Description
40mm M5 Helicopter Armament Subsystem Launcher-Drive Front Housing Assembly, P/N 11010126, NSN 1010-00-763-1173
Item Overview
This original U.S. Army component is the front housing assembly from the launcher-drive mechanism of the M5 40mm helicopter armament subsystem. The complete assembly is identified as P/N 11010126 and was installed within launcher-drive assembly P/N 11010109. It supported the powered drive system connected to the M75 automatic grenade launcher.
Identification and Features
The original Federal Stock Number was later expanded into the modern 13-digit National Stock Number. P/N 11010111 identifies the bare housing, while P/N 11010126 identifies the completed housing assembly after its threaded inserts were installed. The four visible inserts account for both part numbers appearing on the component.
- Official name: Housing Assembly, Front
- Assembly part number: 11010126
- Bare housing part number: 11010111
- Original FSN: 1010-763-1173
- Modern NSN: 1010-00-763-1173
- Parent assembly: Launcher-Drive Assembly, P/N 11010109
- Installed hardware: Four MS21209F4-20 threaded inserts
- Parent subsystem: M5 40mm Helicopter Armament Subsystem
- Weapon: M75 40mm automatic grenade launcher
- Verified aircraft: UH-1B and UH-1C helicopters
- Drawing authority: Springfield Armory, CAGE 19205
Function Within the M5 System
The front housing formed part of the launcher-drive assembly that connected the M5 subsystem’s electric drive motor to the M75 grenade launcher. The complete drive mechanism transmitted mechanical power through a belt and universal joint to the launcher spindle. This powered arrangement operated the externally powered M75 while it was mounted in the helicopter’s movable nose turret. The housing supported and enclosed part of that drive mechanism; it is not a grenade-launcher receiver, ammunition component, or aircraft engine part.
Weapon and Aircraft Applications
Army Technical Manual TM 9-1010-207-12 identifies the M5 as a 40mm grenade-launcher helicopter armament subsystem used on the UH-1B and UH-1C. Its illustrations identify launcher-drive assembly 11010109 as item 24 and show the drive assembly’s universal joint aligned with the M75 launcher spindle. No part-number-level documentation has been found connecting this housing assembly to the AH-1G Cobra or XM28 subsystem, so this listing is limited to the verified UH-1B and UH-1C applications.
Contract and Packaging History
Packaging information identifies contract DAAG11-67-C-0875 and a June 1967 package date. Government procurement records associate this Army firm-fixed-price contract with McNally Bros. Machine & Gear Company of Grantsburg, Wisconsin. The award was made in November 1966 with an estimated completion date of July 1967 and a recorded value of $27,000. Springfield Armory controlled the part drawing, but that drawing authority does not establish Springfield as the physical manufacturer of this example.
Historical Background
The M5 subsystem was developed to give UH-1B and UH-1C helicopters a powered, flexible 40mm grenade-launching capability. The M75 launcher was mounted in a movable turret beneath the aircraft’s nose and supplied with linked ammunition through a powered feed system. M5-equipped helicopters served during the Vietnam era, where automatic grenade launchers provided area fire against ground positions. The subsystem represents an early stage in the development of powered helicopter turrets and specialized rotary-wing armament.
Supply Status
Current DLA historical data lists NSN 1010-00-763-1173 as canceled or inactive effective July 2, 2026. This is a federal supply-status change and does not indicate that the historical component was recalled. It is no longer listed as an active military supply item.
Condition
This is an original military-surplus launcher-drive housing component. It may show scratches, finish wear, oxidation, old preservative, storage marks, or other signs of age and handling. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item. This listing includes one front housing assembly only; the electric motor, belt, universal joint, complete drive assembly, M75 launcher, turret, and helicopter components are not included unless specifically stated.
Ideal For
This component is well suited for collections and exhibits covering Vietnam-era helicopter armament, automatic grenade launchers, and the development of powered aircraft weapon systems.
- UH-1B and UH-1C helicopter displays
- M5 armament-subsystem collections
- M75 grenade-launcher exhibits
- Vietnam-era aviation collections
- Aircraft-armament restoration reference
- Military museums and educational displays
Approx length 9", Approx width 4", Approx height 2", Approx weight 1.2lbs.
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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