Description
M45 Infrared Transmitter Alignment Set for MGM-51 Shillelagh Guided Missile, P/N 10122012
The M45 Infrared Transmitter Alignment Set for MGM-51 Shillelagh Guided Missile, identified by part number 10122012, is specialized U.S. Army maintenance equipment for the infrared transmitter in the guided-missile remote-control system. The fitted case plate identifies the set by its official nomenclature and records FSN 4935-999-2187; the later NSN format is 4935-00-999-2187.
Manufactured by the Aeronutronic Division of Philco, this set supported alignment checks within the Shillelagh fire-control system. It is test and alignment equipment—not a missile, launcher, or weapon.
Historical Significance
The MGM-51 Shillelagh combined a 152 mm gun/launcher with infrared command guidance and was fielded with the M551 Sheridan and M60A2. During guided flight, the vehicle's fire-control equipment transmitted course corrections while the gunner kept the sight on the target. This alignment set represents the specialized optical support equipment required to maintain that Cold War system.
What This Item Is and Does
The set allowed maintainers to check and align the infrared transmitter with the associated optical and fire-control path. Its viewer, target, aperture or fixture, and positioning components provided reference points for confirming alignment. This is a high-level function description only; no operating procedure is included.
Key Features
- Official nomenclature: Alignment Set, Infrared Transmitter, Guided Missile Remote Control
- Part number: 10122012
- Federal Stock Number: 4935-999-2187
- Modern NSN format: 4935-00-999-2187
- Manufacturer: Aeronutronic Division of Philco
- Photographed set includes a fitted transit case, optical alignment viewer, checkerboard target and stake with wound cable, circular aperture or fixture, and paperwork
- Pressure-equalizing transit case with humidity indicator
- Cold War U.S. Army Shillelagh fire-control support equipment
Why This Item Matters
Surviving alignment equipment helps document the maintenance infrastructure behind the Shillelagh system, not just its missile and launcher. The labeled case, optical components, accessories, and service tags make this a strong display or study piece for collections focused on the M551 Sheridan, M60A2, guided weapons, or Cold War fire-control technology.
About This Item
Used military-surplus condition. The transit case shows extensive scratches, paint loss, and surface wear. The interior foam is heavily deteriorated and crumbling. A green DD Form 1577-2 identifies the set as Unserviceable (Repairable) and notes For Repair. This item was not tested and is offered in the condition shown. The photographs show the components currently associated with the set; no completeness claim is made. No missile, ammunition, explosive material, or launcher is included.
All items are opened from the original packaging to verify its condition before shipment. If your prefer to receive an item in its original, unopened packaging, please indicate your request in the order comments at checkout. Please Note: If you request an item in its original, unopened packaging, we are unable to verify the item's condition prior to shipment.
Ideal For
- U.S. Army and Cold War missile collections
- M551 Sheridan and M60A2 museum displays
- Military optics and fire-control equipment collectors
- Historical exhibits and technical-study collections
Approx length 14", Approx width 9", Approx height 7", Approx weight 14lbs.
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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