Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-276-35P) for M118/T176E3 and M118C/T176E2 Elbow Telescopes March 1970 FSN 1240-819-4520

Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-276-35P) for M118/T176E3 and M118C/T176E2 Elbow Telescopes March 1970 FSN 1240-819-4520

Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-276-35P) for M118/T176E3 and M118C/T176E2 Elbow Telescopes – March 1970

Item Overview

This March 1970 U.S. Army technical manual is the repair-parts and special-tools publication for the M118/T176E3 and M118C/T176E2 Elbow Telescopes.

The M118 is identified by FSN 1240-819-4519, while the M118C is identified by FSN 1240-819-4520. These precision optical instruments were used with the fire-control systems of the M108 and M109 self-propelled howitzers.

This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include a telescope, telescope mount, tools, or replacement parts.

Historical Background

The T176E2 and T176E3 telescopes were developed during the creation of a new family of tracked artillery vehicles. The T176E3 was standardized as the M118, and the T176E2 became the M118C.

The M118 was associated with the M108 105mm Self-Propelled Howitzer. The M118C was used with the M109 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer. Each telescope used a reticle suited to the ballistics and aiming requirements of its assigned weapon.

These elbow telescopes gave the crew a magnified optical line of sight for aiming at visible targets. They were especially important during direct-fire missions. The M118 family remained part of American self-propelled-artillery fire-control equipment as the M109 continued to develop and serve.

Published during the Vietnam War era, this March 1970 manual documents the standardized M118 and M118C designations while also preserving their earlier T176 development numbers.

Manual Contents

TM 9-1240-276-35P was prepared to help maintenance personnel identify authorized parts and equipment. Its contents include:

• Major telescope assemblies
• Optical and mechanical components
• Reticle, lens, and eyepiece parts
• Housing and adjustment components
• Exploded assembly illustrations
• Federal stock numbers and part numbers
• Quantity and application information
• Special tools and maintenance equipment
• Numerical parts indexes

The illustrated-parts format is also useful for identifying incomplete, damaged, or disassembled telescope components.

Identification

• Manual number: TM 9-1240-276-35P
• Publication date: March 1970
• Manual type: Repair parts and special tools list
• Covered Telescopes:
  • M118/T176E3: FSN 1240-819-4519
  • M118C/T176E2: FSN 1240-819-4520
• Equipment type: Artillery fire-control optics
• Associated systems: M108 and M109 self-propelled howitzers

Collector and Research Value

This manual is a valuable reference for identifying or restoring M118-series telescope components. Its March 1970 date also connects it to the Vietnam War service period of the M108 and M109 self-propelled howitzers.

Ideal For

• M118 and M118C telescope identification
• M108 and M109 restoration projects
• Military-optics collections
• Vietnam War artillery displays
• Museum and educational exhibits
• Army technical-library collections

Approx length 8.5", Approx width 11", Approx height .2", 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.

Please visit our page about order lead times here: Order Lead Times