M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer – Bolt Action WWII 28mm Vehicle
M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer
Bolt Action WWII 28mm Vehicle – The Fastest Tank Killer of WWII
⚡ "Speed is Armor" – The Lightning-Fast Panther Hunter ⚡
The forests of northeastern France echoed with the roar of engines as the M18 Hellcats of the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion maneuvered into position. It was September 1944, near the small town of Arracourt, and American forces were about to face the cream of German armor—5th Panzer Army's formidable Panther tanks.
As the morning fog began to lift, the Hellcat crews spotted their prey. Rather than engaging head-on against the Panthers' superior frontal armor, the nimble M18s executed their doctrine perfectly—using their extraordinary speed to flank the heavier German tanks. Striking from the sides where armor was thinnest, the Hellcats' 76mm guns punched through with devastating effect. In a series of engagements over several days, the Hellcats would help destroy nearly 200 German armored vehicles. The battle would cement the M18's reputation as the "Panther killer," proving that with enough speed and tactical acumen, even the most fearsome tanks could be defeated.
Hunt Enemy Armor With Lightning Speed 🏎️
Add the fastest tracked vehicle of World War II to your US forces with this detailed M18 Hellcat tank destroyer kit. With a top speed of 55 mph (88 km/h), this lightning-fast hunter lived up to its ferocious name, embodying the American tank destroyer doctrine of "shoot and scoot."
The M18 Hellcat sacrificed armor for unprecedented mobility, keeping its protective plating to a mere 1" thick. This bold design choice gave Hellcat crews the speed to outflank heavily armored German tanks, striking at their vulnerable sides and rear before quickly repositioning. This tactical advantage proved devastating at battles like Arracourt, where Hellcats famously dominated the feared Panther tanks.
First seeing action in Italy but rising to fame in North-West Europe, the Hellcat also played a crucial role during the Battle of the Bulge and saw service in the Pacific Theater. In games of Bolt Action, the Hellcat's incredible speed is represented by the Fast and Recce special rules, making it a uniquely mobile and versatile addition to your US armored forces.
✨ Key Features:
- Lightning Speed - Classified as an armored car with the Fast special rule
- Deadly Accuracy - Armed with a heavy anti-tank gun to take down enemy armor
- Tactical Flexibility - Benefits from the Recce special rule for repositioning
- Firepower Options - Option to add a pintle-mounted HMG for anti-infantry capability
- Multi-Theater Use - Suitable for European and Pacific campaigns
- Versatile Gaming Options - Can be used in both Bolt Action and Achtung Panzer! games
📊 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | 76mm Gun Motor Carriage M18 |
| Crew | 5 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver, Assistant Driver) |
| Weight | 17.7 tons |
| Length | 21 ft 10 in (6.65 m) |
| Width | 9 ft 5 in (2.87 m) |
| Height | 8 ft 5 in (2.57 m) |
| Main Armament | 76 mm M1A1 or M1A2 gun |
| Secondary Armament | One .50 caliber M2 Browning machine gun |
| Engine | Continental R-975-C4 9-cylinder radial engine, 400 hp |
| Maximum Speed | 55 mph (88 km/h) on roads |
| Armor | Maximum 25 mm (1 inch) |
| Operational Range | 150 miles (240 km) |
| Production | 2,507 units from July 1943 to October 1944 |
Bolt Action Game Statistics
Damage Value (Classified as Armored Car)
Main Gun
Fast Special Rule
Recce Special Rule
📦 Box Contents
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Kit | 1 plastic M18 Hellcat tank destroyer model |
| Markings | Waterslide transfer set for authentic unit markings |
| Documentation | Full-color construction and paint guide |
| Gaming Materials | Full-color Bolt Action stat card for quick reference during games |
⏳ M18 Hellcat Combat Timeline
Production of the M18 Hellcat begins after extensive development focused on creating the fastest possible tank destroyer. The design prioritizes speed and firepower over armor protection, embodying the "speed is armor" philosophy.
The M18 Hellcat sees its first combat action in Italy with the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion, supporting Allied operations during the Italian Campaign. Initial engagements prove promising but limited.
The Battle of Arracourt becomes the Hellcat's defining moment. The 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion, equipped with M18s, helps destroy nearly 200 German vehicles, including many feared Panther tanks. The Hellcat's speed and maneuverability prove decisive in outflanking the heavier German armor.
During the Battle of the Bulge, Hellcats play a crucial role in slowing the German advance. The 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion, attached to the 101st Airborne Division, contributes significantly to the defense of Bastogne, helping to defeat the German offensive.
M18 Hellcats support the final Allied push into Germany. Meanwhile, in the Pacific Theater, Hellcats are deployed in limited numbers, primarily used for infantry support against Japanese positions rather than anti-tank operations.
After WWII, M18 Hellcats continue service with the Chinese Nationalist forces during the Chinese Civil War and subsequent conflicts. Some upgraded versions remain in service with various nations well into the Cold War era, a testament to the effectiveness of their design.
🎮 Gaming Possibilities
The M18 Hellcat offers multiple tactical options for your Bolt Action battles:
🎯 Tank Hunter
Use the Hellcat's speed and powerful 76mm gun to outflank enemy heavy armor and strike at their vulnerable sides and rear, just as the real Hellcats did at Arracourt against German Panthers.
🔎 Reconnaissance
Take advantage of the Recce special rule to conduct forward scouting operations, locate enemy positions, and then reposition to avoid return fire or set up ambushes.
⚔️ Armored Platoon
Include the Hellcat in your Armored Platoon selection to add a fast, mobile element to complement your heavier Sherman tanks and provide specialized anti-tank capability.
🏃♂️ Objective Runner
Utilize the Hellcat's unmatched speed to quickly seize objectives in scenarios where mobility is key, reaching positions before enemy forces can respond effectively.
🌴 Pacific Theater
Deploy your Hellcat with US Marines or Army forces in Pacific campaign scenarios, using its 76mm gun for direct fire support against Japanese bunkers and fortified positions.
🔫 Multi-Game Use
Use your Hellcat model in both Bolt Action and Achtung Panzer! games, getting maximum value from your model across different World War II tabletop experiences.
Ready to Hunt Panthers With Lightning Speed?
Add this iconic American tank destroyer to your collection today and bring the lightning-fast "Panther killer" to your Bolt Action battlefields!
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