Panzerkampf

Panzerkampf Turns Back the Hands of Time

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Norwegian Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank with Detachable Snorkel – Winter Camouflage

Panzerkampf has witnessed great success in the 1:72 scale military vehicle market so it was just a matter of time before they took up an older yet somewhat potent armored fighting vehicle — the Leopard 2A4 main battle tank. The Leopard 2 is a third generation German main battle tank (MBT) that was developed by Krauss-Maffei in the 1970s. It entered service in 1979 and replaced the earlier Leopard 1 as the main battle tank of the West German Army. Various iterations of the Leopard 2 continue to be operated by the armed forces of Germany, as well as 13 other European countries, and several non-European countries, including Canada, Chile, Indonesia and Singapore. Some operating countries have licensed the Leopard 2 design for local production and domestic development.

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Ukrainian Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank with Detachable Snorkel – Tri-Color Camouflage

The most widespread version of the Leopard 2 family, the 2A4 models included more substantial changes, including an automated fire and explosion suppression system, an all-digital fire control system able to handle new ammunition types, and an improved turret with flat titanium/tungsten armor. The Leopard 2s were manufactured in eight batches between 1985 and 1992. All the older models were upgraded to 2A4 standard. Until 1994, Germany operated a total of 2,125 2A4s (695 newly built and the rest modified older versions), while the Netherlands had an additional 445 tanks. The 2A4 was licensed and manufactured in Switzerland as the Panzer 87 “Leopard” or Pz 87. This version included Swiss-built 7.5 mm MG 87 machine guns and communications equipment and featured an improved NBC protection system. Switzerland operated 380 Pz 87 tanks.

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale German Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank with Detachable Snorkel – Winter Camouflage

After 2000, Germany and the Netherlands found themselves with large stocks of tanks that they had no need for after the Cold War. These tanks were sold to NATO or friendly armies around the world. Among these buyers of the surplus tanks were Turkey (purchasing 354 vehicles), Greece (183), Sweden (160), Chile (140), Finland (139), Poland (128), Austria (114), Spain (108), Canada (107), Indonesia (103), Singapore (96), Norway (52), Denmark (51), and Portugal (37).

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale German Kampfpanzer Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank with Detachable Snorkel – Tri-Color Camouflage

A successful design by any measure, the Leopard 2A4 has become the latest subject of Panzerkampf’s well-heeled diecast army. Not only will the latest replica faithfully replicate every feature of the 2A4, but it will also include a detachable snorkel, which was used to let the vehicle ford streams and some minor rivers.. Four versions will make the cut, including one based upon a vehicle handed over to the Ukrainian Army to defend its sovereign territory against the Federal Republic of Russia. Look for their latest combat vehicle to storm the battlefield later this Spring.

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Panzerkampf’s Clarion Call

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian Mil Mi-24V Hind Attack Helicopter – “Yellow 05”, 262nd Separate Helicopter Squadron, Limited Contingent of Soviet Forces, Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, 1988

When they released a trio of CH-53 helicopters several years ago, rotary-wing collectors immediately sat up in their cockpits, wondering if Panzerkampf could go one step further by producing a Russian-built Mil Mi-24 Hind. Bristling with all manner of rockets, missiles and gun pods, the Hind is one of those iconic helicopters of the Cold War that came to symbolize the power the Red Army was attempting to project over their adversaries in the West, a sword of Damocles, if you will, that was never quite brought down upon their NATO foes. Looking back, the Hind was to the Soviet Union what the Apache was to the United States – a nap-of-the-earth tank killer that was capable of dealing out death and destruction at a moment’s notice, only to slip behind a tree or building to avoid being detected and destroyed itself. Heavier than the Apache and capable of ferrying troops to the forward edge of the battlefield, it was viewed by many as a flying tank, able to withstand all manner of ground fire while serving up a crescendo of firepower all its own.

Forty years after they first appeared in the Soviet’s inventory, only Easy Model has, to date, offered a Hind in fully assembled form. Nice to ogle, the Easy Model rendition was made of plastic and, as a result, never quite able to demonstrate the heft that came with a fully laden Hind. So getting a modelmaker — any modelmaker — to create one in diecast form became a clarion call from legions of rotor heads, who, as it turned out, waited patiently for a response from Panzkerkampf to see if they could answer the call to battle.

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Czech Air Force Mil Mi-24V Hind Attack Helicopter – “White 0815”, 221st Helicopter Squadron, 22nd Wing, Namest, Czech Republic [Tiger Meet Scheme]

Fortunately, Panzerkampf picked up the gauntlet a year or so ago and decided they could not only build the monstrosity but offer it in multiple liveries. In fact, two Hinds are expected this January — one, quite naturally clad in a Soviet scheme indicative of its deployment against the Mujahideen in Afghanistan in the late 1980s. The second portrays a Czech-operated Hind, a former ally of the Soviet Union that still had them in their inventory when the Cold War ended in the early 90s. The Czech version was an interesting choice for Panzerkampf and portrays a chopper that took part in NATO’s regularly held Tiger Meet competition that has been drawn from different NATO nations for the better part of several decades.

As it stands right now, both versions are slated for a January take off. The pre-order window is now open and we expect both versions to sell extremely well at retail now that Panzerkampf has confirmed their imminent release.

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Panzerkampf Bulks Up

Panzerkampf’s 1:64 scale US HMMWV M1046 Humvee with TOW Missile Launcher – KFOR

In a curious development, Panzerkampf announced over the weekend that they would soon be building out their product portfolio by adding 1:64 scale military vehicles to the mix. Two Humvees were shown on their Facebook account, both featuring four-wheel steering, opening engine bonnets and a detailed undercarriage. Its unclear if the doors and rear compartment will swing open as well. Earlier, we reported that Forces of Valor was planning on re-developing its own line of 1:64 scale military vehicles largely due to their take over of Greenlight Collectibles earlier this year.

Panzerkampf’s 1:64 scale US HMMWV M1046 Humvee with TOW Missile Launcher – Desert

No word was provided on the cost of the items, dates of availability and other products scheduled for inclusion in this new line. We are presuming that these vehicles will be marketed under their Panzerkampf label as opposed to their entry-level Legion Models line.

The Humvee’s four-wheel drive as exemplified by its’ two axles angled at opposing directions
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Panzerkampf Tosses Out the Bumerang

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian VPK-7829 Bumerang K16 Amphibious Armored Personnel Carrier – Moscow Victory Parade

Hinted at some time ago when their family of Kurganets infantry fighting vehicles was first shown, Panzerkampf is now following up by beefing up their Russian arsenal with a gaggle of Russian-built VPK-7829 Bumerang APCs/IFVs. Two releases are based upon the K16 amphibious armored personnel carrier variant and a second pairing are based upon the K17 amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. Europe is well known for its litany of major and minor rivers that run in a north-south direction, so having a troop carrier on hand is important should they ever consider amphibious operations where bridges have either been blown or are nowhere to be found.

Since they are wheeled vehicles instead of being fully tracked, its not likely that the Bumerang will be of much service to the nation’s Arctic Defense Forces that are used to seeing snow ad infinitum in the northern reaches of Russia. As a result, the Bumerang will eventually replace older BTR-60s and BMPs that have been in service with the Russian armed forces since the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian VPK-7829 Bumerang K17 Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle – Woodlands Camouflage

Its not clear when the Bumerangs will actually become available, so we are listing them as early 2024 releases unless we hear otherwise.

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Product Spotlight: Ice Packed

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian Pantsir-S1 Self-Propelled Air Defense System – Russian Arctic Defense Forces, Winter Camouflage

Russia has been quietly investing in Arctic military and industrial infrastructure for the last decade. Russia’s expanded Arctic presence is part of President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to elevate Russia’s position on the world stage. The current age has seen relatively low-tension in the region, but this may be coming to an end. Russia has reopened Soviet military bases and expanded the navy’s Northern Fleet. Russia seeks to increase its military power in the Arctic to enhance homeland defense and secure Russia’s economic future by attracting international investment.

Melting sea ice intensifies competition in the Arctic. Climate change is increasing accessibility to the Northern Sea Route. Increased Arctic traffic heightens the potential for competition around physical access and resources. Moscow views securitizing the region through military activity as a prerequisite for controlling its interests in the rapidly changing Arctic. Russia has encouraged energy companies to increase exploration activities in the Arctic to reap the economic benefits of reserves being uncovered by melting Arctic ice.

Russia sees its assertive military posture as a response to NATO’s presence in the region, as several NATO members hold territory in the Arctic. Former NATO commander Adm. James Stavridis acknowledges that the Arctic is a “zone of competition” that has the potential to devolve into a “zone of conflict.” Russia’s militarization of the Arctic has pushed Arctic and NATO countries to call for the preservation of the Arctic as a ‘low tension’ area. Growing tensions with the West risks miscommunication that could lead to conflict or an even more assertive Russian military posture in the Arctic.

53% of the Arctic coastline belongs to Russia. Its Arctic military bases are concentrated mostly around Murmansk Oblast, but in recent years Russia has expanded capabilities in the High North. Russia has taken full advantage of its arctic territory. Wrangel Island, Cape Schmidt, and Kotelny Island developments are right across the Bering Strait from Alaska. Visualizing Russia’s Arctic presence shows the density of Russia’s military infrastructure in the region. (Courtesy: ASP)

Looking to defend their strategic interests, the Pantsir (Russian: “Carapace”) missile system is a family of self-propelled, medium-range surface-to-air missile and anti-aircraft artillery systems. Starting with the Pantsir-S1 (NATO reporting name SA-22 Greyhound) as the first version, it is produced by KBP Instrument Design Bureau of Tula, Russia.

Great emblem of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Armed Forces
Great emblem of the Russian Space Forces

The Pantsir-S1 was designed to provide point air defense of military, industrial and administrative installations against aircraft, helicopters, precision munitions, cruise missiles and UAVs; and to provide additional protection to air defense units against enemy air attacks employing precision munitions, especially at low to extremely low altitudes.

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian Pantsir-S1 Self-Propelled Air Defense System – Russian Aerospace Defense Forces, Woodlands Camouflage

Panzerkampf’s latest iteration of the Pantsir-S1 self-propelled air defense system, along with a tr-colored camouflaged version, to trundle up to the North Pole this September.

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Panzerkampf Swoops In Low with its Second Black Hawk

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Army MH-60L Black Hawk Medium Lift Helicopter – “Gunslinger”, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment “Night Stalkers”, Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Panzerkampf has come clean concerning their second chopper in their medium-lift helicopter series. The MH-60L Black Hawk is a Special operations modification used by the U.S. Army’s 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (“Night Stalkers”), and based on the UH-60L with T700-701C engines. It was developed as an interim version in the late 1980s pending fielding of the MH-60K. Equipped with many of the systems used on the MH-60K, including FLIR, color weather map, auxiliary fuel system, and laser rangefinder/designator. A total of 37 MH-60Ls were built and some 10 had received an in-flight refueling probe by 2003.

Panzerkampf’s rendition of the MH-60L bears the name “Gunslinger” atop its fuselage. It also comes with sliding side-mounted access doors, a detailed cockpit and other hallmark features you’ve come to expect from this high-flying nap-of-the-earth modelmaker. Presently, it looks like this helicopter will make its formal appearance on the diecast battlefield sometime in the third quarter of 2023.

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Panzerkampf Builds Out Their Chopper Program

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US Army UH-60 Black Hawk Medium Lift Helicopter

As we await pricing and other information concerning their soon-to-be-released Mi-24 Hind gunships, comes news that Panzerkampf will also be removing the chocks from their US-built Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk troop transports. Featuring sliding side-opening doors, hinged access panels to view the top-mounted engines, and side-mounted FFAR rocket pods, the Blackhawk fills an important void in the marketplace that seems to have been left vacant by Corgi et al over the last few years.

lAs is customary with Panzerkampf, the Company will likely offer the Blackhawk in multiple liveries and perhaps multiple configurations, from Dust Off medical ambulances to naval versions that may include the MH-60 Seahawk and Jayhawk. While the Blackhawk isn’t available just yet to pre-order, it would appear as if we should have information shortly based upon the progress the manufacturer has made to date.

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Product Spotlight: Sukhoi

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKK “Flanker-C” Fighter – “Red 504”, Pavel Osipovich Sukhoi, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia

Pavel Osipovich Sukhoi was a Soviet aerospace engineer and aircraft designer known as the founder of the Sukhoi Design Bureau. Sukhoi designed military aircraft with Tupolev and Sukhoi for 50 years, and produced many notable Soviet planes such as the Sukhoi Su-7, Su-17, and Su-24. His planes set two altitude world records (1959, 1962) and two world speed records (1960, 1962). Sukhoi was honored in the Soviet Union as a Hero of Socialist Labor and awarded the Order of Lenin three times.

In the postwar years, Sukhoi was among the first Soviet aircraft designers who led the work on jet aircraft, creating several experimental jet fighters. From 1949, Sukhoi fell out of Stalin’s favour and was forced to return to work under Tupolev, this time as Deputy Chief Designer. In 1953, the year of Stalin’s death, Sukhoi was permitted to re-establish his own Sukhoi Design Bureau. Sukhoi produced several major serial combat aircraft during the Cold War, including the supersonic Su-7, which became the main Soviet fighter-bomber of the 1960s, and interceptors Su-9 and Su-15, which formed the backbone of the Soviet Air Defence Forces. Sukhoi also pioneered variable-sweep wing aircraft, such as the Su-17 and Su-24. Sukhoi also started a number of projects that were not developed, including the ambitious Mach-3-capable Sukhoi T-3 attack aircraft. From 1958 to 1974, Sukhoi served as a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

Sukhoi died on September 15th, 1975, at the Barvikha sanatorium in Moscow, and was buried in the Novodevichy Cemetery. The last fighter Sukhoi designed was the T-10 (Su-27) but he did not live to see it fly.

Panzerkampf plans to pay homage to the legendary aircraft designer with this Su-30MKK fighter that bears Sukhoi’s likeness on its tail. No firm date has been established concerning its release.

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Did Someone Say Abrams?

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale US M1A2 SEP Abrams Main Battle Tank with TUSK II Survival Kit – 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Baghdad, Iraq, July 2008

With talk of several dozen US-built M1 Abrams tanks being overhauled and/or constructed from scratch to aid in the Ukrainian war effort, Panzerkampf decided to seize the newsworthy opportunity by revamping its own line of M1 Abrams tanks. Several fan-favorites that sold out almost as quickly as they hit the battlefield will be brought back from the boneyard, most notably the TUSK II variant that was an instant hit amongst collectors. All told, Panzerkampf will have six different M1 Abrams tanks fitted out with either the TUSK I or II Urban Survival Kit, although it isn’t clear if these will be the types of Abrams tanks bound for Kiev in 2023. When combined with their best-selling M1070 tank transporters, these vehicles are, as they say, “evergreen” products that sell well year-in and year-out and should never be fully retired. Kudos to Panzerkampf for becoming the tip of the spear!

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Panzerkampf Starts to Pour In

Panzerkampf’s 1:72 scale Russian Pantsir S1 Self-Propelled Air Defense System – Russo-Ukrainian War 2022

Its been awhile since we took delivery of any new Panzerkampf items but it looks as if February is going to be a bumper crop as far as new armor is concerned. Several eagerly awaited products are headed our way including this Pantsir S-1 air defense system, which regularly shows up on CNN and other news sites covering the war in Ukraine. While six versions of the Pantsir are planned, thus far the manufacturer has only shown pictures of this model, which prominently features the letter “Z” on its sides.

Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the letter “Z” was seen painted on tanks as well as other military vehicles massing near the border. With both countries using similar tanks and trucks, it was originally thought this was meant to distinguish different units to prevent friendly fire and assist with mobilization.

Some speculate that the “Z” could stand for “zapad,” which means west in Russian. Some have snidely suggested that the symbol stands for other words such as “zhopa,” meaning ass in a reference to stiff Ukrainian resistance. The letter does not appear in the Cyrillic alphabet used by both Russia and Ukraine. Since mid-March 2022, the “Z” began to be used by the Russian government as a pro-war propaganda motif, and has been appropriated by pro-Putin civilians as a symbol of support for Russia’s invasion.

Also rolling in are four different M1083 multi-wheeled cargo trucks – two with machine guns mounted up top and clad in an armored protective shield surrounding the vehicle’s cab.

In other news, Legion, which is Panzerkampf’s budget-minded line of military replicas, is scheduled to make its first showing in March. The range includes a pair of aircraft carriers, four different F4U Corsairs and a wide array of 1:72 scale military vehicles spanning everything from GMC 2-1/2 ton trucks to Hetzer tank destroyers. While their packaging is a bit spartan as compared with their higher-priced brethren, the Legion vehicles make up in quality what they lack in sexy packaging. As a result, many of the vehicles cost about half as much as a Panzerkampf product, making them ideal entry level replicas for younger collectors or avid military buffs gathering their arsenal on a tight budget.

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