FAIL: Watch a US TOW Missile Fail to Penetrate a Russian T-90 (Video)

Russia Insider ^ | February 27, 2016 | RT

[marvel5]

A video published online by a Syrian rebel group shows what appears to be a direct hit by a US-made BGM-71 TOW on the turret of a Russia-supplied T-90 tank of the Syrian Army.

The video is one of a multitude of instances of the use of TOW missiles by rebels in Syria, but it may be the first time the anti-tank weapon was used against the advanced T-90 main battle tank.

The clip shows the optically-guided missile approaching the partially-covered tank, followed by a bright explosion and a cloud of smoke. Moments later one of the tank crew members is seeing escaping the turret hatch and diving for cover.

[mvonfr]

Ill trained crew - stationary too long, hatches open in combat zone, etc. Crew likely was used to T-60s or T-70s which would have been a fatal hit and was reacting to that.

Most likely ... T-90 is a new addition to Syrian armor, two months or so, and Syrian army for the most part does not suffer from extra competence yet. ISIS capture of Khanaser three days demonstrates serious problems on higher levels than a tank crew.

[rineaux]

I know but it’s BS. These same weapons are pointed at our people too.

[glorgau]

Reading the comments...

Aloha snackbar! ;-)

[PIF]

I think that place was just retaken. Seesaw battle

[43north]

Listening to the soundtrack those morons keep repeating aloha snackbar like they have echolalia.

[rineaux]

hahaha. Thought that’s what they were yelling. My gut hurts now.

[mvonfr]

It was and the road is functional now... took them three days... but that SAA did not foresee this attack and was not prepared is not encouraging.

[mvonfr]

It was and the road is functional now... took them three days... but that SAA did not foresee this attack and was not prepared is not encouraging.

[doorgunner69]

I suspect their ears were ringing and GTFO was uppermost on the mind after the hit. Find out if all body parts are still attached, then proceed?

[kaehurowing]

“Syrian rebels” = ISIS

[Bogie]

What is McCain doing in the Senate?

[DoughtyOne]

[rineaux]

Simple answer pi**ing and cra^^ng in his depends. Arizona really needs to dump that DS.

[Delta 21]

Un-ass the tank post haste, seek immediate cover. Hopefully your wingman is going to town on the TOW crew with wreck-less abandon.

[FReepaholic]

They could’ve been using an older version of the TOW and not the version for defeating reactive armor.

[Delta 21]

Secure clean skivvies!

[Blueflag]

My understanding is that a TOW will do a terminal climb/dive to penetrate from the top, but this is a selectable flight profile. User training??

[DoughtyOne]

Folks, if you're reading this, you know what needs to happen.
It doesn't take a big contribution. Pick your comfort level and
please join others to help put the FReepathon to rest. Thank you.

The above note was first presented to you on 02/25 at around 11:00.
The goal shortfall at that time is depicted to you on the left.
The graphic on the right reveals our status as of 02/26 22:30.
We can finish this by Sunday night. Let's do it.

Let's give Jim, his crew, and us a full month to rest up.

Jim, his crew, and every other FReeper thanks you.

[goldstategop]

A descendant of the Soviet T-34, arguably the best battle tank ever built.

German shells bounced off it.

[ThunderSleeps]

If it failed to penetrate, why did the crew member bail out?

That's what I was thinking. Why would you leave your armored combat vehicle in a war zone unless you had to?