What is the tensile strength of the TOW wire?

• A. 250,000 psi
• B. 530,000 pounds per square inch
• C. 1,000,000 psi
• D. 100,000 psi

Answer: (B)

Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand before it breaks, and the TOW guidance wire must remain intact under the heavy loads experienced during launch, flight, and control maneuvers. The wire used for this system is a high‑strength steel cable, designed to withstand substantial tension without snapping, while still being light enough to not overly burden the missile during flight. A value around 530,000 psi reflects typical high‑strength steel wire properties used in aerospace guidance cables, giving the necessary strength with a practical weight. Among the given options, 530,000 psi best matches the expected strength of the TOW wire.

The other figures are less appropriate: 100,000 psi is too low for reliable performance under launch and flight loads; 250,000 psi is weaker than what’s typically required for this application; 1,000,000 psi would imply an exotic material or technology not used for standard guidance wires.