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Dragon is about to release a kit of the MIM-104B Patriot Surface-To-Air Missile (SAM) System (PAC-1) w/M983 HEMTT under their Black Label Series.

A truly impressive model, given the size of both elements included.

Item No.3558 depicts a plastic model of the MIM-104B Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) system complete with Launching Station mounted on an M860 semi-trailer and its associated M983 HEMTT tractor truck.

The Patriot Advanced Capability-1 (PAC-1) was a SAM system with an anti-ballistic missile capacity. The MIM-104B anti-standoff jammer (ASOJ) missile allowed it to seek out electronic countermeasure emitters, and so it was an improvement over its predecessor. The trailer-mounted M901 Launching Station is a self-contained unit from which four MIM-104B missiles in canisters can be fired. The M901 includes all necessary items such as the 15kW Launcher Generator Set, and the Launcher Mechanics Assembly that elevates and rotates the canisters.

The M860 semi-trailer is towed by the M983 tractor of the HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) family, this being an 8x8 truck fitted with a fifth wheel. The Patriot, which was previously untested in combat, rose to fame during the Gulf War of 1990-91 when its ballistic missile defence function was exercised against Iraqi weapons more than 40 times.

This 1/35 scale Black Label model kit can be rendered in either transport configuration or in firing mode, making it ideal for a Gulf War diorama, for example.

The M901 Launching Station can be posed with the missiles elevated and/or rotated for firing at the correct 38º angle, and with the trailer stabilizers extended. Integral components such as the antenna and generator are all included too, while the vehicle tires are made from DS.