David
Fri March 21, 2003 7:38am
|
BGM-71 / M-220 Tube-launc
The TOW anti-tank missile of Iran-Contra fame was introduced for service in the US Army in 1970. Current versions are capable of penetrating more than 30 inches of armor, or "any 1990s tank," at a maximum range of more than 3,000 meters. It can be fired by infantrymen using a tripod, as well from vehicles and helicopters, and can launch 3 missiles in 90 seconds. It is primarily used in antitank warfare, and is a command to line of sight, wire-guided weapon. TOW is used to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles, primarily tanks. Secondary mission is to destroy other point targets such as non-armored vehicles, crew-served weapons and launchers. This system is designed to attack and defeat tanks and other armored vehicles. The system will operate in all weather conditions and on the "dirty" battlefield.
In May 1972, U.S. soldiers initially used the TOW in combat during the Vietnam War. This was the very first time that American troops had ever fired an American-made missile under wartime conditions. The system has also seen action in various clashes between Israel and Syria as well as during the Iran/Iraq war. During the Gulf War, in Saudi Arabia the system was represented by the HMMWV with the light forces, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle with the heavy forces, Improved TOW Vehicle with some of the forces, and the Cobra-mounted version. The TOW was one of the earliest missile systems to arrive in SWA because of the large Iraqi armored threat it was deployed with some of the first units in Saudi: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 24th Mechanized Division and the101st Airborne Division. Thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers were used during Operation Desert Storm. Forces of other countries, including Saudi Arabia, also had TOW at their disposal.
Early reports focused on the problems being experienced by US Army and Marine Corps units in hitting targets during live-fire exercises because soldiers [lacked experience firing the weapon, as well as Iraqi use of "dazzlers" intended to interfere with the guidance of Army TOW missiles and other antitank missiles. But the TOW during ODS was a primary killer of Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers,and other vehicles. Before the start of the coalition air campaign in January 1991, Army and Marine Corps planners noted a trend of improvement as more and more units [had] the opportunity to practice firing the TOW. The Iraqi use of dazzlers also proved to be of little concern to coalition commanders. The purpose of the dazzler is to confuse the missile guidance system so it loses track of the missile. It did not work against the TOWs used in Southwest Asia. There were no reports since the war that any of these were effective in any way against TOWs.
Before the start of the actual ground offensive, US Marine units successfully employed the TOW against various Iraqi targets. On 18 January 1991, newspapers reported that U.S. Marine Corps AH-1T Cobra helicopter gunships destroyed an Iraqi command post following Iraq's sporadic shelling of the Khafji area near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border. Four Cobra gunships destroyed a building used as an Iraqi command post with TOW missiles. Accounts told by Gulf War veterans who witnessed the TOW in action during the fighting revealed several instances where TOWs did things that surprised the engineers who designed them more than the soldiers who fired them. TOW missiles proved to be a determining factor in the first ground engagement of Operation Desert Storm. During the Battle of Khafji, which took place before the start of the actual ground offensive, the TOW demonstrated a pretty unique ability. The Saudis fought Iraqi tanks with TOW missiles and drove them out of the city. At one point in the battle, the Saudis saw Iraqi soldiers on top of a water tower. Not wishing to blow up the tower, the Saudis fired a TOW, blew the ladder off the tower and left the Iraqis stranded until the end of the battle." The lethality of the TOW missile was proven beyond doubt during the 100-hour ground campaign when one of the antitank munitions fired by US troops went right through the tank it was aimed at and penetrated another tank parked next to it. Another TOW went through a six foot dirt berm and knocked out an Iraqi armored personnel carrier on the otherside. In both instances, the TOW performed a feat which it supposedly was incapable of accomplishing.
Even without these rather unusual and certainly unexpected displays of its effectiveness, the TOW did better than expected. The system's deadly accuracy proved to be unstoppable even out to its maximum effective range and under degraded visibility conditions. TOW was real powerful hitting because you could tell as soon as it hit, the vehicle was dead. TOW missiles were able to kill targets while the Bradley was on the move.
The basic TOW Weapon System was fielded in 1970. Manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company, the TOW is the most widely distributed anti-tank guided missile in the world with over 500,000 built and in service in the U.S. and 36 other countries. The TOW has extensive combat experience in Vietnam and the Middle East. Iran may have obtained 1,750 or more TOWs and used TOWs against Iraqi tanks in the 1980s. The TOW 2 launcher is the most recent launcher upgrade. It is compatible with all TOW missiles. The TOW 2 Weapon System is composed of a reusable launcher, a missile guidance set, and sight system. The system can be tripod mounted. However because it is heavy, it is generally employed from the HMMWV. The missile has a 20-year maintenance-free storage life. All versions of the TOW missile can be fired from the current launcher.
The TOW is a crew portable, vehicle-mounted, heavy anitarmor weapon system consisting of a launcher and one of five versions of the TOW missile. It is designed to defeat armored vehicles and other targets such as field fortifications from ranges up to 3,750 meters. After firing the missile, the gunner must keep the cross hairs of the sight centered on the target to ensure a hit. The system will operate in all weather conditions in which the gunner can see a target throughout the missile flight by using either a day or night sight.
The TOW Sight Improvement Program (TSIP) effort began in 199 However, on 15 October 1991 The Secretary of the Army cancelled the TSIP because of declining budget & funding issues. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition directed the PEO, Tactical Missiles to coordinate the development of an affordable alternative. The latter effort subsequently became known as the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) being developed for the Army's light forces.
The TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) is a materiel change to the The ITAS is a material change to the current TOW2 ground launcher and M966 HMMWV TOW2 acquisition and fire control subsystems for first-to-deploy light forces. ITAS aides in firing all versions of TOW and builds the bridge to TOW F&F. The TOW tripod and launch tube remain unchanged. ITAS significantly increases target acquisition and engagement ranges, while retaining the capability to fire all configurations of the TOW missile. ITAS uses a second-generation forward-looking infrared system, digital components, and an eyesafe laser range finder. ITAS has an improved design with BIT/ BITES for increased maintainability and reduced logistics requirements. It also features an improved man-machine interface that improves system engagement performance. The ITAS modification kit consists of an integrated (Day/ Night Sight with Laser Rangefinder) Target Acquisition Subsystem (TAS), Fire Control Subsystem (FCS), Battery Power Source (BPS), and Modified Traversing Unit (TU). The ITAS will operate from the High Mobility Multi- Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and the dismount tripod platform. The ITAS will be fielded at battalion level, replacing TOW 2 in light infantry units. The TOW Improved Target Acquisition System low- rate initial production (LRIP) I contract was awarded September 30, 1996, with a production quantity of twenty- five units. LRIP II was awarded March 1998 for a quantity of seventy-three systems for the 1st BDE Fielding in September 1999. First unit equipped (FUE) was conducted in September 1998.
Increased funding for Stryker and Future Combat Systems (FCS) came as a result of Army decisions in 2002 to terminate or restructure some 48 systems in the FY ?04-?09 Program Objective Memorandum (POM) long-term spending plan. Among the systems terminated were: United Defense?s Crusader self-propelled howitzer and the A3 upgrade for the Bradley Fighting vehicle, GD?s M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program, Lockheed Martin?s Army Tactical Missile System Block II and the associated pre-planned product improvement version of Northrop Grumman?s Brilliant Anti-armor (BAT) munition, Raytheon?s Stinger missile and Improved Target Acquisition System, and Textron?s Wide Area Mine.
The TOW system is used on the HMMWV, the M151 jeep, the armored personnel carrier, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) COBRA helicopters, the ITV, and the US Marine Corps light armored vehicle.
Considerable improvements have been made to the missile since 1970. There are six missiles available for the TOW. Three of the five TOW missile versions--Basic TOW, Improved TOW and TOW 2--are no longer being produced for US forces. However, these versions are still used by 40 allied countries.
In May 1972, US soldiers initially used the TOW in combat during the Vietnam War. This was the very first time that American troops had ever fired an American-made missile under wartime conditions. The system has also seen action in various clashes between Israel and Syria as well as during the Iran/Iraq war. In Saudi Arabia the system was represented by [the HMMWV] with the light forces, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle with the heavy forces, Improved TOW Vehicle with some of the forces, and the Cobra-mounted version.
The TOW was one of the earliest missile systems to arrive in SWA because of the large Iraqi armored threat. It was deployed with some of the first units in Saudi: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 24th Mechanized Division and the 101st Airborne Division. Thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers were used during Operation Desert Storm. Forces of other countries, including Saudi Arabia, also had TOW at their disposal.
Despite early reports of the problems being experienced by U.S. Army and Marine Corps units in hitting targets during live-fire exercises because soldiers lacked experience firing the weapon as well as Iraqi use of 'dazzlers' intended to interfere with the guidance of Army TOW missiles and other antitank missiles," the TOW during Operation Desert Storm was a primary killer of Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers,and other vehicles. Before the start of the coalition air campaign in January 1991, Army and Marine Corps planners noted a trend of improvement as more and more units [had] the opportunity to practice firing the TOW. The Iraqi use of dazzlers also proved to be of little concern to coalition commanders. The purpose of the dazzler is to confuse the missile guidance system so it loses track of the missile. It's a well known technology that does not work against the TOWs used in Southwest Asia. There were no reports since the war that any of these were effective in any way against TOWs.
Before the start of the actual ground offensive, US Marine units successfully employed the TOW against various Iraqi targets. On 18 January 1991, newspapers reported that US Marine Corps AH-1T Cobra helicopter gunships destroyed an Iraqi command post following Iraq's sporadic shelling of the Khafji area near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border. Four Cobra gunships destroyed a building used as an Iraqi command post with TOW missiles. Accounts told by Gulf War veterans who witnessed the TOW in action during the fighting revealed several instances where TOWs did things that surprised the engineers who designed them more than the soldiers who fired them. TOW missiles proved to be a determining factor in the first ground engagement of Operation Desert Storm. During the Battle of Khafji, which took place before the start of the actual ground offensive, the TOW demonstrated a pretty unique ability: the Saudis fought Iraqi tanks with TOW missiles and drove them out of the city. At one point in the battle, the Saudis saw Iraqi soldiers on top of a water tower. Not wishing to blow up the tower, the Saudis fired a TOW, blew the ladder off the tower and left the Iraqis stranded until the end of the battle." The lethality of the TOW missile was proven beyond doubt during the 100-hour ground campaign when one of the antitank munitions fired by US troops went right through the tank it was aimed at and penetrated another tank parked next to it. Another TOW went through a six foot dirt berm and knocked out an Iraqi armored personnel carrier on the otherside. In both instances, the TOW performed a feat which it supposedly was incapable of accomplishing.
Primary function: Guided missile weapon system.
Manufacturer: Hughes (missiles); Hughes and Kollsman (night sights); Electro Design Mfg. (launchers)
Size:
TOW 2A Missile:
Diameter: 5.87 inches (14.91 cm)
Length: 50.40 inches (128.02 cm)
TOW 2B Missile:
Diameter: 5.8 inches (14.9 centimeters)
Length: 48.0 inches (121.9 centimeters)
Warhead weight 12.4 kg Maximum effective range: 2.33 miles (3.75 kilometers)
Armor penetration: T-80 + / 800+ mm [>700 mm]
Time of flight to maximum effective range:
2A: 20 seconds
2B: 21 seconds
Weight:
Launcher w/TOW 2 Mods: 204.6 pounds (92.89 kilograms)
Missile Guidance Set: 52.8 pounds (23.97 kilograms)
TOW 2 Missile: 47.4 pounds (21.52 kilograms)
TOW 2A Missile: 49.9 pounds (22.65 kilograms)
TOW 2B Missile: 49.8 pounds (22.60 kilograms)
Introduction date: 1970
Unit Replacement Cost: $180,000
Launching Platforms Man portable crew of 4
HMMWV
M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle
Marine Corps Inventory: TOW launchers - 1247
Characteristics of the TOW missile family
CHARACTERISTICS
BASIC
TOW
I-TOW
TOW 2
TOW 2A
TOW 2B
Missile weight (lb)
41.5
42
47.3
49.9
49.8
Weight in container (lb)
56.3
56.5
61.8
64
64
Prelaunch length (in)
45.8
45.8
45.9
45.9
46
Standoff probe (in)
NA
14.6
17.4
17.4
NA
Max velocity (fps/mps)
981/299
970/296
1079/329
1079/ 329
1010/309
Warhead diameter (in)
5
5
6
5
5(2x)
Explosive filler (lb)
5.4
4.6
6.9
6.9
-
Max range (m)
3000
3750
3750
3750
3750
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David
Fri March 21, 2003 7:38am
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BGM-71 / M-220 Tube-launc
The TOW anti-tank missile of Iran-Contra fame was introduced for service in the US Army in 1970. Current versions are capable of penetrating more than 30 inches of armor, or "any 1990s tank," at a maximum range of more than 3,000 meters. It can be fired by infantrymen using a tripod, as well from vehicles and helicopters, and can launch 3 missiles in 90 seconds. It is primarily used in antitank warfare, and is a command to line of sight, wire-guided weapon. TOW is used to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles, primarily tanks. Secondary mission is to destroy other point targets such as non-armored vehicles, crew-served weapons and launchers. This system is designed to attack and defeat tanks and other armored vehicles. The system will operate in all weather conditions and on the "dirty" battlefield.
In May 1972, U.S. soldiers initially used the TOW in combat during the Vietnam War. This was the very first time that American troops had ever fired an American-made missile under wartime conditions. The system has also seen action in various clashes between Israel and Syria as well as during the Iran/Iraq war. During the Gulf War, in Saudi Arabia the system was represented by the HMMWV with the light forces, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle with the heavy forces, Improved TOW Vehicle with some of the forces, and the Cobra-mounted version. The TOW was one of the earliest missile systems to arrive in SWA because of the large Iraqi armored threat it was deployed with some of the first units in Saudi: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 24th Mechanized Division and the101st Airborne Division. Thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers were used during Operation Desert Storm. Forces of other countries, including Saudi Arabia, also had TOW at their disposal.
Early reports focused on the problems being experienced by US Army and Marine Corps units in hitting targets during live-fire exercises because soldiers [lacked experience firing the weapon, as well as Iraqi use of "dazzlers" intended to interfere with the guidance of Army TOW missiles and other antitank missiles. But the TOW during ODS was a primary killer of Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers,and other vehicles. Before the start of the coalition air campaign in January 1991, Army and Marine Corps planners noted a trend of improvement as more and more units [had] the opportunity to practice firing the TOW. The Iraqi use of dazzlers also proved to be of little concern to coalition commanders. The purpose of the dazzler is to confuse the missile guidance system so it loses track of the missile. It did not work against the TOWs used in Southwest Asia. There were no reports since the war that any of these were effective in any way against TOWs.
Before the start of the actual ground offensive, US Marine units successfully employed the TOW against various Iraqi targets. On 18 January 1991, newspapers reported that U.S. Marine Corps AH-1T Cobra helicopter gunships destroyed an Iraqi command post following Iraq's sporadic shelling of the Khafji area near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border. Four Cobra gunships destroyed a building used as an Iraqi command post with TOW missiles. Accounts told by Gulf War veterans who witnessed the TOW in action during the fighting revealed several instances where TOWs did things that surprised the engineers who designed them more than the soldiers who fired them. TOW missiles proved to be a determining factor in the first ground engagement of Operation Desert Storm. During the Battle of Khafji, which took place before the start of the actual ground offensive, the TOW demonstrated a pretty unique ability. The Saudis fought Iraqi tanks with TOW missiles and drove them out of the city. At one point in the battle, the Saudis saw Iraqi soldiers on top of a water tower. Not wishing to blow up the tower, the Saudis fired a TOW, blew the ladder off the tower and left the Iraqis stranded until the end of the battle." The lethality of the TOW missile was proven beyond doubt during the 100-hour ground campaign when one of the antitank munitions fired by US troops went right through the tank it was aimed at and penetrated another tank parked next to it. Another TOW went through a six foot dirt berm and knocked out an Iraqi armored personnel carrier on the otherside. In both instances, the TOW performed a feat which it supposedly was incapable of accomplishing.
Even without these rather unusual and certainly unexpected displays of its effectiveness, the TOW did better than expected. The system's deadly accuracy proved to be unstoppable even out to its maximum effective range and under degraded visibility conditions. TOW was real powerful hitting because you could tell as soon as it hit, the vehicle was dead. TOW missiles were able to kill targets while the Bradley was on the move.
The basic TOW Weapon System was fielded in 1970. Manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company, the TOW is the most widely distributed anti-tank guided missile in the world with over 500,000 built and in service in the U.S. and 36 other countries. The TOW has extensive combat experience in Vietnam and the Middle East. Iran may have obtained 1,750 or more TOWs and used TOWs against Iraqi tanks in the 1980s. The TOW 2 launcher is the most recent launcher upgrade. It is compatible with all TOW missiles. The TOW 2 Weapon System is composed of a reusable launcher, a missile guidance set, and sight system. The system can be tripod mounted. However because it is heavy, it is generally employed from the HMMWV. The missile has a 20-year maintenance-free storage life. All versions of the TOW missile can be fired from the current launcher.
The TOW is a crew portable, vehicle-mounted, heavy anitarmor weapon system consisting of a launcher and one of five versions of the TOW missile. It is designed to defeat armored vehicles and other targets such as field fortifications from ranges up to 3,750 meters. After firing the missile, the gunner must keep the cross hairs of the sight centered on the target to ensure a hit. The system will operate in all weather conditions in which the gunner can see a target throughout the missile flight by using either a day or night sight.
The TOW Sight Improvement Program (TSIP) effort began in 199 However, on 15 October 1991 The Secretary of the Army cancelled the TSIP because of declining budget & funding issues. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition directed the PEO, Tactical Missiles to coordinate the development of an affordable alternative. The latter effort subsequently became known as the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) being developed for the Army's light forces.
The TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) is a materiel change to the The ITAS is a material change to the current TOW2 ground launcher and M966 HMMWV TOW2 acquisition and fire control subsystems for first-to-deploy light forces. ITAS aides in firing all versions of TOW and builds the bridge to TOW F&F. The TOW tripod and launch tube remain unchanged. ITAS significantly increases target acquisition and engagement ranges, while retaining the capability to fire all configurations of the TOW missile. ITAS uses a second-generation forward-looking infrared system, digital components, and an eyesafe laser range finder. ITAS has an improved design with BIT/ BITES for increased maintainability and reduced logistics requirements. It also features an improved man-machine interface that improves system engagement performance. The ITAS modification kit consists of an integrated (Day/ Night Sight with Laser Rangefinder) Target Acquisition Subsystem (TAS), Fire Control Subsystem (FCS), Battery Power Source (BPS), and Modified Traversing Unit (TU). The ITAS will operate from the High Mobility Multi- Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and the dismount tripod platform. The ITAS will be fielded at battalion level, replacing TOW 2 in light infantry units. The TOW Improved Target Acquisition System low- rate initial production (LRIP) I contract was awarded September 30, 1996, with a production quantity of twenty- five units. LRIP II was awarded March 1998 for a quantity of seventy-three systems for the 1st BDE Fielding in September 1999. First unit equipped (FUE) was conducted in September 1998.
Increased funding for Stryker and Future Combat Systems (FCS) came as a result of Army decisions in 2002 to terminate or restructure some 48 systems in the FY ?04-?09 Program Objective Memorandum (POM) long-term spending plan. Among the systems terminated were: United Defense?s Crusader self-propelled howitzer and the A3 upgrade for the Bradley Fighting vehicle, GD?s M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program, Lockheed Martin?s Army Tactical Missile System Block II and the associated pre-planned product improvement version of Northrop Grumman?s Brilliant Anti-armor (BAT) munition, Raytheon?s Stinger missile and Improved Target Acquisition System, and Textron?s Wide Area Mine.
The TOW system is used on the HMMWV, the M151 jeep, the armored personnel carrier, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) COBRA helicopters, the ITV, and the US Marine Corps light armored vehicle.
Considerable improvements have been made to the missile since 1970. There are six missiles available for the TOW. Three of the five TOW missile versions--Basic TOW, Improved TOW and TOW 2--are no longer being produced for US forces. However, these versions are still used by 40 allied countries.
In May 1972, US soldiers initially used the TOW in combat during the Vietnam War. This was the very first time that American troops had ever fired an American-made missile under wartime conditions. The system has also seen action in various clashes between Israel and Syria as well as during the Iran/Iraq war. In Saudi Arabia the system was represented by [the HMMWV] with the light forces, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle with the heavy forces, Improved TOW Vehicle with some of the forces, and the Cobra-mounted version.
The TOW was one of the earliest missile systems to arrive in SWA because of the large Iraqi armored threat. It was deployed with some of the first units in Saudi: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 24th Mechanized Division and the 101st Airborne Division. Thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers were used during Operation Desert Storm. Forces of other countries, including Saudi Arabia, also had TOW at their disposal.
Despite early reports of the problems being experienced by U.S. Army and Marine Corps units in hitting targets during live-fire exercises because soldiers lacked experience firing the weapon as well as Iraqi use of 'dazzlers' intended to interfere with the guidance of Army TOW missiles and other antitank missiles," the TOW during Operation Desert Storm was a primary killer of Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers,and other vehicles. Before the start of the coalition air campaign in January 1991, Army and Marine Corps planners noted a trend of improvement as more and more units [had] the opportunity to practice firing the TOW. The Iraqi use of dazzlers also proved to be of little concern to coalition commanders. The purpose of the dazzler is to confuse the missile guidance system so it loses track of the missile. It's a well known technology that does not work against the TOWs used in Southwest Asia. There were no reports since the war that any of these were effective in any way against TOWs.
Before the start of the actual ground offensive, US Marine units successfully employed the TOW against various Iraqi targets. On 18 January 1991, newspapers reported that US Marine Corps AH-1T Cobra helicopter gunships destroyed an Iraqi command post following Iraq's sporadic shelling of the Khafji area near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border. Four Cobra gunships destroyed a building used as an Iraqi command post with TOW missiles. Accounts told by Gulf War veterans who witnessed the TOW in action during the fighting revealed several instances where TOWs did things that surprised the engineers who designed them more than the soldiers who fired them. TOW missiles proved to be a determining factor in the first ground engagement of Operation Desert Storm. During the Battle of Khafji, which took place before the start of the actual ground offensive, the TOW demonstrated a pretty unique ability: the Saudis fought Iraqi tanks with TOW missiles and drove them out of the city. At one point in the battle, the Saudis saw Iraqi soldiers on top of a water tower. Not wishing to blow up the tower, the Saudis fired a TOW, blew the ladder off the tower and left the Iraqis stranded until the end of the battle." The lethality of the TOW missile was proven beyond doubt during the 100-hour ground campaign when one of the antitank munitions fired by US troops went right through the tank it was aimed at and penetrated another tank parked next to it. Another TOW went through a six foot dirt berm and knocked out an Iraqi armored personnel carrier on the otherside. In both instances, the TOW performed a feat which it supposedly was incapable of accomplishing.
Primary function: Guided missile weapon system.
Manufacturer: Hughes (missiles); Hughes and Kollsman (night sights); Electro Design Mfg. (launchers)
Size:
TOW 2A Missile:
Diameter: 5.87 inches (14.91 cm)
Length: 50.40 inches (128.02 cm)
TOW 2B Missile:
Diameter: 5.8 inches (14.9 centimeters)
Length: 48.0 inches (121.9 centimeters)
Warhead weight 12.4 kg Maximum effective range: 2.33 miles (3.75 kilometers)
Armor penetration: T-80 + / 800+ mm [>700 mm]
Time of flight to maximum effective range:
2A: 20 seconds
2B: 21 seconds
Weight:
Launcher w/TOW 2 Mods: 204.6 pounds (92.89 kilograms)
Missile Guidance Set: 52.8 pounds (23.97 kilograms)
TOW 2 Missile: 47.4 pounds (21.52 kilograms)
TOW 2A Missile: 49.9 pounds (22.65 kilograms)
TOW 2B Missile: 49.8 pounds (22.60 kilograms)
Introduction date: 1970
Unit Replacement Cost: $180,000
Launching Platforms Man portable crew of 4
HMMWV
M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle
Marine Corps Inventory: TOW launchers - 1247
Characteristics of the TOW missile family
CHARACTERISTICS
BASIC
TOW
I-TOW
TOW 2
TOW 2A
TOW 2B
Missile weight (lb)
41.5
42
47.3
49.9
49.8
Weight in container (lb)
56.3
56.5
61.8
64
64
Prelaunch length (in)
45.8
45.8
45.9
45.9
46
Standoff probe (in)
NA
14.6
17.4
17.4
NA
Max velocity (fps/mps)
981/299
970/296
1079/329
1079/ 329
1010/309
Warhead diameter (in)
5
5
6
5
5(2x)
Explosive filler (lb)
5.4
4.6
6.9
6.9
-
Max range (m)
3000
3750
3750
3750
3750
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David
Tue March 25, 2003 8:50am
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Bird's eye view
A U.S. military aircraft takes off from the USS Constellation Tuesday in this view photographed from a support helicopter. The carrier is in the Persian Gulf off Iraq.
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David
Fri March 28, 2003 2:06pm
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Staff Sgt. Jason Nipp, a
Staff Sgt. Jason Nipp, a crew chief deployed from Ramstien Air Base, Germany to the 363rd Expeditionary Equipment Maintenance Squadron (EEMXS), protects his eyes during a sand storm while loading Air to Ground-88 missile wings and fins into the universal wing and fin container for download to an F-16CJ aircraft on a flight line in preparation for a mission on March 25, 2003. 363rd EEMXS members work 12-hour days 7 days a week preparing precision guided missiles to support Operation Iraqi Freedom at a forward deployed location in Southwest Asia.
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David
Fri March 28, 2003 2:06pm
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Staff Sgt. Jason Nipp, a
Staff Sgt. Jason Nipp, a crew chief deployed from Ramstien Air Base, Germany, to the 363rd Expeditionary Equipment Maintenance Squadron, protects his eyes during a sand storm while spotting a munitions handling unit carrying an Air to Ground-88 missile for download to an F-16CJ aircraft on a flight line in preparation for a mission on March 25, 2003. 363rd EEMXS members work 12-hour days 7 days a week preparing precision guided missiles to support Operation Iraqi Freedom at a forward deployed locationin Southwest Asia.
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David
Mon March 31, 2003 9:00am
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In custody in Nasiriyah
U.S. Marines from the 2nd Battalion 8th Regiment keep an eye on two Iraqi military prisoners who surrendered March 29 after crossing U.S. lines in Nasiriyah in southern Iraq.
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David
Fri April 25, 2003 6:06pm
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CGC ACTIVE, blue eye vari
CGC ACTIVE, blue eye variety, New Castle, New Hampshire
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:03pm
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M40/42 Protective Mask
Function: Provide respiratory, eye and face protection against chemical and biological agents, radioactive fallout particles, and battlefield contaminants.
Entered Army Service: 1992.
Description: The M40-series protective masks replace the M17-series protective mask as the standard Army field mask, providing improved comfort, fit and protection. The mask consists of a silicone rubber face piece with an in-turned peripheral face seal, binocular rigid eye lens system and elastic head harness. Other features include front and side voicemitters allowing better communication particularly when operating FM communications, drink tube for a drinking capability while being worn, clear and tinted inserts, and a filter canister with NATO standard threads. Because of these features, the mask can be worn continuously for 8 to 12 hours.
The face-mounted canister (gas and aerosol filter) can be worn on either the left or the right cheek, and will withstand a maximum of 15 nerve, choking, and blister agent attacks. It will also withstand a maximum of two blood agent attacks. Biological agents do not degrade the filter.
The M40A1 is the mask issued to dismounted soldiers. It is available in small, medium, and large sizes.
The M42A2 Combat Vehicle Crewman Mask has the same components as the M40A1 with an additional built-in microphone for wire communication. The filter canister is attached to the end of the hose with an adapter for the CPFU connection.
The M45 Protective Mask, issued to Blackhawk crew members, provides protection without the aid of forced ventilation air. It is compatible with aircraft sighting systems and night vision devices. It has close fitting eyepieces, a voicemitter, drink tube, and a low profile filter canister.
The M48 and M49 masks, issued to Apache aviators, are an upgrade of the M43 Type I mask. Their improved blower is chest-mounted, lighter, less bulky, and battery powered.
Several mask improvements have been introduced over the years through Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) Programs, which resulted in M40A1 and M40A2 configurations. The improvements include a quick-doff hood, second skin, canister interoperability (M42A1 only), and voice amplification (M7), new nosecup, two new carriers, and improved vision correction. An additional product improvement was adopted in late 1994, which upgraded the M42 to the M42A2 configuration. This change provides a detachable microphone that improves reliability, simplifies production, and permits field replacements.
General Characteristics, M40/42 Protective Mask
Contractor:
ILC Dover (Frederica, Delaware)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:09pm
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M49 Telescope
Function: Daytime telescope for making ground observations.
Description: The M49 Observation Telescope is a 20-power daytime telescope. The telescope is used for making ground observations of a target area and effectiveness artillery fire. Having no reticle, it is not used as a sighting device. Associated equipment is the M15 Tripod which has adjustable metal legs and a carrying strap. It allows for full rotation of the mounted telescope. The basic components of the M49 are the objective assembly, body tube, prism housing assembly, and eyepiece assembly with focusing sleeve. The front end of the body tube extends 3/4 of an inch beyond the objective, thereby providing a permanent sunshade. The telescope is furnished with an objective cover and an eyepiece cover cap which are screwed in place to protect the lenses when the telescope is not in use.
History: The M49 has seen several decades of general purpose use as a daytime observation device. Its most common application is in the scout/sniper section of the infantry battalion where it is used to detect and identify targets.
General Characteristics, M49 Telescope
Manufacturer:
IMO, VARO, Garland, Texas and various other vendors
Length:
13.5 inches (34.29 centimeters)
Weight (Without Tripod):
2.75 pounds (1.25 kilograms)
Magnification:
20x
Unit Replacement Cost:
$511
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:18pm
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AN/PVS-4 Individual Weapo
Function: Night vision device for passive night vision and aiming fire of individual weapons using ambient light (moonlight or starlight) for illumination.
Description: The AN/PVS-4 Individual Weapon Night Sight is a portable, battery operated, electro-optical instrument used for observation and aimed fire of weapons at night. It amplifies reflected light such as moonlight, starlight, and sky glow so that the viewed scene becomes clearly visible to the operator. The sight does not emit visible or infrared light (except from the eyepiece) that can be detected by the enemy. It can be used with the M16 rifle, M249 and M60 machine guns, and 83mm MK183 MOD 1 (SMAW) rocket.
The AN/PVS-4 is a second generation image intensification device. This sight comes furnished with mounting brackets for the M16 and M60, reticules and mounting brackets for use with other weapons must be separately requisitioned. A carrying bag and battery adapter for low temperature operations may also be requisitioned.
General Characteristics, AN/PVS-4 Individual Weapon Night Sight
Manufacturer:
IMO, VARO, Garland, Texas
Length:
12 inches (30.5 centimeters)
Width:
4 inches (10.2 centimeters)
Height:
4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters)
Weight:
4 pounds (1.818 kilograms)
Magnification:
3.6x
Range, Man-Sized Target:
Starlight: 400 yards (365.6 meters)
Moonlight: 600 yards (548.4 meters)
Field of View:
14.5? (circular)
Power Source:
2.7 volt mercury battery, BA-1567/U, BA-5567/U, BA-3058/U
Unit Replacement Cost:
$4,815
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:18pm
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AN/PVS-7B Night Vision Go
Function: Image intensifying, passive binoculars which allow the operator to perform tasks at night or under low light level conditions.
Description: The AN/PVS-7B is a single-tube night vision goggle, Generation III image intensifier which uses prisms and lenses to provide the user with simulated binocular vision. The Marine Corps is acquiring the AN/PVS-7B, a model which incorporates a high light level protection circuit in a passive, self-contained image intensifier device which amplifies existing ambient light to provide the operator a means of conducting night operations. A shipping case, soft carrying case, eyepiece and objective lens cap, and filter are ancillary items. A demist shield is also provided to prevent fogging of eyepiece.
Background: The AN/PVS-7B represents the current state of the art in night vision goggles. Initially, it will augment the AN/PVS-5 NVG, and over time, it will replace the AN/PVS-5. The Marine Corps is interested in procuring a clip-on Night Vision Magnification Device (NVMD) to satisfy the need to see targets at the maximum effective range of its weapons.
General Characteristics, AN/PVS-7B Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
Manufacturer:
ITT, Roanoke, Virginia
Litton, Tempe, Arizona
Length:
5.9 inches (14.99 centimeters)
Width:
6.1 inches (15.49 centimeters)
Height:
3.9 inches (9.91 centimeters)
Weight:
24 ounces (.68 kilograms)
Magnification:
1x
Range, Man-Sized Target:
Starlight: Man-Sized Target, 100 meters; vehicle-Sized Target, 500 meters
Moonlight: Man-Sized Target, 300 meters
Field of View:
40? (circular)
Power Source:
Mercury, Nickel Cadmium, or Lithium Battery (2.7V) (BA-5567 or AA Cells)
Operation Time:
12 hours on one 2.7 volt battery
Inventory:
2,300
Unit Replacement Cost:
$6,000
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:18pm
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AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Gog
Function: Allow the operator to perform tasks at night or under low light level conditions.
Description: AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggles are a self-contained, passive, image intensifying, night vision viewing system worn on the head with or without the standard battle helmet or aviator helmet. They are a second generation binocular system capable of providing night vision viewing using available light from the night sky (starlight, moonlight). The built-in infrared light source provides added illumination for close-up work such as map reading. The PVS-5 is equipped with a headstrap to allow "hands-free" operation. Shipping case, soft carrying case, eyepiece and objective lens cap, and arctic adapter assembly are authorized ancillary items. Demist shields are also provided to prevent fogging of the eyepiece.
History: The AN/PVS-5 individual night vision goggles (NVG) were procured in the early 1980s. A general purpose goggle, they are found in a variety of applications, such as for vehicle drivers, riflemen, and unit leaders. There are differences in each model that require separate model support packages. The bulk of the Marine Corps assets are AN/PVS-5As, although all three models are distributed in the Fleet Marine Force.
General Characteristics, AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)
Manufacturer:
IMO, VARO, Garland, Texas; ITT, Roanoke, Virginia; Litton, Tempe, Arizona
Length:
6.5 inches (16.51 centimeters)
Width:
6.8 inches (17.27 centimeters)
Height:
4.7 inches (11.94 centimeters)
Weight:
30 ounces (.85 kilograms)
Magnification:
1x
Range, Man-Sized Target:
Starlight: 50 meters
Moonlight: 150 meters
Field of View:
40? (circular)
Power Source:
2.7 volt mercury battery, BA-1567/U, BA-5567/U, BA-3058/U
Inventory:
8,200
Unit Replacement Cost:
$5,111
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:18pm
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AN/TVS-5 Crew Served Weap
Function: Image intensification night sight for detecting, acquiring, and engaging targets at night. Attaches to M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun. May be used for surveillance and observation either mounted on the weapon system or hand held.
Description: The AN/TVS-5 Night Vision Sight is a portable, battery operated, electro-optical instrument used for observation and aimed fire of weapons at night. It amplifies reflected light such as moonlight, starlight, and sky glow so that the viewed scene becomes visible to the operator. An eye guard prevents visible and infrared light from being emitted from the eyepiece. The AN/TVS-5 is presently the standard night sight for the M2 .50 Caliber and 40mm MK19 heavy machine guns.
The AN/TVS-5 can be tripod mounted for surveillance, however it is generally used in the Marine Corps as a crew-served weapon night sight. The sight comes furnished with the mounting bracket and reticle for the M2 machine gun. Brackets and reticles for use with other weapons must be separately requisitioned. A carrying bag and battery adapter for low temperature operations may also be requisitioned.
History: The AN/TVS-5 was designed in the 1970s to provide a night fighting capability with crew-served weapons. It was procured during the 1980s and delivered to the Fleet Marine Forces upon receipt.
General Characteristics, AN/TVS-5 Crew Served Weapon Night Sight
Manufacturer:
IMO, VARO, Garland, Texas and various vendors
Length:
15 inches (38.1 centimeters)
Width:
6 inches (15.24 centimeters)
Height:
6 inches (15.24 centimeters)
Weight:
8 pounds (3.63 kilograms)
Magnification:
6.5x
Range, Vehicle-Sized Target:
Starlight: 1000 yards (914 meters)
Moonlight: 1200 yards (1096.8 meters)
Field of View:
9? (circular)
Power Source:
2.7 volt mercury battery: BA-1567/U, BA-5567/U, BA-3058/U
Unit Replacement Cost:
$4,005
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:02pm
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SA-3 Goa
Function: Medium altitude Surface to Air Missile.
Description: The SA-3 is a medium altitude two stage surface to air missile dependent on radio command guidance for tracking. In the event of jamming or radar shut down the SA-3 may be guided optically and acquire its target after launch. The SA-3 is armed with a high explosive fragmentation warhead with contact, proximity, and command detonation capability. The booster is a solid rocket propellant motor fitted with four large fins. The second stage is similar to the booster, utilizing a solid propellant motor with a set of four fixed fins mounted at the base and a set of four movable control fins mounted on the nose.
Target acquisition and long range surveillance was originally performed by a vehicle mounted P-15 FLAT FACE radar which has a range out to 250 km, though this unit is being replaced by the P-15M SQUAT EYE which has its antennae mounted on a 20-30 meter mast to improve low level acquisition. In addition, the PRV-11 SIDE NET height finding radar, with a range of 180 km, is used to acquire targets to an altitude of 32,000 meters. Once targets are acquired, they can be tracked and engaged with a trailer mounted LOW BLOW fire control radar. The LOW BLOW is capable of acquiring targets out to 110 km and tracking within 40-85 km (depending on the size and altitude of the target.) The LOW BLOW can track six targets simultaneously, as well as direct one or two missiles. Improved versions of the LOW BLOW radar incorporate television cameras to allow operators to engage targets out to 25 km under conditions of heavy ECM jamming.
General Characteristics, SA-3 GOA Surface to Air Missile
Propulsion:
Booster and sustainment stages; solid rocket propellant
Length:
22 feet (6.7 meters)
Diameter:
23.6 inches (60 centimeters)
Weight Fully Armed:
881.8 pounds (400 kilograms)
Maximum Range:
25 kilometers
Minimum Range:
6 kilometers
Minimum Height:
100 meters
Fuzing:
Impact, proximity, command detonated
Ceiling:
25 kilometers
Speed:
Mach 3+
Guidance System:
Radio command, possibly infrared in terminal phase
Warhead:
High explosive fragmentation
Rate of Fire:
One or two missiles per target, capable of tracking six targets
Introduction Date:
1961
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David
Tue October 5, 2004 2:54am
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Iron Cross, Eisernes Kreu
Iron Cross, Eisernes Kreuz
The history of the Iron Cross dates back to her introduction as a Prussian decoration for merit by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia.1813. It was instituted as a direct result of the liberation war against Napoleon. Because of this institution it was more or less a campaign decoration.
After Napoleon defeated the Prussian army in 1807, it was forced to fight for the French cause. Right after Napoleons defeat at Moscow in December 1812, the Prussians resisted their oppressor. To commemorate that fact the Iron Cross was instituted on March 20th 1813. The design came from Karl Friedrich Schinkel, a Prussian architect.
The design was kept very simple. The core was made by a black cross, surrounded by a silver trim. The obverse side had an oak leave in the middle. Below that on the lower arm the year 1813 was placed. The upper arm was gifted with a crowned Royal Cipher ?FW?. The front side would be blank until the original obverse turned to front side in 1838. The decoration was instituted with three grade, the Grosskreuz (Grand Cross) for senior commanders and the 1. Klasse (1st Class) and 2.Klasse (2nd Class) for individual merit in combat. The 1st and 2nd Class crosses had a size of 42mm although examples are known within the sizes 28mm to 42mm. The 2nd Class cross contained an eye welded to the top with which it could be attached to a ribbon. At the backside of the 1sr Class cross two eyes were welded to be able to sew is to the uniform. The ribbon was black with on both sides a white stripe. Non-combatant receivers got the Iron Cross on a white ribbon with two black stripes. The Grand Cross was 62mm in size and was worn on a ribbon around the neck in the same colours.
The Iron Cross was only to be awarded in war times with the goal to replace the peacetime awards. In reality other awards like the Rote Adlerorden (Order of the Red Eagle) and the Pour le M?rite were also awarded.
After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Iron Cross was not to be awarded until the ending of the Franco-Prussian war in 1871. The decoration was re instituted on July 19th 1870 as a campaign award for merit.
The front (original obverse) was kept unchanged, but became once again the obverse. On the renewed front the upper arm got a crown and the Royal Monogram ?W? was placed in the middle. The year 1870 was placed on the lower arm. After the Franco-Prussian War, the Iron Cross again wasn?t awarded until the outbreak of the First World War.
It was again renewed in 1914. The institution date for the new Iron Cross was August 5th 1914. The design was kept the same as the 1870 version, but the date of 1870 was replaced with 1914. The Iron Cross retained her three grades, but this time with a standard size of 42mm. The width of the ribbon could vary between 25mm and 30mm. The construction was unchanged with a blackened iron core surrounded with the silver trim. Because iron and silver became rarer during the war, later crosses were made of alloy and silvered plated trim.
In 1939 the Iron Cross again was renewed, this time as an order of the German Reich. The ribbon now got the Reich?s colours black white and red. In contrary to the old Imperial orders, the Iron Crosses grades all could be awarded regardless the military ranks. Also the Iron Cross became for the first time a real German decoration. Before that is was only awarded to Prussian military. The original symbolic Iron Cross was remained unchanged, but the old Imperial and Royal symbols were replaced by the new Reich symbol of the Swastika. The year was changed to 1939 as the new date of institution.
At the institution date, four grades were instituted, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Knights Cross and Grand Cross. The grades would be further extended during the war years. To commemorate actions of merit from the First World War, both the 1st Class (EK I) and 2nd Class (EK II) crosses could be worn in the form of a new clasp called a ?spange?, worn on a First World War ribbon. To obtain a higher grade, all lower grades had to be obtained first. In some cases EK II and EK I could be obtained at the same time. Even more rarely this also was done with higher grades. It was allowed to wear all grades at the same time, which was not a custom in other countries with comparable orders. Most recipients found the original decoration to be very valuable that they often bought cheaper replica at own costs. The original was mostly kept at home.
A grade in the Iron Cross could be awarded for different reasons. Beside actions of exceptional merit, it could also be obtained for successful military planning, courage in non military actions, exceptional leadership and even for merital actions done by the soldiers under the command of the recipient. The Iron Cross could be obtained by military within the whole Wehrmacht, military from Germany?s allies, but also by uniformed civilians.
After the Second World War the carrying of the Swastika and German World War 2 decorations for military and political activities were forbidden by law. In 1957 this law was changed. Decorations from the Second World War were permitted. The Swastika still is forbidden, but the decorations themselves could be worn again, when the Swastika was removed. Recipients of the Iron Cross got with this possibility their recognition for pure military merit and it lost her political history. To replace lost or broken examples and because many didn?t want to remove the Swastika from their historical item, in 1957 from most former military decorations a special denazified version was produced.
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