How many TOW missiles are there?

There are six missiles available for the TOW. Three of the five TOW missile versions–Basic TOW, Improved TOW and TOW 2–are no longer being produced for US forces. However, these versions are still used by 40 allied countries.

What does TOW stand for in TOW missile?

DESCRIPTION. The Close Combat Missile System – Heavy (CCMS-H) TOW (Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wireless-Guided and Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-Guided) Missile is a heavy anti-tank/precision assault weapon system consisting of a launcher and a missile.

How many TOW missiles does the US have?

700,000 TOW
The TOW missile system has been in service since 1970 and more than 700,000 TOW weapon systems were delivered to the US Army and allied military forces as of August 2019. Current production versions include TOW 2A (BGM-71E), which entered production in 1987 with over 118,000 missiles delivered.

What is BGM missile?

The BGM-71 TOW (“Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided”) is an American anti-tank missile. First produced in 1970, TOW is one of the most widely used anti-tank guided missiles. It can be found in a wide variety of manually carried and vehicle-mounted forms, as well as widespread use on helicopters.

Can TOW missiles be jammed?

The communication by wires with the missile can not be jammed by the enemy. The latest missiles of the TOW are produced both with wire- and wireless guidance. These newer wireless missiles require no special alterations to the launcher.

How much does a TOW 2 missile cost?

Is the TOW missile obsolete?

Despite its drawbacks, the TOW is a proven and reliable ATGM. The recent development and adoption of the radio-controlled TOW means that it’s likely to serve far into the future, even as armor-technology advances.

What does BGM stand for missile?

“BGM” is a weapon classification that stands for “Multiple Environment (B), Surface-Attack (G), Missile (M)”. “TOW” is an acronym that stands for “Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile”.

How fast are TOW missiles?

320 m/s

What happens to TOW missile wires?

The wire goes constantly from the back of the missile to the launch platform until the missile hits the target. When the wire range is surpassed, the cut of the wire makes the missile go inert for safety reasons.

Can TOW missile be jammed?

Later a xenon beacon was also added, which emitted on two different infrared frequencies to make it even harder to jam. With upgrades, the TOW is immune to Shtora. While the speed of a TOW has slowly been increasing, only so much can be squeezed out of the missile with its engine and control surface design.

What is the current version of the TOW missile?

Current production versions include TOW 2A (BGM-71E), which entered production in 1987 with over 118,000 missiles delivered. TOW 2B (BGM-71F) entered production in 1991 with more than 40,000 missiles delivered and is designed to complement rather than replace TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero, and TOW 2A bunker buster (BGM-71H).

Where is the targettow 2 missile made?

TOW 2 missile warheads are supplied by Aerojet of Sacramento, California, with production facilities in Socorro, New Mexico. The missile is fitted with a high-intensity thermal beacon, which provides a long-wave infrared tracking source and a xenon beacon for short-wave tracking.

How much can a TOW missile penetrate a tank?

Although it was estimated, that the basic TOW missile could penetrate 500-600 mm or Rolled Homogenous Armor (RHA), according to now unclassified study it penetrates only 430 mm. The TOW missile has semi-automatic guidance.

Were TOW missiles used in the war in Afghanistan?

TOW missiles were used during the War in Afghanistan. 2003: Iraq War. 10 Humvee-mounted TOW missiles were used by U.S. forces in Iraq during the 22 July 2003 assault that killed Uday and Qusay Hussein. Although TOW missiles are generally used against armored vehicles, these missiles were used on the house the two men were in.