Description
U.S. Army XM19 Ballistics Computer Commander’s Control Unit, P/N 10543700
The XM19 Ballistics Computer Commander’s Control Unit, identified by part number 10543700, is a U.S. Army electromechanical fire-control subassembly associated with the M60A2 152mm gun-launcher tank.
The identification plate is marked CONTROL UNIT, 10543700, FOR BALLISTICS COMPUTER XM19 and U.S. ARMY. This unit served as the commander’s interface with the tank’s ballistic computer. It is not the complete computer.
Historical Significance
The Army issued military specification MIL-B-60598 for this exact 10543700 commander’s control unit in September 1967. This placed its development during the M60A1E2 program, which later became the M60A2.
The M60A2 used a specialized turret built around a 152mm gun-launcher. The weapon could fire conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missile. Its fire-control system also used a laser rangefinder, stabilized sights and an electronic ballistic computer.
The M19 ballistic computer gave both the gunner and commander access to important fire-control settings. The identification plate on this example uses the earlier XM19 designation, while later M60A2 operator manuals identify the installed system as the M19 ballistic computer.
The M60A2 served during the 1970s. The Army completed the phase-out of the Shillelagh/M60A2 system during fiscal year 1981, giving this specialized fire-control equipment a relatively short service history.
What This Item Is and Does
The commander’s control unit was mounted on the right side of the M60A2 commander’s cupola. It allowed the commander to enter or adjust information used by the complete ballistic computer system.
Its controls included:
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Main-gun elevation and deflection boresight adjustments
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Cupola-gun elevation and deflection boresight adjustments
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Computer power control
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Periscope power control
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Periscope-wiper control
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Cant-correction control
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Manual target-range input
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Manual wind-speed and direction input
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Ammunition-selection controls
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Commander-and-gunner control-transfer function
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Panel-light brightness control
Cant correction helped account for the tank leaning to one side on uneven ground. The override control allowed fire-control authority to be transferred between the commander’s and gunner’s stations.
The complete M19 system covered target ranges of about 300 to 4,000 meters and could accept crosswind information up to 40 miles per hour.
This control unit did not calculate firing data by itself. It required the complete ballistic computer, electrical connections, sights, sensors and other vehicle systems to operate as designed.
Key Features
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Official nomenclature: Ballistics Computer, Subassembly, Commander’s Control Unit
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U.S. Army part number: 10543700
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Identification-plate system designation: XM19
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Later service designation: M19 Ballistic Computer
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End-item application: M60A2 152mm gun-launcher tank
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Earlier vehicle designation: M60A1E2
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Federal Supply Class: 1220
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Type: Electromechanical fire-control subassembly
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Installed location: Right side of the commander’s cupola
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Manual reference: TM 9-2350-232-10 C3
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Included: One commander’s control unit
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Not included: Complete ballistic computer, wiring harnesses, sights, rangefinder, periscope or other tank components
Why This Item Matters
This unit represents the Army’s move from older mechanical fire-control equipment toward more advanced electronic systems. Its marked controls show how the commander could work with range, wind, ammunition, cant and boresight data without leaving his station.
The XM19 marking is also important. It connects the component to the development period before the computer was identified as the M19 in later M60A2 manuals.
Identified M60A2 fire-control parts are useful for restoration planning, museum interpretation, technical study and Cold War armored-vehicle displays.
About This Item
The identification plate is marked CONTROL UNIT, 10543700, FOR BALLISTICS COMPUTER XM19 and U.S. ARMY.
The photographed inventory example retains its labeled control face, adjustment knobs and toggle switches. It may show dust, finish wear, scratches, oxidation, residue and other signs of military use or long-term storage.
This listing is for the commander’s control unit only. It is not the complete XM19 or M19 ballistic computer.
Ideal For
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M60A2 restoration projects
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M60A1E2 development displays
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U.S. armored-vehicle collectors
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Military fire-control collections
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Cold War tank exhibits
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Electromechanical computer displays
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Military museums and educational exhibits
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Technical-reference and research collections
Approx length 16", Approx width 8", Approx height 8", Approx weight 15lbs.
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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