Iraqi T-55 Al Faw / Enigma Polish Made Base 1:35 MiniArt 37080

Plastic military model kit: Iraqi T-55 Al Faw / Enigma Polish Made Base 1:35 MiniArt 37080

The Mini Art 37080 model kit depicts the Iraqi T-55 Al Faw tank, also known as "Enigma". This is a unique modification of the Soviet T-55 tank, developed to enhance protection against anti-tank weapons during the Iran-Iraq War and the Gulf War. The 1:35 scale model faithfully replicates the distinctive appearance of this rare and heavily armored version, including detailed surface textures and optional photo-etched elements for increased realism.

Model features:

• Highly detailed T-55 Al Faw/Enigma model
• Based on the Polish version of the T-55A tank
• Realistic surface details and armor blocks
• Includes photo-etched parts

Decal options:

• 15th Mechanized Brigade, 5th Mechanized Division of the Iraqi Army, Kuwait, winter 1991
• 1st Mechanized Division, 4th Corps of the Iraqi Army, Saudi Arabia, Battle of Khafji, January 1991

Historical background: The T-55 Enigma, as it is unofficially called, is a standard modernization applied to several Iraqi T-55s. According to some Iraqi sources, the official name is "Al Faw". Little is known about the T-55 Enigma beyond what could be established from models captured by coalition forces during the first Gulf War (1990-1991). The modernization involved adding a large amount of primitive but effective composite armor. However, the Enigmas had one serious drawback – they were based on an outdated chassis, which meant that in their short combat history, they could not compete with coalition forces, even though they were sometimes able to withstand hits from anti-tank missiles.

It is estimated that there were no more than eight (but no less than five) Enigmas, of which at least four (possibly five) are currently on display in museums. The Enigma is essentially a T-55 with a primitive armor upgrade. Large armor boxes were mounted on the turret and on the front and sides of the hull, mainly using bolts and brackets. These boxes contain composite armor – inside the steel boxes are four steel and rubber plates, separated by several centimeters, although at least two captured Enigmas did not have rubber spacers.

The goal was to create an armor upgrade that could withstand HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank) and ATGM (Anti-Tank Guided Missiles) projectiles. This was a lesson learned from the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), in which both sides used missiles such as the BGM-71 TOW and AGM 65 Maverick with devastating effect. Tests conducted by coalition forces after capture also showed that the armor was resistant to HESH (High Explosive Squash Head) projectiles.

The Enigma was first encountered by coalition forces during the Battle of Khafji (January 29 – February 2, 1991). Iraqi forces, using occupied Kuwait as a base of operations, attacked the Saudi border town of Khafji. The battle involved the Iraqi 1st Mechanized Division, 3rd Armored Division, and 5th Mechanized Division, which used BMP-1, BRDM-2, T-72, T-62, Type 69, and T-55 (some of which were Enigmas). However, it is unclear which division the Enigmas operated in and how many there were. The Enigmas were likely used as command tanks for battalions.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.