Place of origin United States Length 4.86 m (15 ft 11½ in) | Weight 12 tonnes Width 2.69 m (8 ft 9¾ in) | |
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Type Tank destroyer using ATGMs Height 2.94 m (9 ft 8 in) targeting head stowed, 3.41 m (11 ft 2 in) head extended | ||
The M901 ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle) is a United States Army armored vehicle introduced into service in 1979, and designed to carry a dual M220 TOW launcher. It is based on the ubiquitous M113 Armored Personnel Carrier chassis. The M901 ITV is no longer in front line service with the US Army.
Contents
Equipment
The M901 ITV provides the crew and weapon system protection from small-arms fire and artillery fragments. The squad leader has a 270-degree range of view through the squad leader's periscope (SLP). The turret launcher has the capability for day and night acquisition and tracking of targets, and it provides firing coverages of 360 degrees in azimuth and +35 to −30 degrees 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. In addition, the ITV is completely amphibious and is air transportable. It has the following characteristics:
The system is capable of firing two missiles without reloading and carries ten TOW rounds in the missile rack. Reloading is performed under armor protection and is accomplished by tilting the launching apparatus back so that the crew can reach the turret through the carrier's rear roof hatch. The missile launcher targeting head is at the end of a pivoting arm which raises the launcher assembly for firing. When stowed, the turret is aimed down and to the rear of the vehicle. A major limitation of the M901 is that it is practically unable to move while the turret is in firing position, and unable to fire while it is in the stowed position. A common work-around is to move the vehicle while the turret is in the loading position, thereby reducing the amount of time to get the turret in a fire position as opposed to the stow position. Moving from the firing to the stowed position is a procedure that takes several seconds and some skill on the part of the operator.
Variants
Current operators
Former operators
Similar vehicles
The M981 FISTV (Fire Support Team Vehicle) armored vehicle is based on the M901 ITV and closely resembles it, in a deliberate effort to make it less conspicuous on the battlefield.
The NM142 is a similar vehicle used by the Norwegian Army.
The YPR-765 PRAT uses the same turret as the M901 but on the hull of the AIFV, an improved M113.