M-18 Hellcat 1:35 Academy 13255

Plastic military model kit: M-18 Hellcat 1:35 Academy 13255

The M-18 Hellcat model kit in 1:35 scale from the renowned company Academy is an excellent proposition for enthusiasts of military history and modeling. This detailed set allows you to recreate one of the most famous tank destroyers used by the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 13255
• Material: Plastic
• Purpose: Model kit

Historical and technical data of the M-18 Hellcat:

• Official designation: 76 mm Gun Motor Carriage M18 or M18 GMC
• Maximum speed: up to 55 mph (89 km/h)
• Armament: 76 mm gun, the same as in some variants of the Sherman tank
• Production: Started in the summer of 1943, ended in October 1944
• Number of units produced: 2,507

The M-18 Hellcat was the result of the development of various prototypes of fast tank destroyers, with origins dating back to 1941. It first entered combat service in the spring of 1944. Although mainly used in Western Europe, its presence was also noted in smaller numbers in Italy and the Pacific.

Combat achievements: The M-18 Hellcat was the most effective American tank destroyer of World War II, achieving a higher kill-to-loss ratio than any other tank or tank destroyer used by U.S. forces during this period. The total number of destroyed vehicles amounted to 526, of which 498 were in Europe, 17 in Italy, and 11 in the Pacific. The kill-to-loss ratio in Europe was 2.3 to 1, while the overall kill-to-loss ratio was 2.4 to 1.

Although the M-18 Hellcat was not originally intended for tank combat, it was often used in improvised roles, mainly as fire support for infantry. After World War II, the M-18 was withdrawn from American service; however, its variant, the M39 utility vehicle, was used during the Korean War. The M-18 Hellcat remained in service in some countries until 1995.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. To assemble, separately sold modeling tools are needed (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.