|
|
M22 Locust - American Airborne Light Tank, 1943
In 1941, the British sent a request to the American Armored Board for a dedicated airborne light tank to be deployed with paratroopers in operation in Europe. A successful prototype, the T9E1, was ready for production and tests, and after delays, in 1943, the M22 was adopted and hundreds were ordered for the US and UK. Despite the American's complaints about the tank, the British stood firm in their support, and had 230 shipped to the UK, 17 of which were used by the 6th Airborne Armored Recon Regiment, who deployed into combat with them in 1945 during Operation Varsity. The overall success of the M22 was hampered by limited technology at the time, but it did fill its intended role once, and paved the way for future American airborne tank development.
This brick-built model of the M22 is a tank that fits into any collection, as well as in the palm of your hand. Don't let the size fool you though, this tank is packed with a detailed interior that includes a fuel tank, transmission shaft under the turret turntable, and a removable engine modeled after the tank's real powerplant. Furthermore, the tank has a set of fully articulating tracks compatible with official LEGO 1 stud wide tracks, as well as 3rd party options, and has a rotating turret with elevating and depressing gun. |