What is the safety distance for personnel during firing of the missile under combat conditions?

• A. 5 meters
• B. 15 meters
• C. 10 meters
• D. 20 meters

Answer: (B)

The safety distance is the minimum area behind and around the launcher that personnel must stay clear of to avoid injury from backblast, exhaust, and any debris produced when the missile is fired. For the Stinger in combat conditions, backblast and hot gases can extend out a noticeable distance behind the launcher, so maintaining about fifteen meters (roughly fifty feet) helps ensure everyone is outside that hazard zone while the shot is launched. Five or ten meters are too close and risk exposure to the backblast, while twenty meters is more than the typical requirement and would hinder operations in the field. So fifteen meters is the practical, accepted distance to protect personnel during firing under combat conditions.