Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual Change 1, TM 9-1240-288-35, M16A1D, M16A1F, M16A1G, M116, and M116C Elbow Telescopes, October 1967
Item Overview
This U.S. Army publication is Change 1 to TM 9-1240-288-35, dated October 1967. It updates the direct-support, general-support, and depot-maintenance manual for the M16A1D, M16A1F, M16A1G, M116, and M116C elbow telescopes.
The original 47-page manual was issued on March 18, 1964. This listing is for the October 1967 Change 1 supplement only. It is not the complete 1964 manual, an elbow telescope, a telescope mount, or an artillery weapon.
About the Original Manual
TM 9-1240-288-35 provided higher-level maintenance instructions for five military elbow-telescope models. It was written for trained personnel performing work beyond normal operator care.
The manual supported the inspection, repair, adjustment, and testing of these precision optical instruments. Proper maintenance was important because even a small error in the telescope or reticle could affect the aim of the weapon.
About the Elbow Telescopes
These elbow telescopes were compact, fixed-focus sights used to aim artillery during direct fire. Their angled eyepieces allowed the gunner to view the target from a practical position beside the weapon.
The telescopes provided approximately 3-power magnification and a field of view of about 13 degrees. Each model used a reticle matched to a certain weapon and its ammunition. Reticle lighting supported use during low-light and nighttime operations.
Documented Applications
- M16A1D: Used with the M23 telescope mount on 105-mm howitzer carriages M2A1 and M2A2
- M16A1F: Used with the M71 telescope mount on the 155-mm Gun Carriage M1
- M16A1G: Used with the M71 telescope mount on the 8-inch Howitzer Carriage M1 and Mount M17
- M116: Used for direct fire with the M110 8-inch self-propelled howitzer
- M116C: Used for direct fire with the M107 175-mm self-propelled gun
Historical Background
The original manual brought together optical equipment from two periods of U.S. artillery history. The M16A1-series telescopes supported traditional towed weapons developed during World War II and used through the Korean War and Cold War.
The M116 and M116C supported the newer M110 and M107 tracked artillery systems. These powerful self-propelled weapons entered service during the 1960s and were used during the Vietnam War.
Change 1 was issued in October 1967, during a period of heavy U.S. artillery use in Southeast Asia. The publication reflects the Army’s continued effort to keep maintenance information current for both older and newer fire-control equipment.
Publication Details
- Publication: Technical Manual Change 1
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-288-35
- Change date: October 1967
- Original manual date: March 18, 1964
- Models covered: M16A1D, M16A1F, M16A1G, M116, and M116C
- Equipment type: Elbow telescopes
- Maintenance levels: Direct support, general support, and depot
- Item included: Change 1 publication only
Collector and Research Value
This change publication is a useful addition to a U.S. Army technical-manual, artillery, or military-optics collection. It also provides period reference material for museums, restorers, and historians studying Cold War and Vietnam-era fire-control equipment.
Ideal For
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- Military optics and fire-control research
- M107 and M110 artillery displays
- 105-mm, 155-mm, and 8-inch artillery collections
- Vietnam War and Cold War exhibits
- Museum and restoration reference libraries
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .1", Approx weight .1lbs.
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