Description
Technical Manual (TM 9-1240-306-35) for M113 Panoramic Telescope August 1965 FSN 1240-076-0066
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-306-35 for M113 Panoramic Telescope, Official Reprint with Changes 1–3, August 1965, FSN 1240-076-0066
Item Overview
This U.S. Army technical manual covers higher-level maintenance for the M113 Panoramic Telescope, FSN 1240-076-0066. Issued as TM 9-1240-306-35 in August 1965, it supported military personnel responsible for repairing and maintaining this optical fire-control instrument.
This is an official reprint containing the current pages from Change 1 through Change 3. The listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include an M113 telescope, M134 telescope mount, howitzer, or other fire-control equipment.
Official Reprint and Change Status
This edition combines the updated pages from the first three changes with the original manual. It provides a more complete working reference without requiring separate Change 1, Change 2, and Change 3 packets.
The original August 1965 publication date remains part of the manual’s identity. The incorporated changes reflect corrections and revised maintenance information issued after the first printing.
About the M113 Panoramic Telescope
The M113 is an adjustable-focus optical instrument used for artillery fire control. A panoramic telescope allows a gun crew to measure horizontal angles and lay the weapon for indirect fire, even when the target cannot be seen from the gun position.
The telescope was used with the M134 Telescope Mount as part of the fire-control equipment for the M102 105mm Light Towed Howitzer. Its panoramic viewing system supported accurate directional aiming across a full circle.
This optical instrument should not be confused with the M113 armored personnel carrier or other military equipment that shares the M113 designation.
Historical Background
TM 9-1240-306-35 was published during the Vietnam War era, when the U.S. Army was placing greater value on light and mobile artillery. The M102 howitzer could be towed, carried by helicopter, or moved by transport aircraft. This made it well suited for airborne and air-mobile operations.
Once placed in firing position, the M102 could traverse through a full circle. Accurate panoramic sights were important for setting direction and shifting fire between targets. The M113 telescope and M134 mount helped the crew aim the weapon during indirect-fire missions.
This official reprint also shows how Army technical publications were kept current. Change pages allowed maintenance instructions to be corrected or improved while the original manual remained in service.
Publication Details
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-306-35
- Publication date: August 1965
- Subject: M113 Panoramic Telescope
- Publication type: Official reprint
- Incorporated updates: Current pages from Change 1 through Change 3
- Manual level: Direct support, general support, and depot maintenance
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-076-0066
- Part number: 8626189
- Equipment type: Telescope, Panoramic
- Optical focus: Adjustable
- Associated mount: M134 Telescope Mount
- Documented weapon system: M102 105mm Light Towed Howitzer
- Primary role: Artillery azimuth measurement and indirect-fire laying
- Item included: Technical manual only
Collector and Research Value
This manual is a useful addition to a U.S. Army technical-publication, artillery, or military-optics collection. Its official reprint status and incorporated change pages add value for researchers seeking a later working version of the original 1965 publication.
It can also support museum displays, M102 howitzer research, M113 telescope identification, and the restoration of Cold War or Vietnam-era fire-control equipment.
Ideal For
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M102 105mm howitzer research
- Vietnam War artillery displays
- M113 panoramic telescope restoration
- Military optics and fire-control collections
- Museum and archival reference libraries
- Artillery maintenance and training exhibits
Approx length 8", Approx width 10", Approx height .5", Approx weight 1lbs.
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