I'm in the process of building the new Tamiya Humvee with TOW. I wanted to model it as one of he Humvees that took part in the Operation agaist Saddam's sons, but from the photos I've seen the TOW's they used seem to have a different sight that doesn't come with the Tamiya Kit. I could use some more photos of it so I can try my hand at scratch building it.I've attached a photo to show what site I'm looking for. Also anyone have any more info on how the SAW is attached to the weapons ring?

Hello,
That is a ITAS ( Improved Target Aquisition System) TOW. As you can see it comes wih a different sighting unit that has a "eye safe" laser range finder. It also has a modified mount and battery system. That particular system was designed for light units' use on HMMWVs. I don't know if there is any intention to mount it on Bradleys or anything of that nature though as a replacement to the TOW 2. I do know at one time the 82nd was the only unit using this system, other light units may have them by now though. As for the M249, it is mounted on standard weapon mount . Look at the very base of the weapon station. You will see the "L" shaped pin used to hold the weapons pedestal or "stove pipe" to the mount it's self . The practice of mounting a 249 or the 240 in adition to the TOW has been a pretty common practice since Desert Shield. In the past few years it has become even more common seems like too. Another weapons combo is HMMWVs equipped with MK 19s having a 249 or 240 mounted in addition to the primary weapon. I hope this helps answer your question.
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About 10 years ago the MP company for the 101st Airborne Division modified there HUMMV gun mounts to accept both the Mk 19 and theie (at that time M60s) light machine guns. The reasoning is that the MP squads, consisting of three HUMMVS ran with a mix of weapons, however, if an individual HUMMV came in contact with the enemy, you had a 50/50 chance of having the wrong weapon mounted for the particular target - The M60/M249 are better for quick close range hip shoots that patrolling MPs often get into, the Mk19 is could against harder targets, light armor and can reach out and touch someone!. By adding an extra pintle mount it allowed the MPs to have both the auto grenade launcher and machine gun ready to go - just swing the turret ring around and fire

As an aside - when the Mk19s starting being fired from teh HUMMVs, the turret rings were cracking from the recoil, requiring minor rediesgn of the turret rings.

Ranger,
Would you by chance be able to explain how the extra pintle was mounted on the weapon's ring on the HMMWV. I have always thought it looked pretty cool and made a lot of sense. I remember the first one I saw was a Marine HMMWV in Saudi Arabia in 1990. I thought it was a good idea and it changed my whole outlook on how smart Marines were! Any pics detailing the multi weapon ring would be great to see also.
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