What is the PI for a HE drop during the day?

The correct answer, 500 yards from the lead edge, pertains to the Planning Increment (PI) for High-Explosives (HE) drops during daylight operations. The choice of 500 yards is based on established safety and performance criteria that account for the dispersion of the parachute and the impact of the ordnance.

This distance is designed to minimize the risk to personnel and equipment on the ground while ensuring that the drop achieves its intended effect on the target. The 500-yard PI is a standard measurement that balances distance with effectiveness, ensuring that the munitions land accurately within a predetermined zone without posing an undue hazard to friendly forces.

In daytime operations, visibility and wind conditions play critical roles in how far the ordnance may drift due to these factors. Thus, a calculated PI of 500 yards helps maintain operational safety while fulfilling mission objectives effectively.