BGM-71F TOW-2 anti-tank missile system

TOW-2A is a further upgrade of TOW-2. Unlike the TOW-2 PTUR missile TOW-2A is equipped with a new tandem design BC developed by the Armament Research Center together with the TOW PTUR design bureau. Hughes Aircraft has merged the TOW-2 missile and the new BC, and developed a new algorithm for calculating the missile's flight path.

In the tandem BC the TOW-2 PTUR main explosive rechargeable charge with two cone claddings of the cumulative hollow, which has an effective effect on steel, composite and even reactive armor. A small additional (auxiliary) cumulative charge with a diameter of 38 mm (at a distance of about 30 cm from the main one) and weighing about 300 g is installed in the front part of the telescopic tip of the BC with a diameter of about 50 mm. The mass of the main charge is 5.896 kg. When the missile collides with the purpose of additional charge is undermined, forming a jet of molten metal and gas and exploding reactive armor explosives. The cumulative jet of main explosive charge through the formed holes in the rocket armour provides penetration of the main armour of the tank. The diameter of the BC is 152.4 mm.

A mechanical switch located at the tip's head end and triggered in the event of an impact on the barrier delays the main explosive charge detonation after the jet armour is detonated and destroyed by the auxiliary charge. The main explosive charge is detonated at a distance of about 450 mm from the barrier.

The next modification of the missile is TOP-2B with a semi-automatic control system by wire. It is equipped with optical (laser rangefinder) and magnetometer sensors, as well as BC with two charges acting on the principle of "shock core". The charges (diameter of each 149 mm) are detonated by the fuses simultaneously and hit the target from above, in the least protected part of the case.

In appearance TOW-2B missile is similar to TOW-2A, but equipped with a new modified BC with double cumulative charge, the action of which is directed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the missile, and a remote magnetic (or magnetic - IR) fuse with a laser or radio frequency rangefinder. The BC is detonated at a certain point as the missile flies over the target. The diameter of the BC compartment is the same (152.4 mm) as for the previous TOW missile model, but the cumulative charges differ significantly.

The BC design is considered, containing two warheads with high kinetic energy EFP (Explosively Formed Projectile) shaped by the explosive energy of the BB and calculated also for top engagement. The complex technical challenge in implementing this BC principle of operation is to ensure that it triggers over the most vulnerable part of the tank, as the armour-piercing capability of the hitting element is relatively low. It is approximately equal to the diameter of the BC, while for cumulative BCs it is up to six diameters.

Changes were made in the mathematical support of the guidance system of the complex to ensure the compatibility of the TOW-2B missile with existing PU and equipment and the flight of the missile along the decking trajectory above the sighting line. The missile engine is the same as that of TOW-2A and guidance system with the transfer of commands over wires.

The development of the remote fuse with a rangefinder was entrusted to Fairchild and Honeywell, and the new BC to Aerojet.

Hughes is working with a radio beam guidance system operating in the millimeter wavelength range as part of a program to develop a new guidance system (without the use of wires to transmit commands).

The elimination of the wires in the guidance system removes the range and velocity limitations of the missile, imposed by the unwinding mechanism from the reel, and allows increased acceleration in the acceleration section. As a result, the range of the missile can be increased, the time of its flight can be reduced, and the angle of attack of the missile in flight can be reduced (hence, the armor penetration of BC in frontal attack of the target will increase). The missile's flight speed will be supersonic (the maximum speed of existing missiles is 200 m/s). The mass of the missile will remain approximately the same as the mass of the guidance system unit.

In mid-1988, the company conducted the first successful test launch of a missile with a guidance system in the millimetre range. The rocket, which was equipped with an inert BC, hit the target precisely at its maximum range.