Description
Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-248-35P) for M44/T159 and M44C/T159E1 Infinity Sights June 1960
This Technical Manual TM 9-1240-248-35P covers the M44/T159 and M44C/T159E1 Infinity Sights and is dated June 1960.
The publication is a field- and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools reference for these armored-vehicle fire-control sights.
Historical Significance
The M44 and M44C Infinity Sights were part of the U.S. Army's early Cold War transition to more integrated armored-vehicle fire-control systems. These unity-power auxiliary sights worked with the gunner's periscope to place an illuminated circular aiming reference in the field of view for rapid coaxial-machine-gun engagement.
The M44/T159 was paired with the M29 periscope in the M103A1 heavy tank's fire-control system. The related M44C/T159E1 worked with the M31 periscope used in M60-series tank fire-control installations.
Equipment Applications
The M44 and M44C were compact optical aiming components rather than standalone observation instruments. Each sight projected its illuminated reference into a compatible periscope, allowing the gunner to retain the periscopic view while using a dedicated aiming cue.
The M44, Federal Stock Number 1240-611-6492, supported the M29 periscope installation associated with the M103A1. The M44C, Federal Stock Number 1240-676-2181, supported the M31 periscope installation used with the M60 family.
What This Manual Covers
This -35P parts manual identifies repair parts and special tools for field- and depot-level support of the M44/T159 and M44C/T159E1 Infinity Sights. It is intended to assist with component identification, stock-number lookup, requisitioning, and maintenance planning.
The publication documents the Army supply and maintenance structure for the two related sight models, connecting official nomenclature and stock numbers with the parts information needed to support these optical fire-control components.
Key Features
- Official publication number: TM 9-1240-248-35P
- Publication date: June 1960
- Equipment covered: M44/T159 and M44C/T159E1 Infinity Sights
- Maintenance scope: field and depot repair parts and special tools
- Application context: M29 and M31 periscope fire-control installations
Why This Manual Matters
This manual preserves the official parts terminology and maintenance-support data for two specialized armored-vehicle aiming devices. It helps identify components that may otherwise be difficult to distinguish by appearance or model marking alone.
It is also a useful companion reference for studying the fire-control arrangements of the M103A1 and M60 tank families, showing how the infinity sight, periscope, and Army supply system were connected.
About This Manual
Published by the Department of the Army in June 1960, TM 9-1240-248-35P is a field- and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools publication for the M44/T159 and M44C/T159E1 Infinity Sights.
It is a parts-support publication and is distinct from TM 9-1240-248-35, the maintenance manual for the same sight family.
Ideal For
This manual is a strong fit for:
- U.S. Army technical-manual collectors
- Armored-vehicle fire-control researchers
- M103 and M60 tank historians
- Military museums and restoration projects
- Collectors and specialists studying military optical equipment
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .15", Approx weight .2lbs.
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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