What are the parts in a TOW?

• A. Control surfaces and wings; Propulsion system; Wire subsystem
• B. Electronic unit; Warhead; Extendable probe
• C. Control surfaces and wings; Propulsion system; Wire subsystem; Electronic unit; Thermal batteries; Xenon beacon; Thermal beacon; Gyroscope; Warhead; Extendable probe
• D. Propulsion system; Guidance system; Firing mechanism

Answer: (C)

A TOW missile is built from several integrated subsystems: propulsion to push it to the target, a warhead to defeat armor, guidance and control to steer it, and the supporting electronics and power that keep it alive and talking to the launcher. The parts listed cover these areas: control surfaces and wings provide the steering means; the propulsion system supplies the thrust; the wire subsystem carries the command guidance signals from the launcher to the missile; the electronic unit houses the guidance electronics; thermal batteries power the system in harsh environments; xenon beacon and thermal beacon assist tracking and targeting under varying visibility; the gyroscope provides a stable reference for flight direction; the warhead is the payload; and the extendable probe helps gather air-data during the initial flight and then retracts to reduce drag. Together, these components reflect the complete set of hardware that makes up a TOW.