Description
U.S. Army Technical Manual TM 9-1240-366-34P for AN/VVS-1 Laser Fire-Control Range Finder, July 1972
Item Overview
This U.S. Army technical manual provides repair-parts and special-tools information for the AN/VVS-1 laser fire-control range finder. Issued as TM 9-1240-366-34P in July 1972, it identifies the equipment under Federal Stock Number 1240-133-8242. This listing is for the manual only; it does not include a range finder, tank, test equipment, tools, repair parts, or other components.
Identification and Features
The “34P” suffix identifies this publication as a direct-support and general-support repair-parts and special-tools list, including parts used for depot maintenance. It was prepared to help military technicians identify and order the correct components needed to service the AN/VVS-1.
- Manual number: TM 9-1240-366-34P
- Publication date: July 1972
- 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: Repair Parts and Special Tools List
- Maintenance levels: Direct support, general support, and depot
- Primary application: M60A2 tank
- Issuing authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army
- Item included: Technical manual only
Manual Coverage
This manual was intended as a parts-identification and supply reference rather than an operating or repair-instruction guide. Publications in this series normally contain illustrated parts breakdowns, reference numbers, official part names, Federal Stock Numbers, maintenance codes, quantities, and listings for authorized special tools. These details helped Army maintenance shops obtain the correct components and keep the range finder in service.
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. It sent a short laser pulse toward the target and detected the reflected energy. The system measured the pulse’s travel time and converted it into range data for the tank’s fire-control equipment. Under suitable conditions, it could measure distances out to approximately 4,000 meters.
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. The tank’s fire-control equipment also included the M126 telescope and M50 gunner’s periscope. Accurate laser range information helped the gunner prepare a firing solution for the selected weapon and target.
Historical Background
The AN/VVS-1 was developed as the U.S. Army began replacing visual and optical range-estimation methods with electronic laser equipment. It was among the first generation of laser range finders designed for an American tank. The July 1972 publication date places this parts manual near the end of the M60A2 development period and shortly before production vehicles began entering Army inventories.
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 introduced advanced fire-control technology but was difficult and expensive to maintain. The M60A2 did not see combat and was removed from active service by the early 1980s. Many hulls were later rebuilt into other M60-series vehicles, making original AN/VVS-1 manuals valuable 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
- Military repair-parts 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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