Description
Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-292-50) for M115 Panoramic Telescope May 1964 FSN 1240-895-9186
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-292-50 for M115 Panoramic Telescope, May 1964, FSN 1240-895-9186
Item Overview
This U.S. Army technical manual covers depot maintenance for the M115 Panoramic Telescope, FSN 1240-895-9186. Issued as TM 9-1240-292-50 in May 1964, it was prepared for trained personnel responsible for major repair and overhaul of this optical fire-control instrument.
This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include an M115 telescope, telescope mount, artillery weapon, tools, or other equipment.
About the M115 Panoramic Telescope
The M115, developed under the earlier T146 designation, is an optical fire-control instrument used for indirect artillery fire. It works with a separate telescope mount, including the M137 mount, to help the gun crew aim by measured direction.
The telescope provides 4-power magnification with a fixed-focus optical system and an approximate 10-degree field of view. Its azimuth system covers 6,400 mils, while the elevation range is approximately 300 mils above or below zero. The reticle can be illuminated for use in low-light conditions.
Documented applications include the M107 175-mm Self-Propelled Gun and M110 8-inch Self-Propelled Howitzer. The M115 was used for indirect aiming, while separate elbow telescopes supported direct-fire work.
Historical Background
TM 9-1240-292-50 was published during the Cold War as the U.S. Army introduced a new generation of mobile artillery. The M107 and M110 entered service during the 1960s and later saw combat use during the Vietnam War.
Accurate panoramic telescopes were essential to long-range artillery. Small errors in alignment could affect where a projectile landed many miles away. Depot manuals gave military repair facilities the instructions needed to rebuild, adjust, and test these precision instruments.
The May 1964 publication also reflects the Army’s continued support of the M115 after its earlier T146 development stage. The telescope remained in the military supply and maintenance system for many years.
Publication Details
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-292-50
- Publication date: May 1964
- Subject: M115 Panoramic Telescope
- Earlier equipment designation: T146
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-895-9186
- Later NSN format: 1240-00-895-9186
- Part number: 8587340
- Manual type: Depot maintenance
- Documented weapon systems: M107 and M110 self-propelled artillery
- Item included: Technical manual only
Collector and Research Value
This original-period manual is a useful addition to a U.S. Army technical-publication, artillery, or military-optics collection. It provides a detailed record of how precision fire-control equipment was maintained during the Cold War and Vietnam era.
It is also valuable for museums, restorers, historians, and collectors researching the M115 telescope or the M107 and M110 artillery systems.
Ideal For
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M107 and M110 artillery research
- Cold War and Vietnam War displays
- Military-optics collections
- Fire-control equipment restoration references
- Museum and archival collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .25", Approx weight .2lbs.
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