|
RDL Homepage |
Table of Contents |
Document Information |
Download Instructions |
LESSON FOUR
TYPES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF TOW MISSILES
OVERVIEW
TASK DESCRIPTION:
In this lesson, you will learn to identify the types and characteristics of TOW missiles.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
| TASKS: | Identify the types and characteristics of TOW missiles. |
| CONDITIONS: | You will be given access to information from FM 7-91. |
| STANDARDS: | Identify the types and characteristics of TOW missiles in accordance with FM 7-91. |
| REFERENCES: | The material contained in this lesson was derived from the following publication: FM 7-91 |
INTRODUCTION
This lesson will teach you to identify the characteristics of the following types of TOW missiles:
- Basic TOW.
- Improved TOW (I-TOW).
- TOW 2.
- TOW 2A.
- TOW 2B.
1. Types and Characteristics of TOW Missiles.
Since the development of the TOW missile, nine different types have been fielded. The first four (Basic TOW) have similar characteristics, including a range from 3,000 to 3,750 meters.
The later missiles (two Improved TOWs, TOW 2, TOW 2A, and TOW 2B) have an improved range of 3,750 meters.
Figure 4-1 lists the nine different TOW missiles by type, shows how they are designated, lists their maximum ranges, and indicates the warheads they use.
Figure 4-1. Fielded TOW Missile Types.
2. Characteristics.
The TOW missile can destroy targets at a minimum range of 65 meters and a maximum range of 3,750 meters. Only five TOW missiles are of concern:
- The I-TOW, an improved TOW missile (BGM-71C), has a five-inch unitary warhead. Its extendable probe provides detonation at greater ranges, which increases penetration.
- TOW 2 (BGM-71D) has a six-inch, full-caliber warhead. It also has an extendable probe to enhance the penetration of armor, including applique armor.
- TOW 2A (BGM-71E) has all the capabilities of the TOW 2 missile. However, an explosive charge in the tip of the probe detonates the reactive armor, which allows the main warhead to penetrate the target.
- TOW 2B (BGM-71F) provides a fly-over, shoot-down (top-attack) capability that allows the most vulnerable part of the armored vehicle to be penetrated. The minimum-effective range of the missile is 200 meters.
- The basic TOW, practice (BTM-71A), has an inert warhead and is the standard training round.
3. Enemy Armored Protection.
Figure 4-2 lists the best TOW missile to use against various types of targets. In each case, flank shots increase the probability of a single-shot kill and reduce the chance of detection/engagement by Threat armor.
Figure 4-2. Missile Selection.
4. TOW Firing Over Water.
The range of the TOW 2 missile is limited when it is fired over water. If the guide wires get too close to the water, the signal will short.
a. Range. The TOW missile has four configurations. Each configuration has a maximum range when fired over water, as shown in Figure 4-3. Each has a maximum distance it can be fired over water with a limited range, as shown in Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-3. Maximum Range of Missiles Over Bodies of Water.
Figure 4-4. Maximum Distance Over Water With Limited Ranges.
b. Height. The missile firing ranges for the given heights above water are determined from Figure 4-5. To use them the TOW 2 launcher's height above water must be determined. Next to the appropriate height in the left-hand column of the graph, place a mark. Then determine the target's height above the water. Next to the appropriate height in the right-hand column of the graph, place a mark. Connect the two marks by a straight line. The reading at the point at which the line crosses the center column is the maximum range that the missile can travel without getting too close to the water.
Figure 4-5. Missile Firing Ranges Over Water.
| NOTE: | Raising the TOW 2 launcher or target higher than the surface of the water increases the missile's firing range. |
| NOTE: | For a measurement in feet, use either "a" or "d", Figure 4-5. For a measurement in meters, use either "b" or "c", Figure 4-5. |
- Example: Ranges in Feet. Use "a", Figure 4-5 to find the ranges of TOW missiles BGM-71A, BGM-71-A-2, or BTM-71A-2 in feet, as illustrated by the following example:
- Use "b", Figure 4-5, to find the ranges of TOW missiles BGM-71A, BGM-71A-2, BTM-71A, or BTM-71A-2 in meters, as illustrated by the following example:
- Use "c," Figure 4-5, to find the ranges of TOW missiles BGM-71A-1, BGM-71A-3, BGM-71C, BGM-71C-1, BGM-71D, BTM-71A-1, or BTM-71A-3 in feet, as illustrated by the following example:
- Use "d," Figure 4-5, to find the ranges of TOW missiles BGM-71A-1, BGM-71A-3, BGM-71C, BGM-71C-1, BGM-71D, BTM-71A-1, or BTM-71A-3 in meters, as illustrated by the following example:
- Line (a) shows that the missile can hit the target across a 6,480-foot strip of water when the launcher is 15 feet above the water line and the target is 35 feet above the water line.
- Line (b) shows that the missile can hit the target across a 7,416-foot strip of water when the launcher is 74 feet above the water line and the target is five feet above the water line.
- Line (a) shows that the missile can hit the target across a 1,600-meter strip of water when the launcher and the target are five meters above the water line.
- Line (b) shows that the missile can hit the target across a 3,000-meter strip of water when the target is one meter above the water line.
- Line (a) shows that the missile can hit the target across a 12,300-foot strip of water when the launcher is 110 feet above the water line and the target is 20 feet above the water line.
- Line (b) shows that the missile can hit the target across an 8,970-foot strip of water when the launcher is 20 feet above the water line and the target is 60 feet above the water line.
- Line (a) shows that the missile can hit the target across a 3,750-meter strip of water when the launcher is 41 meters above the water line and the target is one meter above the water line.
- Line (b) shows that the missile can hit the target across a 3,000-meter strip of water when the launcher is 10 meters above the water line and the target is 20 meters above the water line.
GO TO:
