A recent video posted by Ukraine Weapons Tracker shows the crucial role of the US TOW missile in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, stoking fear among Russian forces.
What is the TOW missile system, and how powerful is it?
The TOW missile system is a type of guided anti-tank missile system used by militaries around the globe. TOW stands for “Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided” and refers to the method by which the missile is launched, traced, and guided to its target.
Hughes Aircraft Company first devised the TOW missile system in the 1960s, and it has since been upgraded and improved. It is designed to be discharged from a ground-based or vehicle-mounted launcher. It can penetrate the armor of tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other armored vehicles.
The TOW missile system employs a wire guidance system. The operator must maintain the missile in view throughout its flight and manipulate a joystick to direct it to the target. This enables the TOW missile system to be comparatively accurate and effective against moving targets, but it also necessitates a skilled operator and is susceptible to countermeasures.
The TOW missile system is a powerful anti-tank weapon employed by armed forces worldwide. It can shoot a considerable distance, hit its target accurately, and break through the armor of several different types of protected vehicles.
The TOW missile system has a maximum range of about 3.75 kilometers (2.33 miles), while the actual range varies depending on a number of parameters, such as the launcher type, elevation, and weather. The TOW missile system is optimized for use at medium to long range, where it may engage targets while keeping the user and friendly forces at a safe distance.
The power of the TOW missile system allows it to penetrate the armor of many different types of armored vehicles, including tanks.
The TOW missile can typically penetrate armor thicknesses in the hundreds of millimeters, though this varies from missile to missile. That makes it devastating against light to medium tanks and even certain strongly armored ones.
The TOW missile system relies on a wire guidance system. Thus the operator must keep the missile in sight and direct it to the target using a joystick. High precision is guaranteed by the wire guidance system, which also allows the operator to direct the missile to a specific location on the target, such as the engine or the turret. But it needs a knowledgeable user and can be easily disrupted by jamming and other countermeasures.
The TOW missile system is capable of being launched from a wide range of launchers, both on the ground and on vehicles. Tripod-mounted launchers like the M220 are the most popular type used on the ground since a single operator can carry and fire them while lying down or kneeling.
The M220 launcher is perfect for operations on the go due to its speedy setup and firing. Vehicles like the HMMWV (Humvee), Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BAV), and Stryker can all have the TOW missile system installed.
Also, Read:
How Well do you know about the U.S. Army’s Armored vehicle Stryker Family? All Variant Explained.
Several versions of the TOW missile system have evolved as a result of incremental enhancements and refinements throughout time. The most up-to-date model is the TOW 2B Aero, which can travel up to 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) after being launched from a helicopter. The TOW 2A has a dual warhead to better penetrate armor, while the TOW 2B has an enhanced guidance system.
The TOW missile system is a formidable anti-tank weapon thanks to its extended range, accuracy, and ability to pierce the armor of a wide variety of armored vehicles. While its wire guidance system is highly accurate, it also necessitates a trained operator and is sometimes susceptible to countermeasures.
The TOW missile system has been upgraded and improved over the years to extend its range and effectiveness, and it can be launched from a wide variety of ground-based and vehicle-mounted launchers.
The impact of the TOW on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia
The war in Ukraine has left significant losses in armored vehicles for both Russia and Ukraine. In March, several Western countries announced plans to provide Ukraine with advanced tanks, including Leopard 2 tanks and M1 Abrams main battle tanks.
With the arrival of spring and rising temperatures in Ukraine, an increase in fighting is expected. The addition of sophisticated armored vehicles could bolster Ukraine’s defensive efforts against Russia.
The TOW as a key weapon in the Ukrainian defense
The TOW anti-tank missile, installed on armored vehicles such as the Humvee, allows Ukraine to engage Russian forces, recapture occupied territory and increase defensive resistance.
