Like the title says, I have an extra Dragon ZSU-23 kit in my stash. As much as I like the Shilka, I'm more interested in what else I can do with it. I know the ASU-85 can be made using the ZSU chassis, but what else is out there? Anyone have any ideas? The more exotic the better.

I would say you'd be better off waiting for Trumpeter to release their new tool ASU and either build OOB or sell your DML Shilka. I have a feeling they will be releasing Shilka as well in the next couple of years.

ASU-85 was based "roughly" on the PT-76 chassis. The ZSU-23-4 was a different chassis (GM-575 ) that was also "roughly" based on the PT-76. Another cousin would be the SA-6 chassis. Numbers and lineage can be worked out if you are really interested.

The ZSU chassis is pretty unique and no other vehicles were based on it. Its success means it did not need ancilliary production of the chassis to keep spare parts in stock or to justify a long production run.

There was a upgrade that put two Igla AA missiles on the ZSU-23-4, otherwise it will have to be your imagination.

Yeah, I've decided to wait for the Trumpeter ASU to come out.

Or I could get the AEF Desi...nah, I'm not that big a glutton for punishment.

The ZSU is based on the GM-575 chassis, so I guess I'm looking at what else the Russians have put on that. Maybe a radar system? I dunno.

Sorry to say it, but there is no other system based on the GM-575. No radar (included on the ZSU), no resupply, no maintenance, no troop transport...nothing.

It will either be a Zoo or it will be something from the imagination...which is not a bad thing. I am sure there are several possabilities that would make sense...

Bummer. Oh well.

Isn't that strange though that the GM-575 was used for only one vehicle? Seems oddly un-Soviet.

BTW- Jacques, I send you an email about the SP T-64U turret. Wanted to see if you got it.

-David

I'm sorry I interfered.
The GM-575 chassis Shilka anti-aircraft machine gun was designed to carry the chassis and the lower bottom part of the same ASU amphibious vehicle.
None of them floating in the water than the underlying PT-76 main battle tank float, but as I confess that after the basis for planning appropriate to the SA-6 Gainful system of vehicles.
Shelter openings in these vehicles, chassis, same engine, only one function because otherwise, designed to strengthen.
Juhász Gábor.

Hi SMT,

Good luck with what you decide to do with the Shilka... if you are interested, there is a self-propelled AA campaign starting in Oct- the Shilka could be an interesting build for it!

Eoin