The Armed Forces of Ukraine have long been successfully using the American BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile. Today, we are going to tell you all about this effective weapon.
The US BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile systems were included in the $775 million US aid package that Ukraine received at the end of August 2022. These weapons effectively help Ukrainians destroy Russian armoured vehicles.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have already used BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile systems provided by the United States in Kherson region. At that time, the first video of Ukrainian soldiers using the American anti-tank system mounted on an armoured HMMWV M1167 in desert camouflage was posted online. This modification of the vehicle was developed specifically for the BGM-71 TOW ATGM.
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Let’s take a closer look at this legendary American weapon that has a glorious history.
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What is interesting about the BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile
The BGM-71 TOW (Tube Guided Optical Tracking Missile, wire guided) is a heavy anti-tank missile. The BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile system was developed in the second half of the 1960s and became the main armour-piercing system of the United States and its allies during the Cold War.
Despite its age, the TOW missile system is still in service in large numbers in more than forty-five countries and is deployed on more than 15,000 ground and helicopter platforms. The air-launched BGM-71 TOW is in service with more than 13 countries.
In total, more than 2,100 units have been delivered to equip AgustaWestland Lynx, AgustaWestland A129, Bell Textron 206L, UH-1 Huey, Hughes 500MD, Eurocopter Bo 105 and Bell Textron AH-1 Cobra helicopters. Since its inception, the BGM-71 TOW has been constantly modernised, acquiring more lethal versions with each passing decade. Despite its inability to fire beyond the line of sight and bulky size, the BGM-71 TOW has proven to be highly effective on the battlefield and is still successfully used in several military conflicts. The BGM-71 TOW is now in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Yes, this is not the latest weapon, but it is a surprisingly effective and deadly weapon for Russian invaders.
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The history of the BGM-71 TOW
The BGM-71 TOW is a Cold War-era anti-tank missile that was developed in the 1960s to replace the older 106mm M40 recoilless gun and the French Entac and AS-11 missiles in service with the United States at the time. The name TOW is an abbreviation for Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided. The BGM-71 TOW was designed to be fired from tripods, vehicles and helicopters, which reduced costs and facilitated logistics. Thanks to the ongoing modernisation of missiles and launchers, the TOW remains a modern weapon system that will be in use for many years to come.
The development of the BGM-71 TOW system was carried out from 1963 to 1968 under the leadership of Hughes Aircraft, and was originally called the XBGM-71. The BGM-71 TOW was officially launched in 1968 after a period of testing and evaluation, and formally adopted in 1970. Since then, about 650,000 systems of various modifications have been produced. Thus, the BGM-71 TOW is considered one of the most widely used anti-tank missile systems in the world. Although the BGM-71 TOW was developed and launched by Hughes, production was gradually transferred to Raytheon Systems.
Immediately after its development, the BGM-71 TOW ATGM quickly replaced outdated anti-tank missiles and recoilless guns in the US Army. The first combat use took place during the Vietnam War, when the TOW was mounted on an XM26 helicopter for operational evaluation of the system. On 2 May 1972, one air group successfully destroyed 4 tanks, a truck and a 105-mm howitzer with the BGM-71 TOW. The firing was carried out from a distance of 2700 metres, and direct hits on the tanks and howitzer caused their ammunition to explode in a few seconds. This debut proved the combat effectiveness of TOWs and laid the groundwork for increasing their production and use for decades to come. In recent years, the TOW has evolved into a more fine-tuned system capable of engaging a variety of targets, including fortifications.
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Combat use of the BGM-71 TOW ATGM
The BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile was first used in May 1972 near Hue in South Vietnam. The helicopter-launched missile had a hit rate of just over 80% (65 direct hits out of 81 launches).
Israeli forces used the BGM-71 TOW during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war and the 1982 invasion of Lebanon. It was this ATGM that hit Syrian T-72 tanks in 1982.
The Moroccan Air Force used the BGM-71 TOW against POLISARIO units in Western Sahara.
Iranian forces used the BGM-71 TOW against Iraqi tanks during the 1980-1988 Gulf War.
In 1987, Pakistan used the BGM-71 TOW-2 against the Indian armed forces.
During Operation Desert Storm, BGM-71 TOWs were deployed in the US Army and Marine Corps, as well as in the British Army, Saudi Arabian Army, Egyptian and Kuwaiti armies in numbers exceeding any other ATGM. For example, the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force in Saudi Arabia alone had 582 BGM-71 TOW M220E4 launchers. Another 96 launchers were at the disposal of the forces fighting in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. Four Marine Corps Kobra AH-1W helicopters are known to have destroyed several Iraqi T-62 tanks near an oil field with these missiles during one incident. In total, the Marine Corps used 250 BGM-71 TOW missiles in 1991.
In the spring of 2003, the US Marine Corps successfully used BGM-71 TOW-2A and TOW-2B against Iraqi T-72 tanks. The conflict was the first combat use of the new TOW 2B modification. The BGM-71 TOW was also actively used by coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Since August 2022, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been successfully destroying Russian armoured vehicles along the entire frontline with the BGM-71 TOW.
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Design and construction of the BGM-71 TOW
In the basic infantry version, the TOW launcher is mounted on a portable tripod. The BGM-71 TOW also includes a guidance and control system. The missile itself has conventional aerodynamic shapes with simple body contours and a short conical nose.
To stabilise the missile in flight, there are four spring-loaded flaps in the middle and tail sections of the missile that open immediately after launch. The warhead is located in the front of the missile, while the control unit and engine are located in the rear and middle sections. The rocket engine is a two-chamber, solid-fuel Alliant Techsystems engine. Armour penetration ranges from 430 mm to 630 mm of homogeneous armour, depending on the missile model.
The BGM-71 TOW is a heavy anti-tank missile system and requires the use of a tripod or vehicle mount. The M151 launcher was originally developed for an early modification of the TOW missile, followed by the M220 launcher designed to launch the TOW-2 model. As a result, the BGM-71 TOW can be deployed on a variety of platforms, such as armoured personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles and highly mobile vehicles such as the HUMVEE.
In addition to ground deployment, the BGM-71 TOW can be integrated into the onboard systems of attack helicopters, including the Bell AH-1 Cobra (which uses the M65 mounting system).
Although the BGM-71 TOW is considered a “portable” weapon system, it is bulky and heavy, so it cannot be fired from the shoulder.
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Targeting system
The BGM-71 TOW is wired and uses the SACLOS guidance system. A tracker included in the launcher tracks an infrared beacon on the missile and calculates a course correction. The data is sent by wire to the missile, which adjusts its course accordingly. This guidance mode requires the operator to control the launcher until the missile hits the target.
The missile is guided through a line-of-sight optical sight, so visual acquisition of the target at the time of missile launch is critical. Furthermore, the operator must have the target in view throughout the entire missile flight to guide the missile along the cable. If the cable breaks or is completely destroyed, the missile continues to fly along the previously set trajectory.
Recently, a wireless version of the missile has been introduced that uses a one-way radio channel to transmit data. The BGM-71 TOW operator uses a telescopic sight to locate, aim and then hold the missile on target. The control signals from the computer are transmitted to the missile’s control system via two wires that are unwound from spools at the rear of the missile. The Chandler Evans CACS-2 control system uses differential piston-type actuators. The missile is equipped with a high-intensity thermal beacon for long-wave infrared tracking and a xenon beacon for short-wave tracking. This dual tracking system provides increased resistance to optoelectronic and infrared countermeasures.
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Improved ITAS target detection system
In 1999, Raytheon Company signed a contract with the US Army to produce the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) for launching TOWs from HMMWVs and other ground launchers. ITAS uses an advanced thermal imager, an eye-safe laser rangefinder and automated target tracking.
The ITAS target detection system improves the range of target recognition and the probability of hitting them. Between 1999 and 2003 alone, the US Army purchased 709 ITAS systems, some of which were actively used in Iraq. ITAS was also purchased by Canada to equip its new LAV III vehicles armed with TOW missiles.
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Firepower of the BGM-71 TOW
The BGM-71 TOW missile is a very powerful weapon, and in its new modification it can be used to destroy most types of armoured vehicles. The first version had a maximum range of 3.75 km, but now a version with a range of 4.5 km is widely used. If not obscured by smoke, the SACLOS wire-fed guidance system provides a good chance of hitting a target, even when the target is moving.
The BGM-71 TOW missile can be launched from the standard M220 launcher. The M220 tripod is very heavy and cumbersome, so infantry can only transport it for limited distances. Usually, the launcher is mounted on a light vehicle such as the M151 MUTT and HMMWV. In addition, the launcher can be mounted on the M901 Improved TOW Vehicle, M2 Bradley, LAV AT, Stryker and various non-US vehicles. The BGM-71 TOW can also be used by helicopters such as the compact Hughes MD-500 and many versions of the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter.
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Main modifications of BGM-71 TOW
The original TOW model was the BGM-71A missile. The 1976 BGM-71B model featured an increased range of 3,750 m and an armour penetration of 630 mm, compared to 430 mm for the previous model.
In 1981, the BGM-71C (Improved TOW) was developed. A specific feature of the BGM-71C model was an additional retractable bar mounted on the nose fairing. As a result, the armour penetration increased to 800 mm with the new cumulative charge.
In 1983, the BGM-71D (TOW-2) version was further upgraded. The engines were improved, as well as the control system and warhead.
The BGM-71E (TOW-2A) version is based on the previous BGM-71D model, but is equipped with a tandem warhead to defeat targets equipped with reactive armour (dynamic protection). A small charge detonates the reactive armour and allows the cumulative charge to penetrate the main armour.
The BGM-71F (TOW-2B) is also based on the BGM-71D model and is designed to engage armoured vehicles in the most vulnerable upper part. The TOW-2B is equipped with a new modified warhead with a dual warhead, which is fired at an angle to the missile’s longitudinal axis, and a dual-mode remote fuze developed by Thales Missile Electronics. The fuze includes a laser profiler and a magnetic sensor. The missile warhead (manufactured by Aerojet) is detonated as the missile flies over the target. In effect, the target is hit by the warhead. The missile resembles the TOW 2A, but without the retractable nose boom and is equipped with two tantalum warheads for directed explosion. The warheads are detonated simultaneously, with one pointing downwards and the other slightly offset to ensure greater effectiveness. The warhead material produces a pyrophoric (incendiary) effect in the target.
The BGM-71G modification with an improved armour-piercing warhead never went into serial production.
The BGM-71h was developed on the basis of the BGM-71E model. The TOW 2A anti-bunker variant is designed to destroy field fortifications, bunkers and urban buildings. It has a range of 3,750 metres. It is primarily used in Stryker armoured personnel carriers.
TOW 2B Aero has a range of 4.5 km. To increase the range from 3.75 km to 4.5 km, it was necessary to increase the length of the wire and install a new aerodynamic fairing, even though the engines on the rocket were not replaced.
Another milestone in the development of the TOW 2B Aero family is the wireless version of the TOW 2B RF. In September 2006, the US Army placed the first contract for the new wireless TOW 2B RF. The absence of wires in the guidance system removes the limitations on the range and speed of the missile imposed by the mechanism of unwinding them from the coils, and allows for increased acceleration during the acceleration phase and reduced flight time. TOW 2B RF is controlled by one-way covert radio commands. The missile has a range of 4.5 km. The system is compatible with various launchers in service.
In September 2000, the US Army signed a contract with Raytheon Systems to develop a wireless version of the TOW “fire and forget”. It was planned to equip the TOW FF with an advanced infrared homing head. However, the US Army cancelled the project in 2002.
It is currently unknown which modification is in service with the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is possible that there are several versions of the BGM-71 TOW.
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BGM-71 TOW specifications
- Principle of operation: Launched from a pipe, optically guided, controlled by wire
- Total length: 2210 mm
- Cartridge diameter: 127 mm (152 mm – TOW-2)
- Cartridge length: 1170 mm (1450 mm – TOW-2)
- Wingspan: 450 mm
- Loading system: disposable cartridge, reusable launcher
- Rate of fire: 2 missiles per minute
- Firing range: 3000-4500 m (depending on the model)
- Armour penetration: 600-1000 mm (depending on the model)
- Speed (all models): 300 m/s
- Weight:
- BGM-71A/B TOW / TOW – total weight 18.9 kg, warhead 3.9 kg
- BGM-71C ITOW – total weight 19.1 kg, warhead 3.9 kg
- BGM-71D TOW 2 – total weight 21.5 kg, warhead 5.9 kg
- BGM-71E TOW 2A – total weight 21.6 kg, 5.9 kg warhead
- Wireless TOW 2A – total weight 28.9 kg
- BGM-71F TOW 2B – total weight 22.6 kg, warhead 6.1 kg
- Anti-bunker TOW 2 – 28.9 kg
- TOW 2 launcher – 92.8 kg
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The BGM-71 TOW is a highly effective anti-tank weapon system, which is why it has remained technically relevant for several decades. In addition, it shows what results can be achieved by a favourable combination of good design, technical characteristics, economic and political factors. Without this, the BGM-71 TOW would hardly have become so popular and widespread.
The development of TOW ATGMs has been going on for several decades and has produced very interesting results. However, more than half a century has passed since the first models of the family were produced, and much has changed since then. The BGM-71 missiles no longer fully meet modern requirements and may need to be replaced. However, the TOW is not expected to be abandoned for the time being. These weapons are being updated with modern upgrades, but are not being decommissioned. These anti-tank guided missiles have proven that they can still successfully destroy enemy armoured vehicles.
I am confident that such a reliable anti-tank missile system is very necessary for our defenders. We are sincerely grateful to our Western partners for their support and supply of modern and powerful weapons.
We believe in our defenders. The invaders will not escape from retribution. Death to the enemies! Glory to the Armed Forces! Glory to Ukraine!
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