Tamiya 35326 US M1A2 SEP Abrams Tusk II 1/35 Model Kit

Item No: 35326.

During the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, the United States utilized the latest M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, which remained in use during the subsequent occupation. In response to threats posed by RPGs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in urban areas, the tanks received upgraded protection in the form of Tank Urban Survival Kits (TUSK I) in 2004. These upgrades included reactive armor on the hull sides, hull underside armor to withstand land mines, an M2 machine gun mounted above the main gun barrel, infrared cameras for the crew, and an external telephone for communication with accompanying infantry. Additional improvements, known as TUSK II, introduced features such as tile-shaped reactive armor on the turret and hull sides, an armored shield for the commander, and a rear-view camera. The TUSK kits could be installed in field depots within 12 hours and were customized for different tanks. However, the kits could only be installed in theatre due to the reactive armor.