What is the TOW flight speed due to the flight motor?

• A. 900-1000 fps
• B. 750-800 fps
• C. 850-900 fps
• D. 979-1080 fps

Answer: (D)

During the flight motor burn, the missile accelerates to velocity set by the motor’s thrust and burn duration. For the TOW, the sustain burn brings the airframe to roughly 1,000 feet per second, and specifications place the speed during motor operation in a range of about 979 to 1080 fps. This range accounts for tolerances in manufacture and varying conditions like altitude and temperature. The other ranges don’t reflect the motor’s capability during burn and are too low to represent the speed achieved while the motor is firing. After the motor burns out, the missile coast slows due to drag, so the speed while the motor is active is the value you memorize.