The M8A1 Landing Mats from our 1/72 diorama accessories range accurately recreates the real-life temporary airfield landing surface used by US forces during the Vietnam War. This plastic model kit requires paint and glue to complete.
The nature of combat operations in Vietnam demanded extensive use of military and army aviation. To enable rapid construction of airstrips in difficult terrain, U.S. Army engineering units employed various types of portable airfield surfacing. Among these were the M8A1 steel landing mats, which saw widespread use during the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These mats were installed by U.S. Army engineer units and could be laid either in staggered formation or in straight rows, allowing for the construction of airfields of various sizes. Each mat measured 3,660 x 560 mm and featured a rigid, corrugated surface that effectively drained rainwater. This type of surfacing was most used by Army aviation units to accommodate combat helicopters, light attack aircraft, and observation planes.
Key Features
- Accurate replicas of the steel landing mats used on forward airstrips during the Vietnam War
- Mat segments can be combined to construct airfields of any size
- Ideal for diorama scenes or as a base for Vietnam War-era aircraft and helicopter models in 1:72 scale
Manufacturer: ICM
Model: 72216 M8A1 Landing Mats
Scale: 1/72
- Brand:
- Icm
- Barcode:
- 4823044411146
- Model Number:
- 72216
- Scale:
- 1/72
- Type:
- Diorama Accessories
- Nation:
- USA
- Period:
- Vietnam War