BGM-71 TOW vs M-72 LAW
The BGM-71 TOW and the M-72 LAW are both Anti-Tank missiles. The BGM-71 TOW has a range of 4 km — 20:1 the M-72 LAW's 0 km. The BGM-71 TOW reaches 1,000 km/h vs 720 km/h for the M-72 LAW. The BGM-71 TOW carries a 3.9 kg warhead vs 1 kg for the M-72 LAW. Launch weight is 45,068 kg for the BGM-71 TOW vs 45,139 kg for the M-72 LAW. The BGM-71 TOW uses SACLOS guidance, while the M-72 LAW relies on Unguided. The M-72 LAW entered service 7 years before the BGM-71 TOW (1963 vs 1970).
| 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 |
| American anti-tank rocket, entered service in 1963, with a range of 1 km. | |
| Origin | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Anti-Tank |
| Type | Anti-tank rocket |
| Manufacturer | Talley Industries |
| Service year | 1963 |
| Number produced | -- 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 | 0.2 km ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 720 km/h ◉ |
| Weight | 45,139 kg ◉ |
| Warhead | 1.0 kg ◉ |
| Length | 0.51 m ◉ |
| Diameter | 66 mm ◉ |
| Guidance | Unguided |
| Warhead type | High Explosive Anti Tank |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has longer range, the BGM-71 TOW or M-72 LAW?
The BGM-71 TOW has a longer range at 4 km compared to the M-72 LAW's 0 km.
Which is faster, the BGM-71 TOW or M-72 LAW?
The BGM-71 TOW is faster with a maximum speed of 1000 km/h compared to the M-72 LAW's 720 km/h.
Which has a larger warhead, the BGM-71 TOW or M-72 LAW?
The BGM-71 TOW carries a larger warhead at 3 kg compared to the M-72 LAW's 1 kg.
Which is heavier, the BGM-71 TOW or M-72 LAW?
The M-72 LAW is heavier at 45,139 kg compared to the BGM-71 TOW's 45,068 kg.
Which is longer, the BGM-71 TOW or M-72 LAW?
The BGM-71 TOW is longer at 1.55 meters compared to the M-72 LAW's 0.51 meters.
What guidance systems do the BGM-71 TOW and M-72 LAW use?
The BGM-71 TOW uses SACLOS guidance while the M-72 LAW uses Unguided guidance.
Which entered service first, the BGM-71 TOW or M-72 LAW?
The M-72 LAW entered service first in 1963, 7 years before the BGM-71 TOW which entered service in 1970.