M109A6 Paladin artillery vehicles sporting tan color on military tanks

M109A6 Paladin Artillery Vehicles: A Closer Look at These Tan-Colored Tanks

The M109A6 Paladin artillery vehicle has been a staple of military operations for decades, and its tan color has become synonymous with power and precision on the battlefield. But what makes this tank so effective, and how did it come to be? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history and features of the M109A6 Paladin artillery vehicle.

History

The M109 self-propelled howitzer was first developed in the 1950s, and it has been in service since the 1960s. Over the years, various variants have been produced, but the M109A6 took over as the primary model in the 2000s. A total of 975 M109A6s were produced between '19 and *, with their first action taking place in the Iraq War in 2003.

One of the most impressive features of the M109A6 is its fully-rotating turret, which houses the L/39 155mm main gun. This gun has a range of 24 kilometers (30km with rocket-assisted projectiles) and is equipped with a semi-automatic loading system. Additionally, the tank is equipped with numerous other features, including separate parts for the commander periscope, hatch underside grip, gun barrel ring, hull drain pipe, and exhaust tips.

Modeling the M109A6

For modelers, the M109A6 Paladin artillery vehicle offers a wealth of detail and realism. Tamiya's 1/35 scale plastic model assembly kit includes photo-etched parts to recreate the turret rear basket base, water canister strap buckles, and more. The kit also features re-molded wheels, cement-and-paintable belt tracks, and a host of new and re-molded parts to ensure a highly detailed finish.

The M109A6 Paladin artillery vehicle is an iconic symbol of military power and precision on the battlefield. With its fully-rotating turret and semi-automatic loading system, it's no wonder this tank has been in service for so long. Whether you're interested in military history or simply want to build a realistic model, the M109A6 Paladin artillery vehicle is definitely worth learning more about.

M109A6 Paladin artillery vehicles sporting tan color on military tanks