Raytheon Co. has received a $21 million contract to develop a new propulsion system for the TOW missile. The TOW system is a long-range is a long-range, heavy assault-precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system. It employs an RF-based guidance system provides a response against armored and wheeled weapons systems.
The contract funds a three-year effort to make performance improvements to the tube-launched, optically tracked TOW missile. The new contract builds on other development activities. Performance improvements will be integrated into all TOW missile variants, including the top and direct attack 2B, direct attack 2A, and Bunker Buster missiles.
“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. “Raytheon and the Army have consistently upgraded the TOW weapon system to keep it relevant for today’s fight, and help our soldiers preserve their overmatch advantage on the battlefield.”
Raytheon has delivered more than 690,000 TOW weapon systems to U.S. and allied warfighters. Deployed by more than 20 international armed forces, TOW missile systems are integrated on more than 15,000 ground, vehicular, and helicopter defense systems.
