OREANDA-NEWS. Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) has introduced its TOW® EagleFire™ launcher, an evolutionary development designed to bridge the capabilities of existing launchers and eliminate obsolescence issues.

Designed to fire both the wire-guided and wireless radio frequency missiles, TOW EagleFire provides increased capabilities over the TOW 2 launcher at a lower cost.

"We improved target acquisition and engagement found in the older TOW 2 launcher system," said Duane Gooden, vice president of Raytheon's Land Warfare Systems. "TOW EagleFire is simpler to maintain and more reliable, thanks to built-in test equipment and a significant reduction in system subassemblies."

Other improvements include:

  • Integrated day-and-night sight with range-finding capability
  • Ergonomic handgrips
  • Extensive Built-in-Test capability

TOW EagleFire's lithium-ion power source allows for a nine-hour silent watch capability, when a vehicle's engine is off, along with built-in AC and on-vehicle charging capability.

"Because the new system is less complex, we can provide superior performance in a reduced package," said Gooden. "By planning today for tomorrow's upgrades, TOW EagleFire will accommodate future missile evolution."