Description
U.S. Army M48 Chaparral Gunner’s Sight Support, P/N 11070143, NSN 1440-00-080-7495
Item Overview
This original U.S. Army Chaparral gunner’s sight support was used on the M54 and M54A1 launching stations of the M48 and M48A1 Chaparral surface-to-air missile systems.
The hinged support held and aligned the launcher’s modified M18 reflex sight. It allowed the gunner to lock the sight in its operating position or swing it aside when entering and leaving the compartment.
The M18 optical sight is not included. This listing is for the inert sight-mount hardware, including its pivot, locking mechanism, and electrical connector.
Identification and Features
- Official nomenclature: Support, Sight
- National Stock Number: 1440-00-080-7495
- Drawing/part number: 11070143
- Application: M54 and M54A1 launching stations
- Parent systems: M48 and M48A1 Chaparral
- Associated optic: Modified M18 reflex gunner’s sight
- Mounting location: Right trunnion plate
- Design: Hinged, swing-away sight support
- Status: Inert, non-explosive launcher hardware
- Optical sight: Not included
The exchange-tag NSN and stenciled part number both match the official catalog identification.
Function
The support secured the M18 sight in the correct position for tracking aerial targets. Because it was attached to the right trunnion plate, the sight moved in elevation with the launch rails.
A position-locking lever secured the mount in either its operating or stowed position. The electrical connection supported the installed sight equipment, including its illuminated reticle and indicator functions.
The modified M18 sight used a reticle with reference lines, a center alignment dot, and two circles representing the missile seeker’s field of view. This helped the gunner keep the target within the seeker’s tracking area before launching a missile.
Historical Background
The U.S. Army began developing Chaparral in 1963 as a ground-launched version of the Sidewinder air-to-air missile. The mobile system was designed to defend troops and important positions against helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
Production was approved in 1967, and the first tactical Chaparral battalion was activated in 1969. The M54 launching station carried four ready-to-fire infrared-guided missiles on a tracked M730 carrier, forming the M48 Chaparral fire unit.
Before later night-vision improvements were added, the gunner visually tracked targets through the modified M18 reflex sight. The sight support was therefore an important part of aiming, target tracking, and missile engagement.
Chaparral served through much of the Cold War. Improved missiles, smoke-free motors, and forward-looking infrared equipment increased its effectiveness. The U.S. Army completed the system’s removal from service during the 1990s.
Condition
This is original military-surplus sight-mount hardware. The modified M18 optical sight is missing. The pivot, locking hardware, and electrical connector remain with the assembly.
Finish wear, scratches, discoloration, light oxidation, and other storage marks may be present. Electrical operation has not been confirmed unless specifically stated elsewhere on the product page. Please review the pictures for the represented condition and included parts.
Ideal For
- M48 or M48A1 Chaparral restoration projects
- M54 and M54A1 launching-station displays
- Cold War air-defense collections
- U.S. Army missile-system exhibits
- M18 reflex-sight research
- Military museums and educational displays
This listing is for the sight support shown in the product pictures. The M18 optical sight, Chaparral launcher, missile, tracked carrier, and other equipment are not included.
Approx length 17", Approx width 11", Approx height 9", Approx weight 8.1 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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