Armed Assault Wiki

NOTE: This article is about the static TOW launcher featured in ArmA: Armed Assault/ArmA 2. For other similarly named articles, you may wish to use the following links instead:
■ For the BGM-71 TOW in S.O.G. Prairie Fire, see BGM-71 TOW (S.O.G.).
■ For the TOW in CSLA Iron Curtain, see TOW (CSLA).


The TOW (alternately referred to as the AT Tripod or TOW Tripod) is an anti-tank missile launcher featured in ArmA: Armed Assault and ArmA 2.


ArmA: Armed Assault[]

The AT Tripod is used by both U.S. Army forces and the SLA in ArmA: Armed Assault.

Overview[]

The AT Tripod is a static defensive turret that can launch wire-guided anti-tank missiles.

It can launch TOW missiles at a rate of one every 8 seconds (~ 7 rounds per minute).[A1CfgW 3][Formula 1] The launcher's sight has variable zoom optics (minimum zoom of 0.625x[A1CfgV 1][Formula 2], maximum of 1.81x zoom[A1CfgV 2][Formula 3]) and comes pre-loaded with a single missile. An additional five missiles are available in reserve, providing a total of six missiles per launcher.[A1CfgV 3]

The seekers on the AT Tripod's TOW missiles are exclusively wire-guided and cannot lock onto targets autonomously.[A1CfgA 1] They can be manually controlled up to a maximum distance of 8,000 metres.[A1CfgA 2]

The AT Tripod's mount allows for the launcher to be freely rotated in any direction horizontally.[A1CfgV 4][A1CfgV 5] Vertical rotation allows for a maximum elevation of up to 70 degrees[A1CfgV 6] and a depression of just 10 degrees.[A1CfgV 7]


Optics[]

Arma1-tow-ironsight-overview

The AT Tripod's sight has variable zoom magnification, providing a minimum zoom of 0.625x[A1CfgV 1][Formula 2] and a maximum zoom of 1.81x.[A1CfgV 2][Formula 3]

The sight itself cannot toggle enhanced vision modes but the user is able to wear their night vision goggles whilst they are looking through it.


Munitions[]

The AT Tripod can only fire one type of missile:

Parameter Value
Base damage value 650[A1CfgA 3]
Splash damage value 20[A1CfgA 4]
Warhead type Armour Piercing + High-Explosive
Blast radius (metres) 2[A1CfgA 5]
Launch velocity (m/s) 8[A1CfgM 2]
Maximum speed (m/s) 360[A1CfgA 6]

Utilises SACLOS for guidance.[A1CfgA 1] Can be manually controlled up to a maximum distance of 8,000 metres.[A1CfgA 2]

TOW missiles are launched with an initial velocity of 8 m/s[A1CfgM 2] and require a further 2.5 seconds of flight time[A1CfgA 7] to attain a maximum speed of 360 m/s.[A1CfgA 6] The missiles utilise a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that has a blast radius of 2 metres.[A1CfgA 5]


Trivia[]

  • The AT Tripod was not originally available at release and was only added after Patch 1.14 (alongside the introduction of the Warfare game mode).[1]
  • It is strangely shared with the SLA despite clearly being an American-made weapon.
  • Although its TOW missiles have a maximum range of 8,000 metres, it is usually not possible to hit targets at this distance due to technical limitations with wire-guided projectiles. Once the missile flies beyond ~ 2,000 metres, it can behave erratically to the point that it can no longer be controlled properly.

Gallery[]

ArmA 2[]

« The BGM-71 TOW is an American anti-tank guided missile. TOW stands for "Tube-launched Optically-tracked Wire-to-command-Link." The TOW is able to penetrate up to 1m of armor, with an effective range of 3.750m.
Armoury Description[2][3]
»


The TOW is used by both the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army forces in ArmA 2.

Overview[]

Returning from Armed Assault, ArmA 2's iteration of the TOW is now exclusively utilised by BLUFOR factions.

Like its previous incarnation, TOW launchers come pre-loaded with one missile and have access to a further five spares (for a combined total of six TOWs).[A2CfgV 1] ArmA 2's TOW launcher still launches missiles at a rate of one every 8 seconds (~ 7 RPM).[A2CfgW 3][Formula 4] The main differences are that its TOW missiles are now fired with a greater initial velocity of 55.16 m/s instead[A2CfgM 2], and that the launcher's sight provides the user with the ability to better spot enemy targets now that it has access to thermal vision.[A2CfgV 2][A2CfgV 3]

However, ArmA 2's TOW missiles are also slightly downgraded. For example, their warheads are much weaker (~ 30% reduction in base damage) and can only attain a maximum in-flight speed of 296 m/s.[A2CfgA 1] Manoeuvrability[A2CfgA 2][A2CfgA 3] and maximum control ranges have also been reduced (3,750 metres as opposed to 8,000).[A2CfgA 4] These changes makes it harder to control at its max speed and also means that the launcher's attack range has been sharply cut.

The TOW's tripod can be freely rotated in either direction horizontally.[A2CfgV 4][A2CfgV 5] Vertical rotation remains locked to a maximum elevation of 70 degrees[A2CfgV 6] and a depression of just 10 degrees.[A2CfgV 7]


Optics[]

Arma2-tow-ironsight-overview

The TOW's sight cannot be manually zeroed. It can switch between two zoom levels (1.25x[A2CfgV 8][Formula 5]-10x[A2CfgV 9][Formula 6]). It can toggle a black- or white-hot thermal vision mode.[A2CfgV 2][A2CfgV 3]


Munitions[]

Static TOW launchers can only fire one type of ordnance:

Parameter Value
Base damage value 480[A2CfgA 5]
Splash damage value 12[A2CfgA 6]
Warhead type High-Explosive Anti-Tank
Blast radius (metres) 1.2[A2CfgA 7]
Launch velocity (m/s) 55.16[A2CfgM 2]
Maximum speed (m/s) 296[A2CfgA 1]

SACLOS-guided missile.[A2CfgA 8] Can be manually controlled up to a maximum distance of 3,750 metres.[A2CfgA 4]

TOW missiles are launched with an initial velocity of 55.16 m/s[A2CfgM 2] and take a further 1.45 seconds[A2CfgA 9] to reach a top in-flight speed of 296 m/s.[A2CfgA 1] The missile utilises a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead that has a blast radius of only 1.2 metres.[A2CfgA 7]


Trivia[]

  • The TOW initially lacked the ability to use thermal optics and was only granted this capability after the release of the Operation Arrowhead expansion pack.
  • In stark contrast to how they functioned previously in Armed Assault, ArmA 2's TOW missiles were originally able to lock onto vehicles via infrared. This was eventually corrected with the latest Steam version patches (as part of the Community Configuration Project).[4]
  • Just like in Armed Assault, even though the TOW's missiles are theoretically capable of hitting targets at its maximum range, this is usually not feasible in regular gameplay due to bugs with manually guided projectiles beyond 2,000 metres.

Gallery[]

Config/script references[]

CfgAmmo (ArmA: Armed Assault)

  1. 1.0 1.1 CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> manualControl >> "1"
  2. 2.0 2.1 CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> maxControlRange
  3. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> hit
  4. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> indirectHit
  5. 5.0 5.1 CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> indirectHitRange
  6. 6.0 6.1 CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> maxSpeed
  7. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> thrustTime

CfgMagazines (ArmA: Armed Assault)

  1. CfgMagazines >> 6Rnd_TOW_TriPod >> count
  2. 2.0 2.1 CfgMagazines >> 6Rnd_TOW_TriPod >> initSpeed

CfgWeapons (ArmA: Armed Assault)

  1. CfgWeapons >> TOWLauncherSingle_Static >> recoil
  2. CfgWeapons >> TOWLauncherSingle_Static >> dexterity
  3. CfgWeapons >> TOWLauncherSingle_Static >> reloadTime

CfgVehicles (ArmA: Armed Assault)

  1. 1.0 1.1 CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> ViewOptics >> maxFov >> "0.63999999"
  2. 2.0 2.1 CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> ViewOptics >> minFov >> "0.22"
  3. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> magazines[] >> {"6Rnd_TOW_TriPod"}
  4. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> minTurn
  5. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> maxTurn
  6. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> maxElev
  7. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> minElev

CfgAmmo (ArmA 2)

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> maxSpeed
  2. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> maneuvrability >> "5"
  3. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> sideAirFriction >> "0.084"
  4. 4.0 4.1 CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> maxControlRange
  5. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> hit
  6. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> indirectHit
  7. 7.0 7.1 CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> indirectHitRange
  8. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> manualControl
  9. CfgAmmo >> M_TOW_AT >> thrustTime

CfgMagazines (ArmA 2)

  1. CfgMagazines >> 6Rnd_TOW_HMMWV >> count
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 CfgMagazines >> 6Rnd_TOW_HMMWV >> initSpeed

CfgWeapons (ArmA 2)

  1. CfgWeapons >> TOWLauncherSingle >> recoil
  2. CfgWeapons >> TOWLauncherSingle >> dexterity
  3. CfgWeapons >> TOWLauncherSingle >> reloadTime

CfgVehicles (ArmA 2)

  1. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> magazines[] >> {"6Rnd_TOW_HMMWV"}
  2. 2.0 2.1 CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> ViewOptics >> visionMode[] >> {"Normal","Ti"}
  3. 3.0 3.1 CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> ViewOptics >> thermalMode[] >> {0,1}
  4. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> minTurn
  5. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> maxTurn
  6. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> maxElev
  7. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> minElev
  8. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> ViewOptics >> maxFov >> "0.2"
  9. CfgVehicles >> TOW_TriPod_Base >> Turrets >> MainTurret >> ViewOptics >> minFov >> "0.025"

Formulae

  1. 60 / reloadTime = 60 / 8
  2. 2.0 2.1 0.4 / maxFov = 0.4 / 0.63999999
  3. 3.0 3.1 0.4 / minFov = 0.4 / 0.22
  4. 60 / reloadTime = 60 / 8
  5. 0.25 / maxFov = 0.25 / 0.2
  6. 0.25 / minFov = 0.25 / 0.025

Notes[]

  1. The AT Tripod actually uses a 6-round missile "magazine" but due to its imposed firing delay, only one missile can be loaded into the tube and fired at a time (thereby restricting it to a "capacity" of only one missile).
  2. 2.0 2.1 Dexterity is defined within the weapon's config but it does not apply since the TOW is a static turret.
  3. The TOW actually uses a 6-round missile "magazine" but due to its imposed firing delay, only one missile can be loaded into the tube and fired at a time (thereby restricting it to a "capacity" of only one missile).

References[]

  1. Španěl, M et al. 2007, ArmA: Armed Assault: Version History, Bohemia Interactive Community Wiki, viewed 28 August 2023, <https://community.bistudio.com/wiki/ArmA:_Armed_Assault:_Version_History#Version_1.14>.
  2. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2009, Static Launchers, Arma 2, viewed 5 March 2025, <https://www.arma2.com/arma-2-weaponry/static-launchers>.
  3. Bohemia Interactive a.s., 2010, Static Launchers, Arma 2, viewed 5 March 2025, <https://www.arma2.com/arma-2-oa-weaponry/a-2-oa-static-launchers>.
  4. Foltyn, D, Španěl, M et al. 2013, Roadmap - Arma 2: Community Configuration Project, DevHeaven, viewed 28 August 2023, <http://web.archive.org/web/20130627131748/https://dev-heaven.net/projects/arma-2-ccp/roadmap>. (archived link)

External links[]

See also[]

Static weapons of comparable role and configuration[]

Weapons of ArmA: Armed Assault
Handguns M9 9 mmMakarov 9 mm
Submachine guns MP5A5 9 mm (SD6)
Carbines AKS-74U 5.45 mmM4A1 5.56 mm (M4A1 GL, M4, M4 GL)
Assault rifles AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 + GP-25, AKS-74 PSO) • G36 series (G36, G36C, G36K) • M16A2 5.56 mm (M203) • M16A4 5.56 mm (GL)
Designated marksman rifles Mk12 SPR 5.56 mm
Sniper rifles KSVK 12.7 mmM107 .50M24 7.62 mmSVD Dragunov 7.62 mm
Squad automatic weapons M249 SAW 5.56 mm
Machineguns M240 7.62 mmPKM 7.62 mm
Grenade launchers 6G30
Launchers 9K32 StrelaFIM-92F StingerJavelin LauncherM136RPG-7V
Static AA PodAT TripodAGS-30D-30DShKMM2M119A1Mk. 19Searchlight
(Parenthesis) denote variants.
Queen's Gambit
U.S. Army - Armoury (ArmA: Armed Assault)
Handguns M9 9 mm*
Submachine guns MP5A5 9 mm (SD6)
Carbines G36 series* (G36C*, G36K*) • M4A1 5.56 mm* (M4A1 GL*, M4, M4 GL)
Assault rifles G36 5.56 mmM16A4 5.56 mm (GL)
Designated marksman rifles Mk12 SPR 5.56 mm*
Sniper rifles M107 .50M24 7.62 mm
Squad automatic weapons M249 SAW 5.56 mm*
Machineguns M240 7.62 mm
Launchers FIM-92F StingerJavelin LauncherM136
Static AA PodAT TripodM2M119A1Mk. 19Searchlight
(Parenthesis) denote variants.
* denotes weapons also used by the Black Element sub-faction.
SLA - Armoury (ArmA: Armed Assault)
Handguns Makarov 9 mm
Carbines AKS-74U 5.45 mm*
Assault rifles AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 + GP-25, AKS-74 PSO)
Sniper rifles KSVK 12.7 mmSVD Dragunov 7.62 mm
Grenade launchers 6G30
Machineguns PKM 7.62 mm*
Launchers RPG-7V* • Strela-2 9K32
Static AA PodAT TripodAGS-30D-30DShKMSearchlight§
(Parenthesis) denote variants.
* denotes weapons also used by the Resistance sub-faction.
§ denotes campaign-exclusive weapons.
Queen's Gambit
Weapons of ArmA 2
Handguns CZ 75 9 mmG17 9 mmM1911 .45M9 9 mmMakarov 9 mmRevolver .45
Submachine guns CZ Scorpion Evo 3 A1 9 mmMP5 9 mmPDW 9 mmPP-19 Bizon 9 mmSa-61 Scorpion .32
Shotguns M1014Saiga 12KAA-12
Carbines AKS-74U 5.45 mm* • G36 series* (G36C*, G36K*) • M4A1 5.56 mm (M4A1 M203, M4A3, M4A3 M203) • Mk16 CQC 5.56 mmXM8 Compact 5.56 mm
Assault rifles AK-107 5.45 mm (AK-107 GP-25) • AK-74 5.45 mm (AK-74 GP-25*, AKS-74*) • AKM 7.62 mmAKS 7.62 mm* • CZ 805 BREN A1 5.56 mm (CZ 805 A1 G1, CZ 805 BREN A2, CZ 805 B1 G1) • FN FAL 7.62 mmG36A 5.56 mm* • L85A2 5.56 mm (L85A2 UGL) • M16A2 5.56 mm* (M16A2 M203*) • M16A4 5.56 mm (M16A4 M203) • SCAR series (Mk16, Mk16 EGLM, Mk17, Mk17 EGLM) • Sa-58 7.62 mmXM8 series (XM8, XM8 M320)
Designated marksman rifles DMR 7.62 mmL86A2 LSW 5.56 mmM14 7.62 mmMk12 SPR 5.56 mmMk17 Sniper 7.62 mmVSS Vintorez 9 mmXM8 Sharpshooter 5.56 mm
Sniper rifles AS50 12.7 mmCZ 550 9.3 mmCZ 750 S1 M1 .308KSVK 12.7 mm* • Lee-Enfield .303LRR .338M107 .50* • M110 7.62 mmM24 7.62 mm* (M40A3) • SVD Dragunov 7.62 mm*
Squad automatic weapons L110A1 5.56 mmM249 SAW 5.56 mm* • MG36 5.56 mm* • RPK-74 5.45 mmXM8 Automatic Rifle 5.56 mm
Machineguns L7A2 GPMG 7.62 mmMk 48 Mod 0 7.62 mm* • M240 7.62 mm* • M60E4 7.62 mmPKP 7.62 mmPKM 7.62 mmUK-59 7.62 mm
Grenade launchers M32M79Mk13
Launchers 9K32 Strela-29K38 Igla9K115-2 Metis-MFGM-148 JavelinFIM-92F StingerM136M47 DragonMAAWSNLAWRPG-7VRPG-18SMAW
Static AGS-30D-30DShKMIgla AA PodKORDL111A1L134A1M119A1M2M252Mk19Metis AT-132B14 PodnosRBS-70SearchlightSPG-9StingerTOWZU-23
(Parenthesis) denote variants.
* indicates partial DLC dependency.
Operation Arrowhead | British Armed Forces | Private Military Company | Army of the Czech Republic
USMC - Armoury (ArmA 2)
Handguns M1911 .45M9 9 mm
Submachine guns MP5 9 mm
Shotguns M1014
Carbines M4A1 5.56 mm (M4A1 M203)
Assault rifles M16A4 5.56 mm (M16A4 M203)
Designated marksman rifles DMR 7.62 mmMk12 SPR 5.56 mm
Sniper rifles M107 .50M24 7.62 mm (M40A3)
Squad automatic weapons M249 SAW 5.56 mm
Machineguns Mk 48 Mod 0 7.62 mmM240 7.62 mm
Launchers FGM-148 JavelinFIM-92F StingerM136SMAW
Static M2M252Mk19M119A1SearchlightStingerTOW
(Parenthesis) denote variants.
U.S. Army - Armoury (ArmA 2)
Handguns G17 9 mmM1911 .45M9 9 mm
Shotguns M1014
Carbines Mk16 CQC 5.56 mm
Assault rifles SCAR series (Mk16, Mk16 EGLM, Mk17, Mk17 EGLM)
Designated marksman rifles M14 7.62 mmMk17 Sniper 7.62 mm
Sniper rifles M107 .50M110 7.62 mmM24 7.62 mm
Squad automatic weapons M249 SAW 5.56 mm
Machineguns Mk 48 Mod 0 7.62 mmM240 7.62 mm
Grenade launchers M32Mk13
Launchers FGM-148 JavelinFIM-92F StingerM136MAAWS
Static M2M252Mk19M119A1SearchlightStingerTOW
(Parenthesis) denote variants.
Operation Arrowhead