Airfix 01371 M-18 Hellcat

The M18 Gun Motor Carriage "Hellcat" is an American tank destroyer from the Second World War. Design work on the vehicle began at the turn of 1941/1942. It was originally planned to create a vehicle armed with a 37mm gun, but after the experience of Operation Torch in November 1942, the caliber was increased to 57mm and later to 76mm. Finally, in February 1943, the final design with just such a gun appeared, and production began in July of the same year. It lasted until October 1944 and resulted in the production of about 2,500 vehicles. Apart from the typical M18, only one development version of the M39 was created, which was a turretless transporter and artillery tractor. The M18 Hellcat turned out to be a very successful vehicle. Contrary to the M10, its chassis was constructed from scratch, which allowed it to be very well adapted to the tasks assigned to this vehicle. The 400 HP Wright Continental R-975-C4 engine was also a big advantage. The M18 turned out to be a very fast vehicle, armed with a good cannon and was able to engage in equal combat with the Pz.Kpfw V or VI at a distance of 800-900m, assuming that the Hellcat was firing at the sides of German vehicles. The M18 played an important role in the fighting in France and Germany in 1944-1945, especially during the fighting in the Ardennes. Technical data: length (without barrel): 5.28m, width: 2.87m, height: 2.16m, weight 17.7t, engine power: 400KM, speed (on the road): up to 97km / h, armament: 1 cannon 76.2mm M1A1 or M1A1C or M1A2, single MG Browning M2HB caliber 12.7mm.