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Although they can be used against hovering helicopters, they should not be confused with anti-aircraft shoulder fired surface-to-air missile systems such as the Stinger or SA-7 Grail. Furthermore, firing at steep angles poses a danger to the user, because the backblast from firing reflects off the ground. In Somalia, militia members sometimes welded a steel plate in the exhaust end of an RPG's tube to deflect pressure away from shooter when shooting upwards at US helicopters. RPGs are used in this role only when more effective weapons are not available.

What is the back blast area of the TOW?
The danger zone is a 90 degree cone extending back 50m from the rear of the weapon, there is also a caution zone which extends an additional 25m behind the danger zone

Ensure that the area behind the weapon is clear of other personnel to a distance of 50 meters (164 feet). The crew chief should be close to the gunner's side and ensure that he is not endangered by the weapon backblast. Allow at least 5 meters (16 feet) safety distance from equipment (for example, a vehicle). Under combat conditions, this safety distance for equipment may not always be feasible. Damage to equipment may result if it is within the backblast area

Do not fire at an angle greater than 65º. The flying debris caused by the missile backblast presents a hazard to the gunner if this angle is exceeded or if the launch tube is within 30 inches off the ground