Post by Keith Heitmann on Oct 24, 2003 9:07:12 GMT -5
FEATURES
* Fully detailed interior & exterior.
* Movable gun elevation & suspension.
* Includes various accessories.
* Selective open or closed hatches.
* Includes flexible tracks.
DESCRIPTION
British Tank Destroyer ACHILLES
In 1942, to meet the urgent demand for a more powerful tank destroyer, U.S. Army put the M10 series in production.
The M4A2 medium hull was used with a semi-open turret. To minimize weight the armor was reduced and the top of the hull shortened. Due to the thin armor protection and the open turret configuration, the M10 was vulnerable to enemy fire. Despite this weakness, the M10 proved to be a strong asset to the Allied forces because of its speed and agility.
The Achilles, powered by a GM 6046 12 cylinder, twin diesel inline engine had a crew of five and weighed 32 tons. The Achilles version, developed while under the Lend-Lease to the British 17 pound Mark V to replace the American 3" gun, and a direct sighting telescope in the gun shield on the left side. The 17 pound gun carried 50 rounds of ammunition and stored 6 rounds in ready racks in the turret and the remainder in the hull sponsons.
Two versions of the Achilles were produced the earlier and less common "Ic", fitted with the 17 pounds gun, and the "IIc", fitted with the final production turret with revised counterweights. Fitting for the extra armor plate was not on the latter version.
