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 is fitted with a fold-down TOW-2 missile launcher and was used by the 1-41 Infantry, 1st Armored Division deployed to Baghdad, Iraq during late 2003. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: December 2004

Historical Account: "Old Ironsides" - The 1st Armored Division ("Old Ironsides") received orders on March 4th, 2003, to deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the global war on terrorism and to prepare for future contingencies as may be directed. The deployment was to consist of the whole division and was to push south from Turkey and advance on Baghdad, Iraq from the north. On March 14th, however, Stars & Stripes reported that the 1st Armored Division had been ordered to put their deployment on hold as transporting the division's equipment to the AOR had been complicated by the refusal of Turkey to permit the 4th Infantry Division to stage from its territory.

After the war had ended, Task Force 1st Armored Division was redeployed and took up occupation duties within Iraq.