Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-330-34 for M50 Tank Periscope, February 1973
Item Overview
This official U.S. Army technical manual covers direct support and general support maintenance for the M50 Tank Periscope, NSN 1240-00-950-2805. Issued as TM 9-1240-330-34 in February 1973, this copy is an official reprint containing current replacement pages from Change 1. This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include the M50 periscope, tank, tools, or associated equipment.
Identification and Features
The “-34” suffix identifies this as a direct support and general support maintenance publication. It was intended for trained technicians performing work beyond routine crew and organizational maintenance.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-330-34
- Publication date: February 1973
- Subject: M50 Tank Periscope
- National Stock Number: 1240-00-950-2805
- Manual type: Direct support and general support maintenance
- Edition: Official reprint with current Change 1 pages
- Equipment role: Tank gunner’s sighting periscope
- Verified vehicle application: M60A2 tank
- Item included: Technical manual only
Official Change 1 Reprint
This is an official military reprint rather than a commercial reproduction. Current replacement pages from Change 1 were incorporated into the February 1973 manual, allowing personnel to use revised technical information without relying only on the original pages. The base publication date remains February 1973.
Manual Coverage
TM 9-1240-330-34 supported higher-level inspection, troubleshooting, disassembly, cleaning, repair, reassembly, adjustment, and testing of the M50. The periscope installation also used associated equipment such as a powered wiper, protective guard and shield, data-transmission linkage, and washer components. This level of maintenance helped return damaged or inaccurate optical equipment to service.
About the M50 Tank Periscope
The M50 was developed as an advanced gunner’s periscope with a unity-power viewing channel, an eight-power daylight sight, and a ten-power passive low-light sighting system. A projected reticle could be moved in elevation and direction to match correction data received from the tank’s fire-control computer. This combined general viewing, magnified aiming, and night capability in one protected optical unit.
M60A2 Weapon-System Application
The M50 served as the gunner’s periscope in the M60A2 tank, often known by the unofficial nickname “Starship.” The M60A2 combined the M60 tank chassis with a low-profile turret and an M162 152mm gun/launcher. This weapon could fire conventional ammunition and launch the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile. The M50 worked as part of a fire-control system that also included the M126 telescope, AN/VVS-1 laser rangefinder, and electronic ballistic equipment.
History of Use
The M60A2 entered Army service during the 1970s as an effort to give armored units long-range guided-missile capability. Its optics and electronics were advanced for their time, but the complete weapon system was complex to operate and maintain. The M50 gave the gunner daylight and low-light observation while helping place computer-generated corrections into the sight picture. The M60A2 served mainly during the Cold War and was later withdrawn from tank service.
Collector and Research Value
This manual documents an unusual period in American armored-vehicle development when optical sights, laser ranging, ballistic computers, and guided missiles were being combined in one tank. It is useful for collectors, museums, restorers, and researchers studying the M60A2, Shillelagh weapon system, military night optics, and Cold War fire-control technology.
Condition
This vintage military technical manual may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, loose pages, punched holes, or other signs of age and storage. Printing details and condition may vary between available copies. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This manual is a specialized reference for collections and exhibits focused on U.S. tanks, advanced military optics, and Cold War fire-control equipment.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M60A2 Starship tank displays
- M50 periscope restoration research
- MGM-51 Shillelagh exhibits
- Military fire-control studies
- Museum and archival collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .75", Approx weight 2lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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