Description
Own a rare Cold War tactical nuclear weapons manual update with this Technical Manual Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-35, covering the M28 and M29 “Davy Crockett” Battle Group Weapon Systems. Dated August 1963, this change notice updates the original TM 9-1000-209-35, issued June 22, 1962.
This is a Change 2 update only, not the full base manual. For collectors, that makes it an important companion piece for completing a full TM 9-1000-209-35 Davy Crockett manual set.
Historical Significance
The M28 and M29 Davy Crockett system is one of the most unusual weapons programs of the Cold War. It was a compact tactical nuclear recoilless weapon system developed for front-line Army units during the era of Pentomic divisions, battlefield nuclear planning, and NATO-Warsaw Pact tension.
The base TM 9-1000-209-35 manual family is identified as a Field and Depot Maintenance Manual for the Battle Group Lightweight Weapon System XM28 and Battle Group Heavy Weapon System XM29. The XM28 is listed as portable and vehicle-mounted, while the XM29 is listed as vehicle-mounted.
That makes this August 1963 Change 2 especially collectible. It belongs to the active service period of the Davy Crockett system, when the Army was still maintaining and updating official documentation for one of the most distinctive nuclear-era weapons ever fielded.
The M28 and M29 Davy Crockett System
The Davy Crockett came in two major versions. The M28 was the lighter 120mm system, while the M29 was the heavier 155mm system. The Army Historical Foundation notes that the M28 had a range of about 1.25 miles, while the larger M29 could reach about 2.5 miles. Both fired the M388 atomic projectile, which carried the compact W54 warhead, described as the smallest nuclear weapon deployed by U.S. forces.
That is the collector appeal. The Davy Crockett was small, strange, short-lived, and unmistakably Cold War. It represents a moment when the Army expected tactical nuclear weapons to be used at the battlefield level by small units.
Brookings notes that the Davy Crockett was deployed with U.S. Army forces from 1961 to 1971, with about 2,100 systems produced. It also identifies the XM-388 projectile as being fired from either the 120mm XM28 or 155mm XM29 recoilless rifle.
What This Change Covers
As Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-35, this publication updated the field and depot maintenance manual for the M28 and M29 Battle Group Weapon Systems.
This manual change is especially relevant for:
- M28 Davy Crockett documentation
- M29 Davy Crockett documentation
- Battle Group Atomic Weapon System maintenance research
- XM28 and XM29 field/depot maintenance manual sets
- 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
Manual changes are often harder to find than base manuals. They were working updates, and many were separated from the original publication over time.
Key Features
- Technical Manual Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-35
- Covers the M28 and M29 “Davy Crockett” Battle Group Weapon Systems
- Dated August 1963
- Updates the original TM 9-1000-209-35 issued June 22, 1962
- Field and depot maintenance-level manual update
- 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 9-1000-209-35 manual set
- Highly desirable for ordnance, artillery, armor, and nuclear-era military history collectors
Why This Collectible Stands Out
This is not a manual change for a common rifle, truck, radio, or field tool. It is tied to the Davy Crockett, one of the most memorable and controversial weapons of the nuclear age.
The system’s short service life adds to the appeal. The Army Historical Foundation notes that the Davy Crockett began withdrawal from Europe by 1967 and was retired from Army service by 1971.
For collectors, this piece has real “cool factor.” It documents the support side of a weapon system that combined recoilless rifle technology with tactical nuclear doctrine. It belongs with atomic artillery references, M65 Atomic Cannon material, Pentomic Army collections, Cold War ordnance manuals, and serious Davy Crockett displays.
About This Manual Change
This listing is for Technical Manual Change 2 for TM 9-1000-209-35, covering the M28 and M29 “Davy Crockett” Battle Group Weapon Systems, dated August 1963.
This listing is for the Change 2 update only unless otherwise stated. No complete base manual, weapon system, launcher, projectile, nuclear material, ammunition, warhead, vehicle mount, tripod, tools, parts, storage case, or additional accessories are 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 9-1000-209-35 manual set
- serious ordnance, artillery, and nuclear-era military historians
Approx length 10", Approx width 8", Approx height .2", Approx weight .5lbs.
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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