2-6. FIRING LIMITATIONS
Some conditions may limit the firing and engagement capabilities of the TOW. The following information should be considered before engaging targets. (See TM 9-1425-450-12 for updated firing limitations.)
a. Firing Over Water. Firing across bodies of water wider than 1,100 meters can reduce the range of the TOW. Signals being sent through the command-link wires are shorted out when a large amount of wire is submerged in water. Maximum and limited range firing over water varies according to missile type. If the range is less than 1,100 meters, the missile's range is not affected. A TOW position should be as high above and as far back from the water as the tactical situation allows. The squad or section leader should analyze his sector as soon as the position is occupied to determine if water will affect the employment of the TOW.
(1) The various types of TOWS listed may be fired over water to a maximum range as shown in Figure 2-1 (TOW launcher and target at water surface level).
(2) The various types of TOWS listed may be fired over water to a limited range as shown in Figure 2-2 (TOW launcher and target at water surface level).
(3) To determine the extended range of missiles when firing over water (when TOW launcher or target is above surface level of water), use Table 2-1.
(a) Determine the type of missile being used.
(b) Determine the height above the water surface of the TOW launcher and place a tick mark at the corresponding height in the left-hand column of the table.
(c) Determine the height above the water surface of the target. Place a tick mark at the corresponding height in the right-hand column of the table.
(d) Connect the two tick marks with a straight line. The point where the lines intersect the center column is the maximum range the missile can travel without getting too close to the water.
b. Firing Over Electrical Lines. If the command-link wires contact a live high-voltage power line, personnel can be injured or control of the missile can be lost. The launcher electronics may also be damaged. In addition to power lines, other high-voltage sources include street cars, electric train ways, and some moving target trolleys on training ranges.
c. Firing in Windy Conditions. Gusty, flanking, or quartering winds can cause the launch tube to vibrate and spoil the tracking performance. The effect is similar to driving in a strong crosswind. Erecting a windscreen next to the launcher helps to reduce this problem. Strong winds can move the missile around during flight, but as long as the cross hairs are kept on the center mass of the target, the weapon system itself can compensate for wind effects.
d. Firing Through Smoke and Area Fires. Smoke can obscure the line of sight and hide the target when using the daysight tracker. A smooth tracking rate should be maintained as the target disappears into a smoke cloud so that the missile will still be on target or very close as the vehicle goes out the other side of the smoke cloud. (This technique should be practiced during field tracking exercises.) A fire can burn through the command-link wire, causing loss of control of the missile. The gunner should avoid firing through fire and over fires if there is a possibility that the wires will contact the fire before missile impact.
e. Firing from Bunkers and Buildings. In accordance with AR 385-62, C1, 5 Jan 77; Chapter 1, paragraphs 1 through 4; and Chapter 6, paragraph 6-11, TOWs will not be fired from buildings, bunkers, or within 100 meters of a vertical or nearly vertical backstop without the approval of the Commanding General.
f. Clearance Requirements. The TOW muzzle must have at least nine inches of clearance at the end of the launch tube so the wings and control surfaces of the missile will not be damaged when they extend after clearing the launch tube. The muzzle of the launch tube must extend beyond any enclosure, window sill, or aperture, and at least 30 inches of clearance must be between the line of sight and any obstruction from 500 to 900 meters downrange. A 30-inch line-of-sight clearance ensures a high probability the missile will not strike the ground on the way to the target (Figure 2-3).
Some conditions may limit the firing and engagement capabilities of the TOW. The following information should be considered before engaging targets. (See TM 9-1425-450-12 for updated firing limitations.)
a. Firing Over Water. Firing across bodies of water wider than 1,100 meters can reduce the range of the TOW. Signals being sent through the command-link wires are shorted out when a large amount of wire is submerged in water. Maximum and limited range firing over water varies according to missile type. If the range is less than 1,100 meters, the missile's range is not affected. A TOW position should be as high above and as far back from the water as the tactical situation allows. The squad or section leader should analyze his sector as soon as the position is occupied to determine if water will affect the employment of the TOW.
(1) The various types of TOWS listed may be fired over water to a maximum range as shown in Figure 2-1 (TOW launcher and target at water surface level).
(2) The various types of TOWS listed may be fired over water to a limited range as shown in Figure 2-2 (TOW launcher and target at water surface level).
(3) To determine the extended range of missiles when firing over water (when TOW launcher or target is above surface level of water), use Table 2-1.
(a) Determine the type of missile being used.
(b) Determine the height above the water surface of the TOW launcher and place a tick mark at the corresponding height in the left-hand column of the table.
(c) Determine the height above the water surface of the target. Place a tick mark at the corresponding height in the right-hand column of the table.
(d) Connect the two tick marks with a straight line. The point where the lines intersect the center column is the maximum range the missile can travel without getting too close to the water.
b. Firing Over Electrical Lines. If the command-link wires contact a live high-voltage power line, personnel can be injured or control of the missile can be lost. The launcher electronics may also be damaged. In addition to power lines, other high-voltage sources include street cars, electric train ways, and some moving target trolleys on training ranges.
c. Firing in Windy Conditions. Gusty, flanking, or quartering winds can cause the launch tube to vibrate and spoil the tracking performance. The effect is similar to driving in a strong crosswind. Erecting a windscreen next to the launcher helps to reduce this problem. Strong winds can move the missile around during flight, but as long as the cross hairs are kept on the center mass of the target, the weapon system itself can compensate for wind effects.
d. Firing Through Smoke and Area Fires. Smoke can obscure the line of sight and hide the target when using the daysight tracker. A smooth tracking rate should be maintained as the target disappears into a smoke cloud so that the missile will still be on target or very close as the vehicle goes out the other side of the smoke cloud. (This technique should be practiced during field tracking exercises.) A fire can burn through the command-link wire, causing loss of control of the missile. The gunner should avoid firing through fire and over fires if there is a possibility that the wires will contact the fire before missile impact.
e. Firing from Bunkers and Buildings. In accordance with AR 385-62, C1, 5 Jan 77; Chapter 1, paragraphs 1 through 4; and Chapter 6, paragraph 6-11, TOWs will not be fired from buildings, bunkers, or within 100 meters of a vertical or nearly vertical backstop without the approval of the Commanding General.
f. Clearance Requirements. The TOW muzzle must have at least nine inches of clearance at the end of the launch tube so the wings and control surfaces of the missile will not be damaged when they extend after clearing the launch tube. The muzzle of the launch tube must extend beyond any enclosure, window sill, or aperture, and at least 30 inches of clearance must be between the line of sight and any obstruction from 500 to 900 meters downrange. A 30-inch line-of-sight clearance ensures a high probability the missile will not strike the ground on the way to the target (Figure 2-3).
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