Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual Change 1 TM 9-1240-330-34 for M50 Tank Periscope, May 1974
Item Overview
This official U.S. Army Change 1 publication updates TM 9-1240-330-34 for the M50 Tank Periscope, NSN 1240-00-950-2805. Issued in May 1974, it was prepared for use with the original technical manual dated February 20, 1973. This listing is for the Change 1 update only. It does not include the complete base manual, M50 periscope, tank, tools, or associated equipment.
Identification and Features
The “-34” suffix identifies the original publication as a direct support and general support maintenance manual. Change 1 supplied revised information needed to keep the manual current while the M50 and its related equipment remained in Army service.
- Publication: Change 1 to TM 9-1240-330-34
- Change date: May 1974
- Original manual date: February 20, 1973
- Subject: M50 Tank Periscope
- National Stock Number: 1240-00-950-2805
- Maintenance levels: Direct support and general support
- Equipment role: Tank gunner’s sighting periscope
- Verified vehicle application: M60A2 tank
- Item included: Change 1 publication only
About the Change Publication
Army change publications were issued to revise selected pages, procedures, illustrations, or technical details in an existing manual. Maintenance personnel followed the included instructions to remove outdated pages and insert or record the new information. Change 1 is not a complete manual by itself and was intended to remain with the February 20, 1973 edition of TM 9-1240-330-34.
Original Manual Coverage
The complete TM 9-1240-330-34 supported higher-level inspection, troubleshooting, disassembly, cleaning, repair, reassembly, adjustment, and testing of the M50. Its coverage helped trained technicians service the periscope and related equipment beyond routine crew and organizational maintenance. Change 1 updated selected portions of that guidance rather than repeating the entire manual.
About the M50 Tank Periscope
The M50 was developed as an advanced gunner’s periscope with a unity-power viewing channel, an eight-power daylight sight, and a ten-power passive low-light sight. Its projected reticle could be moved in elevation and direction to match correction data from the tank’s fire-control computer. This allowed one protected optical unit to support general viewing, magnified aiming, and night operations.
M60A2 Weapon-System Application
The M50 served as the gunner’s periscope in the M60A2 tank, often called the “Starship.” The M60A2 combined an M60-series chassis with a low-profile turret and an M162 152mm gun/launcher. This weapon could fire conventional ammunition and launch the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile. The M50 worked with the M126 telescope, AN/VVS-1 laser rangefinder, and electronic ballistic equipment as part of the tank’s fire-control system.
History of Use
The M60A2 entered Army service during the 1970s as an effort to give armored units long-range guided-missile capability. Its advanced sights, laser ranging equipment, and electronic controls required specialized maintenance. The M50 gave the gunner daylight and low-light observation while displaying computer-controlled aiming corrections. The M60A2 served during the Cold War before being withdrawn from tank service.
Collector and Research Value
This Change 1 publication documents an official update to the maintenance program for one of the U.S. Army’s most unusual Cold War tanks. It is useful for collectors, museums, restorers, and researchers studying the M60A2, M50 periscope, Shillelagh weapon system, military night optics, and Army technical-publication changes.
Condition
This vintage military change publication may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, loose pages, punched holes, or other signs of age and storage. Printing details and condition may vary between available copies. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This publication is a specialized reference for collections and exhibits focused on U.S. tanks, advanced military optics, and Cold War fire-control equipment.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M60A2 Starship tank displays
- M50 periscope restoration research
- MGM-51 Shillelagh exhibits
- Military fire-control studies
- Museum and archival collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .5", Approx weight 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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