Description
Empty 105mm PA-77 Fiber Tube Container Without Top Lid
Item Overview
This empty PA-77 fiber tube container was made to store and transport one complete 105mm tank-gun cartridge. The surviving markings identify the original contents as an M735 Armor-Piercing, Fin-Stabilized, Discarding-Sabot Tracer cartridge for the M68 gun. The removable top lid is missing, and no ammunition or energetic components are included.
Identification and Features
This container is marked “C521,” “Cartridge 105MM APFSDS-T M735,” and “For Gun M68.” DODIC C521 identifies the M735 APFSDS-T cartridge. The remaining end closure is marked “105 MM Gun” and “Container PA-77.”
- Container designation: PA-77
- Caliber: 105mm
- Marked cartridge: M735 APFSDS-T
- DODIC: C521
- Marked weapon application: 105mm M68 gun
- Construction: Spiral-wound fiber body with reinforced end components
- Remaining closure: Bottom closure
- Top lid: Missing
- Status: Empty military ammunition container
- Included contents: None
How the PA-77 Container Was Used
The PA-77 protected an individual 105mm cartridge during storage, shipping, handling, and movement between ammunition facilities and military units. Its fiber construction reduced weight while helping protect the cartridge from dirt, moisture, and handling damage. The cartridge remained inside the tube until it was removed for inspection, issue, or loading into a tank.
Weapon Applications
The M735 cartridge was developed for the 105mm M68 rifled tank gun. The M68 armed the M60 tank series and was also installed in the original M1 Abrams and IPM1 before later Abrams models received a 120mm gun. The M735 gave these 105mm weapon systems a high-speed kinetic-energy cartridge for use against armored vehicles.
Historical Background
The M735 was a Cold War APFSDS-T cartridge that used a dense tungsten penetrator carried inside a lightweight sabot. After the projectile left the barrel, the sabot separated while the fin-stabilized penetrator continued toward the target. Individual fiber containers such as the PA-77 helped protect these long, one-piece tank cartridges as they moved from ammunition plants to storage depots, field units, and tank crews.
Condition
This is an empty military-surplus PA-77 fiber tube container without its removable top lid. The bottom closure remains with the tube. It may show scratches, scuffs, stains, faded markings, edge wear, or other signs of age, handling, and storage. This listing is for one empty container only; the M735 cartridge, projectile, casing, propellant, primer, tracer, tank gun, and other accessories are not included. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This PA-77 container is well suited for collections and exhibits covering American tank ammunition, military packaging, and Cold War armored vehicles.
- 105mm ammunition collections
- M735 APFSDS-T displays
- M68 tank-gun exhibits
- M60 tank collections
- Early M1 Abrams displays
- Military ammunition packaging collections
- Museums and educational exhibits
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Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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