How long and strong are the wires used in wire-guided missiles?
What Is a Wire-Guided Missile?
Just as the name suggests, a wire-guided missile is the type of military missile that is guided by the signal of the wire that is located at the launch. Most wire-guided missiles are specified as anti-tank, though some are anti-aircraft.
The History Of Wire-Guided Missiles
This type of weapon has been used in warcraft ever since the late 1890s. They are still used today, even though they are now considered old school. The variations of wire-guided missiles used in the United States were developed in the 1960s. Since then, they have been updated many times.
Most recently, the United States notably used their version, TOW missiles, in active combat, during the Syrian War. They are also used by NATO countries. TOW missiles are used by over 20 countries in the world. Wire-guided missiles remain a standard for compact weapons, even though laser beam missiles are gaining momentum.
Length And Strength Of Wire-Guided Missile
The length of the wire used in a wire-guided missile is usually longer than the range of the rocket because of the way it spools out from the missile. Therefore, given that the range of a BGM-71 TOW missile is stated to be 3750 meters, the length of the wire will be longer than that.
The wire inside a wire-guided missile is strong enough for the mechanism to work, but there is no need for it to be extra strong and sturdy in the way extreme industrial wires are.
In fact, it could even be harmful because the space in a wire-guided missile is so compact. The wire has to be flexible and light to fit inside of the missile. The wire is, however, strong in the sense that it is difficult to cut it with anything else than a wire cutter attached at launch.
How Is The Wire Attached To the Missile in a Wire-Guided Missile?
Many are interested in learning how the wires are attached to missiles in a wire-guided missile. The answer is that the spool of wire is already located inside a missile and unwinds from its back. Upon firing a rocket, a wire returns back to the launcher. There is no risk of being spotted by the enemy troops because of how tiny it is.
The wiring of BGM-71 TOW consists of 2 thin copper wires united at their tail. Some armies have insulated wires in their wire-guided missiles, but not the US.
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