What characteristic is crucial for creating a Surface Danger Zone (SDZ)?

The characteristic that is crucial for creating a Surface Danger Zone (SDZ) is the firing pattern created during testing. The firing pattern defines the trajectory and distribution of projectiles, which directly impacts the size and shape of the SDZ. It encompasses various factors such as the angles of fire, ranges, and the specific types of munitions being used. Understanding this pattern is essential to ensure that the SDZ adequately covers the area where danger may exist due to potential misses, ricochets, or fragments, thereby ensuring safety for all personnel and equipment in the vicinity.

While the speed of the projectiles, the type of target media, and the altitude of operation all play roles in the overall considerations of a safe firing range, they are secondary to the necessity of understanding the firing pattern itself. The SDZ must be precisely determined based on how the rounds will behave once fired, making it the backbone of effective safety planning in a live-fire environment.