[Mobhack]

1) the arming distance for the area effect is supposed to be 2+ hexes in direct fire. (No blast circle if it goes off at 1 hex). Precisely to allow for closish range HE fires for MMG etc.

However, a large calibre weapon fired 2 hexes away will still cover you and/or friends, but firing a 152mm HE at something that close is inadvisable in any case. Stick to firing HE weapons with a blast effect at radius + 1 hex unless you really must.

2) Z fire has a longish minimum range AFAIR, to stop self-inflicted blast hits. Z fire scatter is less in close as well. But Z fire might go off too close - then again its meant to be used at medium distances (250m+).

So, I am rather surprised at all the above. But I'll investigate at some point over this winter and see if some strangeness has crept in.

It certainly worked as designed and tested for, 5 years or so back.

Cheers
Andy