Vehicle launched anti-tank guided missile: TOW

The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) weapon system, with the multi-mission TOW-2A, TOW-2B, TOW-2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is a long-range, precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system used widely in more than 40 international armed forces and integrated on more than 15,000 ground, vehicle and helicopter platforms worldwide. The present system has been evolved from TOW missile which is wire-guided and has been in service since 1970 with many versions like TOW-2A, TOW-2B,TOW-2B Aero; and TOW Bunker Buster. TOW’s superior stand-off range and minimal firing signature maximise gunner survivability. The missiles can be fired from the ground using a tripod-mounted launch tube or installed on vehicles like M2/M3 Bradley, LAV-AT, M1134 Stryker etc.

TOW 2B Aero Missile

An extended range TOW-2B variant was developed which was initially referred to as TOW-2B (ER), but is now called TOW-2B Aero which has a special nose cap that increases range to 4,500 metres. A wireless version of the TOW-2B Aero has also been developed that uses stealth one way radio link, called TOW-2B Aero RF.

RF Version

RF links replace the legacy wire-guided system with it becoming a command data link missile with the following improvements:

• Greater reliability
• Enhanced overwater performance
• No power line restriction
• Enhanced combined arms applications in urban environments
• Performance to longer range
• Greater environmental compliance under training conditions
• Enhanced combined arms applications in urban environments

A RF transmitter is fitted into the missile case and a RF receiver is integrated into the missile electronics. It is effective range is approximately 3.75 km. It is light, versatile, affordable and effective in difficult environments.

TOW Bunker Buster Missile

The TOW Bunker Buster missile is a recent development in which its fragmented, high-explosive warhead can breach or destroy a multitude of target sets, especially in the urban environment. The warhead’s configuration enables it to breach 8 in (20.3 cm) thick, double-reinforced concrete walls and provides overmatch against earth and timber bunkers. Whereas traditional shaped-charge warheads can penetrate entire buildings, the TOW Bunker Buster disperses its pressure at the point of penetration. This enables greater precision in urban engagements, enhances lethality and minimizes collateral damage outside of the target area. No gunner training or platform modifications are required to employ the TOW Bunker Buster from existing launchers. TOW Bunker Buster missile is employed with the US Army’s most modern force i.e. the Stryker Brigades.

Future Development

Raytheon and ATK’s Missile Products Group are working closely to develop a propulsion system that improves the performance of the TOW missile. The launch, boost, sustain (LBS) propulsion system also incorporates a rocket motor designed with Insensitive Munitions features to provide added safety. Raytheon states that the aim of LBS technology is to enhance the gunner’s survivability by allowing him to engage targets outside the threat range of direct engagement systems and by reducing the time it takes to track a target.

Combat Record

About 30,000 TOW missiles have been fired in combat out of which more than 11,000 have been fired in Iraq and Afghanistan. Due to TOW’s proven combat record and 90 per cent operational availability, 6,58,000 missiles have been delivered to 43 countries so far. It will remain on the inventory of the US Army through 2035.

Vehicle Launched ATGM: Javelin

Javelin is a man-portable anti-tank weapon which is a joint venture of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. Javelin is shoulder-fired and can also be installed on multiple surface platforms like tracked, wheeled or amphibious vehicles. Its development started in 1989 for replacing US Army’s M47Dragon anti-tank missile and came into service in 1996.

The Javelin system consists of the command launch unit (CLU) and the missile in a launch tube. The CLU consists of a passive target acquisition and fire control unit which has a day sight and a thermal imaging sight. All the controls for the gunner are on the CLU. The missile is fire-and-forget with lock-on before launch. The range is 2,500 metres. The tandem warhead includes two shaped charges for superior armour penetration. There have been many improvements since it came into service to improve its lethality and accuracy. The system is deployed and ready to fire in less than 30 seconds and the reload time is less than 20 seconds. The missile is mounted on the CLU and the gunner engages the target using the sight on the CLU. The gunner locks on the automatic target tracker in the missile by sending a lock-on-before-launch command to the missile. When the system is locked-on, the missile is launched. As it is a fire and forget system no further action is required by the gunner. It has low recoil due to the soft launch thus making easier to be shoulder-launched. It also emits less smoke during firing thus difficult to detect from a distance. It can be fired in two modes: direct attack mode to engage covered targets, bunkers, buildings and helicopters and top attack mode against tanks. The standalone mode usage of CLU in stand alone mode has proved effective in target detection and battle field reconnaissance in Iraq and Afghanistan. The future plans for Javelin is to develop a fragmentation warhead for anti-personnel effect and a multipurpose warhead.

Combat Record

Javelin is in service with many countries apart from the US and more than 3,000 missiles have been fired in Iraq and Afghanistan where it has been effective against caves. It will remain in the US Army inventory through 2050.

Indian Perspective

The Indian Army has selected Javelin as the trials on Israeli’s Spike were not successful. It is also learnt that the Indian soldiers adapted to the system rapidly and carried out effective firing during joint exercises in the US. It was reported that the US had not agreed to the sale of the quantities asked by India. This issue was raised with the US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta during his visit to India in June this year. He responded by stating that the US is “committed” to providing the weapon to India. He added that “We have not cut the quantity... I want to reassure that we are committed to the sale of Javelin to India and are working closely not only for that but other (military) sales that will help in increasing (Indian) capability,” he said. They are prepared to compete for any ATGM programme including NCNC trials and transfer of technology.