Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems will develop an airborne launcher designed to fire radio frequency-guided TOW anti-tank missiles, the company said in an announcement at the Euro trade show in Paris.
The new airborne launcher for the TOW (tube-launched, optically tracked, wireless-guided) missile will be compatible with past, present and future versions of the missile, including older versions that are guided via a trailing wire, Raytheon said.
The airborne launch capability will better allow pursuit of enemy targets in hard-to-reach areas such as mountains, Dave Cain, Raytheon's TOW program director, said in prepared remarks.
The missiles provide soldiers with a heavy-assault, precision capability at long ranges.
Future versions under consideration include missiles with improved technology to prevent unintended detonation, and increased range.
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The new TOW airborne system will be integrated into Northrop Grumman Corp.'s latest cockpit avionics upgrades, Raytheon said.
The upgrade package with the TOW launcher will initially be available for use on the AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter, said Ike Song, vice president of Situational Awareness Systems for Northrop's Woodland Hills, Calif.-based Navigation Systems division.