TOW capabilities enhanced
Raytheon has announced that it has tested a new propulsion system for the Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wireless (TOW) missile. The enhanced system, developed by ATK, doubles TOW’s range and reduces the missile’s flight time by one-third.
Raytheon reported that during the test, the developmental propulsion system flew the missile more than seven kilometres (4.35 miles), reaching four kilometres (2.5 miles) in significantly less time.
Raytheon and ATK’s Missile Products Group worked closely to develop a propulsion system that improves the performance of the TOW missile. The launch, boost, sustain (LBS) propulsion system also incorporates a rocket motor designed with Insensitive Munitions (IM) features to provide added safety: IM compliant systems are less likely to react explosively when subjected to bullet and fragment impacts, external fire or other hazardous events.
The TOW system has been employed by US forces in every conflict since Vietnam and continues to be used today in Afghanistan. It is a command line-of-sight system that requires the gunner to track the target until the missile impacts. The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) weapon system, with the multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is the premier long-range, precision anti-armour, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system used throughout the world today.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway]()
Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway
Air defence radars have become more important assets in the past year with incursions in NATO countries on Europe’s eastern flank highlighting the need.
-
![Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans]()
Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans
The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.
-
![UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search]()
UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search
The US Army's market survey into available 81mm and 120mm mobile mortar systems was launched only a few days after the UK suspended Project Stokes, an almost identical plan, “pending future decisions on prioritisation, resourcing and funding”.
