Description
Own a scarce Cold War tactical nuclear weapons manual update with this Technical Manual Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-12, covering the M28 and M29 Battle Group Atomic Weapon System. Dated August 1964, this change notice updates the original TM 9-1000-209-12 issued November 27, 1963.
This is a Change 2 update only, not the full base manual. For collectors, that matters. Change notices were working updates, and many were separated from their original manuals over time. This makes surviving examples valuable companion pieces for completing a full TM 9-1000-209-12 Davy Crockett manual set.
Historical Significance
The M28 and M29 Battle Group Atomic Weapon System is better known as the Davy Crockett. It was one of the most unusual weapons of the Cold War and one of the smallest nuclear weapon systems ever fielded by the U.S. Army. The Army Historical Foundation describes the M28/M29 Davy Crockett as a recoilless rifle system operated by a small crew and entering service in the early 1960s.
The system came out of the Army’s Battle Group Atomic Delivery System program. It was developed for a nuclear battlefield concept tied to Pentomic-era doctrine and NATO concerns over Soviet conventional strength in Europe. The Army Historical Foundation notes that the project began at Picatinny Arsenal in 1958 and was later developed through several Army arsenals and test sites.
That gives this August 1964 Change 2 serious collector appeal. It belongs to the short service window when the Davy Crockett was still an active and highly unusual part of U.S. tactical nuclear planning.
The M28 and M29 Davy Crockett System
The Davy Crockett was produced in two main versions. The M28 was the lighter 120mm system, while the M29 was the heavier 155mm system. Brookings notes that the XM-388 projectile could be launched from either the 120mm XM-28 or the 155mm XM-29 recoilless rifle, with the 120mm version reaching about 1.24 miles and the 155mm version reaching about 2.49 miles.
The system’s reputation comes from its compact tactical nuclear role. The M388 projectile carried the W54 warhead, which the Army Historical Foundation identifies as the smallest nuclear weapon deployed by U.S. armed forces.
For collectors, this is the “cool factor.” The Davy Crockett was small, strange, controversial, and historically important. It represents a moment when the Army expected nuclear weapons to be used at the tactical battlefield level.
What This Change Covers
As Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-12, this publication updated the Army’s operator and organizational maintenance manual for the M28 and M29 Battle Group Atomic Weapon System.
This manual change is especially relevant for:
- M28 Davy Crockett documentation
- M29 Davy Crockett documentation
- Battle Group Atomic Weapon System research
- Cold War tactical nuclear weapons collections
- U.S. Army Ordnance Department publication libraries
- Pentomic Army and early 1960s doctrine displays
- museum and archival reference collections
- collectors completing a TM 9-1000-209-12 manual set
Reference listings identify the base TM 9-1000-209-12 as an Operator and Organizational Maintenance Manual for the M28/XM28 lightweight portable and vehicle-mounted system and the M29/XM29 heavy vehicle-mounted system, with a listed length of 250 pages.
Key Features
- Technical Manual Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-12
- Covers the M28 and M29 Battle Group Atomic Weapon System
- Dated August 1964
- Updates the original manual issued November 27, 1963
- Connected to the famous Davy Crockett tactical nuclear weapon system
- Strong Cold War / nuclear-era U.S. Army subject
- Excellent companion piece for a complete TM 9-1000-209-12 manual set
- Desirable reference for ordnance, artillery, armor, and tactical nuclear history collections
- Great fit for museum, archive, and serious technical manual libraries
Why This Collectible Stands Out
This is not a manual change for a common rifle, vehicle, or field tool. It is tied to the Davy Crockett, one of the most memorable weapons of the nuclear age.
The system was never used in combat, and its Army service was relatively brief. The Army Historical Foundation notes that the Davy Crockett began withdrawal from Europe by 1967 and was retired from service by 1971.
That short service life adds to the collector value. The manual family documents a weapon concept that was bold, strange, and uniquely Cold War. For collectors of atomic artillery, nuclear-era ordnance, Pentomic Army material, or Davy Crockett history, this Change 2 update is a strong reference piece.
About This Manual Change
This listing is for Technical Manual Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-12, covering the M28 and M29 Battle Group Atomic Weapon System, dated August 1964.
This listing is for the Change 2 update only unless otherwise stated. No complete base manual, weapon system, launcher, projectile, nuclear material, ammunition, warhead, spotting equipment, vehicle mount, tripod, tool, part, storage case, or additional accessory is included unless specifically shown or noted.
Ideal For
This manual change is a strong fit for:
- Cold War U.S. Army technical manual collections
- Davy Crockett weapon system displays
- tactical nuclear weapons history collections
- U.S. Army Ordnance Department publication libraries
- Pentomic Army doctrine research
- early 1960s battlefield nuclear collections
- museum and archival reference collections
- collectors completing a TM 9-1000-209-12 manual set
- serious ordnance, artillery, and nuclear-era military historians
Approx length 10", Approx width 8", Approx height .2", 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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