The BGM-71 TOW is an anti-tank guided missile. "BGM" is a weapon classification that stands for "Multiple Environment (B), Surface-Attack (G), Missile (M)". "TOW" is an acronym that stands for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile". The TOW was first produced in 1970 and is one of the two most widely used anti-tank guided missiles in the world.
| BGM-71 TOW | |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-tank Missile |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1970–present |
| Used by | See users |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Hughes Aircraft Company |
| Designed | 1963–1968 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 1.16–1.17 m (probe folded) 1.41–1.51 m (probe extended) |
| Diameter | 0.152 m |
| | |
| Warhead weight | 3.9–5.9 kg |
| | |
| Wingspan | 0.46 m |
| Operational range | up to 3,750 m |
| Guidance system | Optically-tracked, wire-guided |
