ZSU-23-4M Air Defense System w/Soviet Motor Rifle Troops

The ZSU-23-4 “Shilka” is a self-propelled anti- aircraft weapon on a tracked chassis that entered Soviet service in 1965. Its armament consists of four 23mm-calibre cannons, directed by an RPK-2 “Tobol” radar system. At the time of its introduction into the Warsaw Pact, the ZSU-23-4 surpassed the capabilities of similar NATO weapons. The 19-tonne vehicle was operated by a crew of four, and could be used against ground targets as well as low-flying aircraft or helicopters. Many ZSU-23-4 systems remain in service around the world till this day, since 2,500 of the 6,500 systems produced were exported to 23 different countries. It was used in such conflicts as the Yom Kippur War, Iran-Iraq War, First Gulf War, Chechnya and Soviet-Afghan War. The ZSU-23-4M “Biryusa” was an upgraded version that used updated 2A7M cannons with pyrotechnic loading instead of the sometimes unreliable pneumatic loading.

Cyber-Hobby is releasing a 1/35 scale plastic kit of the ZSU-23-4M in its Orange Box range. This kit was a very popular Dragon item when it was first released, and now Cyber-Hobby is giving it a new lease on life. The kit is accurately detailed, and it easily builds into a fine replica of this Soviet air defense vehicle. To make it even more valuable, the Orange Box kit comes with a set of four figures. These are Soviet Motor Rifle Troops in a variety of standing and sitting poses. Combining the vehicle and figures will produce an interesting Soviet diorama, or of course it will also allow modelers to create a scene from one of the aforementioned wars.

Models are supplied unpainted and assembly is required.