ZSU-23-4 M/M3 Soviet self-propelled anti-aircraft

Plastic model kit to build a Soviet ZSU-23-4 M/M3 anti-aircraft tank

• Scale 1:35
• unbuilt / unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

The ZSU-23-4 M/M3 anti-aircraft tank (Shilka) is a Soviet anti-aircraft tank designed to accompany mechanized and armored units. The vehicle is based on a tracked chassis and is equipped with a rotating turret carrying four 23mm autocannons. This high firepower enables effective combat against low-flying aircraft, helicopters and other aerial targets at short ranges. A special feature of the ZSU-23-4 was the combination of radar and fire control system, which allowed targets to be detected, tracked and fought independently.

The crew consists of four soldiers: commander, driver, gunner and radar operator. The armor protects against fire from small arms and artillery fragments, while the tracked chassis ensures high mobility in the terrain. With a top speed of around 50 km/h, the Shilka was able to keep pace with tank and infantry fighting vehicle units and provide them with effective mobile anti-aircraft protection.

The ZSU-23-4M variant received improvements to reliability and electronic systems, while the later ZSU-23-4M3 had modernized radar and fire control equipment as well as other technical improvements. This made it possible to increase the operational capability against modern air targets. In addition to its actual role in anti-aircraft defense, the Shilka was also often used for fire support against ground targets due to its enormous fire density.

The ZSU-23-4 is one of the most famous anti-aircraft tanks of the Cold War and was used by numerous armed forces around the world. Their combination of mobility, radar guidance and high firepower made them an important part of ground-based air defense for decades.