Hobby Master Archive

Hobby Master 1/72 Ground Power Series HG3303 Iraq T-55 5th Mechanized Division 26th Armored Brigade, Gulf War

THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES, NOT THE FINAL PRODUCT

Authentic Detailing Pre-Painted by professionals Accurate paint colors Markings Tampo (pad) applied Fully Assembled Die-Cast Model True to Scale (1:72) Weathering and insignias Turret turns Metal turret and main gun Realistic tracks

Crew 4 Weights Weight: 36.6 tons (33203 kg) Ground pressure: 12.66 lb/in sq. (0.89 kg/cm sq.)

Dimensions Length: 29.5 ft (9.0 m) with gun - 21.1 ft (6.45 m) without gun Width: 11.8 ft (3.60 m) Height: 7.6 ft (2.32 m)

Powerplant Model V-55 diesel, 520 hp (390 kW), 12cylinder, 38.88 liter water cooled Power/weight ratio: 14 hp/tonne Performance Operational range: 248.5/310.7 mi (400/500 km) - with drop tanks 372.8 mi (600 km) Maximum road speed: 31.06 mph (50 km/h) Maximum off-road speed: 21.75 mph (35 km/h) Average cross-country speed: 15.5 mph (25 km/h) Fording depth: Normal - 4.6 ft (1.4 m) With snorkel - 18 ft (5.5 m)

Armament Armour: 6.69/7.99 in (170/203 mm) Gun: 3.94 in (100 mm) rifled gun, D-10T2S Auxiliary armament: .3 in (7.62 mm) (7.62 X 54R) Machine Gun SGM-T/PKT Mounted armament: .5 in (12.7 mm) (12.7 X 108R) AA MG DShKM

The T-55 is a very mobile chassis with a low profile and with external fuel tanks has great endurance. All this is topped off with a high-velocity gun with 43 rounds available. However the low profile means cramped crew compartment and a slow rate of fire for the gun. The external fuel tanks make the unit vulnerable and the armor is thin compared to western standards. The T-54/55 is the most produced tank in history and has served with over 40 countries. It is the AK47 of tanks, inexpensive and everyone has one.

On August 2 1990 as part of the 4th largest military in the world the Iraqi 5th Mechanized Division with approximately 200 T-55As invaded Kuwait. On January 29 1991 as part of a larger group the 5th MD attacked Coalition Forces and captured the Saudi town of Al- Khafji. After 2 days the Iraqi forces were driven back to Kuwait and on February 26 1991 began a retreat to Iraq. When it was over Iraq’s forces were diminished from 70 army divisions to 23 with the loss of over 400 aircraft.