Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-350-35P for M90 Telescope Mount, January 1970
Item Overview
This original U.S. Army technical manual is the direct-support, general-support, and depot-maintenance repair-parts reference for the M90 Telescope Mount. Issued as TM 9-1240-350-35P on January 7, 1970, it helped maintenance and supply personnel identify and order components for this 106mm recoilless-rifle sight mount. This listing is for the technical manual only. It does not include an M90 mount, telescope, recoilless rifle, or other fire-control equipment.
Identification and Features
The “35P” suffix identifies this as a higher-level repair-parts and special-tools publication. It focuses on illustrated parts identification and supply information rather than complete operating or repair procedures.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-350-35P
- Publication date: January 7, 1970
- Subject: M90 Telescope Mount
- Official item name: Mount, Telescope
- Part number: 8299670
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-344-4689
- Later National Stock Number: 1240-00-344-4689
- Federal Supply Class: 1240, Optical Sighting and Ranging Equipment
- Manual type: Repair parts and special tools list
- Maintenance levels: Direct support, general support, and depot maintenance
- Supported telescope: M92-series Elbow Telescope
- Primary weapon application: M40-series 106mm Recoilless Rifle
- Mounting location: Rear sight bracket of the recoilless rifle
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Country of origin: United States
- Item included: Technical manual only
Manual Coverage
This publication supports parts identification, ordering, and higher-level maintenance of the M90 mount. It contains exploded illustrations, item numbers, official part names, stock and manufacturer numbers, quantities, maintenance codes, supply codes, and special-tool information. A Federal Stock Number cross-reference helps maintenance personnel match replacement parts to their locations in the mount assembly.
How the M90 Mount Worked
The M90 attached to a bracket near the rear of the M40 recoilless rifle and held an M92-series elbow telescope. A socket and worm-drive mechanism supported and positioned the telescope. Cant-correction and adjustment controls allowed the crew to align the optical sight with the weapon and correct for a firing position that was not perfectly level.
Weapon-System Application
The M90 was designed for the M40 family of 106mm recoilless rifles. The optical telescope provided the gunner with a magnified view and aiming reticle, while the weapon’s attached .50-caliber spotting rifle helped confirm the predicted point of impact. The combination allowed crews to aim the recoilless rifle against armored vehicles, bunkers, buildings, and other visible targets.
Historical Background
The M40 was developed during the early 1950s as an improved replacement for the earlier M27 recoilless rifle. Its bore was approximately 105mm, but the Army called it 106mm to prevent confusion with older ammunition. The weapon combined a powerful shaped-charge capability with a relatively light and portable firing system. The M90 mount formed an important part of its direct-fire sighting equipment by keeping the elbow telescope secure and correctly aligned.
History of Use
M40-series recoilless rifles were used by the U.S. military and many allied countries. During the Vietnam War, they were employed against bunkers, fortified positions, buildings, and armored targets. The weapon could be fired from a ground mount or installed on vehicles, including jeep-type carriers. Six M40 rifles were also carried by the M50 Ontos tracked vehicle. This January 1970 manual reflects continued Army support for the M90 mount during the M40’s active service period.
Condition
Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item. This listing is for one TM 9-1240-350-35P technical manual only; the M90 mount, M92-series telescope, M40 recoilless rifle, spotting rifle, and other equipment are not included.
Ideal For
This specialized publication is useful for collectors, restorers, museums, and researchers studying U.S. recoilless rifles and military optical equipment.
- U.S. Army technical-manual collections
- M90 telescope-mount restoration
- M92 elbow-telescope research
- M40 106mm recoilless-rifle displays
- Vietnam War weapon exhibits
- M50 Ontos collections
- Military fire-control equipment research
- Museum and archival collections
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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