What is the rule for C-17s not in trail for HE drops?

For C-17s not flying in trail during high-explosive (HE) drops, the established rule is to add 100 yards to the width of the drop zone one time. This adjustment is necessary to account for the increased dispersion and potential offset of the drop due to the separation between aircraft. When aircraft do not follow directly behind one another, their drop patterns may spread out across a wider area, which increases the risk of falling outside the desired impact zone. Therefore, the rule of adding 100 yards helps ensure safety and efficiency during operations by providing an adequate margin for this dispersion. This adjustment is particularly important in maintaining the integrity of the drop and minimizing the risk to personnel and equipment on the ground.