Description
U.S. Army M118-to-M118E1 Gunner’s Periscope Mount Modification Kit for M60-Series Tanks
Item Overview
This U.S. Army modification kit was produced to convert an existing M118 gunner’s periscope mount to the later M118E1 configuration used with M60-series tanks. The package is identified as “KIT, MOD M118 TO M118E1 MOUNT” and carries kit part number 11747396 and NSN 2590-01-106-0220. This was a purpose-built fire-control equipment kit rather than a general vehicle-hardware package.
Identification and Features
The military package provides the kit’s stock number, part number, intended conversion, contract, end use, quantity, and September 1982 date marking. The end-use notation reads “M60 TANK,” directly identifying the associated vehicle family.
- Official package description: Kit, Mod M118 to M118E1 Mount
- National Stock Number: 2590-01-106-0220
- Kit part number: 11747396
- Original mount: M118
- Modified configuration: M118E1
- End use: M60 tank
- Government contract: DAAA09-82-C-5294
- Date marking: A-9/82
- Marked date: September 1982
- Packaged quantity: 1 EA
- Manual reference: TM 9-1240-271-34&P, Volume II
Historical Background
The M118 and M118E1 mounts belonged to the M60 tank’s gunner’s periscope installation. As improved M32E1 and M35E1 periscopes entered the fire-control system, the Army used modification kits to update existing M118 mounts instead of replacing the entire turret-mounted assembly. The September 1982 marking places this kit within the late Cold War support period, when large numbers of M60-series tanks remained in active Army, Marine Corps, Reserve, and allied service. The kit is an example of the organized modification programs used to keep fielded armored vehicles compatible with updated sighting equipment.
Mount Modification and Construction
TM 9-1240-271-34&P explains that the M118 mount supports the M32 or M35 periscope, while the M118E1 supports the later M32E1 or M35E1. The manual identifies the headrest assemblies as the main difference between the two mount configurations. The M118 uses short headrests whose bracket and slide sections are joined by support plates and a knob-and-shaft assembly. The M118E1 uses longer headrests with the bracket and slide secured by a handscrew. Kit 11747396 provided the parts required to make this configuration change on an existing mount.
Gunner’s Periscope and Fire-Control Function
The M32- and M35-series periscopes formed part of the tank gunner’s direct-fire sighting equipment. They gave the gunner a protected optical view from inside the turret and provided the aiming line used to place the main gun on a target. The M32E1 and M35E1 continued this role through updated modular optical assemblies. The periscope mount held the sight securely in the turret, maintained its installed position, and allowed the gunner to use the eyepiece and headrest from the operating station.
Periscope Mount Function
The complete mount consisted of the mount body, support, plate assembly, adjustable headrests, shield-operating handle, cover, and protective shield. Its one-piece steel mount fitted into the turret, where a seal formed a weather-tight closure around the periscope. The internal support and plate assembly clamped the sight in place. An exterior cover protected it from overhead blast, while the movable shield protected the periscope’s entrance window. The headrests could be moved for sight installation or removal and adjusted for the gunner’s viewing position.
End-Item Application
The package identifies the M60 tank as the kit’s end item, and the Army maintenance manual describes both the M118 and M118E1 as mounts for M60-series tank periscopes. The mount was installed in the turret at the gunner’s station and formed the protected interface between the vehicle and its M32- or M35-series sight. Converting the mount to M118E1 configuration allowed the turret installation to accept the M32E1 or M35E1 periscope while retaining the main mount structure already fitted to the tank.
M60-Series Tank Background
The U.S. Army began producing the M60 main battle tank in 1960 as an improved development of the M48 family. It combined a diesel powerplant with the 105mm M68 main gun and an updated fire-control system. The M60A1 introduced a redesigned turret with improved armor and additional ammunition space. Later M60A3 upgrades added a laser rangefinder, solid-state ballistic computer, improved stabilization, and other fire-control changes. M60-series tanks became a major part of American and allied armored forces during the Cold War and served for decades in Europe, the United States, and overseas military-assistance programs.
History of Use
In service, the gunner used the periscope from inside the turret to search for targets, establish the sight picture, and aim the tank’s main gun. The mount protected the optical unit while keeping it firmly positioned during vehicle movement and main-gun firing. Modification kits such as this one allowed maintenance personnel to update installed fire-control hardware during scheduled repair or vehicle improvement work. M60 tanks formed an important part of NATO’s armored defense during the Cold War, and U.S. Marine Corps M60A1 tanks later saw combat during the 1991 Gulf War.
Condition
This is a U.S. military surplus modification kit packaged as one each. The package retains the identifying nomenclature, NSN, kit part number, M60 tank end-use marking, government contract number, and September 1982 date marking. Refer to the stock photographs for the included components, packaging condition, finish, and visible storage wear.
Ideal For
This documented modification kit is suited to an M60-series tank restoration, gunner’s sight display, or organized collection of military fire-control equipment. Its clearly marked application and traceable Army manual information also make it useful for studying the development and maintenance of M60 tank optical systems.
- M60-series tank restoration projects
- M118 periscope mount conversions
- M32E1 and M35E1 sight displays
- Cold War armor collections
- Tank fire-control equipment exhibits
- Military maintenance and modification-kit collections
Approx length 10", Approx width 6.5", Approx height 4.5", Approx weight 2.2lbs.
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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