Description
M13 Range Finder Access-Cover Seal Assembly, P/N 8200992, for M48 Patton Tanks
Item Overview
This U.S. military rubber seal assembly was made for the M13 rangefinder used with early M48 Patton tank fire-control equipment. “Seal Assy,” part number 8200992, A later catalog record classifies the same part as a Cover, Access under NSN 5340-00-302-1399. It is an original replacement component for maintaining the rangefinder housing and its protected service openings.
Identification and Features
Part number 8200992 and the shared item number 00-302-1399 connect the packaged seal assembly with the cataloged access cover. The paperwork uses Federal Supply Class 1240 for optical sighting and rangefinding equipment, while the later catalog places the component in Federal Supply Class 5340 for hardware. Both records identify the same standardized part. Delta-X Corporation is listed as the manufacturer or supplier.
- Paperwork nomenclature: Seal Assy
- Catalog nomenclature: Cover, Access
- Part number: 8200992
- Paperwork stock number: 1240-00-302-1399
- Catalog NSN: 5340-00-302-1399
- Manufacturer or supplier: Delta-X Corp.
- Manufacturer CAGE: 33950
- Equipment notation: M13 R.F.
- Construction: Rubber seal/access-cover assembly
Historical Background
This component belongs to the support system created for the M13 optical rangefinder during the early Cold War. The M13 was part of a new generation of integrated tank fire-control equipment that combined optical ranging with mechanical ballistic computation. Replacement seals and access covers were stocked so maintenance personnel could service the instrument while keeping its housing protected. The later change from the 1240 stock class to 5340 reflects a catalog classification change for the component rather than a different part.
End-Item Application
The M13 rangefinder was used with the M48, M48A1, and M48C 90mm Gun Tanks. It was installed as part of the turret’s fire-control equipment and worked with the ballistic computer, ballistic drive, gunner’s sight, and 90mm main gun. This seal/access-cover assembly supported the rangefinder itself and was not a general-purpose vehicle seal. The sale is for the identified rangefinder component only.
How It Worked
The M13 used stereoscopic optics to measure the distance between the tank and a selected target. The operator viewed the target through the instrument and adjusted the ranging controls until the optical images appeared at the correct depth. The measured range was then supplied to the tank’s mechanical fire-control system, which helped calculate the gun elevation needed for the selected ammunition and distance. As a rubber access-cover seal, part 8200992 closed a service opening in the rangefinder housing and helped protect the enclosed equipment from dust, moisture, and debris while still allowing access during maintenance.
Weapon-System Background
Development of the M48 began as the T48 project in 1950, and production tanks entered U.S. service in 1952. The M48 combined a cast hull and turret with a 90mm M41 main gun, a four-man crew, and an integrated fire-control system. The M48A1 introduced improvements to the original vehicle while retaining the 90mm armament and rangefinder-based fire control. M48C tanks were assigned primarily to training duties, giving crews experience with the M48’s driving, turret, gunnery, and maintenance systems.
History of Use
M48-series tanks served with U.S. armored units during the Cold War and were stationed both in the United States and overseas. M48A1 tanks equipped American units in Europe and appeared at Checkpoint Charlie during the Berlin Crisis of October 1961. M48C tanks supported stateside crew and maintenance training. On vehicles fitted with the M13 rangefinder, components such as this seal assembly helped armorers maintain the optical fire-control equipment used for range estimation and accurate 90mm gunnery.
Condition
This military-surplus replacement component is identified by its paperwork as a Seal Assy with part number 8200992 and the notation “M13 R.F.” The catalog cross-reference identifies the same part as a Cover, Access. This listing includes the rubber seal/access-cover assembly only; the M13 rangefinder, mounting hardware, and tank equipment are not included.
Ideal For
This properly identified component is suited to restoration, preservation, and display projects involving early M48 Patton fire-control equipment. Its part number, stock-number history, Delta-X identification, and M13 rangefinder notation also make it useful as a reference example for researchers and military-parts collections.
- M48, M48A1, and M48C restoration projects
- M13 rangefinder conservation
- Cold War tank fire-control displays
- Military optical-equipment collections
- NSN and ordnance-parts research
Approx length 1.25", Approx width 1", Approx height 1", Approx weight 0.1lbs.
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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