M901 ITV
Improved TOW Vehicle
Overview
M901 ITV
US Army M901 ITV seen with launcher in firing position during an exercise in 1985. Note the M60 pintle mounted machine gun.
Source: US Army -
© Public domain
Greece
Description
Introduction
The M901 ITV is a late Cold War era tank destroyer of US origin. It was designed to replace various earlier tank destroyers, some of which were still based around the recoilless rifle. The M901 is called the improved TOW vehicle since there also was a design based on the M113 which had a single manually operated TOW launcher.
Design
The M901 ITV is based on the tracked chassis of the M113A2 armored personnel carrier, produced in large number in the US. The M901 ads the "hammerhead" retractable launcher for the BGM-71 TOW anti-tank guided missile. The interior of the vehicle is rearranged for ammunition stowage. The launcher is stowed when moving and raised in the firing position. Two missiles are ready to fire, but only one can be steered towards its target at a time. For reloading the launcher is partially retracted.
Firepower
The BGM-71 TOW missile has proven to be a capable and reliable anti-tank missile. These missile can reach up to 3.75 km and have SACLOS guidance via wire. The M901 ITV was upgraded over time to support the newer TOW-2 family of missiles. Downsides of the TOW missile are its limited speed in flight and the requirement for the operator the track the target until impact. A pintle mounted 7.62mm machine gun can be fitted for self-defense.
Protection
The aluminum hull protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. A major hazard is that the target may see the TOW missile being launched and engage the launch vehicle. The M901 ITV is not protected from any tank cannon or autocannon fire. The unmanned elevated launcher does provide the ability for the M901 ITV to fire from behind hard cover or in defilade, with only the launcher exposed to enemy fire. Smoke grenade dischargers can be used to temporarily obscure the vehicle.
Mobility
The M901 ITV has the same mobility as the M113A2 it is based on. This means it has good mobility on road and in the field. A 212 hp 6V53 diesel engine provides propulsion. This is upgraded to the 275 hp 6V53T engine in the M901A3. The M901 ITV is amphibious and may cross calm water.
Users
The M901 ITV was acquired in large numbers by the US Army, where it was used by both cavalry and infantry units. It was used during various conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm. Several batches of vehicles have been exported or gifted to US allies in Europe, North Africa and Asia. Although the M901 ITV has been replaced in US service, it remains in service with several nations around the world.
Variants
M901 ITV
Forward view of a US Army M901 ITV on the move with launcher in stowed position during an exercise in 1983. Note the M60 pintle mounted machine gun.
Source: US Army -
© Public domain
List of M901 ITV variants
Details
Subcomponents
M113
The M901 Improved TOW vehicle uses the M113A2 chassis. Some vehicles were converted from M113A1 as well. The M901A3 variant includes the automotive improvements as found on the M113A3.
BGM-71 TOW
The BGM-71 TOW missile is the main armament of the M901 Improved TOW vehicle.
The M901 can launch the Basic TOW and I-TOW missiles. The M901A1 and A3 can fire all three variants of the TOW-2 missile as well.
M60
In US military service the 7.62mm M60 machine gun is fitted for self-defense. Other nations have used various other types of medium machine gun such as the MAG and MG3.
Media
M901 ITV
Hellenic army M901 ITV seen at a parade in Athens in 2008. Note the 7.62mm MG3 machine gun.
Source: Konstantinos Stampoulis
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
M901 ITV
Hellenic army M901 ITV seen at a parade in Athens in 2008. Note the 7.62mm MG3 machine gun and launcher in stowed position.
Source: Konstantinos Stampoulis
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
M901 ITV
Rear view of a US Army M901 ITV on the move with launcher in stowed position during an exercise in 1983.
Source: US Army
Copyright: Public domain
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