Black Ops 5055 1/35 Australian M113 Sponson and Belly Armour (Vietnam)

This 1/35 scale Sponson & Belly Armour Set accurately represents the distinctive mine-protection upgrades fitted to Australian Army M113s during the Vietnam War.
Designed from authoritative Australian references, this set depicts the side sponson armour (external boxes) and the full-length belly armour plate introduced to improve survivability against mines and IEDs.
These additions dramatically changed the appearance of Australian M113s and are essential for any historically accurate Vietnam-era build.
The parts are designed to fit the Academy M113 kits, with potential adaptability to other manufacturers. Ideal for Australian M113A1 subjects from the late Vietnam period, armoured cavalry vehicles, and period dioramas.

Kit includes
1 x full-length belly armour plate (underside protection)
1 x left sponson armour
1 x right sponson armour

All parts are 3D printed in high-detail resin, ready for cleanup, painting, and weathering.
From around 1969 onwards, Australian M113s in Vietnam received locally developed sponson and belly armour in response to heavy losses caused by mines and IEDs. The belly armour was an Australian-designed solution intended to deflect blasts and reduce hull penetration, while the sponson armour provided additional side protection.
These upgrades were fitted in theatre and became universal across Australian M113 variants, significantly improving crew survivability and transforming the M113 into a far more resilient combat vehicle-an innovation widely credited with saving lives in combat.