Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-335-35P for M97, M97G, and M97H Telescopes, April 1970
Item Overview
This U.S. Army technical manual is the repair-parts and special-tools list for the M97, M97G, and M97H tank telescopes. Issued on April 1, 1970, it supported direct support, general support, and depot maintenance of optical sights used with several M41, M48, and M67-series vehicles. This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include a telescope, tank, weapon, mount, tools, or other equipment.
Publication Details
The “35P” suffix identifies this publication as a higher-level repair-parts manual. The manual assigns a separate Federal Stock Number to each telescope model.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-335-35P
- Publication date: April 1, 1970
- M97 Telescope: FSN 1240-360-1593
- M97G Telescope: FSN 1240-732-1470
- M97H Telescope: FSN 1240-732-1469
- Manual type: Repair Parts and Special Tools List
- Maintenance levels: Direct support, general support, and depot
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Country of origin: United States
- Item included: Technical manual only
Manual Coverage
This publication identifies repair parts by Federal Stock Number, reference number, description, unit of measure, quantity, and maintenance code. Exploded-view illustrations connect numbered components with their parts-list entries, while the indexes help users locate parts when either a stock number or reference number is known. The manual also provides maintenance allowances and recoverability codes for Army supply personnel. Its special-tools, test-equipment, and support-equipment section is listed as not applicable.
Equipment Applications
The manual identifies the M97 Telescope for the M41, M41A1, M41A2, and M41A3 76mm gun tanks and the M17 76mm tank-gunnery trainer. It identifies the M97G and M97H with the M48A2 and M48A2C 90mm gun tanks and the M67A1 flame-thrower tank. The M97H is also listed for the earlier M48, M48A1, and M48C 90mm gun tanks and the M67 flame-thrower tank.
About the M97 Telescope Family
The M97-series telescopes were armored-vehicle fire-control sights designed to help the gunner aim the main armament during direct fire. Each version used an optical system and reticle suited to its assigned vehicle and weapon configuration. The telescope provided a direct line of sight to the target and served as an important part of the tank’s complete aiming system. The different letter suffixes identify versions made for specific installations and ballistic requirements.
Vehicle and Weapon-System History
The M41 Walker Bulldog was developed after World War II as a fast light tank armed with a 76mm gun. It entered service during the early 1950s and was used for reconnaissance, training, and light-armored operations. The M48 Patton family was introduced during the same period as a larger 90mm gun tank and became a major American armored vehicle of the early Cold War. The M67 family adapted the M48 chassis to carry a flame projector for close support against fortified positions.
History of Use
M97-series telescopes supported tanks developed during the Korean War and early Cold War periods, but many of the vehicles remained active for years afterward. M41 tanks served with the U.S. Army and numerous allied nations, while M48 gun tanks and M67 flame-thrower tanks saw American service during the Vietnam War. The April 1970 manual helped maintenance and supply personnel identify the correct parts for telescope versions still supporting these vehicles. It replaced earlier M97 supply publications dating from the 1950s and early 1960s.
Collector and Research Value
TM 9-1240-335-35P is a useful reference for identifying M97-series telescope components and researching the optical equipment of M41, M48, and M67 vehicles. Its illustrated parts breakdowns are valuable for restoration planning, museum documentation, stock-number research, and the study of Army maintenance practices during the Cold War and Vietnam eras.
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 American tanks and military optical equipment.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M41 Walker Bulldog research and restoration
- M48 Patton tank displays
- M67 flame-thrower tank research
- M97-series telescope restoration
- Military optics and fire-control collections
- Museum and archival exhibits
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .2", 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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