The M901 Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV) was a variant on the hugely successful M113 Gavin series of APCs. The M901 was designed to be a mobile anti-tank weapons platform carrying the TOW anti-tank missile launcher. The system was to be used in conjunction with main battle tank and infantry vehicles in a supportive protection role.
The M901 was upgraded to the TOW-2 variant of missile and can house a total of 12 missiles onboard (2 readied in the launcher itself. The launcher rests down and to the rear when in transport position and raises up for firing. The turret launcher system has full 360 degree traversal and +34/-30 elevation/depression respectively.
Though still in service with countries around the world, it has been removed from service with the US Army in favor of TOW-armed Bradley Fighting Vehicles. A variant of the M901 exists as the M981 FISTV, which serves the sole purpose of designating targets via laser but does not directly engage them.
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Armored Vehicle Quick Profile
Image Courtesy of the United States Department of Defense.
1977
Designation:M901 ITV Classification Type:Improved TOW Vehicle Contractor:United Defense LP, CA - USA Country of Origin: United States Number Built: Not Available
Operators: Egypt, Netherlands and the United States of America
Variants
M981 FISTV (FIre Support Team Vehicle) - Used strictly to designated targets for other weapon systems to engage.
ATLV (Artillery Target Location Vehicle) FISTV - Egyptian Variant
AIFV (Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle) - Dutch Variant
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