Italeri 7022 DUKW 2.5 Ton GMC Truck Amphibious Version 1/72 Scale Model Kit

Italeri was founded in the early 60s, with that enthusiasm that only the unbridled passion of youth can create. Since they were boys, the two founders of Italeri loved airplanes and military vehicles. Soon they were no longer satisfied with the models available at the time: they wanted something more and better. What they wanted was not available, so they decided to produce it themselves. Their hobby turned into an accurate research, and became the motivating force to produce the models that modelers want, with no imperfections whatsoever. Thus the company asserted itself, always increasing his range of products and growing. Also thanks to the imagination and the talent of the founders and of their colleagues, Italeri in time became a leader in modeling! Item is brand new and in its original factory packaging. Listing images are stock pictures provided by the manufacturer or the distributor. To meet the logistical needs of the US Army landing forces in transferring loads quickly and efficiently from ships to beaches, the American General Motor CCKW-353 2½ t 6x6 amphibious version tactical transport truck was designed and built for this purpose. The basic vehicle components were the same as the GMC road truck with its 4,400 cm3 6-cylinder engine, three differentials and six driving wheels. The DUKW was characterized by a welded hull to make it amphibious, which was then reinforced by horizontal ribs. Its key attribute however was its extraordinary versatility and load capacity. It could carry a 2,400 kg payload or 25 fully equipped troops. DUKWs were deployed extensively in all theaters of war by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines and the armed forces of numerous Allied countries. Notably, they featured in many significant WW11 beach landings including the D-Day Normandy landings at Utah and Omaha and also at Salerno, Anzio and on the beaches of the Pacific campaign.