TOW capabilities enhanced
Raytheon has announced that it has tested a new propulsion system for the Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wireless (TOW) missile. The enhanced system, developed by ATK, doubles TOW's range and reduces the missile's flight time by one-third.
Raytheon reported that during the test, the developmental propulsion system flew the missile more than seven kilometres (4.35 miles), reaching four kilometres (2.5 miles) in significantly less time.
Raytheon and ATK's Missile Products Group worked closely to develop a propulsion system that improves the performance of the TOW missile. The launch, boost, sustain (LBS) propulsion system also incorporates a rocket motor designed with Insensitive Munitions (IM) features to provide added safety: IM compliant systems are less likely to react explosively when subjected to bullet and fragment impacts, external fire or other hazardous events.
The TOW system has been employed by US forces in every conflict since Vietnam and continues to be used today in Afghanistan. It is a command line-of-sight system that requires the gunner to track the target until the missile impacts. The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) weapon system, with the multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is the premier long-range, precision anti-armour, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system used throughout the world today.
More from Land Warfare
-
![L3Harris awarded $263 million contract for night vision goggles]()
L3Harris awarded $263 million contract for night vision goggles
The order for Enhanced Night Vision Goggle – Binocular (ENVG-B) is the second order under the full-scale production Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) programme, following a similar award last year.
-
![Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer]()
Estonia receives first deliveries of new CAESAR 155mm self-propelled howitzer
The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) signed contracts in June 2024 to acquire 12 CAESAR (CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie) wheeled self-propelled howitzers (SPH). The contract also includes the option to purchase additional howitzers.
-
![Thales adds DigitalCrew to panoramic gimbal for new generation tracking and identification]()
Thales adds DigitalCrew to panoramic gimbal for new generation tracking and identification
Thales Panoramic Above Armour Gimbal (PAAG) is in service as a mast mounted system on German Boxer Joint Fire Support Teams (Heavy) armoured vehicles. DigitalCrew has been designed to take full advantage of PAAG’s six sensors.
-
![Extra punch to be added to THeMIS UGV as production set to increase]()
Extra punch to be added to THeMIS UGV as production set to increase
Milrem Robotics is looking to improve the lethality of its Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV), ramp up production and add an integration with uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
