Comprehensive Guide to the Tetrode Electron Tube NSN 5960-00-850-1277

Overview

The item with National Stock Number (NSN) 5960-00-850-1277 is described as an “ELECTRON TUBE – TETRODE”. In short, this is a vacuum‐tube device of the tetrode class, used in certain electronics systems often military or industrial given the NSN classification.

In the listing, alternate designations are given: part numbers (SKUs) such as 6774794, Y-152, Y-152/KS16096, KS16096, and 4PR60. The manufacturers listed include American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), Varian Associates, Inc., Communications & Power Industries (CPI), and Lucent Technologies Inc.

The purpose of the listing (on the site ChipsOnSale) is to provide procurement services for “electronic components, NSN sourcing and all military part‐related services.” 

Technical Classification & Use

Because the listing indicates this is a “tube type: Tetrode” (under the MRC parameter characteristics) we know this device has at least four active electrodes inside the evacuated tube: typically, a cathode, control grid, screen grid, and plate (anode).

Tetrodes are often used where higher gain, improved linearity, or separation of grid and screen functions gives performance advantages over simpler triode tubes. For instance, in power amplifiers, broadcast transmitters or certain specialized RF/microwave systems.

In military or avionics systems, such tubes may serve as part of high‐reliability legacy equipment (given the older technology) and may be important for maintenance or replacement of items no longer in mass production.

 

Procurement & Management Details

From the listing:

• NSN: 5960-00-850-1277, FSC (Federal Supply Class) 5960 (Electronic tubes and related devices)
• Demilitarization code: A (indicates that demilitarization is not required)
• ESD caution: The listing includes “ESD” in the management section, meaning electrostatic discharge protection is relevant.
• Freight descriptor: “TUBES NOI” (tubes, not otherwise indexed) under NMFC code 063476 Z 35396 W.

Additionally, the listing invites “Request Quote” for quantity and pricing rather than giving a firm price up front. 

 

Key Considerations for Users

1. Compatibility – Since this part has multiple known numbers (Y-152, KS16096, 4PR60, etc), you must verify that your system accepts any of these equivalents. Making sure that the tube envelope, pin‐out, performance rating match is critical.
2. Condition – Legacy tubes may be NOS (new old stock), unused, or refurbished. Ensure the supplier gives condition, life‐hours (if used), and testing information.
3. Reliability & Obsolescence – Tetrodes of this type are increasingly rare. You may need to plan for future redundancy or alternative solutions (solid‐state replacement, redesign) if procurement becomes difficult.
4. Operational Requirements – Given this is a tetrode, system conditions such as heater voltage/current, plate voltage, cooling (air/water) may be significant. The general information on tetrodes mentions large power dissipation for broadcast‐level tubes.
5. Procurement & Traceability – The listing is via a specialist site; check RoHS/REACH compliance (if required), origin (mil-spec vs. commercial), paperwork (certificate of conformity, lot traceability) and ESD handling.

Why This Listing Matters?

For operators of defense, aerospace, or legacy industrial equipment, components like the NSN 5960-00-850-1277 tube are critical lifeline items. When manufacture has ceased, the ability to source genuine, verified parts becomes vital to maintain equipment readiness. The listing on ChipsOnSale shows that this is one such part with multiple manufacturer references and supply chain codes, making it a potentially viable path for procurement.

Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple manufacturers means there might be cross‐reference flexibility: if one maker’s version meets the same performance envelope as another’s (for example Y-152 vs KS16096), then inventory management can be more flexible. However, exact equivalency must be verified.

 

Summary

In summary, the NSN 5960-00-850-1277 is a tetrode electron tube, used in high‐reliability or legacy electronic systems, manufactured by trusted industry names (AT&T, Varian, CPI, Lucent). Procurement via specialist inventory is possible via listings like the one found on ChipsOnSale, but it is not a standard commodity item. Users should carefully check compatibility, condition, documentation, and consider long‐term obsolescence risks when relying on such parts.

If you like, I can check for full detailed datasheets specifically for the Y-152 / KS16096 tube and check availability/pricing (for India market) for you.