US M8A1 US Landing Steel Mat (8"x 13")
Unassembled plastic model kit
Don't forget building supplies!
Select a thumbnail to see the picture full-size. In Stock (Ships in 1-3 business days)List price: $28.99You pay: $17.75(All prices in U.S. Dollars)Manufacturer: ICM ModelsStock Number: ICM 53200Scale: 1/35View all products of type "Airfield" This model kit requires assembly. Cement, paint and other construction materials not included unless specifically stated in the description.
The M8A1 steel plates, developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, were primarily used for the quick construction of temporary runways. These plates were extensively used during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970s, particularly in army aviation for basing helicopters, light attack aircraft, and surveillance aircraft. They frequently appear in photographs from the period.
Each slab, measuring 3660 x 560 mm, featured a hard-corrugated surface that facilitated effective rainwater drainage. The US Army engineering units were responsible for their installation. The slabs could be connected in a staggered pattern or in a row, allowing for the construction of both small sites and large airfields.