Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-314-35P for M36 Tank Periscope, July 1970
This U.S. Army technical manual is the official repair-parts and special-tools publication for the M36 Tank Periscope, Federal Stock Number 1240-980-9291. Issued as TM 9-1240-314-35P on July 10, 1970, it supported the identification, ordering, and maintenance of parts for this Cold War fire-control instrument. This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include an M36 periscope, mounting equipment, test equipment, weapon, or vehicle.
Manual Coverage
The “35P” suffix identifies this as a direct-support, general-support, and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools list. The manual contains Federal Stock Numbers, reference numbers, manufacturer codes, source and maintenance codes, units of measure, authorized quantities, maintenance allowances, special tools, and test equipment. The illustrations are arranged in disassembly order to help maintenance personnel identify each component. This is a parts reference rather than an operator’s manual or complete step-by-step repair manual.
Illustrated Parts Information
The 188-page publication contains 39 illustrated figures covering the complete M36 and its major assemblies. These include infrared and daylight body assemblies, optical cells, eyepieces, elbow assemblies, housings, dial controls, reticles, objectives, knobs, covers, electrical components, the head assembly, and related mounting hardware. Usable-on codes identify parts for early and later production models.
About the M36 Tank Periscope
The M36 was a commander’s day-and-night observation and fire-control periscope. Its daylight optical system provided magnified viewing and a ballistic reticle for aiming the cupola-mounted machine gun. Its infrared channel allowed the commander to observe at night with an infrared searchlight. A separate unity-power window provided a wider view of the surrounding area. This combination helped the commander locate targets, direct the crew, and operate while remaining under armor protection.
Documented Vehicle Applications
The manual identifies the M36 as a fire-control component used on the M60 and M60A1 105mm gun tanks and the M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle. On these vehicles, the periscope was installed at the commander’s station in the M19 cupola. No additional vehicle application is claimed in this listing.
M60 and M60A1 Tank History
The M60 was standardized in 1959 as a new American main battle tank developed from the M48 series. It carried the 105mm M68 main gun, a diesel engine, improved armor, and an updated fire-control system. The M60A1 followed during the early 1960s with a redesigned turret, greater protection, and more room for the crew. M60-series tanks became a major part of U.S. Army and Marine Corps armored forces during the Cold War and were stationed in Europe, Korea, and other strategic areas.
M728 Combat Engineer Vehicle History
The M728 was built on the M60A1 chassis for combat-engineering work. It carried a short-barreled 165mm M135 demolition gun, a front dozer blade, a boom, and a winch for clearing obstacles and preparing routes. The M36 served as the vehicle commander’s infrared periscope. M728 vehicles saw combat service in Vietnam and remained in Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard use for later engineering and training missions.
Historical Importance of the M36
The M36 represents the active-infrared night-vision technology used before passive image-intensifier sights became common. Its infrared channel depended on light projected by an infrared searchlight that was difficult to see with the unaided eye. The later M36E1 passive periscope reduced this dependence on active illumination. This 1970 manual documents the original M36 during the height of its service with the M60 family and M728.
Publication Details
Manual number: TM 9-1240-314-35P
Publication date: July 10, 1970
Subject: Periscope, Tank: M36
Federal Stock Number: 1240-980-9291
Manual type: Direct-support, general-support, and depot-maintenance repair-parts and special-tools list
Page count: 188 pages
Illustrated figures: 39
Documented vehicles: M60, M60A1, and M728
Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
Superseded edition: TM 9-1240-314-35P dated July 7, 1964
Country of origin: United States
Item included: Technical manual only
Collector and Research Value
This manual is a detailed reference for M36 periscope parts identification, M60 and M60A1 restoration research, M728 fire-control research, and the study of early military night-vision equipment. It is well suited for U.S. Army technical-manual collections, military-optics displays, tank museums, restoration shops, and Cold War research archives.
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .5", Approx weight 1lbs.
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