The TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided) missile system is the most powerful land based anti-armour weapon in the game (along with it’s Eastern counterpart the HJ-8).

Positioned at strategic points throughout most maps the TOW’s primary function is for defence against armoured vehicles but its guidance systems mean that it can effectively be used against faster moving light armoured vehicles or even troops.

Mounted on a tripod the TOW is capable of 360-degrees of lateral rotation and can angle vertically to a sufficient extent for most terrain situations. The operator sights through an eyepiece that provides a targeting reticule; once the missile is launched its trajectory can be adjusted in-flight by maintaining the target within this reticule. Armoured vehicles can detect when they are being targeted by the TOW and may attempt to take evasive manoeuvres.

The TOW’s wire-guided flight system combined with its extreme range make it ideal for destroying targets before they are in a position to engage you but its low hit-points and almost non-existent armour protection make it a dangerous place to stay when the enemy is closer.

As well as the tripod mounting the TOW can be mounted onto a HMMWV; not only does this provide high manoeuvrability but also light armour for the operator.

The TOW anti-tank missile was introduced for service in the US Army in 1970. Current versions are capable of penetrating more than 30 inches of armour, or “any 1990s tank,” at a maximum range of more than 3,000 meters. It can be fired by infantrymen using a tripod, as well from vehicles and helicopters, and can launch 3 missiles in 90 seconds. TOW is used to engage and destroy enemy armoured vehicles, primarily tanks. Secondary mission is to destroy other point targets such as non-armoured vehicles, crew-served weapons and launchers. The system will operate in all weather conditions and on the “dirty” battlefield. 1)