TOW-2B

[Void]

I have a rather simple question.

 

Why does the TOW-2B have two warheads?

 

According to the only info I could find, one is offset from the other to "improve accuracy". That seemed kind of odd to me, as the missile is over the target when it explodes and both warheads seem to be very close together. Especially since all other EFP systems I know of seem to work fine with one warhead.

 

I sincerely appreciate your consideration.

Edited May 9, 2007 by Void

[Ssnake]

Not sure if it was the TOW 2B or BILL or some other top attack missile that had two warheads, but in that case one was designed to go into the crew compartment while the other would hit the engine (or the other way around, depending on whather we're talking of an MBT or IFV with their classic distributions of crew and engine). It doesn't help much killing a BMP's engine when the largest part of its combat power - the squad in the rear - escapes unharmed, ready to fight.

[Sven Arvidsson]

Not sure if it was the TOW 2B or BILL or some other top attack missile that had two warheads, but in that case one was designed to go into the crew compartment while the other would hit the engine (or the other way around, depending on whather we're talking of an MBT or IFV with their classic distributions of crew and engine). It doesn't help much killing a BMP's engine when the largest part of its combat power - the squad in the rear - escapes unharmed, ready to fight.

The Bill 2's two warheads are designed to hit the same spot on the target roof, the idea being that the first one would neutralize any ERA protection for greater effect of the second warhead. And I think the term "unharmed" is streching it a bit for those who have been on the recieving end of a large-calibre ATGM, even if they happen to survive the blast and spall.

[Ssnake]

Well, the question is, where does the HEAT jet penetrate. If it goes through the engine compartment and is isolated from the crew compartment (I mean, there's an engine separation wall and all that), the squad could remain relatively unharmed. You'd have to strike it a bit lucky, so much I concede. Then again, the BMP's bow and engine compartment is pretty big in relation to the rest, so the chances don't appear totally unrealistic to me.

 

Having said that, I would decidedly not volunteer to prove my theory by sitting in the rear in a live demonstration.

[Ssnake]

The Bill 2's two warheads are designed to hit the same spot on the target roof...

Yes, now I remember that video. Well, so it was some other missile. Heck, maybe it was the TOW-2B after all.

[Burncycle360]

One warhead detonating doesn't throw the other off target?

[Ssnake]

One warhead detonating doesn't throw the other off target?

I'd imagine a simultaneous detonation, just with different angles. The next question is, are you firing a hypersensitive HEAT jet or an EFP slug where minor distortions may still be acceptable due to the thinner surfaces that are being attacked.