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TOW
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.
Assembly and stripping of the weapon system are accomplished in the fieldwithout the use of tools. The weapon system can be checkedany time by the use of built-in, self-test circuits. Launcher components failing the self-test can be replaced at the operating site.
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.
Maximum tracking speed of a target is 65 km/h
3.75 km
approximately two rounds per minute
TOW 2 can penetrate all known armour including reactive armour and heavily fortified installations.
