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Update references to modern Raytheon to RTX, as Raytheon has rebranded as of mid 2023.
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{{Short description|American anti-tank missile}}
{{Lead too short|date=August 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox weapon
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| image = Hires 090509-A-4842R-001a.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = An M41 tripod-mounted TOW ITAS-FTL with PADS of the U.S. Army in [[Kunar Province]], Afghanistan, in May 2009.
| origin = United States
| type = [[Anti-tank missile]]
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<!-- Service history -->| service = 1970–present
| used_by = See ''[[#Operators|Operators]]''
| wars = {{Plainlist|Tree list}}
*[[Vietnam War]]
*[[Third Indochina War]]
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*[[Soviet–Afghan War]]
*[[Iran–Iraq War]]
*[[Gulf War|Persian Gulf War]]
*[[War in Somalia (1992–1993)|War in Somalia]]
*[[War in Afghanistan (2001–14)|War in Afghanistan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkiEoDyFwUA|title=DOUBLE BARREL TOW MISSILE HEADED FOR INSURGENTS – NO SLACK|last=((FUNKER530 – Veteran Community & Combat Footage))|date=28 December 2011|via=YouTube|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125161716/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkiEoDyFwUA|archive-date=25 November 2013}}{{better source needed|reason=youtube|date=August 2018}}</ref>
*[[Iraq War]]
*[[Syrian civil war]]<ref name="France-Soir">{{cite news |url=http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/etat-islamique-comment-les-djihadistes-emploient-les-missiles-antichars-pour-appuyer-offensives-daech-ei-syrie-irak-armement-tactiques-strategie-djihad-chars-propagande-cham-mossoul-bataille |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501121954/http://www.francesoir.fr/politique-monde/etat-islamique-comment-les-djihadistes-emploient-les-missiles-antichars-pour-appuyer-offensives-daech-ei-syrie-irak-armement-tactiques-strategie-djihad-chars-propagande-cham-mossoul-bataille |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 May 2017 |title=Etat islamique: comment les djihadistes emploient les missiles antichars pour appuyer leurs offensives|work=[[France-Soir]]|date=4 May 2017|language=fr|access-date=6 September 2018 }}{{dead link|date=July 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
*[[War in Iraq (2013–2017)]]<ref name="France-Soir"/>
*[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
**[[Russo-UkrainianRussian invasion of WarUkraine]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1637833178579607552 |title=TOW 2B used in Ukrainian soldier |url-status=dead |access-date=30 April 2023 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331103558/https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1637833178579607552 }}</ref>▼
*[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)|Yemeni Civil War]]
**[[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]]
*[[2016–2018 India–Pakistan border skirmishes|2016 India-Pakistan Border skirmishes]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://youtube.com/shorts/_rJiUh4D1GA?feature=share | title=Pakistani troops use a BGM-71 TOW to destroy an Indian Bunker | website=[[YouTube]] }}</ref>
*[[Conflict in Najran, Jizan and Asir]]
{{Tree list/end}}
▲*[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/UAWeapons/status/1637833178579607552 |title=TOW 2B used in Ukrainian soldier |url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
<!-- Production history -->| designer = [[Hughes Aircraft Company]]
| design_date = 1963–1968
| manufacturer =
| unit_cost = $93,640 (2B Aero), $54,956 (Bunker Buster) FY2021<ref>{{cite web |title=Missile Procurement, Army (FY2021) |url=https://www.asafm.army.mil/Portals/72/Documents/BudgetMaterial/2021/Base%20Budget/Procurement/MSLS_FY_2021_PB_Missile_Procurement_Army.pdf}}</ref><br>£8,500 (1984)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pattie |first1=Geoffrey|title=Weapons and Equipment (Costs)|url=httphttps://hansardapi.millbanksystemsparliament.comuk/written_answershistoric-hansard/written-answers/1984/jul/10/weapons-and-equipment-costs#S6CV0063P0_19840710_CWA_48 |website=millbanksystems|publisher=millbanksystems|access-date=21 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617152057/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1984/jul/10/weapons-and-equipment-costs#S6CV0063P0_19840710_CWA_48 |date=10 July 1984 |archive-date=17 June 2016}}</ref>
| production_date =
| number =
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}}
 
The '''BGM-71 TOW''' ("Tube-launched, Optically tracked, [[Wirewire-guided missile|Wire-guided]]", pronounced {{IPAc-en|'|t|ou}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://history.redstone.army.mil/miss-tow.html|title=Official US Army history of TOW (9th paragraph)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703021005/http://history.redstone.army.mil/miss-tow.html|archive-date=3 July 2015}}</ref> is an American [[anti-tank missile]]. TOW replaced much smaller missiles like the [[SS.10]] and [[ENTAC]], offering roughly twice the effective range, a more powerful warhead, and a greatly improved [[semi-automatic command to line of sight]] (SACLOS) that could also be equipped with [[infrared]] cameras for night time use.
 
First produced in 1970, TOW is one of the most widely used anti-tank [[Missile guidance|guided missiles]].<ref>{{cite web|title=M-220 Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided missile (TOW) |url=https://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/tow.htm|publisher=fas.org |access-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103052828/https://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/tow.htm|archive-date=3 November 2013}}</ref> It can be found in a wide variety of manually carried and vehicle-mounted forms, as well as widespread use on [[helicopter]]s. Originally designed by [[Hughes Aircraft]] in the 1960s, the weapon is currently produced by [[RaytheonRTX Corporation|RTX]].
 
==History==
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On 12 January 1962, the BRL officially assigned the development of the TOW concept to the U.S. Army Missile Command (MICOM), who in turn formed the Antitank/Aircraft Weapons Commodity Office on 19 November 1962. In December 1962, Hughes was instructed to continue development while a development contract was being drawn up. Budget approval for development was granted in January 1963 as the XM65 TOW, and the final development contract, the first 100 per cent cost-plus-incentive-fee, was signed on 3 May 1963. This led to the TOW Project Office opening on 1 October 1964.{{sfn|AMCOM}}
 
The British learned of the TOW program when it was sent to MICOM. In May, the US suggested they abandon Swingfire in favor of TOW, pointing out that the French were also introducing a long-range missile, and foreignwith salesthree wouldsimilar beweapons difficultin tothe marketplace, the British would find foreign sales difficult. TheBut the British wereArmy was convinced that the launch vehicle would only survive if it was completely undercover., and TOW required the launcher to remain in sight of the target through the entire flight of the missile, so. theyThey continued the development of Swingfire.{{sfn|Lister|2020|p=165}}
 
In 1969, the House Authorization Subcommittee considered ending the TOW program in favor of the Shillelagh. A series of presentations by both missile teams followed, and ultimately the decision was made to continue both programs in September 1970.{{sfn|AMCOM}}
 
===Designs===
Three designs were returned for the initial selection, from Hughes, McDonnell and Martin. Hughes' design used pop-out fins and a [[gyroscope]] to allow it to automatically maintain an "up" direction. The wire spools were licensed from [[Bofors]] and the rocket motor was made by Hercules. Guidance would be via flare tracking, andusing Hughesan supplied theinternally-designed IR sensor based on their [[AIM-4 Falcon]] efforts.{{sfn|Lister|2020|p=165}}
 
McDonnell's entry did not attempt to control the spin of the missile, instead deliberately allowing it to spin during launch and flight like an artillery shell to improve accuracy. Like the Hughes entry, a gyroscope was used to define the up direction; in this case, this constantly changed relative to the missile body as it spun. The IR detector was placed at the end of a vertical V-shaped channel in the launcher. As gravity pulled the missile downward, it would begin to be blocked by the lower side of the V, causing the system to send commands to pull the missile upward. When it reached the top of the view at the end of the V, it stopped the up commands. The result was that the missile bounced up and down {{convert|2|ft}} every {{convert|400|m}} of flight.{{sfn|Lister|2020|p=165}}
 
Finally, Martin's missile used two side-mounted swept-back wings and a rocket that was split into two outlet tubes that were angled downward to give the missile natural lift during flight.{{sfn|Lister|2020|p=165}}
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==Design==
In 1997, [[Raytheon]] Co. purchased the missile systems division of Hughes Electronics from General Motors Corporation, so the development and production of TOW systems now come under the Raytheon brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/1997/01/17/biz_202677.shtml|title=The Augusta Chronicle: Local & World News, Sports & Entertainment in Augusta, GA|website=The Augusta Chronicle|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403101315/http://chronicle.augusta.com/stories/1997/01/17/biz_202677.shtml|archive-date=3 April 2015}}</ref> The weapon is used in anti-armor, anti-bunker, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing roles. TOW is in service with over 45 militaries and is integrated on over 15,000 ground, vehicle and helicopter platforms worldwide.
 
In its basic infantry form, the system breaks down into a number of modules: a folding tripod mount, a launch tube (into the rear of which encased missiles are inserted), a mandatory daylight tracker unit, which can be augmented with an optional AN/TAS-4 or AN/TAS-4/A gas-cooled night sight (or an all-in-one tracker unit on the M41 ITAS version), and a traversing unit, which mounts onto the tripod and carries the launch tube and sight, that also includes the weapon's trigger and the bridging clamp, which mates with the missile's umbilical data connector. In addition to this main assembly, there is a separate fire control system (FCS) module, which performs all guidance calculations, and a battery pack to power the system. These two modules link to each other, with the FCS then linked to the daylight tracker by a cable.
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{{cite web |url=https://www.trngcmd.marines.mil/Portals/207/Docs/TBS/FMFRP%206-90-1%20Tow%20Weapon%20System.pdf |title=TOW Weapon System |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=November 2003 |website=Marines Training Command |access-date=6 April 2023}}</ref> This was followed by the TOW 2A/B, which appeared in 1987.<ref name="army-technology.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/tow/ |title=TOW 2 Wire-Guided Anti-Tank Missile, United States of America |access-date=2010-01-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091210041604/http://www.army-technology.com/projects/tow/ |archive-date=10 December 2009}}</ref>
 
Hughes developed a TOW missile with a wireless data link in 1989, referred to as TOW-2N, but this weapon was not adopted for use by the U.S. military. Raytheon continued to develop improvements to the TOW line, but its FOTT (Follow-On To TOW) program was cancelled in 1998, and its TOW-FF (TOW-Fire and Forget) program was cut short on 30 November 20012002 because of funding limitations.<ref>{{cite webnews |last1=Trevithick |first1=Joseph |title=The Army's Plan To Finally Replace The Tank Busting TOW Missile |url=httphttps://www.globalsecuritythedrive.orgcom/military/library/budget/fy2001/dotthe-war-ezone/army40111/01tow.htmlthe-armys-plan-to-finally-replace-the-tank-busting-tow-missile |titleaccess-date=TOW11 FIRESeptember AND2023 FORGET (TOW-F&F)|authorwork=JohnThe Drive Pike|url-statusdate=live9 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/2005122722385920230314180929/httphttps://www.globalsecuritythedrive.org/military/library/budget/fy2001com/dotthe-ewar-zone/army40111/01tow.htmlthe-armys-plan-to-finally-replace-the-tank-busting-tow-missile |archive-date=2714 DecemberMarch 20052023 |language=en}}</ref> In 2001 and 2002, Raytheon and the U.S. Army worked together on an extended range TOW-2B variant, initially referred to as TOW-2B (ER), but now called TOW-2B Aero, which has a special nose cap that increases range to 4.5&nbsp;km. TOW-2B has [[top attack]] capability.<ref name="urlHughes / Raytheon BGM-71 TOW / TOW-2 Heavy Anti-Tank (AT) Weapon System – United States">{{cite web |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=120 |title=Hughes / Raytheon BGM-71 TOW / TOW-2 Heavy Anti-Tank (AT) Weapon System – United States |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180725/https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=120 |archive-date=9 February 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although this missile has been in production since 2004, no U.S. Army designation has yet been assigned. Wireless versions of the TOW-2A, TOW-2B and TOW-2B Aero have been developed that use a "stealthy" one-way radio link, identified with the suffix "RF".<ref name="army-technology.com" /> These missiles require no special alterations to the launcher since the RF transmitter is encased along with the missile and uses the standard umbilical data connector.
 
In 1999, TOW received the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS).<ref name="army-technology.com" />
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The TOW missile in its current variations is not a [[fire-and-forget]] weapon and like most second-generation wire-guided missiles has [[SACLOS|Semi-Automatic Command Line of Sight]] guidance. This means that the guidance system is directly linked to the platform, and requires that the target be kept in the shooter's line of sight until the missile impacts. A fire-and-forget TOW variant (TOW-FF) was under development but was cancelled by the Army in 2002.<ref name="army-technology.com" />
 
In October 2012, [[Raytheon]] received a contract to produce 6,676 TOW (wireless-guided) missiles for the U.S. military. Missiles that will be produced include the BGM-71E TOW 2A, the BGM-71F TOW 2B, the TOW 2B Aero, and the BGM-71H TOW Bunker Buster.<ref>{{cite webpress release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raytheon-awarded-349-million-us-army-contract-for-tow-missiles-173100471.html|title=Raytheon awarded $349 million US Army contract for TOW missiles|author=Raytheon Company|date=8 October 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116024908/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raytheon-awarded-349-million-us-army-contract-for-tow-missiles-173100471.html|archive-date=16 November 2012}}</ref> By 2013, the U.S. Marine Corps had retired the air-launched TOW missile.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://strategypage.com/htmw/htairw/20130925.aspx|title=Air Weapons: TOW Fades|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927212626/http://strategypage.com/htmw/htairw/20130925.aspx|archive-date=27 September 2013}}</ref>
 
===Launch platforms===
[[File:TOW fired from Jeep.jpg|thumb|left|A TOW missile being fired from an [[M151]].]]
 
TOW is designated as a BGM by the U.S. military: a multiple launch environment (B) surface attack (G) guided missile (M). The B launch environment prefix is used only when the system can be used essentially unmodified when launched from a variety of launch platforms.
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The '''M151''' and '''M220''' launchers are used by infantry, but can also be mounted on a number of vehicles, including the [[M151 MUTT|M151]] [[jeep]], the [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113 APC]], the [[Humvee|M966 HMMWV]] and the [[Humvee|M1045 HMMWV]] (which replaced the M966). These launchers are theoretically man-portable but are quite bulky. The updated M151 launcher was upgraded to include thermal optics to allow nighttime usage and had been simplified to reduce weight. The M220 was specifically developed to handle the TOW-2 series.
 
TOW systems have also been developed for vehicle-specific applications on the [[M2 Bradley|M2/M3 Bradley IFV/CFV]], the [[LAV-25#Derivatives|LAV-AT]], the [[M1134 Anti-Tank Guided Missile Vehicle|M1134 Stryker]] ATGM carrier, and the now-retired [[M901 ITV]] (Improved TOW Vehicle); they are generally referred to as '''TOW Under Armor''' (TUA).
 
[[File:M1134 ATGM Vehicle fires TOW missile.jpg|thumb|right|A U.S. Army [[Stryker#Variants|M1134 Stryker]] ATGM carrier at the [[Yakima Training Center]] fires a TOW missile in, May 2011.]]
In helicopter applications, the [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#AH-1 Cobra|M65 system]] used by the [[AH-1 Cobra|AH-1]] series is the primary system deployed, but the [[U.S. Helicopter Armament Subsystems#UH-1 Iroquois|XM26]] system was developed for the UH-1, and a system was put into development for the later cancelled [[AH-56 Cheyenne|AH-56]] helicopter. TOW has also been used with AH.1 (TOW) and AH.7 variants of [[Westland Lynx]] helicopters, with the attachment of two pylons, each carrying four missiles.
 
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TOW was used in multiple engagements during Operation Desert Storm in the [[Persian Gulf War]] of 1991. During the war, both the [[M2 Bradley]] [[Infantry fighting vehicle]] (IFV) and the [[M3 Bradley]] Cavalry Fighting Vehicle (CFV) carried TOW missiles. The M2 can also carry seven additional rounds, while the M3 can carry twelve.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=5|title=M2 Bradley – Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) – History, Specs and Pictures – Military Tanks, Vehicles and Artillery|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701155835/http://militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.asp?armor_id=5|archive-date=1 July 2014}}</ref> The M2 and M3 medium-weight [[Bradley Fighting Vehicle]]s destroyed more Iraqi tanks during the war than the [[M1 Abrams|M1A1 Abrams]] heavy Main Battle Tanks.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
 
Both AT (TOW) Company, [[2nd Tank Battalion]], [[2nd Marine Division]] and AT (TOW) Company, [[3rd Tank Battalion]], [[1st Marine Division]] engaged Iraqi tanks with TOW missiles in their M1045/M1046 [[HMMWV]]s. These vehicles were configured with a roof-mounted TOW launcher and carried six rounds in the cargo compartment with an additional round in the tube.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/humvee_hmmwv_variants_light_tacticale_vehicle/m1045_m1045a1_m1045a2_hmmwv_humvee_anti-tank_missile_tow_carrier_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_pictur.html|title=M1045 M1045A1 M1045A2 HMMWV Humvee anti-tank missile Tow carrier vehicle technical data sheet pictur|date=22 March 2012 }}</ref>
 
The British Army also [[Westland Lynx#United Kingdom|deployed]] TOW-armed, [[Westland Lynx]] helicopters to the conflict, where they were used to attack Iraqi armoured vehicles. This was the first recorded use of the TOW missile from a British helicopter.
 
===1993: Somalia===
On 5 June, 24 Pakistani soldiers were slaughteredkilled by members of [[Mohamed Farrah Aidid]]'s [[Habr Gidr]] militia; some were skinned.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://inquirer.philly.com/packages/somalia/dec14/analysis14.asp|title=Philadelphia Online – Blackhawk Down|first=Philadelphia|last=Online|website=inquirer.philly.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820132953/http://inquirer.philly.com/packages/somalia/dec14/analysis14.asp|archive-date=20 August 2016}}</ref> Subsequently, the United Nations called for the arrest of those responsible. Weeks later they would formally place the blame on Aidid, leader of the Habr Gidr clan. Subsequently, U.N. troops hunted Aidid. Incidents between the two sides worsened, with fighting back and forth. On 12 July, three months prior to the [[Battle of Mogadishu (1993)|Battle of Mogadishu]], the United Nations and the United States attempted to defeat [[Aidid]]'s organization by attacking a strategy meeting of his native [[Habr Gidr]] clan under [[Abdi House raid|Operation Michigan]]. ''[[The Washington Post]]'' described the event as a "slaughter" in which a "half-dozen" [[AH-1 Cobra]] attack helicopters fired 16 TOW missiles and 2,000 rounds from their 20&nbsp;mm cannons into the meeting of the elders and senior combat commanders. The first TOW missile destroyed the stairs, preventing escape. In the aftermath, it was revealed that [[Aidid]] was not in the meeting. The [[Red Cross]] claimed that 54 people had been killed, [[Admiral]] [[Jonathan T. Howe]] reported that 20 had died, while Aidid's [[Somali National Alliance]] produced a list of 73 people who they claimed had been killed.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://hornofafrica.ssrc.org/de_Waal3/index2.html|title=U.S. War Crimes in Somalia|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232325/http://hornofafrica.ssrc.org/de_Waal3/index2.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|access-date=18 April 2014}}</ref>
 
===2001: War in Afghanistan===
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Reports say that the TOW missile has successfully hit Russian [[T-90]]s in Syria, which are equipped with active defences designed to defeat such missiles.<ref>[http://defense-update.com/20160227_tow_vs_shtora.html TOW Missile Hits a T-90 Tank with 'Soft-Kill' (SHTORA) APS and Reactive Armor] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228101027/http://defense-update.com/20160227_tow_vs_shtora.html |date=28 February 2016 }} – Defense-Update.com, 27 February 2016</ref> However, a Russian report claims the tank shows "very little damage" and was still operable.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://vpk-news.ru/news/29923 |title=Динамическая защита "Контакт-5" спасла Т-90 от американской ракеты &#124; Еженедельник "Военно-промышленный курьер" |access-date=4 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805001901/https://vpk-news.ru/news/29923 |archive-date=5 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
===2022: RussianRusso-Ukrainian invasion of UkraineWar===
In August 2022 the [[United States Department of Defense|U.S. Department of Defense]] announced<ref>{{cite web |title=$775 Million in Additional Security Assistance for Ukraine |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3134457/775-million-in-additional-security-assistance-for-ukraine/ |website=U.S. Department of Defense |access-date=20 August 2022}}</ref> that it would be sending 1,500 TOW missiles (presumably BGM-71, though not explicitly specified as such) to Ukraine as part of an additional $775m security assistance package to the "meet [[Ukraine]]’s critical security and defense needs" as part of ongoing US military assistance following the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]].
 
In April 2023, videos posted to Twitter showsshow Ukrainian forces using a TOW missiles to destroy Russian tanks in the Bakhmut area., Includingincluding their loading, use and mounting on a vehicle. A former National Security Council official said: “Such videos are just devastating. They show that even older weapons like TOW missiles can have a massive impact on Russian forces. These videos surely damage Russian morale as well."<ref>{{cite web |title=‘Just'Just Devastating’Devastating': Ukraine Hits Russian Forces With TOW Tank-Killer Missile |url=https://www.19fortyfive.com/2023/04/just-devastating-ukraine-hits-russian-forces-with-tow-tank-killer-missile/|website=19fortyfive |author= Jack Buckby |date=12 April 2023|access-date=12 April 2023}}</ref>
 
On 19 July [[Hanna Maliar]], Ukraine's deputy defense minister, claimed on Telegram that an M2 Bradley had killed Russian infantry during fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region. She further claimed that using [[TOW missile]]s the M2 Bradley was able to destroy two Russian [[T-72]] tanks. The Bradley was assigned to the [[47th Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)|47th Mechanized Brigade]].These claims could not be independently verified.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://t.me/annamaliar/944 | title=Ганна Маляр }}</ref><ref>[https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-says-destroyed-2-russian-t72-tanks-us-bradley-ifv-2023-7 Ukraine says it took out 2 Russian T-72 tanks using a single US-supplied Bradley IFV]. ''Business Insider''.Mia. Jankowicz . 19 July 2023</ref>
 
==Variants==
[[Raytheon]] (now [[RTX Corporation|RTX]]) has taken over for Hughes in recent years, and now handles production of all current variants, as well as TOW development.
{|class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! Designation
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|BGM-71D variant; TOW-2B [[top attack|top-down attack]] variant using [[explosively formed penetrator]]s
|1.168&thinsp;m
| 6.14&thinsp;kg EFP<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanordnance.com/pdf/Tow.pdf |title=ArchivedTOW copyMissile (Warhead) |access-date=2013-09-22 |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926090847/http://www.americanordnance.com/pdf/Tow.pdf |archive-date=26 September 2013}}</ref>
| no data
| 200–{{convert|4500|m|mi|abbr=on}}{{efn|4,200m for TOW-2B Aero, 3,750&nbsp;m for TOW-2B.}}<ref name="msltow">[http://www.msl.army.mil/Documents/Briefings/CCWS/TOW%20PEO%20Website%20Brief.pdf TOW Weapon System] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407083311/http://www.msl.army.mil/Documents/Briefings/CCWS/TOW%20PEO%20Website%20Brief.pdf |date=7 April 2014}}</ref>
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[[File:TOW family of missiles.jpg|thumb|left-right{{bulleted list|BGM-71A BASIC|BGM-71C ITOW|BGM-71F TOW 2B|BGM-71D TOW 2|BGM-71E TOW 2A}}]]
While the original armor penetration estimates were 600&nbsp;mm for BGM-71A/B and 700–800&nbsp;mm for BGM-71C, a now declassified CIA study shows the CIA's estimated penetration values against a vertical target are much lower—just 430&nbsp;mm for the BGM-71A/B TOW and 630&nbsp;mm for the BGM-71C Improved TOW.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foia.cia.gov/sites/default/files/document_conversions/89801/DOC_0001066239.pdf |title=ArchivedU.S. copyIntelligence and Soviet Armor |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=livedead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101092830/http://www.foia.cia.gov/sites/default/files/document_conversions/89801/DOC_0001066239.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2013}}</ref>
 
The time to target at maximum range is 20 seconds, therefore, giving an average speed of 187.5&nbsp;m/s.<ref>[http://archive.gao.gov/d31t10/145879.pdf "U.S. INTELLIGENCE AND SOVIET ARMOR" Paul F. Gorman, page 18] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614143539/http://archive.gao.gov/d31t10/145879.pdf |date=14 June 2007 }}</ref>
Line 329 ⟶ 332:
 
==Operators==
[[File:BGM-71 operators 2023.png|thumbPng|center|600pxthumb|600x600px|Map with BGM-71 operators in blue]]
 
===Current===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*{{AFG}}
*{{ARG}}: TOW-2.<ref name="IISS2023">{{cite book |last1=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] |title=The Military Balance 2023 |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032508955 |edition=1st |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>{{rp|377}}
*{{BHR}}: BGM-71A TOW.<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|318}}
*{{BEL}}: [[AgustaWestland AW109]] A109 AH(L)-TOW helicopter only
Line 344 ⟶ 347:
*{{TCD}}
*{{COL}}<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|391}}
*{{flaglist|Denmark}}{{sfn|Foss|2005|page=1014}}
*{{EGY}}: Produced under license by Arab-British Dynamics<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.forecastinternational.com/samples/656_2005.pdf |title=ArchivedThe Market for Anti-Tank copyMissiles |access-date=20102023-0812-3122 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711020452/http://www.forecastinternational.com/samples/656_2005.pdf |archive-date=11 July 2011 }}</ref>
*{{SWZ}}
*{{ETH}}
*{{FIN}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/00048_en.dsp|title=Puolustusvoimat |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515055248/http://www.mil.fi/maavoimat/kalustoesittely/00048_en.dsp |archive-date=15 May 2007|access-date=20 April 2007}}</ref>
*{{flagdeco|Syria|1932}} [[Free Syrian Army]]<ref name="carter center" />
*{{DEU}}{{sfn|Foss|2005|page=1015}}
*{{GRE}}:<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|98}}<ref>{{cite web | title=Απόφαση προμήθειας αντιαρματικών TOW 2B Aero RF για τους ΛΑΤ | website=Δούρειος Ίππος | date=2024-04-11 | url=https://doureios.com/apofasi-promithias-antiarmatikon-tow-2b-aero-rf-gia-tous-lat/ | ref={{sfnref | Δούρειος Ίππος | 2024}} | access-date=2024-04-13}}</ref>
*{{GRE}}:<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|98}}
* [[File:InfoboxHez.PNG|22px|border]] [[Hezbollah]]<ref name="GuidedWeapons">{{cite book |last1=Rigual |first1=Christelle |title=Armed Groups and Guided Light Weapons: 2014 Update with MENA Focus (Research Note 47) |date=15 December 2014 |publisher=Small Arms Survey |page=3 |url=https://www.smallarmssurvey.org/resource/armed-groups-and-guided-light-weapons-2014-update-mena-focus-research-note-47 |access-date=13 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
*{{HUN}}
*{{IRN}}<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|324}} Local production under the name "[[Toophan]]" (طوفان)
*{{IRQ}}: Iranian version used by PMF militias.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com/2021/07/24/attn-centcom-iran-built-its-own-iraqi-army/ | title=ATTN CENTCOM: Iran Built Its Own Iraqi Army | date=23 July 2021 }}</ref>
*{{IRQ}}: Iranian version<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.arabic-military.com/t105657-topic|title=قوات الحشد الشعبي تتسلح بصواريخ طوفان ( تاو ) المتطورة|publisher=arabic-military.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724203701/http://www.arabic-military.com/t105657-topic|archive-date=24 July 2015}}</ref>
*{{ITA}}:{{sfn|Foss|2005|page=1016}} Total of 432 launchers. 5,000 BGM-71 missiles and 130 launchers delivered in 1974; 10,000 missiles delivered in 1976–1978; 2,311 ITOWs delivered in 1982–1984; 6,629 BGM-71C ITOWs delivered in 1986–1989 for $67 million (of which 1,239 were practice missiles); 1,440 BGM-71D TOW2s for [[A129 Mangusta]] delivered in 1990–1996
*{{JPN}}
*{{JOR}}:<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|334}}
*{{KUR}}<ref>{{cite web |author=Military & Defense |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/peshmerga-military-equipment-2014-6?op=1&IR=T |title=Peshmerga Military Equipment |publisher=Business Insider |access-date=2017-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806023747/http://www.businessinsider.com/peshmerga-military-equipment-2014-6?op=1&IR=T |archive-date=2017-08-06 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{KEN}}<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=472|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
*{{KUW}}<ref name=IISS/>
*{{KOS}}<ref name=IISS/>
Line 375 ⟶ 379:
|archive-date = 11 December 2016
}}</ref>
*{{flaglist|Norway}}{{sfn|Foss|2005|page=1018}}
*{{OMN}}<ref name="OmanTaiwanTOWArmyRecognition">{{cite web|title=Taiwan and Oman order Raytheon's TOW anti-tank guided missile|url=http://armyrecognition.com/may_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/taiwan_and_oman_order_raytheon_s_tow_anti-tank_guided_missile.html|website=Army Recognition|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504163907/http://armyrecognition.com/may_2018_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/taiwan_and_oman_order_raytheon_s_tow_anti-tank_guided_missile.html|archive-date=4 May 2018|date=4 May 2018}}</ref>
*{{PAK}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Foreign_Military_Sale_Pakistan___TOW_2A_Anti_Armor_Guided_Missiles_999.html|title=Foreign Military Sale: Pakistan – TOW-2A Anti-Armor Guided Missiles|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501015620/http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Foreign_Military_Sale_Pakistan___TOW_2A_Anti_Armor_Guided_Missiles_999.html|archive-date=1 May 2011}}</ref>
*{{PHI}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-23|title=Manila receives precision-guided missiles from Washington|url=https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/23/manila-receives-precision-guided-missiles-from-washington/|access-date=2020-11-23|website=Manila Bulletin|language=en-US}}</ref>
*{{POR}}: Used by the Army and Marines.<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|124-125124–125}}
*{{SAU}}: TOW-2A used by the Army and National Guard.<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|351}}
*{{SIN}}
*{{flag|South Korea}}:<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|266}} To be replaced by [[Raybolt]]. Still used in [[MD 500 Defender]]{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
*{{ESP}}: TOW and TOW-2 variants used by the Army and Marines.<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|134-135134–135}}
*{{SWE}} {{sfn|Foss|2005|page=1020}}
*{{flag|Switzerland}}{{sfn|Foss|2005|page=1021}}
*{{flag|Taiwan}}<ref name="OmanTaiwanTOWArmyRecognition"/>
*{{THA}}: Used by the Army and Marines.<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|295-296295–296}}
*{{TUN}}<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|358}}
*{{TUR}}<ref name="IISS2023" />{{rp|142}}
Line 401 ⟶ 405:
===Former===
*{{flag|Islamic State}}<ref name ="France-Soir"/>
*{{flag|Israel}}{{sfn|Foss|2005|page=1016}}
*{{NED}}: The decision to replace the [[M47 Dragon]] (in use with reconnaissance units) and TOW (in use with mechanized infantry) with the [[Spike (missile)|"Gill MRAT"]]<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/materieel/bewapening/gill-antitankraket|title= Gill-antitankraket|author= <!--Not stated-->|website= Defensie.nl|publisher= Ministerie van Defensie|access-date= 2018-02-13|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180213195342/https://www.defensie.nl/organisatie/landmacht/materieel/bewapening/gill-antitankraket|archive-date= 13 February 2018}}</ref> was made in 2001, with deliveries expected in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/dossier/27400-X/kst-27400-X-45?resultIndex=6&sorttype=1&sortorder=4|title= nr. 45 BRIEF VAN DE STAATSSECRETARIS VAN DEFENSIE|last= van Hoof|first= H.A.L.|date= 2001-06-22|access-date= 2018-02-13|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180213195103/https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/dossier/27400-X/kst-27400-X-45?resultIndex=6&sorttype=1&sortorder=4|archive-date= 13 February 2018}}</ref> The first Gill MRAT was actually issued in 2004 to the [[Regiment van Heutsz]].<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.dutchdefencepress.com/netherlands-fire-their-first-gill/|title= Netherlands fire their first GILL|last= van Westerhoven|first= Leo|website= Dutch Defence Press|date= 20 May 2004|access-date= 2018-02-13|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180213211044/http://www.dutchdefencepress.com/netherlands-fire-their-first-gill/|archive-date= 13 February 2018|url-status= live}}</ref>
*{{SOM}}: Used during the [[Siad Barre]] era.<ref name="IISS1989">{{cite book |last1=[[Institute for Strategic Studies]] |title=The military balance, 1989-1990 |date=1989 |publisher=Brassey's |location=London |isbn=978-0080375694 |page=113 |author1-link=Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>
*{{UK}}: Operated from [[Army Air Corps (United Kingdom)|Army Air Corps]] [[Westland Lynx]] helicopters
 
Line 411 ⟶ 415:
==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed>
File:TOW missile Fort Pickett.jpg|Launch, trailing wire is clearly noticeable.
File:Integrated Task Force Weapons Company Marines conduct defensive operations for MCOTEA assessment 150328-M-ZM882-554.jpg|A US Marine carrying a BTM-71E practice round.
File:U.S. Marines of BSRF conduct platoon attacks while live fire training during exercise Platinum Eagle 14-2 140523-M-DW621-150.jpg|A TOW fired from a US Marine Corps [[Humvee]] during training, in 2014.
File:M901-TOW-latrun-3.jpg|An M901 ITV in Israel, in 2005.
File:TOW on the ground.jpg|A Greek TOW on the ground.
File:Tow on the ground2.jpg| Greek soldiers manning a TOW unit.
File:TOW antitank greek.jpg| The sight on a Hellenic Army BGM-71 TOW.
File:The M220 E4 Tow2 System.jpg| A ground-mounted TOW system.
File:Wiesel 1 TOW.jpg|A BGM-71 TOW-armed [[Wiesel AWC]] of the [[German Army]].
File:ITAS Tow Missile system 2007.jpg|US Army soldiers assembling an ITAS (Improved Target Acquisition System) TOW Missile system, in Iraq, in 2007.
File:One 4-round XM65 Missile Launcher on Outboard Hardpoint of ROCA AH-1W 20110813.jpg|An AH-1W SuperCobra of the [[Republic of China Army]] armed with an XM65 launcher and four TOW missiles.
File:HMS Ocean conducting a VERTREP with RFA Fort Austin. MOD 45145962.jpg|A Lynx AH.7 of the [[847 Naval Air Squadron|Royal Marines]] fitted with TOW missile launchers.
File:FVM.142922 (01).jpg | Swedish light anti-tank helicopter 9A ([[MBB BO 105]]) with HeliTOW launchers mounted.
</gallery>
 
==See also==
*{{lwc|MILAN}}
*[[{{lwc|MAPATS]]}}
*[[{{lwc|Nag (missile)|Nag ATGM]]}}
*[[{{lwc|Swingfire]]}}
*[[{{lwc|HOT (missile)]]}}
*[[AT-5 Spandrel]]
*{{lwc|9M113 Konkurs}}
*[[AT-4 Spigot]]
*{{lwc|9K111 Fagot}}
*[[AT-14 Kornet]]
*{{lwc|9M133 Kornet}}
*[[{{lwc|OMTAS]]}}
*[[{{lwc|Shershen]]}}
*[[{{lwc|M47 Dragon]]}}
*[[{{lwc|FGM-148 Javelin]]}}
*[[{{lwc|ALAS (missile)]]}}
*[[HJ-8]]▼
*{{lwc|HJ-8}}
*[[{{lwc|AGM-179 JAGM]]}}
 
▲*[[HJ-8Abu TOW]]
*[[History of UAVs decoys]]
*[[List of U.S. Army Rocket Launchers By Model Number]]
*[[Abu TOW]]
 
==Notes==
Line 450 ⟶ 456:
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
 
==Sources==
Line 477 ⟶ 482:
}}
*{{Loccs|country=Yugoslavia|abbr=yu|author=Curtis, Glenn E. (Glenn Eldon) and Library of Congress. Federal Research Division.|section=National Security|date=1992}}
*{{cite book |editor1-last=Foss |editor1-first=Christopher F. |editor1-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005-2006 |date=2005 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2686-8 |language=en}}
 
==External links==
Line 499 ⟶ 505:
[[Category:Cold War missiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Wire-guided missiles]]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BGM-71_TOW"