Description
Original U.S. Army XM126 Articulated Gunner’s Telescope with XM153 Telescope Mount for the M60A2 “Starship”, Drawing F10538500 / P/N 10538500, NSN 1240-00-924-7670
The XM126 Articulated Gunner’s Telescope, mounted in its matching XM153 Telescope Mount, is an original U.S. Army fire-control assembly developed for the M60A1E1 and M60A1E2 experimental gun-launcher tanks. After standardization, these components became the M126 telescope and M153 telescope mount used on the production M60A2, commonly known as the "Starship."
This assembly served as the gunner's primary direct-fire sight for both the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile and conventional 152mm gun-launcher ammunition. The identification is confirmed by the original XM126 identification plate, matching Army manuals, and the associated XM153/M153 telescope mount.
Historical Significance
The M60A2 represented one of the most advanced armored fighting vehicles of the Cold War. Instead of a conventional tank gun, it used the 152mm M162 gun-launcher, capable of firing both conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh anti-tank guided missile.
To support this unique weapon system, the Army developed a completely new fire-control system. The XM126 articulated telescope became the gunner's primary direct-fire optic, while the XM153 telescope mount supported the telescope, infrared missile tracker, and alignment equipment.
Unlike conventional tank telescopes, the XM126 used an articulated optical path. As the gun elevated or depressed, the objective section moved with the weapon while the eyepiece remained stationary inside the turret. This allowed the gunner to maintain a comfortable viewing position without following the movement of the main gun.
When the M60A2 entered production, the developmental XM126 and XM153 designations were standardized as the M126 telescope and M153 telescope mount.
What This Item Is and Does
The XM126 served as the gunner's direct-fire sight for both missile and conventional ammunition.
The telescope provided:
- Separate conventional and missile reticles
- 8× magnification
- 8° field of view
- Articulated optical system
- Fixed eyepiece position inside the turret
The proper reticle was selected depending on whether the gunner was firing the Shillelagh missile or conventional 152mm ammunition.
The XM153 mount supported the telescope and also carried the infrared missile tracker used during missile guidance. The mount incorporated a built-in checksight, allowing the infrared tracker to be aligned with the optical telescope.
The photographed assembly appears to retain the tracker support and housing. Internal tracker components and overall completeness cannot be confirmed from the available photographs.
Key Features
- Official designation: XM126 Articulated Gunner's Telescope
- Later standardized designation: M126
- Matching mount: XM153 Telescope Mount
- Later standardized designation: M153
- Army drawing number: F10538500
- Part number: 10538500
- NSN: 1240-00-924-7670
- Telescope mount NSN: 1240-00-924-7672
- Magnification: 8×
- Field of view: 8°
- Separate missile and conventional reticles
- Articulated optical design
- Infrared tracker support
- Integrated checksight within the M153 mount
- Application: M60A1E1, M60A1E2, and production M60A2 tanks
- Weapon system: 152mm M162 gun-launcher
- Compatible ammunition: MGM-51 Shillelagh missile and conventional 152mm ammunition
- Included: One XM126 telescope with XM153 telescope mount
Why This Item Matters
The XM126/M153 combination represents one of the most sophisticated optical fire-control systems developed for an American Cold War tank.
Unlike most tank optics, this assembly combined precision optics, articulated mechanics, missile guidance support, and infrared tracking into one integrated system.
Complete XM126 assemblies with their matching XM153 mounts are seldom encountered. This example retains both major components, making it especially desirable for restoration projects, museum collections, and advanced military optics displays.
Because this is the correct matching telescope for the XM153/M153 mount, it is also an excellent companion to other M60A2 fire-control components.
About This Item
The identification plate is marked TELESCOPE: XM126 and U.S. ARMY. The attached inventory tag appears to identify the assembly as NSN 1240-00-924-7670 and carries Condition Code F.
Condition Code F historically identified equipment as unserviceable, reparable. This reflects its military inventory classification at the time it was tagged and should not be interpreted as a current operational evaluation.
The assembly retains its articulated optical body, matching XM153 telescope mount, and what appears to be the infrared tracker support housing.
The finish shows paint wear, scratches, oxidation, dirt, and long-term storage wear consistent with military service.
Optical clarity, reticles, articulation, adjustments, infrared tracker, checksight, internal components, and overall functionality have not been tested. Internal completeness of the tracker assembly cannot be confirmed.
This listing is for the telescope and telescope mount assembly only. The M60A2 tank, M162 gun-launcher, ballistic computer, infrared electronics, and other fire-control components are not included.
Ideal For
- M60A2 "Starship" restoration projects
- M60A1E2 prototype restorations
- Cold War armored vehicle collections
- U.S. Army optics collections
- Military fire-control displays
- MGM-51 Shillelagh exhibits
- Tank museum restorations
- Military optics collectors
- Technical reference collections
- Educational displays
Approx length 46", Approx width18", Approx height 18", Approx weight 39 lbs.
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.
Please visit our page about order lead times here: Order Lead Times