Description
U.S. Army M60A2 M50 Gunner’s Periscope Removable Laser Filter Assembly, P/N 10556618, NSN 1240-00-004-4335
Item Overview
This original U.S. Army removable laser filter assembly was made for the gunner’s M50 tank periscope on the M60A2 “Starship” tank. The M50 served as the gunner’s primary day-and-night fire-control sight. This listing is for the filter assembly only and does not include the periscope, storage case, or tank.
Identification and Features
Army TM 9-1240-330-34 identifies this filter as Figure B-1, item 11 within the M50 periscope assembly. The manual illustration shows the same round filter with its knurled adjustment or mounting edge.
- Official item: Filter Assembly
- Part number: 10556618
- NSN: 1240-00-004-4335
- Immediate end item: Periscope, Tank, M50
- M50 periscope NSN: 1240-00-950-2805
- Vehicle: M60A2 152mm Gun/Launcher Tank
- Vehicle NSN: 2350-00-930-3590
- Crew position: Gunner
- Function: Removable laser-protection viewing filter
- Quantity used: One per M50 periscope
How It Worked
The filter was stored in a dedicated case or laser-filter stowage box when it was not needed. The gunner could remove and fit it to the M50 periscope when laser protection was required. It filtered harmful laser energy while allowing the gunner to continue viewing through the sight. This removable assembly was separate from the M50’s built-in clear, medium, and dense filter wheel.
M50 Periscope and M60A2 Application
The M50 periscope was a major part of the M60A2 fire-control system. It gave the gunner daylight and passive night-viewing capabilities and served as the primary sight when using conventional 152mm ammunition and the coaxial M73 machine gun. Army repair manuals list this exact filter only under the M50 periscope used on the M60A2. It should not be identified as an M51, M551 Sheridan, M113, M109, or standard M60-series periscope filter without separate documentation.
Historical Background
The M60A2 was a specialized Cold War member of the M60 tank family. Its low-profile turret carried a 152mm gun/launcher that could fire conventional ammunition and MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missiles. The tank also used advanced laser-ranging, electronic fire-control, and day-and-night sighting equipment. This unusual technology helped earn it the nickname “Starship.” The M60A2 had a limited service life, making surviving parts from its M50 sighting system desirable pieces of American armored-vehicle history.
Condition
This is an original military-surplus optical component. It may show scratches, paint wear, discoloration, oxidation, storage residue, or other signs of age and handling. The M50 periscope, filter case, stowage box, tank, and related equipment are not included. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This filter assembly is well suited for collections and exhibits covering Cold War armor, M60-series tanks, and military fire-control optics.
- M60A2 Starship collections
- M50 tank-periscope displays
- Cold War armor exhibits
- Military optical-equipment collections
- Tank fire-control research
- Military museums and educational displays
Approx length 3", Approx width 3", 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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