BGM-71 TOW vs Cobra / Mamba

The BGM-71 TOW and the Cobra / Mamba are both Anti-Tank missiles. The BGM-71 TOW has a range of 4 km — 2.0x the Cobra / Mamba's 2 km. The BGM-71 TOW reaches 1,000 km/h vs 300 km/h for the Cobra / Mamba. The BGM-71 TOW carries a 3.9 kg warhead vs 2.7 kg for the Cobra / Mamba. Launch weight is 45,068 kg for the BGM-71 TOW vs 44,995 kg for the Cobra / Mamba. The BGM-71 TOW uses SACLOS guidance, while the Cobra / Mamba relies on MCLOS. The BGM-71 TOW has been produced in 700,000 units vs 170,000 for the Cobra / Mamba. The BGM-71 TOW entered service 2 years before the Cobra / Mamba (1970 vs 1972).

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
German anti-tank missile, entering service in 1972, uses MCLOS guidance to reach its 2 km range.
Origin 🇩🇪 Germany
Category Anti-Tank
Type Anti-tank wire-guided missile
Manufacturer MBB
Service year 1972
Number produced 170,000 units
Estimated unit price NA
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
Range 2.0 km
Maximum speed 300 km/h
Weight 44,995 kg
Warhead 2.7 kg
Length 0.96 m
Diameter 100 mm
Guidance MCLOS
Warhead type High Explosive Anti Tank

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has longer range, the BGM-71 TOW or Cobra / Mamba?
The BGM-71 TOW has a longer range at 4 km compared to the Cobra / Mamba's 2 km.
Which is faster, the BGM-71 TOW or Cobra / Mamba?
The BGM-71 TOW is faster with a maximum speed of 1000 km/h compared to the Cobra / Mamba's 300 km/h.
Which has a larger warhead, the BGM-71 TOW or Cobra / Mamba?
The BGM-71 TOW carries a larger warhead at 3 kg compared to the Cobra / Mamba's 2 kg.
Which is heavier, the BGM-71 TOW or Cobra / Mamba?
The BGM-71 TOW is heavier at 45,068 kg compared to the Cobra / Mamba's 44,995 kg.
Which is longer, the BGM-71 TOW or Cobra / Mamba?
The BGM-71 TOW is longer at 1.55 meters compared to the Cobra / Mamba's 0.95 meters.
What guidance systems do the BGM-71 TOW and Cobra / Mamba use?
The BGM-71 TOW uses SACLOS guidance while the Cobra / Mamba uses MCLOS guidance.
Which entered service first, the BGM-71 TOW or Cobra / Mamba?
The BGM-71 TOW entered service first in 1970, 2 years before the Cobra / Mamba which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the BGM-71 TOW or Cobra / Mamba?
The BGM-71 TOW has been produced in greater numbers with 700,000 units compared to 170,000 units of the Cobra / Mamba.