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BGM-71 / M-220 Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missile (TOW)

	BGM-71A Basic TOW The original TOW missile had a diameter of 5 inches and a range of 3000 meters.
	BGM-71A-1 Basic TOW extended range -
	BGM-71C Improved TOW (ITOW) The Improved TOW (ITOW) was delivered in 1982. This missile has a 5-inch diameter warhead, and includes an extended probe for greater standoff and penetration. An enhanced flight motor was included in the ITOW, increasing the missile's range to 3750 meters.
	BGM-71D TOW 2The TOW 2 series of improvements includes TOW 2 Hardware, TOW 2 Missile. The TOW 2 [and TOW 2A] have an improved propellant in the flight motors, and the guidance links have been hardened with a thermal beacon which improves operations in dust, smoke, and other obscurants. The thermal beacon is compatible with aircraft with the C-NITE system. The TOW 2 Hardware improvements included a thermal beacon guidance system enabling the gunner to more easily track a target at night and numerous improvements to the Missile Guidance System (MGS). The TOW 2 Missile has a 6-inch diameter warhead and the extended probe first introduced with ITOW.
	BGM-71E TOW 2A In the late 1980s, the prime contractor for the TOW weapon system began producing the TOW 2A which gives the capability to defeat reactive armor.
	BGM-71F TOW 2B The TOW 2B is the newest version of the TOW missile which will provide additional capability against future armored threats, starting production as an engineering change proposal to the FY 1990 production contract. The TOW 2B Missile incorporates new fly-over, shoot-down technology. The TOW 2B entered production in late 1991. The TOW 2B was designed to attack targets from the top. The missile's trajectory places the missile slightly above the target when its two warheads explode downward. TOW 2B features a dual-mode sensor and a new armament section equipped with two warheads substantially different from those used in other TOW versions. Earlier TOWs are direct-attack missiles with nose-mounted warheads that fire forward. The TOW 2B is designed to fly over the top of a tank and destroy it from above, where is is less heavily armored, by simultaneously detonating the missile's two Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warheads downward. The fly-over shoot-down flight profile permits the attack of targets in defilade or protected by berms or other fortifications. TOW 2B resembles the TOW 2A, with a six-inch diameter warhead section in front, but without the standoff probe. Similarly, with only software modifications, the TOW 2B is compatible with all TOW 2 launcher platforms and equipment already in the field.
	TOW Fire-and-Forget (TOW F&F) The next generation heavy antitank missile that will replace the current TOW series missiles. It is employed either mounted or dismounted from the TOW launcher. Tactical employment will remain the same as the current TOW with adjustments made for TOW F&F's characteristics. TOW F&F's primary mode of target engagement is fire-and-forget. It will have a secondary mode of attack that together with the fire-and-forget mode will enable the operator to hit any target acquired within range of the missile. First unit equipped was FY05 pending future funding of the program. In late 2001, as part of the FY '03-'07 Five Year Defense Program's Program Objective Memorandum [POM], the Army cancelled a total of 19 programs, including the Raytheon Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wireless Fire and Forget missile, the BAE Systems Advanced Tactical Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM), the General Dynamics Hydra rocket, the United Defense, L.P. M113 armored personnel carrier recapitalization, and the Tank Extended-Range Munition (TERM).
	TOW 2B Aero TOW 2B Aero is designed to be effective to a range of 4.5 km and has been successfully demonstrated. The extended range of the TOW 2B Aero is accomplished with two modifications to the TOW 2B. First, a longer wire is added to accommodate the command guidance to the extended range. The wire will now exceed 4.5 km in length. Second, an aerodynamic nose is added to the front of the missile to improve aerodynamic performance. The aerodynamic feature ensures stable controllable flight to 4.5 km while using the current propulsion system. The TOW 2B Aero will reach 4.5 km in only a few seconds longer than it takes TOW 2B to fly 3.75 km. TOW 2B Aero will enter production in 2004.
	TOW 2B RF (Wireless) The Bunker Buster adaptation of the TOW 2A being developed by the U.S. Army provides unprecedented capability to defeat field fortifications, bunkers and urban structures (see "Bunker Buster" videos). TOW 2A Bunker Buster will be effective to ranges of 3,750 meters and will be launched from existing TOW fire control. TOW 2A Bunker Buster is scheduled to be fielded to the U.S. Army Stryker. TOW 2B RF is designed to be effective to a range of 4.5 km. The idea is to delete the wire and replace it with a one-way stealthy RF command link. The stealthy link is designed to not be defeated by armor protection systems. Wireless TOW 2B has been successfully demonstrated, but requires further development and qualification before being ready for production.