{"product_id":"jx-scale-model-1-72-us-m551-sheridan-light-tank-gulf-war-jx172001-operation-desert-storm-american-airborne-armoured-reconnaissance-tank-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","title":"JX Scale Model 1\/72 US M551 Sheridan Light Tank Gulf War JX172001 Operation Desert Storm American Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Tank Plastic Model Kit NZ Stock","description":"\u003cp\u003e• Represents the legendary M551 Sheridan, an American airborne armoured reconnaissance vehicle used during the 1991 Gulf War\u003cbr\u003e• Developed by Cadillac Gage for the United States Army as a lightweight, air-transportable armoured fighting vehicle\u003cbr\u003e• Officially designated the M551 Armored Reconnaissance\/Airborne Assault Vehicle\u003cbr\u003e• Entered US Army service in 1969, combining light weight, mobility and unusually powerful armament\u003cbr\u003e• Features the distinctive compact hull, rounded turret and short-barrelled 152mm gun-launcher\u003cbr\u003e• Armed with the 152mm M81 gun-launcher, capable of firing conventional ammunition and MGM-51 Shillelagh guided missiles\u003cbr\u003e• The combination gun and missile system was an unusual feature of American Cold War armoured vehicle development\u003cbr\u003e• Equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun for additional defensive firepower\u003cbr\u003e• Constructed with a lightweight aluminium alloy hull to reduce overall vehicle weight\u003cbr\u003e• The original Sheridan weighed approximately 15 tonnes, considerably lighter than contemporary main battle tanks\u003cbr\u003e• Powered by a Detroit Diesel 6V53T six-cylinder diesel engine, producing approximately 300 horsepower\u003cbr\u003e• Capable of reaching road speeds of approximately 70 km\/h under suitable conditions\u003cbr\u003e• Designed for airborne operations, armoured reconnaissance, infantry fire support and rapid deployment\u003cbr\u003e• The Sheridan was capable of amphibious operation with appropriate flotation equipment\u003cbr\u003e• Operated by a four-man crew, consisting of a commander, gunner, loader and driver\u003cbr\u003e• The M551 first saw extensive combat service during the Vietnam War, where it provided mobile fire support to American forces\u003cbr\u003e• Continued serving with US Army airborne units after most conventional armoured formations retired the vehicle\u003cbr\u003e• During the 1989 invasion of Panama, Sheridans participated in an airborne combat deployment\u003cbr\u003e• The M551 was subsequently deployed to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield in 1990\u003cbr\u003e• Saw combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the ground campaign to liberate Kuwait\u003cbr\u003e• Gulf War Sheridans were operated by the 3rd Battalion, 73rd Armor Regiment, supporting the US Army's 82nd Airborne Division\u003cbr\u003e• The Sheridan provided valuable reconnaissance and direct fire support to airborne forces during the campaign\u003cbr\u003e• Its relatively light armour offered limited protection against modern anti-tank weapons, but its mobility and firepower remained useful\u003cbr\u003e• The M551 was among the last American light tanks to see combat service during the Cold War and immediate post-Cold War period\u003cbr\u003e• The Gulf War marked one of the final major combat deployments of the Sheridan\u003cbr\u003e• The M551 represents an important chapter in American airborne armour development and Cold War military engineering\u003cbr\u003e• 1\/72 scale provides a compact display size suitable for military dioramas and small-scale armour collections\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for collectors of US Army tanks, M551 Sheridan vehicles, Gulf War armour and American airborne military equipment\u003cbr\u003e• Excellent companion to M1A1 Abrams, M2 Bradley, M113 APC, HMMWV and other Operation Desert Storm military vehicles\u003cbr\u003e• Suitable for 1991 Gulf War, Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabian desert and US airborne armoured unit dioramas\u003cbr\u003e• Offers excellent opportunities for historically inspired Gulf War desert camouflage and sand-coloured finishes, depending on the specific vehicle represented\u003cbr\u003e• Ideal for realistic desert dust, sand accumulation, chipped paint, track wear, exhaust staining and operational weathering\u003cbr\u003e• The distinctive 152mm gun-launcher and compact hull make the Sheridan an unusual and recognisable modelling subject\u003cbr\u003e• A fascinating addition to any collection of modern American military vehicles, airborne tanks and Gulf War history\u003cbr\u003e• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled\u003cbr\u003e• Glue and paint not included\u003cbr\u003e• Recommended for modellers aged 14+\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"s-model","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52033324908790,"sku":"172001","price":35.95,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/3227\/7238\/files\/172001.jpg?v=1792912146","url":"https:\/\/www.imaginefleet.co.nz\/products\/jx-scale-model-1-72-us-m551-sheridan-light-tank-gulf-war-jx172001-operation-desert-storm-american-airborne-armoured-reconnaissance-tank-plastic-model-kit-nz-stock","provider":"Imaginefleet Hobby","version":"1.0","type":"link"}