WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) weapon system can fire multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles. It is widely used as a long-range, precision, anti-armor, anti-fortification weapon system throughout the world, according to Raytheon.
"Raytheon… has introduced its TOW Eagle Fire launcher… [d]esigned to fire both the wire-guided and wireless radio frequency missiles, the release read on Thursday.
The TOW Eagle Fire provides increased capabilities over the TOW 2 launcher at a lower cost, the company claimed.
"We improved target acquisition and engagement found in the older TOW 2 launcher system," Raytheon Land Warfare Systems Vice President Duane Gooden said.
TOW Eagle Fire, he added, is simpler to maintain and more reliable, thanks to built-in test equipment.
The new system also introduces integrated day-and-night sight with range-finding capability and its lithium-ion power source allows for a nine-hour silent watch capability, when a vehicle's engine is off, along with built-in air conditioning and on-vehicle charging capability, Raytheon said.
More than 690,000 TOW missiles have been delivered to US and allied forced around the world.
According to numerous media reports, Syrian rebels had been using the US anti-tank TOW BGM-71 missiles.
