Landing surface USA M8A1 (210×336 mm). 1/48 ICM-53200

Description

M8A1 steel plates, developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, were used primarily for the rapid construction of temporary runways. During the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970s, these plates were widely employed in military aviation to establish bases for helicopters, light attack aircraft and surveillance aircraft, as can often be seen in photographs of the time.

Each slab measured 3660 x 560 mm and had a corrugated surface to facilitate effective rainwater drainage. These slabs were installed by U.S. Army engineer units. They could be connected in a staggered or in-line pattern, allowing the construction of both small sites and large airfields.

(helicopter not included)