Backblast area

Packing crates are used to demonstrate the danger of the M72 LAW back blast
Backblast area for FGM-148 Javelin

The backblast area is a cone-shaped area behind a rocket launcher, rocket-assisted takeoff unit or recoilless rifle, where hot gases are expelled when the rocket or rifle is discharged.[1] The backblast area is dangerous to ground personnel,[2] who may be burned by the gases or exposed to overpressure caused by the explosion.[3] In confined spaces, common in urban warfare, even the operators themselves may be at risk. Soft launch methods diminish the backblast.

References

  1. Morris, Christopher G. (1992). Academic Press dictionary of science and technology. Gulf Professional Publishing. p. 202.
  2. Louison, Cole G. (2009). U.S. Army Zombie Combat Skills. Globe Pequot. p. 112.
  3. "Javelin—Close Combat Missile System, Medium, Field manual". Department of the Army. 20 March 2008. Archived from the original on 2011-07-20. Retrieved Sep 3, 2010.
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