Description
Own a rare piece of Cold War tactical nuclear weapons documentation with this Technical Manual TM 9-1000-209-35P for the XM28 and XM29 “Davy Crockett” Battle Group Weapon Systems, dated June 1962. This manual belongs to the deeper maintenance and parts-reference side of one of the most unusual weapon systems ever fielded by the U.S. Army.
The Davy Crockett was a tactical nuclear recoilless rifle system built for front-line Army units during the era of Pentomic divisions, battlefield nuclear planning, and NATO concern over Warsaw Pact armor in Europe. The Army Historical Foundation identifies the M28/M29 Davy Crockett as one of the smallest weapons in the Army’s nuclear arsenal and notes that it entered service in May 1961.
Historical Significance
The XM28 and XM29 Battle Group Weapon Systems came from the Army’s early Cold War push to place tactical nuclear firepower closer to the front line. The Davy Crockett project began under the Battle Group Atomic Delivery System concept and involved several major Army arsenals and test sites.
This June 1962 TM 9-1000-209-35P is especially collectible because it dates from the active early service period of the system. It also falls right before the famous Little Feller nuclear tests in July 1962, when the Davy Crockett became one of the most visible symbols of battlefield nuclear doctrine. The Army Historical Foundation notes that two live M388 atomic projectiles were detonated during the Little Feller tests, including one fired from an M29 launcher.
For collectors, that gives this manual serious “cool factor.” It is not just another Army parts manual. It is tied to one of the most memorable and controversial weapons of the nuclear age.
The XM28 and XM29 Davy Crockett Systems
The Davy Crockett came in two main versions. The XM28 / M28 was the lighter 120mm system. The XM29 / M29 was the heavier 155mm system. Both were designed to fire the M388 atomic projectile, which carried the compact W54 warhead.
The Army Historical Foundation lists the M28 range at about 1.25 miles and the M29 range at about 2.5 miles. The same source identifies the W54 as the smallest nuclear weapon deployed by U.S. armed forces.
That history makes the Davy Crockett one of the most interesting subjects in Cold War ordnance collecting. It was a weapon system built around a concept that could only have existed in the early nuclear battlefield era.
What This Manual Covers
As a 35P technical manual, this publication is associated with the repair parts and special tools side of the Davy Crockett manual family. The related TM 9-1000-209-35 manual family is documented as a field and depot maintenance manual for the Battle Group Lightweight Weapon System XM28 and Battle Group Heavy Weapon System XM29, while similar Army 35P manuals in the same technical series are listed as field/depot maintenance repair parts and special tools lists.
This manual is especially relevant for:
- XM28 Davy Crockett parts documentation
- XM29 Davy Crockett parts documentation
- Battle Group Weapon System maintenance research
- repair parts and special tools reference
- Cold War tactical nuclear weapons collections
- U.S. Army Ordnance Department publication libraries
- museum and archival reference collections
- collectors building a complete TM 9-1000-209 manual set
Manuals like this are valuable because they show the system from a component and support standpoint. They help document the smaller pieces, tools, and assemblies behind the weapon system.
Key Features
- Technical Manual TM 9-1000-209-35P
- Covers the XM28 “Davy Crockett” Battle Group Weapon System
- Covers the XM29 “Davy Crockett” Battle Group Weapon System
- Dated June 1962
- Parts-reference style manual for field/depot maintenance support
- Connected to the famous Davy Crockett tactical nuclear weapon system
- Strong Cold War / nuclear-era U.S. Army subject
- Excellent companion piece for a Davy Crockett technical manual collection
- Desirable reference for ordnance, artillery, armor, and nuclear-era military history collectors
- Strong fit for museum, archive, and serious technical manual libraries
Why This Collectible Stands Out
Most Army technical manuals cover common vehicles, rifles, radios, or conventional artillery. This one is tied to the Davy Crockett, a tactical nuclear recoilless rifle system that still captures attention decades later.
The system’s short service life adds to the appeal. The Davy Crockett was deployed with U.S. Army forces from the early 1960s and was retired by 1971.
The 35P format makes this manual especially interesting to serious collectors. Parts-list manuals are often more difficult to find than operator manuals. They also show the equipment from a more detailed maintenance and supply perspective.
For collectors of Davy Crockett material, atomic artillery references, Pentomic Army doctrine, or Cold War ordnance manuals, this is a standout piece.
About This Manual
This listing is for Technical Manual TM 9-1000-209-35P for the XM28 and XM29 “Davy Crockett” Battle Group Weapon Systems, dated June 1962.
This listing is for the manual only unless otherwise stated. No weapon system, launcher, projectile, nuclear material, ammunition, warhead, spotting equipment, vehicle mount, tripod, special tools, parts, storage case, or additional accessory is included unless specifically shown or noted.
Ideal For
This manual 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 manual set
- serious ordnance, artillery, and nuclear-era military historians
Approx length 10", Approx width 8", 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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