Base measures 152x152mm (6 x 6 inches). Aircraft not included.

A universal and impressive 1/72 scale model aircraft base accurately reproducing the airfield surface covered with PSP ('Marston Mat') panels. Suitable for all types of smaller American aircraft in all theaters of operations of World War II and some later conflicts, as well as most aircraft of many other Allied air forces.

The famous PSP stands for Pierced Steel Planking, also known as Marston Mat, used to reinforce the surface of airfields with perforated steel mats. They were mass-produced in the USA from the beginning of the Second World War and used in all theaters of war wherever the American air force appeared: in the Pacific, Europe, Africa and even Greenland!

They were first used during the famous Carolina Maneuvers in 1941, on which, before Pearl Harbor, the Americans tested the readiness of their armed forces for war. The US Air Corps commander, General 'Hap' Arnold, described the PSP on that occasion as "the year's greatest achievement in aviation warfare,". This is also where the colloquial name of the invention, Marston Mat, came from, as it was near the town of Marston that the manoeuvres were held.

Made from corrosion-resistant manganese steel, the individual mat weighed around 60 pounds. Holes allowed drainage and reduced the weight. Each piece was ringed with hooks to connect the mats into a permanent surface. A set of mats to build a complete runway could be carried within a cargo hold of one Liberty ship. Experienced builders were able to assemble it within 72 hours of unloading.