=30&c=80

• MIL-HDBK 1013/1A, Design Guidelines for Physical Security of Facilities, available at http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_cat.php?o=30&c=80

• UFC 1-200-01, General Building Requirements, available at http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_cat.php?o=29&c=4

• UFC 3-120-01, Air Force Sign Standard, available at http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_cat.php?o=29&c=4

• UFC 4-010-01, DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings, available at http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_cat.php?o=29&c=4

• UFC 4-020-01FA, Security Engineering: Project Development (FOUO), available at http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/browse_cat.php?o=29&c=4

4.3. Air Force:

• AFI 31-101, The Air Force Installation Security Program (FOUO), available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

• AFPD 32-10, Installations and Facilities, available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

• AFI 32-1023, Design and Construction Standards and Execution of Facility Construction Projects, available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

• Air Force handbook (AFH) 32-1084, Facility Requirements, available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

• AFI 36-2226, Combat Arms Program, available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

• AFI 90-901, Operational Risk Management, available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

• Air Force pamphlet (AFPAM) 90-902, Operational Risk Management (ORM) Guidelines and Tools, available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil

• Air Force Occupational Safety & Health (AFOSH) Standard 161-2, Industrial Ventilation, available at http://www.e-publishing.af.mil (hardcopy only)

4.4. Navy:

• Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Technical Manual (NMCPHC- TM) IH 6290.10, Indoor Firing Ranges Industrial Hygiene Technical Guide, available at http://www-nehc.med.navy.mil/od/CDRomtoc.htm

4.5. Army:

• Army Pamphlet (PAM) 385-63, Range Safety, available at http://www.apd.army.mil/series_range_pubs.asp?range=385

• Training Circular (TC) 25-8, Training Ranges

• NGB-AVS-SG, Policy and Responsibilities for Inspection, Evaluation and

Operation of Army National Guard Indoor Firing Ranges

4.6. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

• Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges, available at http://www.epa.gov/region02/waste/leadshot/

4.7. Industry:

• American Welding Society (AWS) D1.1, Structural Welding Code – Steel, https://www.awspubs.com

• ASTM A514/A514M, Standard Specification for High-Yield-Strength, Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel Plate, Suitable for Welding, http://www.astm.org

• ASTM C76, Standard Specification for Reinforced Concrete Culvert, Storm Drain, and Sewer Pipe, http://www.astm.org

• ASTM C136, Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates, http://www.astm.org

• Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) Lighting Handbook, http://www.iesna.org/

• National Rifle Association (NRA) of America, The NRA Range Source Book, latest edition, available at http://www.nrahq.org/shootingrange/sourcebook.asp

5. Acronyms and Symbols.

AFCESA - Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency AFH - Air Force handbook AFI - Air Force instruction AFOSH - Air Force Occupational Safety & Health AFPAM - Air Force pamphlet AFPD - Air Force policy directive AR - Abrasion Resistant (i.e. AR500 plate) AR - Army Regulation ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials AWS - American Welding Society BCE - base civil engineer BHN - Brinnell Hardness Number BMP - Best Management Practices CA - combat arms cal. - caliber CE - civil engineering CFR - Code of Federal Regulations CMU - concrete masonry unit CONUS - continental United States dBA - decibels (“A” scale) DOD - Department of Defense DRMO - Defense Reutilization Management Office EOD - explosive ordnance disposal EPA - Environmental Protection Agency ETL - Engineering Technical Letter FOUO - For Official Use Only ft - foot HEPA - high-efficiency particulate air (filter)

HMMWV - high-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle HQ AFCESA/CEOA - Headquarters Air Force Civil Engineer Support Agency, Engineer Support Division HQ AFSFC/SFXW - Headquarters, Air Force Security Forces Center, Combat Arms HVAC - heating, ventilation, and air conditioning IESNA - Illuminating Engineering Society of North America in - inch LAW - light anti-tank weapon LFA - lead-free ammunition LR - long rifle m - meter MAJCOM - major command MIL SPEC - military specification MIL-HDBK - military handbook mm - millimeter mpm - meters per minute NCOIC - noncommissioned officer in charge NMCPHC - Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center NSN - National Stock Number O&M - operation and maintenance ORM - Operational Risk Management OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration PEL - permissible exposure limit pH - symbol for logarithm of reciprocal of hydrogen ion concentration in gram atoms per liter PPBE - planning, programming, budgeting, and execution psi - pound per square inch RCP - reinforced concrete pipe RH - relative humidity RKT-HEAT - rocket - high-explosive anti-tank SDZ - surface danger zone SE - safety SGPB - bioenvironmental engineer TACOM-ARDEC - U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command – Armament Research Development and Engineering Center TBD - to be determined TC - Training Circular UFC - Unified Facilities Criteria VDZ - vertical danger zone

6. Definitions.

6.1. Small Arms Range: A live-fire training facility for training and certifying personnel in the use of handguns, shotguns, rifles up to 7.62mm, rifles or machine guns up to .50 caliber, and the MK-19 40mm machine gun. A small arms range may include special ranges for 40mm grenade launchers, light anti-tank weapons (LAW), and 81mm mortars. Equipment items such as fully (self-) contained portable or expeditionary ranges fall into this category.

6.2. Surface Danger Zone (SDZ): The portions of the range in the horizontal plane that are endangered by firing a particular weapon. The SDZ includes the area between the firing line and the target line, an impact area, a ricochet trajectory area, and a secondary danger area. The SDZ may also include a weapon back-blast area.

The SDZ must be located completely within the boundaries of U.S. government-owned or -leased properties. A fully contained range which is incapable of allowing a fired projectile to escape its limits does not have an exterior SDZ.

6.3. Vertical Danger Zone (VDZ): For non-contained and partially contained ranges, the VDZ is the volume of airspace above the SDZ between the ground surface and the maximum ordinate of a direct-fired or ricochet round. The height of the VDZ varies with the weapon and ammunition fired (see Attachment 1). For fully contained ranges, the VDZ is the area between the SDZ and the upper limits of containment.

6.4. Non-contained Range (Impact Range): A non-contained range is an outdoor/open range. The firing line may be covered or uncovered. Direct-fire rounds and ricochets are unimpeded and may fall anywhere within the SDZ. The non-contained range requires an SDZ equal to 100 percent of the maximum range of the most powerful round to be used on the range. This type of range requires the largest amount of real estate to satisfy the SDZ requirements.

6.5. Partially Contained Range: This range has a covered firing line, side containment, overhead baffles, and a bullet backstop. Direct fire is totally contained by the firing line canopy, side containment, baffles and bullet trap (no “blue sky” observed from firing positions). Ricochets are not totally contained, but reduced by the baffles and side containment. A partially contained range requires an SDZ length equal to 50 percent of the maximum range of the most powerful round to be used on the range. A partially contained range will not permit lateral movement along the firing line or movement toward the target line unless the range has the additional baffles required to stop direct fire at the downrange firing lines.

6.6. Fully Contained Range: Range in which direct fire and ricochets are totally contained within the limits of the range. There is no SDZ requirement outside the limits of the containment.

7. Design Criteria. Range design is based on providing facilities that meet the needs of the training courses of fire specified by HQ AFSFC/SFXW and MAJCOMs based on mission needs. Future range designs must consider courses of fire that may differ from traditional “line-up-and-shoot” courses of fire: certain courses of fire may require the shooter to advance downrange toward the target; other scenarios may include driving a vehicle (HMMWV [“Hummvee”] without pedestal-mounted weapon) into the range to practice vehicle dismount, cover techniques, and target engagement. It is imperative that a range designer fully understand what types of training and courses of fire will take place on the range and design the range accordingly. The designer should also consider design flexibility that allows for changing courses of fire in the future. Facility design and construction must comply with UFC 1-200-01.

Air Force ranges will not be designed or constructed to only accommodate frangible ammunition. To ensure operational range safety is not compromised, existing ranges that do not have the required SDZ may restrict the range to frangible ammunition only.

However, this must be a temporary work-around and the owning organization must program corrective action to permit firing of ball ammunition.

The goal of the new Air Force small arms training philosophy is to increase the current 25-meter standard target distance and expand the diversity of training that can be accomplished on the range. Ranges should be designed to allow the greatest target distance possible within the available land at the site (e.g., 50 meters, 100 meters, 300 meters, 1000 meters). The desired target distance is at or as close as possible to the sight zero distance for the weapon.

CA, CE, bioenvironmental engineering, and safety offices at the base and MAJCOM will jointly develop site-specific designs using the minimum criteria outlined in this ETL.

MAJCOMs may submit designs that deviate from the requirements of this ETL to HQ AFSFC/SFXW for review. HQ AFSFC/SFXW will coordinate with HQ AFCESA/CEOA, Engineer Support Division, for review. Submit designs to HQ AFSFC only after MAJCOM approval. Individual MAJCOMs may establish design criteria exceeding the minimums specified in this ETL.

7.1. Range Types, Combination Ranges, Range Configuration, Site Selection, and Range Geometric Design.

7.1.1. Range Types.

7.1.1.1. Non-contained Range (Impact Range). The non-contained range accommodates the controlled and supervised discharge of weapons and has sufficient land area to ensure the discharged projectile does not exit the SDZ.

The trajectory of the projectile is along the line of fire (orientation of the range) and the impact of the projectile is designed to be within the limits of the impact area. The firing line may be covered or uncovered. Typically there are no overhead baffles, but surface barriers or sidewalls may be provided to partially limit projectile trajectory. A non-contained range must have the land area to accommodate both the full SDZ and the full VDZ. Ammunition used on the range will establish the required length of the SDZ and the required height of the VDZ. SDZ length must be equal to the longest distance equal to 100 percent of the extreme range for the types of ammunition used on the range. The required SDZ must equal or exceed the minimum SDZ lengths listed in Table 1. For minimum VDZ height requirements, see Attachment 1.

Table 1. Minimum SDZ Distance Requirements for Small Arms Ammunition — Non-contained Range

Weapon/Caliber Ammunition Minimum SDZ Length Meters (Feet)

Handgun, 9mm pistol Submachine gun, 9mm M882 1840 (6036)

Handgun, 9mm pistol Frangible, lead-free, Winchester 1375 (4511)

Handgun, .44 magnum Commercial local purchase 2290 (7513) Shotgun, 12 gauge 00 buckshot 600 (1968) Rifle, 5.56mm Ball M193; tracer M196 3100 (10,170) Rifle, 5.56mm Ball M855; tracer M856 3600 (11,811) Rifle, 5.56mm M862 (plastic) 250 (820)

Rifle, 5.56mm Frangible, lead-free, Federal Cartridge

BC556NT1, PSPCL

2750 (9022)

Rifle/machine gun, 7.62mm Ball M80; tracer M81 4300 (14,107) Rifle/machine gun, 7.62mm Match, M118 4800 (15,748)

Machine gun, .50 caliber Ball M2 and M33/tracer

M17/M8 API/M20 APIT 6700 (21,981)

M79, M203, 40mm low-velocity

M781/M407A1/M406/ M433/M381/M386/M441

500 (1640) 100* (328*)

MK-19, 40mm high-velocity M918/M383/M430 2650 (8694) 350* (1148*)

M72 LAW, 35mm sub-caliber M73 1300 (4265)

100* (328*) M72 LAW, 66mm RKT

HEAT M72 1250 (4101)

250* (820*)

AT-4, 84mm RKT HEAT M136 2600 (8530) 200* (656*)

*Additional standoff distance that must be added to minimum SDZ length to allow for EOD make-safe procedure.

7.1.1.2. Fully Contained Range (Indoor or Outdoor). A fully contained range is designed to prevent 100 percent of the direct-fired rounds and 100 percent of the ricochets from leaving the limits of the range. This type of range is used when the required minimum SDZ requirements are not available because of lack of land area or compatible land use. These ranges have an overhead containment structure (ballistic safety baffles) and sidewalls. If the range is located in a building (indoor range), the building envelope is typically not designed to prevent projectile penetration unless it is part of the containment.

The structure elements and materials used for the building roof may vary depending upon the type and configuration of interior overhead containment, type of backstop, and method used to trap bullets. The fully contained range design must preclude escape of both direct-fired projectiles and ricochets. No “blue sky” should be visible from any firing position and as one travels downrange towards the target. Construct the overhead baffles with a minimum of 150 millimeters (6 inches) of horizontal overlap between the trailing edge of any baffle and the leading edge of the next baffle downrange (see Figure 8). The range design must also address noise control and environmental hazards resulting from the use of ammunition containing lead and residue resulting from non-lead frangible ammunition. Ammunition residue may contain unburned propellant. Excess build-up of this residue has caused flammable hazards within ranges. This flammability hazard may be controlled using a combination of facility and operational procedures to eliminate the risk of fire. Range personnel must work with local agencies to determine the required frequencies and procedures for removing unburned propellant from the range.

7.1.1.3. Partially Contained Range.

7.1.1.3.1. Partially contained ranges are not permitted for new construction unless specifically approved by HQ AFSFC and HQ AFCESA. There are many existing partially contained ranges in the Air Force inventory.

7.1.1.3.2. All existing partially contained ranges that do not have the required SDZ must be programmed for upgrade or replacement to meet either full-distance, non-contained range criteria, fully contained range criteria, or the footprint of existing deficient SDZ must be increased to meet the 50 percent SDZ requirement for a partially contained range.

Existing partially contained ranges and other facilities designed in accordance with previously published criteria may continue to operate if range safety can be verified.

• Verify range safety using the operational risk management (ORM) analysis in accordance with AFI 90-901, Operational Risk Management. See Attachment 2 for an ORM example.

• Range computer modeling and simulation is a proven technique for analyzing range safety and identifying necessary improvements.

Range safety violations and unsafe operating conditions must be addressed and corrected as soon as they are identified.

7.1.2. Combination Ranges. Range designs may be configured to accommodate a variety of weapons and courses of fire. The appropriate configuration must be determined by the types and sequence of weapons used.

7.1.2.1. Multi-purpose Ranges. The multi-purpose range provides for simultaneously firing more than one type of weapon. The complex consists of adjacent baffled and/or impact bays. A sidewall separates the two range types to prevent bullets from one range from entering the adjacent range.

7.1.2.2. Superimposed Ranges. A superimposed range accommodates different types of weapons and may be either a non-contained (impact) range or a fully contained (baffled) range; however, only one type of weapon may be fired at one time. The superimposed range allows for the maximum use of land area and is usually the least expensive since there are no sidewalls between firing positions.

7.1.2.3. Special Ranges. Typically, special ranges are non-contained ranges designed to accommodate multiple target lines or arrays and set up for special types of weapons or unique courses of fire. Certain special ranges may exceed the scope of this ETL. Contact HQ AFSFC and HQ AFCESA for additional guidance.

7.1.3. Range Configuration. The range type, size, and configuration is based upon the installation mission, land availability, Air Force and MAJCOM policy, installation population, annual training requirements, and weapon-specific training requirements. Base CA personnel will submit their requirements for ranges through the chain of command to the MAJCOM functional manager. Once the MAJCOM has validated the need, the BCE will begin a feasibility study for the proposed range. Programming and budgeting for range construction must occur within the framework of the normal planning, programming, budgeting and execution (PPBE) process.

7.1.4. Site Selection.

7.1.4.1. BCE. The BCE will identify the available real estate for the site of a small arms range facility that is consistent with the installation’s master plan.

The installation master plan will indicate the range location, orientation, SDZ, and VDZ.

7.1.4.2. Planning. A project team composed of the CA non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), a land use planner, a BCE representative, and a ground safety representative should collectively review the proposed range usage and location for land use compatibility. Safety is the primary concern when determining the site for a small arms range. Orient the SDZ and VDZ to minimize the effect of range operations on populated areas, aircraft ground and air operations, and land uses within the travel distance of the ammunition. Where full-containment enclosures have not been provided, the project team should assume that ricochets would land in all portions of the SDZ. The BCE is responsible for plotting the SDZ and the VDZ on the base master plan. Mitigate any conflicts of land use or airspace operations with the SDZ or the VDZ as part of the PPBE process.

7.1.4.3. Real Estate Acquisition. When government-owned property suitable for a small arms range is not available, and where land acquisition is feasible, the BCE will prepare the documents required for purchase or lease.

7.1.4.4. Geographical, Environmental, and Climatic Effects.

7.1.4.4.1. If possible, an outdoor range should be oriented north-to-south to minimize glare. To minimize residue from being blown back to the shooter, site an outdoor range with the prevailing wind blowing from the shooter’s back toward the target line. Supplemental ventilation will be required to maintain the recommended air flow across the firing line. Avoid locating the range upwind of residential or populated areas. Site outdoor ranges and their impact areas to minimize projectiles and projectile residue falling in wetlands or waterways.

7.1.4.4.2. Regions subject to snow accumulation and extended periods of continuous sub-freezing temperatures should have indoor ranges. When this is not possible, the outdoor range should be located to minimize drifting snow, ice buildup, and excess water and to facilitate snow removal inside the range periphery.

7.1.4.4.3. Range sites must consider environmental concerns such as storm water management, protection of wetlands, ground and surface waters, historical or archaeological features, previously contaminated sites, and other concerns as may be determined by federal, state, and local environmental laws.

7.1.5. Range Geometric Design. The layout and dimensions of the facility must satisfy safety requirements and user needs. The following criteria are minimums:

7.1.5.1. SDZ Geometry. The range danger zone includes the projectile impact area, the SDZ, and a VDZ. Refer to Figures 1 through 6 for the typical geometry of the SDZ. The VDZ reflects the geometry of the SDZ extended to the VDZ height.

7.1.5.2. Limits of Fire. The limits of fire are imaginary lines drawn from the outermost edges of the endmost firing positions, extended downrange through the target line and terminating at the SDZ limit. The limits of fire may be perpendicular to the firing line or they may depart the firing line at a designated angle. The range configuration and use determines the departure angle of the limits of fire.

7.1.5.3. Projectile Impact Area or Direct Fire Zone. The projectile impact area is bounded by the left and right limits of fire, the firing line, and extends to the minimum SDZ arc length for the ammunition and range type (Table 1). When the target line and the firing line are the same width, the impact area forms a rectangle (Figure 1). When the target line is wider than the firing line, the impact area becomes a pie-shaped area formed by the limits of fire and the arc of the minimum SDZ length (Figure 2).

7.1.5.4. Ricochet Danger Area. The ricochet danger area is the area between the impact area and the secondary danger area. The ricochet area typically is determined by extending a line drawn at a 10 degree angle off the left and right limits of fire, beginning at the firing line and extending to the minimum SDZ arc (Figures 1, 2, and 3). For a LAW range (Figure 4), the ricochet area is drawn at a 13 degree angle.

7.1.5.5. Secondary Danger Areas. Secondary danger areas are provided to catch fragments from exploding ammunition or ricochets from rounds that impact at the outer edge of the ricochet danger area. A line beginning at the intersection of the firing line and the firing limits is drawn departing from the line of fire at an angle of 40 degrees, extending outward for 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). From the 1,000-meter point, a second line extends to a point on the minimum SDZ arc 100 meters (328 feet) outside the ricochet area limits.

40°

Not to Scale

SDZ Arc

Secondary Danger

Area

Ricochet Area

10°

Firing Line

Firing Line Width

Target Line Width

Le ft

L im it of

F ire

R ight Lim it of Fire

100 m (328 ft)

1000 m (3280 ft)

Impact Area (Direct Fire Zone)

Figure 1. SDZ Configuration — Firing Line Width Equal to Target Line Width

Impact

Area

Firing Line Width 1000 m

Firing Line

40°

10°

Ricochet Area

Le ft

Li m it of

F ire

Ri gh t Li m it of F ire Secondary Danger Area

Target Area

SDZ Arc Length

Figure 2. SDZ Configuration — Target Line Wider Than Firing Line

(Direct Fire Zone)

Area B

Area A Area A

Impact Area

10° 10°

R ic oc he t A re a

R ic oc he t A re a L in e of F

Ready Area

6 m 6 m 6 m

100 m 100 m m

100 m

500 m

Not to Scale

NOTES

1. Additional firing positions may be added provided minimum of 6 m (19 ft) is maintained.

2. Provide a 100-m (328-ft) clear zone (Areas A and B) around the perimeter of the range for EOD disposal of dud rounds with explosive type projectiles.

3. Ranges only certified for use of M781 or other inert projectile rounds are not required to include the 100-m (328-ft) space (Area A) to the left and right of the firing positions.

Firing

SDZ Arc Length

Figure 3. SDZ Configuration — M79 and M203 Grenade Launcher Range

Area

5°

B

Stationary Target Angle Impact Area

Moving Target Angle

5°

13°13°

Ricochet Area

Ricochet AreaLi ne o f F

Li ne o f F ir e

A re a re a A

25°25°

Area F

M ax im um

R an ge

Not to Scale

Dimensions in Meters

Area

A B 66mm HEAT Rocket, M72 35mm Subcaliber , M73

Minimum Range to Impact Maximum

Range Depth Base

Area F

250 250 75 1250 40 25 100 100 50 1300 40 25

84mm HEAT Rocket , M136 227 448 50 2100 95 190

Figure 4. SDZ Configuration — Light Anti-Tank Weapons (LAW) Range

7.1.5.6. SDZ for Frangible Ammunition. On existing ranges that do not have the required SDZ, the use of frangible ammunition may mitigate the lack of SDZ and allow the range to continue to operate safely. This may only be used as a temporary measure and the owning unit must program for corrective action to allow firing of full-power ball ammunition. The SDZ depicted in Figures 5 and 6 are based on firing from the firing line only; down-range firing training operations shall not be used unless a projectile trajectory analysis is performed.

7.1.5.6.1. For an existing 25-meter (82-foot) partially contained range with earth side berms and an earth backstop, the required SDZ when using frangible ammunition is 300 yards (274 meters). See Figure 5.

TARGET LINE

FIRING LINE

M

40 O

0 Y

ARDS

(N ot to sc ale

Y A

R D

S

(N ot to s ca le

) SDZ

Figure 5. SDZ Requirement for Frangible Ammunition on a 25-Meter (82-Foot) Partially Contained Range with Earth Side Berms and Earth Backstop

7.1.5.6.2. For an existing 25-meter (82-foot) partially contained range with sidewalls of concrete or concrete block, overhead ballistic baffles (angled or vertical), and a bullet trap, the required SDZ when using frangible ammunition is 100 meters (328 feet). See Figure 6.

BULLET TRAP

SIDE WALL

TARGET LINE

FIRING LINE

M

SDZ

M

(N ot to s ca le

Figure 6. SDZ Requirements for Frangible Ammunition on a 25-Meter (82-Foot) Partially Contained Range with Sidewalls and Bullet Trap

7.1.5.7. Firing Line Positions/Platforms. The number of firing positions establishes the width of the firing line. All small arms (rifle, pistol, and shotgun) ranges must have a minimum of fourteen positions on the firing line.

Add additional positions in increments of seven firing positions. The width of the firing positions must be at least 1.52 meters (5 feet) center-to-center. The firing line must be located on a stable horizontal surface that is at least 4.3 meters (14 feet) wide, clear distance, for the length of the firing line. For most ranges, the firing platform is a concrete slab on grade. For non-contained ranges that have fighting positions dug in the ground, sandbags, or other definite structures to identify the firing line, the firing platform can be an earth surface. For special weapons, CA personnel will specify the number of firing positions and the widths of each position based upon training requirements.

7.1.5.7.1. Position Numbering. Each firing position will be numbered beginning from the left when facing the target line. The numbers must be at least 200 millimeters (8 inches) tall and displayed on rectangular backgrounds attached to the position barricade or other location that is clearly visible to all shooters and range officials. Odd-numbered positions will be marked with white numbers on a black background; even-numbered positions will be marked with black numbers on a white background.

7.1.5.7.2. Position Barricades. A wooden barricade in the form of a cross (+) must be installed at the left edge of each firing position. The minimum nominal dimensions of the wood must be 50 millimeters (2 inches) by 150 millimeters (6 inches). The top surface of the horizontal member must be 1220 millimeters (48 inches) above the platform.

7.1.5.7.3. Firing Line. Paint a red line a minimum of 100 millimeters (4 inches) wide on the leading edge of the firing platform on the target side.

For non-contained ranges without concrete firing line platforms, a firing line will be marked definitively in red on the downrange side of the firing positions; examples would include treated timber imbedded along the firing line and painted red or a line of safety cones. This is the stationary firing line and must be continuous for the full length of all the firing positions. For move-and-shoot courses of fire, the firing line is relocated down range as appropriate for the training scenario.

7.1.5.8. Ready Line. Paint a yellow line 100 millimeters (4 inches) wide on the firing line platform at least 2.4 meters (8 feet) behind the firing line (towards the rear of the firing platform). The line must be continuous for the length of the firing platform. This line is designated the ready line.

7.1.5.9. Target Line. Targets are placed along the target line, which runs parallel to the firing line. Targets are placed opposite and aligned with each firing position.

7.1.5.10. Target Line Configuration.

7.1.5.10.1. The distance from the firing line to the target line must be the same for all firing positions. Targets may be placed on turning, pop-up, or stationary mechanisms, or target retrieval systems along the target line.

Ensure that the line of sight from the firing line to the target line is clear and structural members, baffles, walls, or improper lighting do not obstruct the shooter’s sight picture from any firing position the shooters will use (e.g., prone, kneeling, left barricade, right barricade). Number each target location the same as its corresponding firing position. On non-contained ranges, the target line may be fixed and several firing lines constructed to permit firing at reduced distances. When this option is used, only the rear-most firing line will incorporate a firing platform. If the range has an earthen backstop, ensure there is sufficient distance between the closest firing line and the earthen backstop to eliminate the possibility of backspatter and ricochets affecting the shooter.

7.1.5.10.2. The center of the target must be located between the upper limit of fire (standing position), which is 1500 millimeters (60 inches) above the firing line, and the lower limit of fire (prone position), which is 150 millimeters (6 inches) above the firing platform. The entire target face must be fully displayed to the firing position when exposed to the shooter for engagement.

7.2. Criteria Applicable to All Ranges. Design all range components (including ballistic safety structures and deflector plates) to satisfy the requirements for the weapon and ball ammunition used on the range. Except for non-contained ranges, ballistic safety structures are required for firing ranges. Ballistic safety structures include baffles, side containment, and backstops. Baffles are safety structures classified as canopy baffles or overhead baffles. Side containment is provided by sidewalls, berms, or discontinuous side baffles. A backstop is an impact berm or bullet trap designed to stop direct-fired rounds. See paragraph 7.5 for more detailed descriptions of ballistic safety structures.

7.2.1. Construction Materials. The materials selected for range construction must achieve the longest life-cycle possible considering frequency of use, budget constraints, or other concerns. The desired life expectancy of permanent small arms range construction is 20 years. Permanent construction does not include protective construction, baffles, or sacrificial materials intended to capture projectiles. Evaluate alternative range design options using a life-cycle cost comprised of the initial costs plus all operation and maintenance (O&M) costs for the first five years of range operation. Using the proper materials for sidewalls, baffles, overhead containment, bullet traps, and other areas where a projectile could impact will ensure that the bullet is deflected downrange and not towards the firing line. Ricochet control must be considered when positioning brackets used for baffles, locating bolt heads, and selecting protective construction.

7.2.2. Horizontal and Vertical Control. Establish vertical control by assuming the firing platform surface is equal to elevation 0.0 meter. The firing line is the baseline for horizontal control.

7.2.3. Drains. On outdoor ranges, use positive grading to direct water away from the firing line and toward the target line. When the length of the slope or the natural terrain requires using drains between the target and the firing line, a trench drain should be located at the forward edge of the bullet trap. If a trench drain is installed, the bullet trap should extend into the trench drain to eliminate any exposed edges that may cause unpredictable ricochets. Use grade breaks to prevent exposing vertical surfaces to the firing line. Do not route storm water runoff from any range floor to a stream, pond, or other body of surface water. In some circumstances, if the range is located near a surface water body, it may be necessary to incorporate detention basins or flow-through sand or peat filters to prevent particulate heavy metals that may be present in storm water runoff from reaching surface water bodies. Indoor ranges will not have floor drains downrange of the firing line. See EPA Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges for additional guidance.

7.2.4. Range Occupational Health Standards. All ranges should be designed to allow the use of service ammunition which contains lead and other contaminants.

Design the range to control heavy metals and/or dust produced at both the muzzle, ejection port of the weapon, bullet trap, and from the ventilation exhaust to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. Review NMCPHC-TM 6290.10, Indoor Firing Ranges Industrial Hygiene Technical Guide, and the EPA’s Best Management Practices for Lead at Outdoor Shooting Ranges. Additionally, the designer should coordinate with the base safety and bioenvironmental engineering health offices for additional requirements and review AFOSH standards to ensure compliance with current policy, including, but not limited to, AFOSH Standard 161.2, Industrial Ventilation.

7.2.5. Floor Surfaces. Fully contained indoor ranges must have a smooth, steel-trowel-finished concrete floor extending from the firing line to the bullet trap. Fully contained outdoor ranges may have a concrete floor with a broom finish parallel with the firing direction to prevent a slipping hazard. The concrete floor should not be painted and must be protected with a waterproof sealant. The outdoor range floor should slope from the firing line toward the target line. In special circumstances, hardened steel plate of a thickness sufficient to prevent penetration of the projectile may be used for the range floor if the designer provides design criteria, supporting data, and supporting calculations for approval. No protrusions from the floor that could be struck by bullets are permissible. Fully contained range floors should be cleaned using approved “dry” methods, such as HEPA-filtered vacuuming or damp mopping. Water wash-down or dry sweeping is not permitted. Design the range floor as a pavement to support anticipated vehicular loads (training or service vehicles). Design and locate floor slab joints to minimize the potential for unpredictable ricochets.

Sawed control joints are permitted. Locate longitudinal floor joints between firing lanes. Traditional chamfered construction joints are not permitted.

7.2.6. Wall Surfaces. Construct wall surfaces for fully contained ranges of reinforced concrete, fully grouted reinforced masonry, or hardened steel plate of a thickness sufficient to prevent penetration by any projectiles fired on the range.

If hardened steel plate walls are used, submit data and supporting calculations to the MAJCOM for approval. Steel plate wall designs must address noise abatement in the design and must not have exposed bolts or anchors. If concrete or masonry walls are used, they must remain unpainted to preserve their inherent sound-absorbing properties. Walls should have a continuous smooth surface, with no projections above the wall surface from bolt or rivet heads or the leading edge of deflector plates. Wall expansion/contraction joints should be designed with care to ensure a smooth wall surface is maintained. The typical 19-millimeter (0.75-inch) chamfered wall joint detail is not permitted unless baffle/deflection plates are incorporated in the joint design to span the chamfer. To eliminate erratic ricochets, install baffle/deflection plates to protect any range features attached to the wall. The deflector plates should be recessed into the wall surface to eliminate exposed edges.

7.2.7. Openings. If an existing building is converted for use as a range, all openings downrange of the firing line must be filled in with ballistic safety structures. All heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment downrange of the firing line must be located behind baffles or the backstop. In new buildings, conceal pipes and conduits in the walls, above the ceiling baffles, or behind protective baffles. In converted buildings, relocate exposed pipes or provide protective construction. When doors are required downrange, they must be constructed of ballistic-resistant materials and equipped with hardware to allow opening only from the range side. Protect downrange doors with baffles and provide them with a visual and audible alarm.

7.2.8. Ventilation. The ventilation system must control exposure to lead and heavy metals in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1025, Lead. The supply and exhaust air system is critical to the safe operation of a fully contained indoor or outdoor range and to the health of range inhabitants.

7.2.8.1. Airflow. The ventilation system should provide laminar airflow across the firing line toward the bullet trap. At the firing line, the air velocity should be 23 meters per minute (mpm) (75 feet per minute), ±5 percent. Airflow should be evenly distributed across the firing line. Noise from the ventilation system will not exceed 85 decibels (dBA) behind the firing line.

7.2.8.2. Air Distribution. To ensure contaminants are ventilated from the firing line, install a perforated air distribution plenum or other distribution fixture along the rear wall to provide unidirectional airflow across the firing line and continuing downrange. The distance from the firing line to the perforated rear wall or plenum will be a minimum of 5 meters (16.4 feet).

7.2.8.3. For an indoor range, the ventilation design must include a positive exhaust system for removing airborne contaminants. Maintain a slight negative air pressure on the range, achieved by exhausting 3 to 7 percent more air than is supplied. Supply and exhaust fan systems must have control interlocks to ensure simultaneous operation. All doors into the negative pressure area must have air locks. Re-circulation of range air is not permitted.

7.2.8.4. Exhaust Intakes. Do not locate exhaust intakes near the firing line, and particularly not above the firing line. To ensure proper airflow, locate exhaust intakes at or behind the bullet trap.

7.2.8.5. Exhaust Air Discharge. Exhaust air discharged from the range and bullet traps must meet local, state, and federal requirements and be separated from the supply air intake to prevent cross-contamination of heavy metal-laden air. If the range is part of a larger building, do not discharge exhaust air at locations which would cause cross-contamination of overall building air.

7.2.8.6. Heavy Metal Dust at Ranges. Clean, hazard-free air is essential for a firing range. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for airborne heavy metal dust at 50 micrograms per cubic meter per hour average for an eight-hour day (total daily exposure may not exceed 400 micrograms). Fully contained ranges (indoor and outdoor) must have ventilation systems designed to control exposure from the use of heavy-metal-containing ammunition. Lead-free ammunition (LFA) is now available and may be used to eliminate the lead contamination concern with older existing ventilation systems.

WARNING

Exposure to heavy metal dust is a severe health hazard associated with the operation of a small arms range.

7.2.9. Noise Reduction. Noise reduction in the range and noise transmission out of the range are different design considerations. Mass and limpness are two desirable attributes for sound absorption. Unpainted heavy masonry walls provide mass. Absorptive acoustical surfacing will reduce the noise level in the range but have little effect on transmission outside the range. Ambient noise levels at the firing line should not exceed 85 dBA, and should be considerably less to improve communication between shooters and the range official. Short-duration noise such as gunfire will exceed the 85 dBA level and may be as high as 160 dBA. The range design must prevent the reflection of these higher noise levels by using sound-absorbing materials where possible. Hearing protection for shooters will provide protection against this noise.

7.2.9.1. Use acoustical treatment on surfaces behind the firing line. Floor areas behind the firing line may be covered with acoustic material (rubber mats) if it will not impede heavy metal dust removal.

7.2.9.2. Do not paint downrange walls or acoustic tile, since paint significantly degrades the sound-absorbing qualities of the materials. Existing ranges may continue using painted surfaces. Special sound-absorbing concrete blocks are available that reduce the noise in the range.

7.2.9.3. Acoustic panels no larger than 1200 millimeters (47 inches) wide may be installed on walls and ceilings in the firing line area. Blown-on acoustic material and carpeting are not permitted due to the difficulty of cleaning accumulated heavy metal dust.

7.2.10. Infrastructure.

7.2.10.1. Range Control Booth. The control booth is a control center from where the chief range officer can observe and control the entire range. All range types should have a control booth. The following criteria apply to the design and construction of control booths.

7.2.10.1.1. Locate the control booth behind the ready line. Place the booth to permit an unrestricted view of all firing positions. The booth location and design must not impede ventilation airflow.

7.2.10.1.2. The minimum size for the control booth platform is 1.5 meters by 3 meters (5 feet by 10 feet). Align the long side parallel to the firing line.

7.2.10.1.3. The booth must be high enough (0.6 meter [2 feet] minimum above the floor) to permit the range official an unrestricted view of the entire firing line and the projectile impact area, including all range entry points. Also, windows and doors within the booth must not restrict or distort the range official’s view. Closed-circuit television monitors may be used to enhance, but will not replace, this requirement.

7.2.10.1.4. Provide a worktable or counter at least 0.8 meter by 1.2 meters (2.5 feet by 4 feet) to accommodate reference materials, and provide at least one electrical outlet in the worktable/counter area. Provide red and white lighting for night/limited visibility operations.

7.2.10.2. Communication Systems. The range communication system must support communications between the control booth, the firing line, range control, range support buildings, and emergency response personnel. A permanent, hard-wired public address system is required. On a multiple-range complex, the system must also support communications between individual ranges. If it is not practical to install landlines, or if a break in landline service occurs, radio or cellular communications may be used. The control booth should be wired with connections to the base local area computer network.

7.2.10.3. Lighting. Design downrange lighting (both red and white light) in accordance with the IESNA Lighting Handbook to provide for safety and housekeeping operations as well as general range illumination. Light intensity at the target face should be 914 to 1076 lux (85 to 100 foot-candles) measured 1200 millimeters (47 inches) above the range surface at the target face. Provide approximately 322 lux (30 foot-candles) for white light general range illumination and approximately 107 lux (10 foot-candles) for red lights.

Provide controls to vary lighting intensity throughout the range to accommodate subdued-light training requirements. Controls for all lighting will be operated from the control booth. Also provide flashing red and blue lights at the firing line and downrange to simulate emergency situations.

7.2.11. Barriers, Fences, and Signs. Secure the range and SDZ areas to prevent unauthorized entry. Use barriers to block roads, walkways, or paths.

7.2.11.1. Fully contained ranges require barriers in the form of key-operated, locked doors or electrically locked doors to prevent entry while firing is in progress.

7.2.11.2. Non-contained (impact) ranges require a number of barriers and signs to make the range safe. The number of barriers required depends on the number of roads, walkways, and paths that lead into the SDZ. Attach reflective warning signs to barriers.

7.2.11.3. Use fencing to prevent people, animals, and vehicles from entering range SDZs. A chain-link fence around the complete range complex, including the SDZ, is preferred. Use barriers or gates to block access paths.

On baffled ranges with…