What is the backblast angle for MK153 (SMAW)?

• A. 45 degrees by 60m
• B. 70 degrees by 100m
• C. 60 degrees by 90m
• D. 60 degrees by 60m

Answer: (C)

Backblast safety is the focus. When the MK153 SMAW fires, propellant gases shoot out the rear in a cone, so anything behind the launcher can be hit by those gases and debris. The hazard cone for this weapon is 60 degrees, defining how wide the danger area extends to the rear. The minimum safe distance to keep behind the weapon is 90 meters, ensuring personnel and equipment at or beyond that range are out of the backblast danger zone. That combination—60-degree backblast angle with a 90-meter danger distance—best represents the actual hazard and appropriate separation. The other options either give an incorrect cone width or a too-short distance, which wouldn’t reliably protect personnel.