Posted on 02/29/2012 6:12:21 AM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Raytheon Demonstrates Enhanced Capabilities for TOW
By Raytheon Company
TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 28, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) tested a new propulsion system for the Tube-Launched, Optically-Tracked, Wireless (TOW) missile. Developed by ATK (NYSE: ATK), the enhanced system doubles TOW's range and reduces the missile's flight time by one-third.
During the test, the developmental propulsion system flew the missile more than seven kilometers (4.35 miles), reaching four kilometers (2.5 miles) in significantly less time.
Raytheon and ATK's Missile Products Group worked 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 (IM) features to provide added safety: IM compliant systems are less likely to react explosively when subjected to bullet and fragment impacts, external fire or other hazardous events.
"We brought an IM propulsion system to a technology readiness level that can be demonstrated to our government customer and which greatly reduces the research and development costs necessary to provide this enhancement to an existing combat-proven system," said Michelle Lohmeier, vice president for Land Combat at Raytheon Missile Systems.
The TOW system has been employed by U.S. forces in every conflict since Vietnam and continues to be used today in Afghanistan. It is a command line-of-sight system that requires the gunner to track the target until the missile impacts.
"This launch, boost, sustain technology greatly enhances the TOW gunner's survivability by allowing us to engage targets outside the threat range of direct engagement systems and by reducing the time we must track a target," said Scott Speet, TOW program director for Raytheon Missile Systems.
About 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 the premier long-range, precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system used throughout the world today. TOW is in service in more than 40 international armed forces and integrated on more than 15,000 ground, vehicle and helicopter platforms worldwide.
About ATK
ATK is an aerospace, defense, and commercial products company with operations in 22 states, Puerto Rico, and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion. News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2011 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 90 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 71,000 people worldwide. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter at @raytheon.
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/28/3905722/raytheon-demonstrates-enhanced.html#storylink=cpy
I see by the picture the wires coming out the back. Why does the article keep saying it’s now “wireless”?
So now they’ve changed the original definition of TOW?
And that pic doesn’t exactly look “wireless”
Somebody goofed. It’s still wired.
Almost double the range of previous versions (3.75 klicks). Talk about reaching out and touching someone.
The FSA sure could use some of these puppies!
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