Description
Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-276-50) for M118/T176E3 and M118C/T176E2 Elbow Telescopes January 1964 FSN 1240-819-4519
Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-276-50) for M118/T176E3 and M118C/T176E2 Elbow Telescopes – January 1964
Item Overview
This January 1964 U.S. Army technical manual provides depot-maintenance instructions for the M118/T176E3 and M118C/T176E2 Elbow Telescopes. These precision optical instruments were part of the fire-control systems used with the M108 and M109 self-propelled howitzers.
The M118 is identified by FSN 1240-819-4519. The M118C is identified by FSN 1240-819-4520.
This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include an elbow telescope, telescope mount, tools, or replacement parts.
Historical Background
The T176E2 and T176E3 telescopes were developed for a new family of tracked self-propelled artillery. The T176E3 was standardized as the M118, while 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. The telescopes performed similar jobs but used reticles suited to the aiming requirements of their assigned weapons.
Both models provided 4-power magnification and a 10-degree field of view. They gave the crew a magnified optical line of sight for aiming at visible targets. This made them important during direct-fire missions.
The M108 and M109 were standardized in 1963. Published in January 1964, this manual comes from the beginning of their Army service. Later versions of the M118 telescope continued serving with the long-lived M109 howitzer family.
Manual Contents
- Description and operating principles
- Inspection and troubleshooting
- Disassembly and reassembly
- Cleaning and repair procedures
- Optical and mechanical components
- Reticle, lens, and eyepiece assemblies
- Adjustment and optical alignment
- Final inspection and performance testing
- Depot-maintenance tools and equipment
Identification
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-276-50
- Publication date: January 1964
- Manual type: Depot maintenance
- 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 restoring, inspecting, or identifying M118-series telescope components. Its January 1964 date connects it to the early service history of the M108 and M109 self-propelled howitzers.
Ideal For
- M118 and M118C telescope restoration
- M108 and M109 howitzer projects
- Military-optics collections
- U.S. Army artillery displays
- Museum and educational exhibits
- Cold War technical-library collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .25", Approx weight .5lbs.
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