During the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, the U.S. deployed its latest M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and these continued to be used in Iraq during the subsequent occupation period. Due to the threats posed by RPGs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the urban environments, the tanks were upgraded with more protection in the form of Tank Urban Survival Kits (TUSK I) in 2004. The upgrade included features such as reactive armor on the hull sides, hull underside armor to protect against land mines, an M2 machine gun mounted above the main gun barrel, infrared cameras for the crew, and an external telephone for communication with accompanying infantry. A further development called TUSK II added features such as tile-shaped reactive armor to the turret and hull sides, armored shield for the commander, and a rear-view camera. The TUSK kits could be installed in field depots in about 12 hours and different tanks had different features equipped. TUSK kits could only be installed in theatre due to the reactive armor. The Tamiya 1/35 scale model uses new data gathered to ensure it is the best M1A1 kit in the model world.
Specs and Features
1/35 scale plastic assembly model kit of the latest M1A2 SEP Abrams.
Includes parts to depict both TUSK I and TUSK II features.
Detailed parts such as the armored shields for the commander and loader and barrel-mounted M2 machine gun are included.
Intricate curves of the reactive armor tiles are accurately reproduced.
Comes with one commander and one loader figure, both depicted with body armor.
Two marking options for TUSK I and one marking option for TUSK II-equipped tanks included.
Development of the U.S. Army's M109 began in 1952. Its simple, boxy design featured the engine mounted at the front and the fully-enclosed fighting compartment, including the gun turret, was situated at the rear. Many M109 variants were subsequently produced and the M109A6, also commonly known as the Paladin, was put in service in 1992. It is armed with the 39-caliber M284 155mm howitzer which has a range of 30km with Rocket Assisted Projectiles and firing is managed by the AFCS (Automatic Fire Control System). It also features an improved suspension and more powerful engine. Overall 950 units were produced until 1999 and it saw action during the Iraq War in 2003 and the Kosovo War. The Tamiya model kit comes in 1/35 scale and features all the intricate details seen on the full size subject.
Specs and Features
1/35 scale plastic assembly model kit. Length: 280mm, Width: 115mm.
The model features new details including commander's periscope, ring at the gun barrel base, and drain pipe at the front left of the hull.
Commander and driver torso figures included.
Includes accessory parts such as bags and jerry cans as well as 2 marking options.
Vehicle parts are products of Italeri.
YEAH BABY!!! These are on my list.
Terry
