M901 launching stations

M901 launching stations
Name	M901 launching stations
Caption	M901 launching station in transport configuration
Origin	United States
Type	Trailer-mounted launching station
Service	1980s–present
Used by	See Operators and deployment
Manufacturer	General Dynamics Land Systems
Weight	approx. 1.5 tonnes (empty)
Crew	1–2
Length	3.2 m
Width	2.2 m
Height	1.6 m
Armament	See Armament and ammunition
Engine	Towed

M901 launching stations are trailer-mounted launcher modules developed in the late 1970s and fielded in the 1980s to support anti-armor operations with tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles. Designed to integrate with armored formations and mechanized units, the systems provided expendable, lightweight launch capability for infantry, cavalry, and support battalions. They saw use in combined-arms operations and were adapted to various tactical doctrines across NATO and allied forces.

Design and specifications

The M901 launching stations were produced by General Dynamics Land Systems under contract with the United States Army to complement systems like the M60 Patton, M1 Abrams, M113 family, and reconnaissance vehicles such as the M551 Sheridan. The trailer-mounted unit weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes empty and measures roughly 3.2 m by 2.2 m by 1.6 m, allowing transport by the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, M35 2½-ton cargo truck, and airlift by cargo aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy. Suspension and wheel assemblies were compatible with NATO trailer standards used by the U.S. Army Europe and U.S. Army Pacific. Mounting interfaces enabled integration with fire-control suites employed by units such as 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, and other mechanized brigades. Materials selection considered corrosion resistance for deployments in theaters like Kuwait, Germany, South Korea, and Panama Canal Zone, conforming to procurement specifications from the Defense Logistics Agency and testing protocols of the Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Armament and ammunition

The launcher was configured to fire tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided missiles similar to the BGM-71 TOW family and compatible variants used by NATO partners including United Kingdom, France, West Germany, Italy, and Israel. Missiles employed semi-automatic command to line-of-sight guidance used during engagements in operations such as Operation Desert Storm and training exchanges with NATO's 1st Armored Division. Warhead options paralleled anti-armor and tandem-charge designs fielded to defeat reactive armor types encountered on platforms like the T-72, T-80, BMP-2, and BRDM-2. Ammunition storage and handling followed NATO standards for missile rounds and batteries supplied under Foreign Military Sales agreements with industrial partners including Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Thales Group for sensors and guidance components. Compatibility with night-vision devices from manufacturers such as Night Vision Devices, Inc. and fire-control optics from Kollsman and Sperry Corporation expanded employment options in low-light scenarios.

Operational history

Following acceptance testing at Yuma Proving Ground and evaluations by units assigned to USAREUR, the launching stations entered service in the 1980s and were deployed during conflicts including Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. They supported combined-arms formations during maneuvers with allied forces from Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, France, and Egypt and participated in exercises like REFORGER and Bright Star. Export customers included countries engaged in border conflicts and internal security operations, where the systems were integrated into doctrines alongside assets from Israel Defense Forces exchanges and NATO interoperability programs. The launchers were also used in training environments at installations such as Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, and Camp Humphreys, and underwent lifecycle maintenance governed by depot-level repair at facilities like the Anniston Army Depot. Operational lessons influenced later programs such as the Javelin (missile) acquisition and the modernization of anti-armor tactics taught at the U.S. Army Armor School.

Variants and upgrades

Over time, variants were produced to accommodate changes in missile guidance, optics, and emplacement. Upgrades included integration kits for thermal imaging produced by FLIR Systems and improved stabilization mounts developed with contractors such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Some units received communications and datalink enhancements interoperable with systems fielded by NATO Allied Command Operations and battle-management suites like the Blue Force Tracking program. Export variants were tailored to customer requirements from Turkey, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt with local vendor involvement from firms such as Rafael Advanced Defense Systems under license agreements. Adaptations for airborne and airborne-inserted units considered carriage by rotary-wing platforms such as the Bell UH-1 Iroquois and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk in sling-load configurations.

Operators and deployment

Primary operator was the United States Army, with widespread adoption by allied militaries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia through Foreign Military Sales and direct purchases. Notable users included the armies of United Kingdom, France, West Germany (later Germany), Italy, Spain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Korea, and Israel. Deployments occurred in NATO sectors, coalition task forces during Gulf War (1990–1991), and peacekeeping rotations under United Nations mandates. Training and logistics networks involved institutions such as the NATO School Oberammergau, Combat Training Centre (Canada), and regional maintenance provided by national arsenals and contractors like General Electric and Honeywell International.

Survivability and countermeasures

Survivability measures focused on mobility, concealment, and interoperability with countermeasures fielded in combined-arms formations. Tactics emphasized shoot-and-scoot employment, integration with surveillance assets like the RQ-7 Shadow and reconnaissance vehicles such as the M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle, and coordination with electronic warfare units from formations including U.S. Army Signal Command and Airborne Electronic Attack elements. Counter-countermeasure upgrades addressed threats from active protection systems mounted on platforms like the Merkava and upgraded Soviet-pattern tanks by improving launch signatures and launch timing procedures studied in trials at White Sands Missile Range. Doctrine updates synchronized with lessons from engagements involving anti-armor ambushes in theaters like Iraq and Afghanistan, and with developments in armor protection by manufacturers such as General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and BAE Systems.

Category:Anti-tank guided missile launchers