 |
Teracruzer with Missile and Command Crew (Renwal) SSP (1/32) (fs)
Limited Reissue of a Renwal Classic. SSP-Selected Subjects Program-Limited Reissue of a vintage model kit. An original Renwal recently sold for over $500 at auction. This is a straight reissue from original tooling featuring original box art. The scale accuracy of this vehicle and missile are spot on perfect.
The Martin Mace (designated as TM-76 tactical missile until 1963, then as MGM-13 for mobile-launched and CGM-13 for container-launched versions) is a tactical surface-to-surface missile developed from the MGM-1 Matador. Development began in 1954 with first launch in 1956. Mace was launched from a mobile Teracruzer trailer or a hardened bunker using a solid fuel booster rocket for initial acceleration and an Allison J33-A-41 turbojet for flight. Deployment began in 1959 with the missile remaining in service until the early 1970s. Some missiles were used as target drones because their size and performance resembled manned aircraft.
The Mace became an integral part of the NATO nuclear deterrence in Europe at Bitburg Air Base, West Germany. Maintained by the 71st Tactical Missile Squadron, 36th Tactical Fighter Wing, it was on alert 24/7 in hardened bays around the Bitburg area. The Mace was decommissioned in 1969 at Bitburg.
|
|
|
