M-220
TOW
Unofficial
names/slang: n/a
Function:
Guided missile weapon system
Date
deployed: 1970
Contractor:
Hughes (missiles); Hughes and Kollsman (night
sights); Electro Design Mfg. (launchers)
Unit cost:
$180,000
Length:
TOW 2A missile: 50.4", TOW 2B missile: 48.0"
Wingspan:
unavailable
Diameter:
TOW 2A missile: 5.87", TOW 2B missile: 5.8"
Speed:
unavailable
Weight at
launch: TOW 2A missile: 49.9 lbs, TOW 2B
missile: 49.8 lbs.
Guidance:
Electro-optical, via wire connected from missile to
launcher during flight
Range:
approx. 2.33 mi
Engine:
Solid fuel
rocket
Warhead:
unavailable |
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Mission: To
engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles, primarily
tanks. Secondary mission is to destroy other point
targets such as non-armored vehicles, crew-served
weapons and launchers.
Features: The basic TOW Weapon System
was fielded in 1970. This system is designed to
attack and defeat tanks and other armored vehicles.
It is primarily used in antitank warfare, and is a
command to line of sight, wire-guided weapon. The
system will operate in all weather conditions and on
the "dirty" battlefield. The TOW 2
launcher is the most recent launcher upgrade. It is
compatible with all TOW missiles. The TOW 2 Weapon
System is composed of a reusable launcher, a missile
guidance set, and sight system. The system can be
tripod mounted. However because it is heavy, it is
generally employed from the HMMWV and LAV-AT. The
missile has a 20-year maintenance-free storage life.
All versions of the TOW missile can be fired from
the current launcher.
Background: The original TOW missile
had a diameter of 5 inches and a range of 3000
meters. Considerable improvements have been made to
the missile since 1970. The Improved TOW (ITOW) was
delivered in 1982. This missile has a 5-inch
diameter warhead, and includes an extended probe for
greater standoff and penetration. An enhanced flight
motor was included in the ITOW, increasing the
missile's range to 3750 meters. The TOW 2 series of
improvements includes TOW 2 Hardware, TOW 2 Missile,
TOW 2A Missile, and TOW 2B Missile. The TOW 2
Hardware improvements included a thermal beacon
guidance system enabling the gunner to more easily
track a target at night and numerous improvements to
the Missile Guidance System (MGS). The TOW 2 Missile
has a 6-inch diameter warhead and the extended probe
first introduced with ITOW. The TOW 2B Missile
incorporates new fly-over, shoot-down technology.
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