BGM-71 TOW

BGM-71 TOW (Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-guided, Anti-tank missile) – 3088

In service: 1970-present

Designer: Hughes Aircraft Company

Designed: 1963-1968

Number built: ~700,000

Length:

BGM-71B – 1.16 m;

BGM-71C – 1.41 m (probe extended), 1.17 m (probe folded);

BGM-71D – 1.51 m (probe extended), 1.17 m (probe folded);

BGM-71E – 1.168 m

Diameter: 152mm

Launch weight:

BGM-71B – 18.9 kg;

BGM-71C – 19.1 kg;

BGM-71D – 21.5 kg;

BGM-71E – 22.6 kg

Warhead weight: 3.9-6.14 kg

Wingspan: 0.46 m

Operational range:

BGM-71B, BGM-71C, BGM-71D, BGM-71E – 65-3,750 m;

BGM-71F – 65-4,200 m;

BGM-71G, BGM-71H – 65-3,750 m;

Speed: 278-320 m/s

Armor penetration (est.):

BGM-71B – 430 mm (exact value);

BGM-71C – 630 mm (exact value);

BGM-71D – 900 mm;

BGM-71E – 900 mm (behind a layer of ERA)

Guidance system: Optically-tracked, wire-guided

BGM-71B: BGM-71A variant; improved range

BGM-71C: BGM-71B variant; Improved TOW (ITOW) w/improved shaped-charge warhead

BGM-71D: BGM-71C variant; TOW-2, improved guidance, motor and enlarged main warhead

BGM-71E: BGM-71D variant; TOW-2A optimized to defeat reactive armor with tandem warheads

BGM-71F: BGM-71D variant; TOW-2B top-down attack variant using explosively formed penetrators

BGM-71G: BGM-71F variant; different AP warhead; not produced

BGM-71H: BGM-71E variant; «bunker buster» variant for use against fortified structures