 Description
and Specifications
The TOW
(Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command-link guided)
Missile System consists of a tripod, traversing unit, missile
guidance set, launch tube, optical sight, battery assembly and
any of five missile variations. The TOW missile system also
includes a thermal sight that provides a capability for
operations at night, in reduced visibility, and in a
countermeasure environment. TOW missiles are all-up rounds
encased in a disposable container.
The TOW
system is mounted on various platforms including the Bradley
Fighting Vehicle, the improved TOW vehicle, the Humvee and the
AH-1F Cobra helicopter. In addition, it can be operated in a
dismounted ground mode. The TOW is guided to its target merely
by the gunner keeping the cross-hairs on the target.
Corrective information is sent to the missile by two thin
wires that deploy in flight.
Since
initial fielding, five variations of the missile and two
variations of the TOW subsystem have been fielded. In FY92 the
direct-attack TOW 2A missile was replaced as the standard
production missile by the top-attack TOW 2B missile - both are
in use.
The
ongoing TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) is a
material change to the current ground TOW 2 system that will
increase target detection, recognition and identification
ranges.
-
Missile Weight: TOW 2A: 47.1
lbs; TOW 2B: 49.8lbs
-
Missile Length: 46.1 in
-
Min. Range: TOW 2A: 65 m;
TOW 2B: 200 m
-
Max. Range: 3,750 m
-
Launcher Weight with TOW 2 Mods:
204.6 lb
-
Crew: 2
Manufacturer
Hughes
(missiles); Hughs and Kollsman (night sights); Electro Design
Mfg. (launchers)
(Source: US Army) |
