The M901-series improved TOW vehicle ITV has a high first-round hit probability with a rapid engagement rate. It provides the crew and
weapon system protection from small-arms fire and artillery fragments.
The squad leader has about a 270° range of view through the squad leader's periscope (SLP), which enhances the ITV's capability
to operate from concealed and full-hull defilade positions. The turret launcher has the capability for day and night acquisition and
tracking of targets, and it provides firing coverages of 360° in azimuth and +35° to -30° in elevation.
The ITV has stowage provisions for tripod-mounted TOW components configured so the ground system can be dismounted and set up in three
to five minutes. The M901 employs the M220A1 TOW and the M901A1 employs the M220A2 TOW 2.
The hydraulically and electrically powered turret can be operated manually. An elevating mechanism positions the launcher
platform into reload and elevated positions. The loader has side and overhead protection during loading, which requires 40 seconds.
The Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) was developed for TOW 2 and later. It includes a laser rangefinder, increased acquisition
range, improved night capabilities (second-generation thermal channel), an automatic boresight and greater hit probability.
M243 Smoke Grenade Launcher
Eight smoke grenades detonate in about a 105° arc 98 feet (30 meters) from the vehicle. The smoke cloud is about 30 feet (9 meters)
high and lasts about one to three minutes, depending on wind. The front of the vehicle is facing the area where the smoke is to conceal
the movement of the vehicle.
M901 Replaced
The Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army approved the replacement of the M901 ITV with the Bradley Fighting Vehicle in mechanized infantry
battalions. While this change provides a much greater improvement in mobility, survivability, and firepower over the M901, the basic
mission of the Bradley-equipped company remains the same.
- Due to the lack of a dismounted element, the Bradley-equipped company must rely on attached and or supporting dismounted
infantry to provide local security.
- The Bradley-equipped company consumes slightly more fuel than a M901 ITV company. This does not present much of a problem
since the additional fuel requirements easily fall within the battalion's organic fuel hauling capacity.
- The Bradley-equipped company can conduct a guard or screen mission much more effectively than a M901-equipped company since
the Bradley has better mobility and firepower.
- M901, M901A1
- The platform vehicle is the M113A1. Launcher variants have been upgraded with new turrets
and launcher heads to fit the later TOW variants, such as ITOW, TOW 2, 2A and 2B.
- M901A2
- Launcher vehicle fitted for TOW 2.
- M901A3
- Uses a modified M113A3 as the platform vehicle.
A variety of M113-based vehicles have incorporated TOW "hammerhead" launcher for use as ATGM launcher vehicles.
These include the Italian VCC-1-based launcher vehicle, and the Dutch Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV)-based launcher vehicle.
