What is the 'finger of god' missile weapon system being used against Russian armour?
The missile nicknamed the 'finger of god', which has been used in every American conflict since Vietnam, is being used to deadly effect in Ukraine against Russian armour.
The Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wireless-guided weapon system, also known as the TOW missile, is a heavy anti-tank precision assault weapon system consisting of a launcher and a missile.
The US has donated 2,800 TOW missiles to Ukraine to use against the invading Russian forces.
The weapon weighs 49.8lb (22.5kg) and is 49ins (1.24m) long.
The TOW 2B Aero is the most modern and capable missile in the TOW family and can strike a target from 4,500m away.
The BGM-71A TOW missile was first used in the 1970s and has a range of 1.8 miles (2.9km).
Its descendant, the TOW 2 variation has a longer range of 2.3 miles and a larger warhead that can penetrate through 900mm (35in) of steel.
It is estimated that each weapon system costs $100,000 (£79,855).
The TOW can be fired by an individual soldier using a tripod or while mounted on a vehicle such as the Humvee.
It is also the primary anti-tank weapon on the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
The missile has also been used by the AH-1 Cobra helicopter, as well as other aircraft.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
