How large is the explosive charge on that TOW?
Re: “Stream of molten metal”
Not sure I understand this.
The TOW is carrying the metal that melts, correct?
Does the initial explosion melt the metal, or is it melted in some way before it gets to the target?
Once the molten metal is over the target, is it slammed through the tank’s armor by the force of the explosion, or does it destroy the tank by some other means?
A shaped charge formed around a cone of (typically copper) metal is melted by the heat and pressure of the exploding charge and basically squirted at the target.
The liquefied metal melts a hole through the armor of the vehicle and upon penetrating the crew compartment becomes an aerosol and explodes as the oxygen in the compartment causes the copper to burn explosively.
No survivors.
The molten metal pierces the hull, and torches the crew. The heat also sets off the propellant in the main gun ammo stacked around the base on the compartment.