Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-331-35 for XM51 Tank Periscope and Associated Equipment, April 1970
Item Overview
This U.S. Army technical manual covers direct support, general support, and depot maintenance for the experimental XM51 Tank Periscope, FSN 1240-950-3412. Issued in April 1970, it also covers the periscope’s wiper, data-linkage, protective, and washer-system equipment. This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include a periscope, tank, weapon, wiper, linkage, guard, shield, washer system, or other equipment.
Publication Details
The manual was prepared for trained military personnel responsible for maintaining the XM51 commander’s periscope and its associated equipment.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-331-35
- Publication date: April 1970
- Primary subject: XM51 Tank Periscope
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-950-3412
- Manual level: Direct support, general support, and depot maintenance
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Country of origin: United States
- Equipment status: Experimental or pre-standardized
- Item included: Technical manual only
Associated Equipment Covered
The manual treats the XM51 as part of a complete sight installation. The associated equipment supported operation, protection, and cleaning of the periscope under field conditions.
- XM51 Tank Periscope: FSN 1240-950-3412
- Wiper assembly: FSN 1240-950-7205
- Linkage data assembly: FSN 1220-950-2515
- Guard and shield assembly: FSN 1240-950-9917
- Additional coverage: Components of the washer pump and reservoir
Manual Coverage
This higher-level maintenance publication supported work beyond routine crew and organizational care. Its subject matter covers inspection, troubleshooting, disassembly, cleaning, repair, reassembly, adjustment, and testing of the XM51 and its related equipment. It also shows how the optical, mechanical, and supporting parts formed a serviceable tank sighting system.
About the XM51 Tank Periscope
The XM51 was an experimental commander’s day-and-night periscope developed during the 1960s for the M60A2 tank. It provided unity-power viewing for general observation and high-power viewing for daylight and passive low-light sighting. The periscope was mounted at the top of the commander’s cupola, allowing the commander to observe terrain and search for targets while remaining protected inside the vehicle. The standardized version was later designated the M51 Tank Periscope.
M60A2 Weapon-System History
The M60A2 was developed as an advanced member of the M60 tank family. Its compact turret carried the M162 152mm gun-launcher, which could fire conventional ammunition and MGM-51C Shillelagh guided missiles. The fire-control system included the commander’s XM51 or later M51 periscope, the gunner’s M50 periscope and M126 telescope, an AN/VVS-1 laser range finder, and an M19 ballistic computer. Both the commander’s cupola and the main turret were stabilized in elevation and azimuth.
History of Use
The April 1970 publication date places this manual during the XM51’s development and testing period, before the M60A2 was first accepted in 1973. In service, the standardized M51 provided the commander with protected day and night observation from the cupola. The wiper and washer equipment helped keep the exposed optical surface clear, while the guard and shield protected parts of the installation. M60A2 tanks served mainly during the 1970s before the type was withdrawn, making this manual an important record of an unusual Cold War tank program.
Collector and Research Value
TM 9-1240-331-35 documents the experimental XM stage of equipment that later became the M51 Tank Periscope. It is a useful reference for studying the M60A2, Shillelagh weapon system, commander’s optics, stabilized cupolas, and Army maintenance practices. Its coverage of the associated equipment also makes it valuable for museum research and restoration work.
Condition
This vintage military technical manual may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, punched holes, loose pages, 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 well suited for collections, research projects, and exhibits covering Cold War tanks and military optical equipment.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M60A2 tank research and displays
- XM51 and M51 periscope restoration
- Shillelagh weapon-system exhibits
- Military optics and fire-control research
- Museum and archival collections
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height 1", 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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