AH-1W Cobra helicopter fires TOW 2A radio frequency missiles
NewsMarch 30, 2015
TUCSON, Ariz., In a joint exercise with the Naval Air Systems Command, Raytheon test fired two tube-launched, optically-tracked, and wireless-guided (TOW) 2A radio frequency (RF) practice missiles from an AH-1W Cobra attack helicopter.
The test, conducted in December, demonstrated two things: the missile’s capability to be fired from a hovering aircraft and from an aircraft maneuvering to a threat. The two missiles hit their mark inches away from their target. The missiles exceeded ranges of 2600 meters.
The TOW 2A RF missile is compatible with any TOW launch system with the gunner’s actions staying the same. Company officials say this is the first time TOW RF has been launched from an airborne platform.