Merkava

Merkava

Merkava Main Battle Tank

Specifications

Country Of Origin = Israel

Manufacturer = Israeli Ordnance Corps Facility - Israel

Produced in = 1974 - present

Number Built = Mk 1 - 250 units
Mk 2 - 580 units
Mk 3 - 780 units
Mk 4 - 660 units

Crew = 4

Length = 8.63 m

Width = 3.70 m

Height = 2.75 m

Weight = 60,000 kg / 132,277 lb

Powerplant = General Dynamics Land Systems AVDS-1790-6A V-12

Engine Power = 900 h.p. / 1500 h.p. on later models

Maximum Speed = 46 km/h

Maximum Range = 400 km

Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) Protection = Installed

Nightvision = Installed

Armament = 1 x 105mm main gun / 120mm main gun on later models
1 x 7.62mm coaxial machine gun
1 x 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine gun
1 x 60mm mortar launcher

About

"Merkava" in hebrew or "Chariot" in english is the name of the Israel Defense Force Main Battle Tank series. The Merkava tank series had become the main fighting force of the Israeli armored divisions. These series of tanks are the products of extensive experience in armored warfare thanks to the usage of many foreign hardwares especially from United States, Great Britain and France. With many surrounding hostile nation, it is vital for a small nation like Israel to create a tank that was suited to the needs of urban and desert warfare and gave the crew a high level of protection. The Product, the Merkava series of Main Battle Tank have all the criteria needed and became the backbone of the Israeli Armed Forces.

Combat Action