The MGM-52 Lance was first deployed in 1972, replacing the bulkier and less mobile Honest John and Sergeant missile systems. A battery contained two M572 launchers and two M688 loader-transport vehicles, sufficient to fire three missiles per hour. Dragon previously released an exciting 1/35 scale plastic kit of the M752 Lance missile launcher (Item No. 3576). Now another Lance team member is available, the aforementioned M688 Lance Loader-Transporter. Its primary aim was to self-load, transport, load and supply launchers with missiles. Additional functions were to load or unload mated missiles, mate and de-mate complete rounds and perform hoisting arrangements. For this purpose the M688 had an M39 handling unit whose crane boom could lift 4,200lbs and traverse 360�. New M688 borrows all appropriate elements from M752. The interior, of course, is correctly reconfigured to represent the Loader-Transporter. That means the handling unit, hydraulic system, missile round support assemblies and various bracketry to support Lance accessory equipment are all present. The vehicle includes a set of two missiles so that a full load can be carried. Furthermore, the boom crane can be depicted in action, allowing modelers to create a dramatic diorama of an M688 resupplying an M572 launcher. Never before have the M688 and M572 been available in plastic, so this newest kit is a wonderful addition to Dragon’s range of modern military vehicles.