Raytheon to Develop New Propulsion System for US Army's TOW Missiles

The United States Army has awarded Raytheon $21 million contract to develop a new propulsion system for the TOW missile. 

The contract funds a three-year effort to make performance improvements to the tube-launched, optically tracked TOW missile, the company said in a statement Sunday.

The TOW system is a long-range, heavy assault-precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system. The radio frequency-guided TOW missile enables ground forces to achieve overmatch against adversary armored and wheeled systems, regardless of the environment or conditions.

"Improving TOW's propulsion system will increase range and deliver enhanced protection for ground troops while providing them with more capability," said Kim Ernzen, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president.

The new contract builds on other development activities. Performance improvements will be integrated into all TOW missile variants, including top and direct attack 2B, direct attack 2A and Bunker Buster missiles.

The TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles can be fired from all TOW weapon system launchers – including the ITAS launcher, Stryker anti-tank guided missile vehicle (modified ITAS launcher) and Bradley Fighting Vehicles (Improved Bradley Acquisition Subsystem).

TOW will remain in the Army's inventory until at least 2050.