M163 Vulcan U.S. Army 1:35 Academy 13507

Plastic military model kit: M163 Vulcan U.S. Army 1:35 Academy 13507

We present the plastic model kit M163 Vulcan U.S. Army in 1:35 scale, produced by the renowned company Academy. This detailed model allows you to recreate one of the most well-known self-propelled air defense systems used by the United States Army. The M163 Vulcan, also known as VADS (Vulcan Air Defense System), is a vehicle that played a key role in providing mobile, short-range air defense for ground units.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:35
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 13507
• Material: Plastic

About the M163 Vulcan: The M163 Vulcan was designed as a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun intended to replace the earlier M42 Duster model. Equipped with the M168 cannon, a variant of the famous M61A1 gun, the M163 Vulcan was capable of firing at a rate of 3000 rounds per minute in short bursts or 1000 rounds per minute in continuous mode. This vehicle was mounted on a modified M113A1 chassis, providing it with mobility and the ability to operate in various terrain conditions.

Service history: The M163 Vulcan entered service with the U.S. Army in 1968. Although its primary mission was air defense, it was often used in practice as fire support for ground troops. In 1989, during Operation Just Cause in Panama, the M163 Vulcan supported U.S. assault troops, and one of the vehicles sank a PDF patrol boat. The last combat actions involving the M163 took place during Operation Desert Storm.

In the Israeli army, known as "Hovet," the M163 Vulcan achieved three aerial kills, including the first downing of a jet (a Syrian MiG-21) during Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982. The Israel Defense Forces also used it for fire support during urban combat.

Modernizations and replacement: In 1984, an improved system called PIVADS was introduced, which enhanced ease of operation and firing accuracy. However, the limitations of the 20x102 mm caliber remained. Ultimately, the M163 Vulcan was replaced by the M1097 Avenger and M6 Linebacker systems, which offered greater range and effectiveness against modern aerial threats.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, 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.