The M8 light armored vehicle, the "Greyhound", entered combat service with the Allies in 1943. It was designed to serve as the primary basic command and communication combat vehicle for US cavalry reconnaissance troops. The M8 first saw action in Italy in 1943 and was used by the US military in both Europe and the Far East. In the latter theater, it was used primarily in Okinawa and the Philippines, and was occasionally employed in the tank destroyer role, as most Japanese armor was vulnerable to its 37mm gun. Between March 1943 and June 1945, a total of 8,523 units were built.
The M20 armored utility vehicle, also known as the M20 scout vehicle, was a greyhound with the turret replaced by a low, open-top armored superstructure and an anti-aircraft ring mount for an M2 50-inch heavy machine gun. A bazooka was provided to the crew to compensate for the lack of anti-armor weaponry. The M20 was primarily used as a command vehicle and for advanced reconnaissance, but many vehicles also served as armored personnel carriers and cargo vehicles. It offered high speed and excellent mobility, along with a degree of protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. When used in the command and control role, the M20 was equipped with additional radio equipment. Ford built a total of 3,680 M20s during its two years of production (1943-1944).
After the war, the M8 was used for occupation duties; It also saw combat in the Korean War, being retired by the United States Army shortly thereafter. In French use, the M8 was used during the Indochina War (1946-1954) and the Algerian War (1954-1962). Many vehicles previously used by the US, Britain and France were exported to NATO allies and third world countries. As of 2002, some still remained in service in Africa and South America.
Featured Product:
- Plastic kit 2 sprues scale 1/56 (28 mm)
- Option to build an M8 or M20 armored vehicle
- Two MG fixes for the M8: rear or ring mount
- Open or close the front driver's hatch
- Choice of external utility toolbox or landmine rack
- Simplified but detailed chassis interior
Product code: 280028
Number of pieces: 53 pieces / 2 sprues
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