What are the minimum GARS required for KB holding for fighters, bombers, helicopter/C130, and MQ-9?

• A. Fighters 1 quad (15x15 NM) min 2000' altitude block for two ship; Bombers 2 quads (30x15) min; Helo/C130 1 keypad (5x5); MQ-9 groups 4/5 require 4 keypads (10x10) min
• B. Fighters 2 quads (30x15) min; Bombers 1 quad (15x15) min; Helo/C130 2 keypads (10x5); MQ-9 2 keypads (5x5)
• C. Fighters 1 keypad (5x5); Bombers 1 quad (15x15); Helo/C130 1 quad (15x15); MQ-9 1 keypad (5x5)
• D. Fighters 1 quad (15x15 NM) min 2000' altitude block for two ship; Bombers 3 quads (45x15); Helo/C130 1 keypad (5x5); MQ-9 groups 3/4 require 3 keypads (8x8)

Answer: (A)

GARS holding minimums scale with aircraft type and how many are in the group, using grids called quads and smaller subgrids called keypads to allocate just enough airspace for safe deconfliction. For fighters, one quad (15 by 15 nautical miles) with a two-ship altitude block of about 2000 feet gives enough room for maneuver and airspace management without overextending the footprint. Bombers, being larger and often operating with more aircraft in formation, require more space, so two quads (30 by 15 NM) are used to maintain separation. Rotary-wing aircraft and C-130s can operate in tighter spaces, so a single keypad (5 by 5 NM) is considered sufficient for their holding footprint. MQ-9 groups, especially when you have multiple aircraft operating together, need the most subdivision to keep them deconflicted, hence four keypads within a 10 by 10 NM area are required for groups 4/5. This arrangement matches the pattern where bigger or more numerous groups demand larger or more subdivided airspace to maintain safe separation and effective control.