Leopard Workshop : LW045 - 1:35 scale Finnish Leopard 2 Marksman Self-propelled Anti-aircraft Gun

LW045 - 1:35 scale Finnish Leopard 2 Marksman Self-propelled Anti-aircraft Gun

A conversion set designed for use with the Meng or Revell Leopard 2A4

The complete turret sprues from the Takom ItPsv 90 are included in this set.

This conversion has been primarily designed to be used with the Meng Leopard 2A4, simply because it is the best kit available. However, the Revell 2A4 also happens to have the same turret ring diameter, so it is equally applicable, though some 'fiddling around' might have to be done to fit the skirts and driver's hatch. The non-slip panels on both kits also present a problem. See pages 4 and 5 of the instructions.

The Marksman self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was developed by the British firm, Marconi. The only operator is the Finnish Army which ordered seven units in 1990. These were mounted on ex-Polish T-55AM chassis. This version was designated ItPsV 90. It is similar in concept to the German Gepard system in terms of performance, ammunition carried and effective range of the ammunition.

ItPsV 90 was put into storage in 2010, but all seven turrets have now been mounted on former Leopard 2A4FIN hulls. After two years of trials and development, they entered service in 2017.

The Marksman is intended to provide low-level air defence for armoured battalions. Its role is primarily against helicopters, low-flying aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. However, it can also be used successfully as a fire-support vehicle. Fire-control is provided by a single Marconi Series 400 I/J-band radar with a surveillance range of 12 km and tracking range of 10 km. Additionally, a gyro-stabilised optical sight is fitted for manual use against aerial and ground targets. The Marksman is armed with twin 35mm Oerlikon KDA autocannons. Each gun fires at 550 rpm and is supplied with 220 HE rounds plus 20 AP rounds for use against ground targets. The effective anti-aircraft range is 4 km. In a normal engagement, 20 to 40 rounds are fired at a single target. The vehicle has a crew of three, commander, gunner and driver.

The kit also includes 18 resin parts, PE smoke launcher chains and antennae with real spring bases and turned brass fittings. Plus a self-adhesive sheet to help you make your own non-slip panels.