M901 Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV)
The US Army began developing antitank missiles in the mid-1960s, but struggled in finding an adequate launcher for them. Both the M551 Sheridan and M60A2 "Starship" Patton used the M51 Shillelagh missile, but neither tank was impressive in combat, and the Shillelagh left something to be desired. The Army developed the far superior TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked Wire-guided) missile in the late 1960s, but lacked a vehicle that could fire it, though infantry were equipped with TOW launchers.
As was often the case at the time, the Army hit on the idea of modifying the ubiquitous M113 APC to the role of TOW launcher, as the M901 Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV). The general chassis was unchanged, but a "hammerhead" TOW launcher was added to the top of the hull, replacing the commander's cupola and machine gun. The launcher carried two BGM-71s ready to fire, and a further ten inside. To reload the launcher, it was simply dropped back, and new missiles could be loaded completely undercover. Best of all, the launcher meant the ITV could fire from "hull down," exposing only the launcher itself. The ITV retained all the problems of the M113--light armor and vulnerability to mines--and would have trouble moving while the TOW launcher was in firing position. Still, the system worked, it was easy to employ, and inexpensive. It was also developed into the M981 FIST (Fire Support Team Vehicle), which replaced the TOW launcher with a laser turret to spot for incoming artillery.
The M901 was intended to be used in a European conflict, where it would be attached to tank teams and act as tank destroyers, firing from under cover and ambush. It was supplemented by the M2 Bradley, which had a TOW launcher as well, and TOW-equipped HMMWVs, but these had to be reloaded by a crewman exposed to fire. In the end, the M901 was never used in Europe, but saw action in both Gulf Wars. The US Army withdrew the M901 in the early 21st Century, but ten other countries still use it as of this writing.
This ITV is on display at Fort Douglas, near Salt Lake City, Utah, and is shown with the TOW launcher in firing position. It retains its desert camouflage and Gulf War tactical markings on the hull, though more than likely this M901 was not assigned to the Utah National Guard (which mostly consists of engineer and artillery units).
M901 Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV)
The US Army began developing antitank missiles in the mid-1960s, but struggled in finding an adequate launcher for them. Both the M551 Sheridan and M60A2 "Starship" Patton used the M51 Shillelagh missile, but neither tank was impressive in combat, and the Shillelagh left something to be desired. The Army developed the far superior TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked Wire-guided) missile in the late 1960s, but lacked a vehicle that could fire it, though infantry were equipped with TOW launchers.
As was often the case at the time, the Army hit on the idea of modifying the ubiquitous M113 APC to the role of TOW launcher, as the M901 Improved TOW Vehicle (ITV). The general chassis was unchanged, but a "hammerhead" TOW launcher was added to the top of the hull, replacing the commander's cupola and machine gun. The launcher carried two BGM-71s ready to fire, and a further ten inside. To reload the launcher, it was simply dropped back, and new missiles could be loaded completely undercover. Best of all, the launcher meant the ITV could fire from "hull down," exposing only the launcher itself. The ITV retained all the problems of the M113--light armor and vulnerability to mines--and would have trouble moving while the TOW launcher was in firing position. Still, the system worked, it was easy to employ, and inexpensive. It was also developed into the M981 FIST (Fire Support Team Vehicle), which replaced the TOW launcher with a laser turret to spot for incoming artillery.
The M901 was intended to be used in a European conflict, where it would be attached to tank teams and act as tank destroyers, firing from under cover and ambush. It was supplemented by the M2 Bradley, which had a TOW launcher as well, and TOW-equipped HMMWVs, but these had to be reloaded by a crewman exposed to fire. In the end, the M901 was never used in Europe, but saw action in both Gulf Wars. The US Army withdrew the M901 in the early 21st Century, but ten other countries still use it as of this writing.
This ITV is on display at Fort Douglas, near Salt Lake City, Utah, and is shown with the TOW launcher in firing position. It retains its desert camouflage and Gulf War tactical markings on the hull, though more than likely this M901 was not assigned to the Utah National Guard (which mostly consists of engineer and artillery units).