M65 280mm Atomic Cannon

US Army, Travelling Configuration

Dragon Models 1:72 63159

The M65 atomic cannon, nicknamed "Atomic Annie", was an artillery piece built by the United States and capable of firing a nuclear device. It was developed in the early 1950s, at the beginning of the Cold War; and fielded between April 1955 and December 1962, in West Germany, South Korea and on Okinawa. The cannon was transported by two specially designed tractors that were capable of independent steering in the manner of some extra-long fire trucks. Each of the tractors was rated at 375 horsepower, and the somewhat awkward combination could achieve speeds of 35 miles per hour. The artillery piece could be unlimbered in 12 minutes, then returned to traveling configuration in another 15 minutes. The gun was deployed by lowering it from the tractors onto levelled ground. The whole gun assembly was balanced on a ball and socket joint so that it could be swung around the footplate. On May 25, 1953, at 8:30 a.m., the atomic cannon was tested at the Nevada Test Site. The test resulted in the successful detonation of a 15 kt shell (W9 warhead) at a range of 7 miles. This was the first and only nuclear shell to be fired from a cannon.

M65 280mm Atomic Cannon

Designed as a 280mm towed artillery piece capable of firing nuclear warhead shells up to 20 miles, the M65 entered service in 1955.

Dragon Models 1:72 Armor Collector Series

The Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military vehicles. Dragon Armor tanks require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box and is 100% true to scale... these don't look like model tanks, they look like tanks!. Color, camouflage and unit markings are carefully researched for Maximum authenticity, marking the difference between and authentic scale model tank and a "toy" tank.

Dragon Models "1:72 Dragon Armor Collector Series" display model vehicles feature:

• Molded plastic construction (some releases include diecast metal components).
• Rotating turret, elevating cannon and accurate hull.
• Painted, fitted, non-moving tracks and detailed non-rotating wheels.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Clear acrylic display case to protect model.