Description
Technical Manual TM 9-1220-218-35P for M16 Ballistics Computer, April 1966
This Technical Manual TM 9-1220-218-35P covers the M16 Ballistics Computer and is dated April 1966.
The publication is a field- and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools reference for the analog fire-control computer used in M60-series tank systems.
Historical Significance
The M16 was developed during the Army's effort to improve fire-control performance in M60-series tanks. It was installed on M60A1 production tanks and planned as a retrofit for M60-series vehicles already in service.
The computer received target-range and ammunition-selection inputs, then calculated corrections used to position the 105 mm main gun. Its analog design represents the transition between earlier mechanical tank fire-control equipment and later digital ballistic computers.
What This Manual Covers
This -35P parts manual identifies repair parts and special tools used for field and depot maintenance of the M16 Ballistics Computer. It supports parts identification, requisitioning, supply, and higher-level maintenance planning.
The documented computer calculated elevation and deflection corrections for drift, sight parallax, gun droop, zeroing, and required superelevation. It also corrected for vehicle cant on uneven terrain and loss of muzzle velocity caused by gun-tube wear. The elevation output was transmitted mechanically through the ballistic drive to the tank fire-control system.
Key Features
- Official publication number: TM 9-1220-218-35P
- Equipment covered: M16 Ballistics Computer
- Publication date: April 1966
- Maintenance scope: field and depot repair parts and special tools
- Vehicle context: M60-series tanks, including the M60A1
- Fire-control role: computed elevation and deflection corrections for the 105 mm main gun
Why This Manual Matters
This publication preserves the official part names and maintenance supply structure used for a major component of M60-series tank fire control. It helps researchers identify assemblies and understand how the M16 was supported beyond the operator level.
It also provides useful period documentation for studying the move from mechanical fire-control methods toward analog automatic correction systems in U.S. tanks.
About This Manual
Published by the Department of the Army in April 1966, TM 9-1220-218-35P is a field- and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools publication for the M16 Ballistics Computer. It is a parts reference rather than the complete operating or repair-procedure manual.
Ideal For
This manual is a strong fit for:
- U.S. Army technical-manual collectors
- M60 and M60A1 tank researchers
- M60-series restoration and museum projects
- Military fire-control system specialists
- Historians studying analog tank fire-control technology
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .5", Approx weight 1lbs.
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