M-220 TOW: Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided missile, 6 Photos
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The M-220 Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided (TOW) missile system is the most widely deployed anti-tank missile in the world with about one-half million manufactured. It is designed to defeat armored vehicles and other targets such as field fortifications from ranges up to 3,750 meters.
The TOW system was released for service with the U.S. Army in 1970. The photos in this montage are from various field trials and prototype exhibitions in the 1960s, plus one of the M-825 upgrade of the M-151A2 jeep as a TOW platform in 1984. The six hi-resolution photos are combined on one sheet, each with a caption telling what is known about the photo.
The TOW is shown with two types of jeep, the M-274 Mule, the M-113 APC and a tripod mount. (Since the TOW is heavy -- approx. 200 pounds depending on model -- the tripod is rarely used.)
