Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-366-34 for AN/VVS-1 Laser Fire-Control Range Finder, November 1970
Item Overview
This official U.S. Army reprint covers direct-support and general-support maintenance of the AN/VVS-1 laser fire-control range finder. Issued as TM 9-1240-366-34 in November 1970, it identifies the equipment under Federal Stock Number 1240-133-8242. This reprint includes the current replacement pages issued through Change 1. The listing is for the manual only; it does not include a range finder, tank, test equipment, tools, or other components.
Identification and Features
The “34” suffix identifies this as a higher-level maintenance publication for trained Army technicians. Its subject was a specialized optical and electronic fire-control component used with the M60A2 tank.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-366-34
- Publication date: November 1970
- Subject: AN/VVS-1 Fire-Control Range Finder
- Equipment type: Vehicle-mounted laser range finder
- Federal Stock Number: 1240-133-8242
- Later NSN format: 1240-00-133-8242
- Manual type: Direct-support and general-support maintenance
- Edition: Official reprint with current Change 1 pages
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Item included: Technical manual only
Change 1 Reprint
This is an official reprint of the November 1970 manual rather than a commercial reproduction. Current pages from Change 1 were incorporated into the publication so users could work from the corrected and updated instructions without inserting a separate change packet. The original manual number and publication date remain part of its identification.
Manual Coverage
This manual provides technical information for inspecting, troubleshooting, testing, disassembling, repairing, adjusting, assembling, and checking the AN/VVS-1. It may also include principles of operation, component identification, maintenance standards, test procedures, wiring information, and safety instructions for the laser and high-voltage electrical sections. It was intended for qualified support personnel rather than vehicle operators.
How the AN/VVS-1 Worked
The AN/VVS-1 used a pulsed ruby laser to measure the distance between the tank and a selected target. The system sent a short laser pulse toward the target and detected the reflected energy. Its electronics measured the pulse’s travel time and converted it into range data for the fire-control system. The unit could measure distances out to approximately 4,000 meters under suitable conditions, helping the gunner obtain a faster and more accurate firing solution than with visual range estimation alone.
Weapon-System Application
The AN/VVS-1 was installed on the M60A2 main battle tank. The M60A2 used a compact turret fitted with the M162 152mm gun-launcher, which could fire conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile. Its fire-control equipment also included the M126 telescope and M50 gunner’s periscope. The laser range finder supplied accurate target-distance information needed for effective use of this advanced weapon system.
Historical Background
The AN/VVS-1 was developed when the U.S. Army was replacing optical coincidence range finders with electronic laser systems. It was among the first generation of laser range finders built for an American tank. The November 1970 manual dates from the period when the M60A2 design was accepted and prepared for production, several years before the tank began reaching operational units.
History of Use
M60A2 production began in 1973, and the tanks were fielded mainly with U.S. Army units in Europe during the mid-1970s. The vehicle’s advanced laser range finder and missile-capable armament offered new technology, but the system was complex to operate and maintain. The M60A2 did not see combat and was removed from active service by the early 1980s. Many surviving hulls were rebuilt into other M60-series vehicles, making original AN/VVS-1 manuals important records of this short-lived Cold War tank program.
Condition
This is a vintage military technical manual and may show cover wear, edge wear, folds, yellowing, stains, writing, stamps, 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 a specialized reference for collectors, museums, restorers, and researchers studying early military lasers, armored-vehicle fire control, and the M60A2 tank.
- AN/VVS-1 range-finder research
- M60A2 Starship tank displays
- M162 152mm gun-launcher exhibits
- MGM-51 Shillelagh research
- Military laser and optics collections
- Cold War armored-vehicle museums
- U.S. Army technical-manual libraries
- Fire-control maintenance research
Approx length 8", Approx width 11", Approx height .5", Approx weight 1lbs.
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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