M50 Ontos Poster

The M50 Ontos (the Greek work for 'thing'), was an American light armoured tracked anti-tank vehicle developed in the 1950s. It mounted six M40 106 mm recoilless rifles as its main armament, which could be fired singly or in rapid succession against targets to guarantee a kill. Originally conceived as a fast tank killer, it was employed by US Marines who consistently reported excellent results when used for direct fire support against infantry during the Vietnam War. Its mobility and firepower were proven in numerous battles and operations. The Ontos was particularly liked by its crews, and praised by commanders. Their relatively light weight meant that the M50s could also go where heavy tanks got bogged down. The Ontos, with its lower ground pressure, could drag timbers up to the tanks to help get them unstuck. In another operation, the Ontos was the only tracked vehicle light enough to cross a pontoon bridge. In the Battle of Hue, It was felt the Ontos was the most effective of all Marine supporting arms. Its mobility and speed made it less vulnerable than tanks, which suffered heavy losses, while at ranges of 300 to 500 yards (270 to 460 m), its recoilless rifles could knock holes in or completely knock down walls. Known also as the worlds largest shotgun, the appearance of an Ontos in battle was sometimes enough to make the enemy break and run. This model faithfully recreates the Ontos complete with the 6 106 recoiless rifles, 50 cal spotter machine guns and Browning 30 cal secondary armament. It is weathered and in the markings on the 3rd Marine Division who used them in combat.