Description
Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-245-35P) for M15/T52 Range Finder July 1960
This Technical Manual TM 9-1240-245-35P covers the M15/T52 Range Finder and is dated July 1960.
The publication is a field- and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools reference for the stereoscopic range finder used in the M103A1 Heavy Tank fire-control system.
Historical Significance
The M15/T52 Range Finder belonged to the Cold War-era fire-control equipment of the M103A1 Heavy Tank. Mounted for use by the tank commander, this stereoscopic instrument helped determine target range for accurate long-range direct fire with the tank's 120 mm Gun M58 in the M89A1 gun mount.
The range finder worked as part of an integrated fire-control arrangement that included the M14 Ballistic Computer, M29 Periscope, and M102 Telescope. Together, these instruments supported target observation, range determination, ballistic computation, and gun laying for the M103A1's main armament.
M15/T52 Range Finder and the M103A1 Fire-Control System
The M15 was a stereoscopic optical range finder designed to let the commander estimate the distance to a target by comparing paired views. Its range information supported the firing solution developed with the M14 Ballistic Computer for the M103A1's 120mm main gun.
Because the M15 was one element in a larger system, its repair-parts documentation is useful for understanding both the instrument itself and the maintenance relationships among the M103A1's optical and fire-control components.
What This Manual Covers
This -35P parts manual identifies and organizes repair parts and special tools used for field- and depot-level support of the M15/T52 Range Finder. It serves as a parts-identification and supply reference for personnel maintaining the instrument beyond the operator and organizational levels.
The publication supports repair planning, parts requisitioning, and recognition of assemblies and components associated with the M15 range finder. Its parts-focused scope complements the procedures and technical maintenance information found in the related TM 9-1240-245-35 maintenance manual.
Key Features
- Official publication number: TM 9-1240-245-35P
- Publication date: July 1960
- Equipment covered: M15/T52 Range Finder
- Manual type: field and depot maintenance repair parts and special tools
- Instrument type: stereoscopic optical range finder
- Primary system application: M103A1 Heavy Tank fire-control system
- Related fire-control component: M14 Ballistic Computer
Why This Manual Matters
TM 9-1240-245-35P preserves the Army's official parts terminology and maintenance-support structure for the M15 range finder. It provides a focused reference for identifying components and understanding how this specialized optical instrument was supported at field and depot levels.
The manual also documents a significant part of the M103A1's fire-control system, making it valuable to researchers studying heavy-tank optics, mechanical fire-control technology, and U.S. Army maintenance practices of the early Cold War.
About This Manual
Published by the Department of the Army in July 1960, TM 9-1240-245-35P is the field- and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools publication for the M15/T52 Range Finder.
It is distinct from TM 9-1240-245-35, dated April 1960, which is the companion field- and depot-maintenance manual for the same range finder.
Ideal For
This manual is a strong fit for:
- U.S. Army technical-manual collectors
- M103 and M103A1 Heavy Tank researchers
- Military optics and fire-control historians
- Museums and reference libraries
- Restoration projects involving M15/T52 range-finder equipment
- Researchers studying Cold War armored-vehicle maintenance
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .35", Approx weight .5lbs.
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