Trumpeter 1/72 US Army M983 HEMTT & MPQ-53 C-Band Tracking Radar Scaled Plastic Model Kit

The AN/MPQ-53 C-Band Tracking Radar is the sophisticated heart of the US Army's renowned Patriot surface-to-air missile system. This multifunction, phased-array radar is a critical component of modern air defence, capable of performing search, detection, tracking, and identification of aerial threats simultaneously. Without any moving parts, its electronically steered beam is exceptionally resistant to jamming. It can monitor over 100 potential targets at ranges exceeding 100 kilometres and guide Patriot missiles to engage up to nine of them at once. To ensure this vital asset can be deployed wherever it is needed, it is mounted on a semi-trailer towed by the M983 HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck). The HEMTT is a powerful eight-wheel-drive logistical workhorse, designed to operate in the most demanding environments and provide the mobility essential for keeping the Patriot battery components together on a fluid battlefield.

This 1/72 scale Trumpeter kit provides a fantastic opportunity to build the complete M983 HEMTT and MPQ-53 radar unit. With over 150 parts, this model captures the complex and impressive nature of this modern military hardware combination. The kit features a detailed M983 tractor, complete with a well-appointed cab and a robust chassis, accurately reflecting the real vehicle's powerful stance. The large MPQ-53 radar trailer is also carefully reproduced, from the main phased array to the intricate details of the generator and support equipment. A notable feature of this kit is the inclusion of soft rubber tyres, which adds a superior level of realism to the finished model. This combination of a heavy-duty truck and high-tech military electronics makes for a unique and engaging project for any enthusiast of modern military vehicles.