Understanding the TOW Missile: What Does TOW Mean?

The term TOW is a shortened form of Tube Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire Guided (TOW) missile, a widely recognized anti-tank weapon used by various military forces around the world. This article will delve into the mechanics of the TOW missile and explain its unique features, including its launch system, guidance method, and tactical use in military operations.

What is the BGM-71 TOW Missile?

The BGM-71 TOW (Bee Gee Magnum) is a wire-guided anti-tank missile system primarily used for engaging armored vehicles. Designed by the U.S. Army, it is renowned for its accuracy and effectiveness in ground combat scenarios.

Tube Launched

One of the defining features of the TOW missile is its launch mechanism – the missile is launched from a sealed tube. This tube design allows for a secure and compact carrying system in vehicles or infantry units. When the missile is ready for firing, a firing charge propels it several meters out of the tube before the primary motor ignites. The entire process, from firing charge burnout to main engine ignition, takes less than 3 seconds, making the missile incredibly responsive to the operator's needs.

Optically Tracked

The Optically Tracked feature of the TOW missile is its method of guidance. TOW missiles use a Semi-Automatic Command to Line-Of-Sight (SACLOS) guidance system. This means that the operator must visually align the target within the TOW Sight, a device that is integrated with a fire control system (FCS). The FCS uses a combination of optics and infrared signals to continuously track the missile and the target, providing real-time corrections to ensure the missile hits its mark. The operator maintains line-of-sight with the target, moving the crosshairs to follow the target's movements, allowing the missile to correct its flight path as necessary.

Wire Guided

The Wire Guided aspect of the TOW missile involves the communication between the FCS and the missile itself. During flight, the missile receives guidance commands from the operator and the FCS via a thin wire that unspools from the missile. This wire transfers critical data such as acceleration, displacement, and trajectory adjustments. The FCS uses these data to maintain a steady course and make any necessary corrections to ensure the missile reaches and hits the intended target.

Putting it All Together

Combining these elements – Tube Launched, Optically Tracked, and Wire Guided – gives the TOW missile its unique and highly effective capabilities. The missile is launched from a tube, guided optically by the operator, and corrected in real-time through a wire connection.

During a military engagement, the immediate response from the crew of a targeted vehicle is to engage the launch site with all available fire and seek cover. The TOW missile's ability to be accurately launched and guided ensures that it can neutralize threats before they can effectively respond.

Conclusion

The TOW missile represents a significant advancement in anti-tank warfare, combining launch and guidance technologies for enhanced effectiveness. Understanding its components and functionality is crucial for military strategists and operators entrusted with these critical weapons. Whether used on the battlefield or in tactical training, the TOW missile remains a formidable asset in modern military arsenals.