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With its extended range performance, the TOW missile is the long-range precision, heavy anti-tank and assault weapon system of choice for the U.S. Army Stryker, Bradley Fighting Vehicle, ITAS High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle and Light Armored Vehicle-Anti-tank platforms.
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.
Unlike similar-sized civilian cargo and tow trucks, which typically have dual rear wheels to reduce sway, the HMMWV has single rear wheels because of its independent rear suspension coupled with the body design.
While theoretically man portable over short distances, the Canadian Army fitted the weapon to several vehicles, chiefly the M113A2 Armoured Personnel Carrier, in which configuration it was known as TOW Under Armour. The Iltis and BV 206 also were employed to carry the TOW system.
The name TOW is an abbreviation for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile". The TOW was designed to be fired from tripod, vehicles and helicopters in order to reduce cost and ease logistics.
TOW is an acronym for "Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire Guided". The TOW system consists of a guided missile and a launcher that can be operated from various vehicles such as the Humvee and Bradley IFV as well as from ground mounted positions. Picture of a Humvee firing a TOW.
In the anti-tank role a Milan or TOW launcher is fitted. It is also used as platform for the Mistral surface to air missile. In foreign service various weapons are fitted, such as FN MAG, DShK and even ZPU 14.5mm anti-aircraft guns.
