Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-288-35 for M16A1D, M16A1F, M16A1G, M116, and M116C Elbow Telescopes, March 1964
Item Overview
This U.S. Army technical manual covers direct-support, general-support, and depot maintenance for the M16A1D, M16A1F, M16A1G, M116, and M116C elbow telescopes. Officially issued as TM 9-1240-288-35, it is dated March 18, 1964.
These optical instruments helped artillery crews aim during direct-fire operations. The manual was prepared for trained maintenance personnel responsible for keeping the telescopes accurate and ready for service.
This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include an elbow telescope, telescope mount, artillery piece, tools, or other equipment.
About the Elbow Telescopes
These elbow telescopes were compact, fixed-focus optical sights used to lay artillery weapons during direct fire. Their angled eyepieces allowed the gunner to view the target from a practical position beside the weapon.
The telescopes provided approximately 3-power magnification and a field of view of about 13 degrees. Model-specific reticles were matched to certain weapons and ammunition. Instrument lighting allowed crews to view reticle markings during low-light or nighttime operations.
Documented Applications
- M16A1D: Used with the M23 telescope mount on 105-mm howitzer carriages M2A1 and M2A2
- M16A1F: Used with the M71 telescope mount on the 155-mm Gun Carriage M1
- M16A1G: Used with the M71 telescope mount on the 8-inch Howitzer Carriage M1 and Mount M17
- M116: Used as a direct-fire telescope with the M110 8-inch self-propelled howitzer
- M116C: Used as a direct-fire telescope with the M107 175-mm self-propelled gun
The different models shared a similar basic design, but their reticle patterns were suited to specific weapons and ballistic requirements.
Historical Background
This manual was published during a major change in U.S. artillery equipment. The M16A1-series telescopes supported weapons developed during World War II and used through the Korean War and early Cold War. These included the 105-mm howitzer, 155-mm “Long Tom” gun, and 8-inch heavy howitzer.
The newer M116 and M116C telescopes supported the tracked M107 and M110 artillery systems. Both entered U.S. service during the 1960s and later saw use during the Vietnam War. These self-propelled weapons gave artillery units greater mobility while carrying powerful long-range guns.
TM 9-1240-288-35 documents both generations of equipment in one publication. This makes it a useful record of the Army’s move from traditional towed artillery toward heavy self-propelled systems.
Publication Details
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-288-35
- Publication date: March 18, 1964
- Subject: Military Elbow Telescopes
- Models covered: M16A1D, M16A1F, M16A1G, M116, and M116C
- Maintenance levels: Direct support, general support, and depot
- Item included: Technical manual only
Collector and Research Value
This manual is a useful addition to a U.S. Army artillery, military-optics, or technical-publication collection. It also offers valuable reference material for museums, restorers, historians, and collectors researching Cold War fire-control equipment.
Ideal For
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- Military optics and fire-control research
- M107 and M110 self-propelled artillery displays
- 105-mm, 155-mm, and 8-inch artillery collections
- Vietnam War and Cold War exhibits
- Museum and restoration reference libraries
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .2", Approx weight .2lbs.
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