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Tow
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Tow
Description and use
The tube launched, optically tracked, wire-command link (TOW 2) guided missile weapon
system is a soldier-portable and vehicle-mounted, long-range anti-armour weapons system.
It consists of a launcher, which has tracking and control capabilities, and the TOW 2
guided missile, which is encased in a launch container. The launcher has self-contained
replaceable units The TOW 2 can be employed effectively in obscured light conditions (fog)
and at night with the use of its thermal imagery sight. The missile can be launched from a
ground mount or form a vehicle mount, which has been adapted to fit four vehicles (listed
below). The TOW 2 is designed primarily to provide long-range anti-tank fire. The weapon
system is also effective against fortified bunkers and gun emplacements. The weapons
provides direct fire support for the movement of tanks and infantry during the advance,
attack and withdrawal stages.
Characteristics
Operation: Assembly and stripping of the weapon system are accomplished in the field
without the use of tools. The weapon system can be checked any time by the use of
built-in, self-test circuits. Launcher components failing the self-test can be replaced at
the operating site.
Mobility: System can be carried by a soldier (for short distances)
System can be loaded in a helicopter for transportation to areas that are not accessible
by wheeled or tracked vehicles.
System ca be mounted on four vehicles : the Iltis vehicle, the armoured personnel carrier
M113A2, the M113A2 TOW under Armour (TUA) and the BV 206.
Tracking: Maximum tracking speed of a target is 65 km/h
Range: 3.75 km
Rate of fire: approximately two rounds per minute
Penetration: TOW 2 can penetrate all known armour including reactive armour and heavily
fortified installations.
Status
Entered service in 1976
Manufacturer
Hughes Aircraft and Texas Instruments, United States
