Description
Vietnam-Era U.S. Army M106 Mity Mite Tank/Hopper Cover, P/N 320-146
Item Overview
This Vietnam-era U.S. Army tank cover was made for the M106 “Mity Mite” portable riot-control-agent disperser. The cover closed the fill opening on top of the M106 hopper or agent tank. Its black underside served as the hopper seal or gasket, while the attached chain kept the cover connected to the machine when opened. This listing is for the tank cover only, not the complete M106 disperser.
Identification and Features
The stenciled Federal Stock Number and documented Buffalo Turbine part number identify this component as the M106 disperser’s Cover, Tank. The original FSN was later converted into the 13-digit National Stock Number used in modern military supply records. The marking “A-8/68” indicates packaging in August 1968 and should not be treated as a confirmed manufacturing date.
- Official nomenclature: Cover, Tank
- Original Federal Stock Number: 1040-875-8089
- Current NSN: 1040-00-875-8089
- Manufacturer part number: 320-146
- Manufacturer: Buffalo Turbine
- Application: M106 Mity Mite portable riot-control-agent disperser
- Packaging code: A-8/68, indicating August 1968
- Included features: Black underside seal or gasket and retaining chain
- Included item: One tank or hopper cover only
Original Function
This cover fit over the hopper’s upper fill opening. The underside seal helped close the opening and limit the loss or contamination of material while the complete disperser was carried or operated. The retaining chain prevented the cover from being misplaced when personnel opened the hopper for servicing or filling. The chain, seal, and cover formed a removable closure; they were not the hopper, fuel tank, engine, blower, hose, or discharge nozzle.
The M106 Mity Mite Disperser
The M106 was a military version of an agricultural backpack sprayer and duster. A small two-cycle gasoline engine powered a blower that moved about 450 cubic feet of air per minute. Period Army records give an empty weight of approximately 25 pounds, not including fuel or agent. The polyethylene hopper could carry approximately 10 pounds of powdered material or three gallons of liquid. Its one-quart fuel tank allowed more than 30 minutes of operation, and a flexible hose with a metal nozzle directed the airflow. The portable design allowed a trained operator to carry the machine into areas that could not be reached by larger vehicle-mounted dispersers.
Vietnam War History and Use
The M106 became closely associated with tunnel-clearing operations during the Vietnam War. U.S. military records describe an early operational use by the Army of the Republic of Vietnam’s 5th Infantry Division and 8th Infantry Regiment in the Iron Triangle from October 8 through October 11, 1965. Teams used the blower with smoke or riot-control materials to trace tunnel systems, reveal concealed openings, and force unprotected occupants from simple underground positions. The system was less effective against large multilevel tunnels equipped with airlocks. Army personnel also used the blower to clear smoke and combustion gases before tunnel teams entered. These field experiences led to wider use and training during the later 1960s.
Component Scope and Compatibility
Military supply records identify NSN 1040-00-875-8089 and Buffalo Turbine P/N 320-146 as a Cover, Tank. The manufacturer’s military component catalog places the cover in the same equipment family as the complete Mity Mite disperser, shoulder straps, tie strap, and protective shield. This part should be represented only as an M106 tank or hopper cover. Compatibility with the M3, M33, or other portable dispersers has not been established. The M106 machine and all other components are sold separately and are not included.
Condition
This is a military-surplus component that may show scratches, dents, finish wear, oxidation, stains, storage residue, or other signs of age and handling. The black seal may show hardening, cracking, compression, edge wear, or discoloration, and the retaining chain may have surface corrosion. Markings and finish can vary between examples. The seal has not been tested for service use, and the item is offered as a collectible, display, or restoration component. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This uncommon component is well suited for restoring or displaying an M106 Mity Mite disperser and for collections covering Vietnam War chemical equipment, tunnel operations, military engineering, and U.S. Army field equipment.
- M106 Mity Mite restoration projects
- Vietnam War equipment collections
- U.S. Army Chemical Corps displays
- Tunnel-warfare exhibits
- Military museums and educational collections
- Buffalo Turbine equipment collections
- Vietnam-era military-surplus displays
Approx length 6", Approx width 6", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight .75 lbs.
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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