Academy 13202 - M1A1 Abrams Tank, "Irag 2003", Aus Decals, Scale 1:35
Academy - M1A1 Abrams Tank, "Irag 2003", Aus Decals, Scale 1:35
ACA-13202
The M1 Abrams entered service in 1980 as the US Army’s new main battle tank to replace the M60 series. Over time, the M1 evolved from its original 105mm M68 L/52 main gun in common with the earlier M60A1/A3 to the Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore M256A1 L/44 gun also used by the Leopard 2 tank. In addition to its advanced armor protection and fire control system, the Abrams was the first to employ a gas turbine engine for propulsion in place of the conventional diesel engines used by nearly all other modern tanks. This combination made the Abrams a very agile and formidable weapon system on the battlefield. Since its introduction, the Abrams has been re-manufactured into newer and more capable configurations including the M1A1 which introduced the 120mm gun and the M1A1 AIM (Abrams Integrated Management) which modernizes the tank with improved sensors and digital situational awareness. The M1A1 continues as the main battle tank of the US Marine Corps.
The Model:
This Academy Abrams kit, depicts the M1A1 as it was configured at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003.
The kit is moulded in tan styrene and presented six parts trees plus upper and lower hull halves and two lengths of 'rubber band' (vinyl) track.
Among the features and options:
- Choice of Army or USMC type smoke dischargers
- APU on rear turret basket
- USMC 'dazzler' option
- Positionable crew hatches
- Positionable gunner's sight doors
- Thermal IFF panels
- Optional crew figure
Skill Level 4. Glue and paint are required for this model. (Not included).