Description
U.S. Army M115 Panoramic Telescope for M110A2 8-Inch Self-Propelled Howitzer, NSN 1240-00-895-9186
The U.S. Army M115 Panoramic Telescope for M110A2 8-Inch Self-Propelled Howitzer, NSN 1240-00-895-9186, is an artillery fire-control optical instrument identified in Army technical literature by part number 8587340. The M115 was used on the M110A2 8-inch self-propelled howitzer for direct or indirect sighting as part of a two-sight, two-man system.
When paired with the M137 telescope mount, the M115 provided the panoramic sighting element for indirect fire. The mount adapted the telescope to the M110A2 and supplied elevation and cant, or cross-level, adjustments.
Historical Significance
The M115 belonged to the optical fire-control suite of the U.S. Army’s M110A2 heavy self-propelled artillery system. Its panoramic layout allowed the sighting team to work with aiming references around the weapon rather than relying only on a forward view.
Army maintenance and repair-parts documentation preserved the M115 as a distinct fire-control instrument alongside the M137 mount and M139 elbow telescope. The M115 was the panoramic telescope, while the M139 served as the direct-fire elbow telescope.
M110A2 Howitzer and M137 Mount Application
TM 9-1240-400-34&P identifies the M115 as an M110A2 self-propelled-howitzer sight used for direct or indirect sighting. The same manual identifies the M137 telescope mount as the adapter that positions the M115 on the howitzer and provides elevation and cross-level adjustment for indirect fire.
The M115 was one element of the M110A2’s two-sight, two-man sighting arrangement. It is an optical fire-control instrument, not a complete telescope mount, weapon, or self-propelled howitzer.
What This Item Is and Does
The M115 is a 4-power panoramic telescope with a 10-degree field of view. Its rotating head provides 360-degree movement and contains a 90-degree prism, while the body houses the objective optics, reticle, deflection control, and counter mechanisms.
The elbow assembly provides a 30-degree excursion and carries the eyepiece and internal prism system. The original design used analog counters and LED illumination for the counters and reticle. It was manufactured as a hermetically sealed optical unit.
Key Features
- Official nomenclature: Telescope, Panoramic, M115
- National Stock Number: 1240-00-895-9186
- Part number: 8587340
- Verified application on the M110A2 8-inch self-propelled howitzer
- Used with the M137 telescope mount
- 4-power optical system with a 10-degree field of view
- 360-degree rotating panoramic head
- Analog counters with LED counter and reticle illumination in the original design
- Exact assembled configuration illustrated in TM 9-1240-400-34&P, Figure B-1
Why This Item Matters
The M115 represents the specialized optical equipment used to aim Cold War-era U.S. heavy self-propelled artillery. Its documented M110A2 application and model-specific identification give it value as a technical artifact rather than as an unidentified military telescope.
For museums, artillery collections, and restoration research, the M115 helps complete the sighting-system story of the M110A2 and illustrates how panoramic optics, mechanical adjustment, and illuminated counters were integrated into its fire-control equipment.
About This Item
The offered item is marked Telescope, Panoramic, M115. Army documentation identifies the model as NSN 1240-00-895-9186 and part number 8587340, with verified application on the M110A2 8-inch self-propelled howitzer through the M137 telescope mount.
gray-painted metal housing with visible surface wear, accumulated soiling, and age-related wear to the identification plate. Optical clarity, illumination, sealing, calibration, mechanical function, and completeness have not been represented.
Ideal For
This item is a strong fit for:
- M110A2 8-inch self-propelled howitzer collections
- U.S. Army artillery fire-control displays
- Cold War military-optics collections
- Military museums and educational exhibits
- Artillery restoration and technical-reference projects
- Film and prop departments creating period artillery displays
Approx length 12", Approx width8 ", Approx heigh 8", Approx weight 11lbs.
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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