Testing of the TOW Missile-Configured AH-1T Helicopter

Navy flight testing of the TOW (Tube-Launched Optically-Tracked Wire-Guided) missile on the AH-1T helicopter was conducted during the Navy Service Acceptance Trials in February and March 1977. Twenty-six TOW missiles, along with 2.75 inch rockets and 20 mm ammunition, were fired during this evaluation at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground. This paper will deal with the following: a. Preparation for the trials: (1) Test planning, including safety considerations. (2) Range preparation, including support requirements. (3) Special instrumentation. b. Execution of the trials including: (1) Weapon accuracy determination. (2) Effects of aircraft launch parameters on weapon performance. (3) Analysis of data. c. Conclusions and recommendations. High-speed onboard cameras, chase aircraft photo coverage, and ground cameras were used to document phenomena such as 20-mm blast severing the guidance wires, blast effects on airframe components, and target impacts showing extraordinary missile accuracy. The project photo coverage was outstanding and recorded some of the best footage of TOW missile performance ever. The paper will be of extreme interest to a broad spectrum of designers, testers, and users of helicopter and ordnance systems.