Overview
Following on from the success of the anti-tank vehicle and assault gun concept during World War II it was decided, when the German Bundeswehr was established, that such a weapons system would be introduced to support the classic combat tank. The tank destroyer, designed according to the casemate principle and which went into production in 1966, was a nimble hunter reaching 70 km/h and could manuver much faster than other types of tank. Its low height of 2.7 m and its accurate (for the period) and powerful 90 mm cannon made it a dangerous opponent for attacking armored forces. By the 1980s its cannon was, however, no longer a match for improved enemy tanks, and a large number of the 770 tank destroyers built were converted into observation vehicles and used as such until they were retired in 2003. Model details: Additional parts to build the observation version (e.g. portable target acquisition device; reversing mirrors); Detailed revolving-barrel MG and flak anti-aircraft MG; Easy to fit vinyl tracks; Moveable running gear; Filigree on-board tools; Smoke grenade dischargers; Faithful reproduction of the 90 mm cannon; and Authentic decals for four different vehicles.