9K121 Vikhr vs BGM-71 TOW
The 9K121 Vikhr and the BGM-71 TOW are both Anti-Tank missiles. The 9K121 Vikhr has a range of 10 km — 2.5x the BGM-71 TOW's 4 km. The 9K121 Vikhr reaches 2,210 km/h vs 1,000 km/h for the BGM-71 TOW. The 9K121 Vikhr carries a 8 kg warhead vs 3.9 kg for the BGM-71 TOW. Launch weight is 45 kg for the 9K121 Vikhr vs 45,068 kg for the BGM-71 TOW. The 9K121 Vikhr uses Laser beam riding guidance, while the BGM-71 TOW relies on SACLOS. The BGM-71 TOW entered service 15 years before the 9K121 Vikhr (1970 vs 1985).
| Russian ATGM, entered service in 1985, uses laser beam riding guidance to reach its 10km range. | |
| Origin | 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Anti-Tank |
| Type | Anti-tank guided missile |
| Manufacturer | Toulski Oroujeïny Zavod |
| Service year | 1985 |
| Number produced | -- units |
| Estimated unit price | NA |
| American anti-tank missile, entering service in 1970, uses a 3.9 kg warhead. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Anti-Tank |
| Type | Anti-tank wire-guided missile |
| Manufacturer | Hughes |
| Service year | 1970 |
| Number produced | 700,000 units |
| Estimated unit price | $0.1 million |
| Range | 10.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | Mach 1.8 ◉ |
| Weight | 45 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 8.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 2.80 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 130 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Laser beam riding |
| Warhead type | High Explosive Anti Tank |
| Range | 4.0 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1000 km/h ◉ |
| Weight | 45,068 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 3.9 kg ◉ |
| Length | 1.55 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 152 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | SACLOS |
| Warhead type | High Explosive Anti Tank |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the 9K121 Vikhr or BGM-71 TOW?
The 9K121 Vikhr has a longer range at 10 km compared to the BGM-71 TOW's 4 km.
Which is faster, the 9K121 Vikhr or BGM-71 TOW?
The 9K121 Vikhr is faster with a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 compared to the BGM-71 TOW's 1000 km/h.
Which has a larger warhead, the 9K121 Vikhr or BGM-71 TOW?
The 9K121 Vikhr carries a larger warhead at 8 kg compared to the BGM-71 TOW's 3 kg.
Which is heavier, the 9K121 Vikhr or BGM-71 TOW?
The BGM-71 TOW is heavier at 45,068 kg compared to the 9K121 Vikhr's 45 kg.
Which is longer, the 9K121 Vikhr or BGM-71 TOW?
The 9K121 Vikhr is longer at 2.80 meters compared to the BGM-71 TOW's 1.55 meters.
What guidance systems do the 9K121 Vikhr and BGM-71 TOW use?
The 9K121 Vikhr uses Laser beam riding guidance while the BGM-71 TOW uses SACLOS guidance.
Which entered service first, the 9K121 Vikhr or BGM-71 TOW?
The BGM-71 TOW entered service first in 1970, 15 years before the 9K121 Vikhr which entered service in 1985.