The M1134 ATGM anti-tank armor is likely to follow the Humvee armored vehicle with a TOW missile launcher that appeared on Ukrainian soil.
The fact that the Humvee armored vehicle carrying the BGM-71 TOW missile launcher was recorded to have participated in the war in Ukraine, according to the assessment, is the first step for the US to provide Kyiv with more modern M1134 ATGM anti-tank armor.
In the event that the above weapon complex is transferred, Russian tanks and armored vehicles will face a huge challenge, because TOW anti-tank missiles are the “authors” that have defeated thousands of “T” series tanks. ” made by the Soviet Union around the world, especially in Syria.
The M1134 ATGM is an anti-tank missile combat vehicle that has been in service with the US Army since the mid-2000s. It is the main anti-armor vehicle of the brigade level, capable of defeating any threat. , even on a large scale.
M1134 was assigned to an independent anti-tank company as part of the Stryker brigades. Its main armament is the heavy anti-tank missile (ATGM) BGM-71 TOW located in two launch tubes extending 0.5 m to the left of a tall tower mounted on the roof.
TOW missile is guided semi-automatically through the wire, weight 18.9 – 22.6 kg; carrying warheads weighing 2.63 – 5.9 kg; a range of 3,000 – 3,750 m (depending on the version), through 900 mm of homogeneous steel behind explosive reactive armor, reloading for the launcher is done manually.
In addition, the vehicle is also equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun installed at the door of the driver’s door with the main purpose of self-defense against enemy infantry and camouflaged smoke grenade launchers.
The armor of the M1134 ATGM provides resistance to 7.62 mm armor-piercing bullets at all positions, the inside is covered with a layer of Kevlar to protect the crew from debris in case the vehicle is hit.
The structure of the wheel and chassis of the M1134 is quite effective against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). If necessary, the ceramic armor will be strengthened to make the vehicle resistant to 14.5 mm bullets. When operating in a war zone, the additional steel cage has the effect of blocking RPG-7 rockets.
Of course, the automatic fire suppression system and the prevention of weapons of mass destruction radiation – biochemical – chemical (NBC) are indispensable for the self-propelled anti-tank vehicle mentioned above.
The crew of M1134 consists of 4 people: commander, driver, gunner, and loader. The battlefield information management system has the effect of creating a combat network and guiding the anti-tank missile, and also helps to determine the position through the GPS receiver.
M1134 ATGM is equipped with a Caterpillar 3126 turbocharged diesel engine with a capacity of 350 horsepower. The engine and transmission can be removed and reassembled within an hour, which is especially important when engaging in intense conflicts.
This 16-ton anti-tank vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h on asphalt; 500 km operating range; climbs 60% slope; walking on an inclined plane of 30%; overcomes obstacles 0.6 m high; crossing a trench 2 m wide; wading 1.2 m deep.
The M1134 has an 8×8 configuration but still converts to 8×4, tires with a central air conditioning system, it perfectly fits into the cargo compartment of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
Currently, all M1134 ATGM self-propelled tank destroyers have been “retired”, so the transfer to the Ukrainian armed forces is very convenient.
