Raytheon has unveiled a new development, its tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided (TOW) EagleFire Launcher.
The advancement was created to “bridge the capabilities of existing launchers and eliminate obsolescence issues,” the company said Thursday in its press release publicizing the launcher.
The TOW EagleFire is able to launch wire-guided and wireless radio frequency missiles. The launcher is an improvement upon the TOW 2 launcher, despite being less expensive.
“We improved target acquisition and engagement found in the older TOW 2 launcher system,” said Duane Gooden, V.P. of Raytheon’s Land Warfare Systems. “TOW EagleFire is simpler to maintain and more reliable, thanks to built-in test equipment and a significant reduction in system subassemblies.”
Other additions to TOW EagleFire include an integrated day-and-night sight with range-finding capability, extensive built-in capability, and ergonomic handgrips. When a vehicle’s engine is turned off, TOW EagleFire can also deliver silent watch capability for nine hours using its lithium-ion power supply.
Because the new system is less complex, we can provide superior performance in a reduced package,” said Gooden. “By planning today for tomorrow’s upgrades, TOW EagleFire will accommodate future missile evolution.”
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense