The M2 Bradley is the US Army's first mechanized infantry combat vehicle. The first production models appeared in 1981 (at the height of the Cold War), and they were soon being produced at the rate of 600 per year. The hull of the M2 is made of aluminum, with a layer of space laminated armor applied for added protection. The Bradley is equipped with a 25mm Bushmaster cannon and stabilizer to allow for firing on the move. Its troop compartment, located in the rear, is fitted with firing ports and periscopes to allow troops to fire from within the vehicle. Night vision capability and a nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) defense system are standard on all of the different variants. The Bradley plays a key role in the US Army's combined arms concept, but critics say it is too big, too expensive, and too difficult to maintain and is insufficiently armored to operate with main battle tanks on the battlefield.

This particular 1:72 scale M2A2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, fitted with a fold-down TOW-2 missile launcher, was attached to A Company, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry of the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One"). Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Length: 4-1/2-inches
Width: 2-inches

Release Date: December 2004

Historical Account: "The Big Red One" - On the morning of February 24th, 1991, under Major General Thomas G. Rhame, "The Big Red One" spearheaded the armored attack into Iraq, leading the way for the VII corps. The Division smashed into the Iraqi 26th Infantry Division, broke through the enemy lines, and took over 2,500 prisoners. The British 1st Armored Division was allowed to advance and pass through after elements secured a beachhead. This kept up the momentum of the coalition forces attack. The division then turned east to continue it's drive into enemy territory.

Continuing it's attack, the Division collided with the Tawakalna Division Republican Guard and the 37th Brigade of the 12th Iraqi's Tank Division. On the night of February 26th, 1991, the Division battled with enemy forces, destroying both exposing units. Enemy loses included more than 40 tanks and 40 infantry fighting vehicles. The Divisions exploited its success and continued its pursuit of the demoralized Iraqi forces.

Following the Battle of Norfolk, the Division raced ahead to cut off the Iraqi lines of retreat from Kuwait City. Division elements destroyed scores of enemy vehicles and took thousands of prisoners as they advanced. By 8:00 p.m. on February 27th, the 1-4 Cavalry Squadron had seized the main highway leading north out of Kuwait, barring the Iraqi's escape. By the next morning , the rest of the division had taken up positions along the highway, fully securing it.

At 8:00 a.m., February 28th, 1991, the war was over when a cease-fire was called. The Big Red One had fought through 260 kilometers of enemy-held territory in 100 hours, destroying 550 enemy tanks, 480 armored personnel carriers and taking 11,400 prisoners. A total of 18 of the Divisions soldiers were killed in the war. The Division earned three campaign streamers for it's colors: Defense of Saudi Arabia, Liberation of Kuwait and Cease Fire.