Description
Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-236-35P) for M12A7C, M12A7H, M12A7K, M12A7Q, and M12A7S Panoramic Telescopes July 1970
This Technical Manual TM 9-1240-236-35P covers the M12A7C, M12A7H, M12A7K, M12A7Q, and M12A7S Panoramic Telescopes and is dated 9 July 1970.
The publication is a direct-support, general-support, and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools reference for panoramic artillery sights used to lay weapons in azimuth.
Historical Significance
The M12A7 series represents a long-serving family of U.S. artillery panoramic telescopes used with field artillery pieces and self-propelled weapons. These instruments gave crews a precise, continuously traversable optical reference for laying a weapon against aiming points during indirect-fire missions.
The covered variants are essentially the same basic telescope design, with differences in reticle pattern and zero-azimuth setting adapting individual models to particular weapon and mounting arrangements.
Artillery Sighting and Weapon Applications
An M12A7-series telescope raises the line of sight, maintains an upright image as its rotating head is directed around the weapon, and provides a full 6,400-mil azimuth range. The family uses 4-power magnification with a 10-degree field of view and was primarily intended for indirect-fire laying, with direct-fire use available when required.
Applications varied by model. The M12A7K was part of the fire-control equipment for the 155 mm M44 self-propelled howitzer, while the M12A7S was used with the M21A1 telescope mount on the 105 mm M101A1 towed howitzer.
What This Manual Covers
TM 9-1240-236-35P lists repair parts, special tools, test equipment, and support equipment required for direct-support, general-support, and depot maintenance of the five covered panoramic telescopes.
Its sections include repair parts arranged by figure and item number, special tools and support equipment, and a Federal Stock Number and reference-number index cross-referenced to the applicable illustration and item numbers.
Key Features
- Official publication number: TM 9-1240-236-35P
- Publication date: 9 July 1970
- Manual type: direct-support, general-support, and depot repair parts and special tools list
- M12A7C Federal Stock Number: 1240-768-7260
- M12A7H Federal Stock Number: 1240-344-4633
- M12A7K Federal Stock Number: 1240-344-4632
- M12A7Q Federal Stock Number: 1240-917-6428
- M12A7S Federal Stock Number: 1240-344-6433
- Primary function: laying artillery weapons in azimuth for indirect fire
Why This Manual Matters
The M12A7 variants can be difficult to distinguish by general appearance alone. This publication preserves the official part nomenclature, stock numbers, illustrations, and model-specific component relationships needed to identify and support the correct telescope configuration.
It also connects individual panoramic sights to the maintenance and supply system behind several Cold War artillery platforms, making it useful for both component-level research and complete weapon restorations.
About This Manual
Published by Headquarters, Department of the Army on 9 July 1970, TM 9-1240-236-35P is a repair-parts and special-tools publication for the M12A7C, M12A7H, M12A7K, M12A7Q, and M12A7S.
This edition supersedes TM 9-1240-236-35P dated 7 September 1962, including all changes. It is a maintenance-supply reference rather than an operator's manual for laying or firing a specific artillery weapon.
Ideal For
This manual is a strong fit for:
- U.S. Army technical-manual collectors
- M44 self-propelled howitzer restorers
- M101A1 towed-howitzer restoration projects
- Artillery fire-control and military-optics researchers
- Military museums and reference libraries
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .25", 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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