Your Favorite Merkava Pics

[Player]

Post your favorite Merkava pics!

RULES: Not more than 3 pics for everyone (for good quality of the thread without getting abused by tons of pics)

Here are mine

http://uploaded.fresh.co.il/2005/10/26/56337356.jpg

http://www.acpr.org.il/English-Nativ/04-issue/merkava4-2.jpg

[Lord Of War]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/lordofwar_2006/merkava-1.jpg

Anyone know the story behind this picture?

[adamicz]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3940/merkavahuntinglb2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3995/merkavant5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3364/merkavavl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[John_J]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3794/idftank2mx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Thats my favourite Merkava pic.. ;)

[Player]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3794/idftank2mx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Thats my favourite Merkava pic.. ;)

I guess you don't like Merkavas much... do you?

[John_J]

I was just kidding....its a beautiful tank, one of my favorites...the first pic is just amazing....

[Player]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/lordofwar_2006/merkava-1.jpg

Anyone know the story behind this picture?

I don't... But it's clearly not a Merkava ;)

[IDF-Godzilla]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/lordofwar_2006/merkava-1.jpg

Anyone know the story behind this picture?
This is a Magach-7C (M60 hull with an upgraded M48 turret).

[IDF-Godzilla]

Here are my favorites:
Merkava 4
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6424/204031698873bab655cbwq7.jpg

Merkava 3D
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5158/247010vp0.jpg

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5428/44655fq2.jpg

[DvdW]

Here are my favorites (Click on them for a bigger version):

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/7506/193190325896mz3.th.jpg (http://img170.imageshack.us/my.php?image=193190325896mz3.jpg)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/723/8083141863lb3.th.jpg (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=8083141863lb3.jpg)

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/8704/00780047xo4yp5.th.jpg (http://img144.imageshack.us/my.php?image=00780047xo4yp5.jpg)

I really love the Merkava tank!

[urchin]

The hull on the Merkava 4 looks really impenetrable!! So much add on armour!!
QUESTION- what are those spring loaded side plates or what? why are they spring loaded??

[Württemberg]

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3776/merkavanh2.jpg

[dachrinne]

lol you are greater idiot than all of them together

[Württemberg]

Go join the Hezbollah or get banned...

[NimDod]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/lordofwar_2006/merkava-1.jpg

Anyone know the story behind this picture?

its a Magach 7-C that rolled over in an accidet during the "Defencive Shild" opperation in March 2002 near "Abdallah Ibrahim" villege (in the west bank / Shomron). I was told it rolled a few times before it stopped on it's side.

they flipped it back with this M88 recovery vehicle:
http://www.niftyuploads.com/uploads/8a093d8669.jpg

and here its on its way back to its base:
http://www.niftyuploads.com/uploads/ac2904ef7c.jpg

and here's my favorite Merkava pic:
http://www.niftyuploads.com/uploads/6dbce360b0.jpg

[Abbadon the Despoiler]

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i340870_00780039hn8.jpg

[eruk55]

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/3940/merkavahuntinglb2.jpg

[eruk55]

^^^ whats so great about that?

its a main battle tank chasing kids and teenagers. :cantbeli:

[Player]

^^^ whats so great about that?

its a main battle tank chasing kids and teenagers. :cantbeli:

Or maybe the kids and teenagers were chasing this main battle tank? :roll:

[IDF-Godzilla]

Or maybe the kids and teenagers were chasing this main battle tank? :roll:
Until the tank got enough p-).

[GSG9GIGNHKMP5]

http://www.ism-france.org/news/images/Merkava%20mal2.jpg
http://www.blimdanet.com/galeria/pabennos/images/Merkava%20caido%20en%20picada2.jpg
OWNED:
http://sangam.org/taraki/articles/2006/images/Stonethrower.jpg

[ya2]

and here's my favorite Merkava pic:
http://www.niftyuploads.com/uploads/6dbce360b0.jpg

you forgot to say what's writen there...
"Untill when will i stay screwed in the army"
which says it all..

[DvdW]

http://www.ism-france.org/news/images/Merkava%20mal2.jpg
http://www.blimdanet.com/galeria/pabennos/images/Merkava%20caido%20en%20picada2.jpg
OWNED:
http://sangam.org/taraki/articles/2006/images/Stonethrower.jpg

The tank on the last photo isn't a Merkava, is it?

[soutikghosh]

Guys
Why do you post pics of MERKAVA from various accident scenes. Please post some pics of Merkava in action mode which very much suits this great tank. Thanks.:)

[DvdW]

Well, I will show you guys a good example ;-) : (PS: For a bigger res. you can click on the photo)

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/784/captmideastisraellebanoag2.th.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=captmideastisraellebanoag2.jpg)

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6219/image21zfon3.th.jpg (http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image21zfon3.jpg)

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/2836/30904857ld8.th.jpg (http://img74.imageshack.us/my.php?image=30904857ld8.jpg)

[tanks_alot]

Well, I will show you guys a good example ;-) : (PS: For a bigger res. you can click on the photo)

[/URL]

[URL="http://img267.imageshack.us/my.php?image=image21zfon3.jpg"]http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/6219/image21zfon3.th.jpg (http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=captmideastisraellebanoag2.jpg)


The care free world of having a tank without torsion bars..... :-(

[eruk55]

Originally Posted by Player http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2370703#post2370703)
Or maybe the kids and teenagers were chasing this main battle tank? :roll:
Until the tank got enough p-).

yeah well, keeping an entire practically under siege might be the reason.

All tough against rock throwing children, were'nt too macho against hezbolla ATGM's were they.

[IDF-Godzilla]

yeah well, keeping an entire practically under siege might be the reason.

All tough against rock throwing children, were'nt too macho against hezbolla ATGM's were they.
http://chosenofmystra.net/gabby/noob.jpg

[IDF_TANKER]

OWNED:
http://sangam.org/taraki/articles/2006/images/Stonethrower.jpg

Explain me please, how a picture with Magach 6bet tank, a picture which became a symbol of anti-Israeli propaganda, is your favorite Merkava picture ..?:roll:

[IDF_TANKER]

yeah well, keeping an entire practically under siege might be the reason.

Keeping my enemy, which attacked me, under siege? Yes, I admit, guilty as charge!



All tough against rock throwing children,

Have you considered the possibility, that the only reason these children are not afraid to throw stones on these tanks, thats because they know
that nothing will happen to to them and this is such a great photo-opportunity for the palestinians "journalists" ..?



were'nt too macho against hezbolla ATGM's were they.

Really..? I guess you are speaking from position of a fearless warrior who participated in many battles (including those with ATGM's), aren't you ...

And the last thing, just to remind you all, this thread is supposed to be about pictures of Merkava tanks. If you want to descuss various political issues there are many other related threads out there.

[Elemental666]

Strictly Photos & Videos....
Ignore the flamers...

[IDF_TANKER]

The care free world of having a tank without torsion bars..... :-(

Amen! I'd rather go to jail, than putting my Magach on some boulder. But, you know - "kussiot"...:)

[Uruk-Hai]

I don't like too much this tank but i have some pics.....


http://img106.imagevenue.com/loc413/th_84960_Merkava_I_122_413lo.jpg (http://img106.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=84960_Merkava_I_122_413lo.jpg)http://img159.imagevenue.com/loc559/th_84962_1155379386032_122_559lo.jpg (http://img159.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=84962_1155379386032_122_559lo.jpg)http://img140.imagevenue.com/loc337/th_84967_Merkava_II_3_122_337lo.jpg (http://img140.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=84967_Merkava_II_3_122_337lo.jpg)

[NimDod]

here's another pic of that mk2b:
http://www.niftyuploads.com/uploads/2ab7c85f05.jpg

and a mk3d which tried to go underground (the sand dunes in the Gaza strip is not a place for a tank... they needed 3 D9 dozers to pull it out):
http://www.niftyuploads.com/uploads/ac06c0fa89.jpg

[AK54]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3794/idftank2mx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Thats my favourite Merkava pic.. ;)
toasty

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1356/merkavawm4oe4.jpg

[Vaiar]

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/852/102040090cdfcdff76foec3.jpg

[Jaguar]

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3937/merkava3bgv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/2241/merkavaok8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/867/tankboys010802kh1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[IDF_TANKER]

toasty

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1356/merkavawm4oe4.jpg

Give you a ***** ..? :bash:

[AK54]

Give you a ***** ..? :bash:would that be awkward?

[Snoshi]

Give you a ***** ..? :bash:

Dont mind him.. He is an troll..

[AK54]

Dont mind him.. He is an troll..yep...not loving israel = troll, anti-semite, unamerican, etc

[Elemental666]

yep...not loving israel = troll, anti-semite, unamerican, etc

Posting a burning Israeli tank with the lovely "Toasty" title is not trolling?
I don't care about you're opinions,you can dislike whoever you wan't,but do follow some simple rules and avoid posting crap like that.

I should follow my own advice from earlier but that needed to be said.

[AK54]

Posting a burning Israeli tank with the lovely "Toasty" title is not trolling?
I don't care about you're opinions,you can dislike whoever you wan't,but do follow some simple rules and avoid posting crap like that.

I should follow my own advice from earlier but that needed to be said.what rules would that be?

the thread says post your favorite merkava pics, so i did. what is your problem?

[Jaguar]

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9676/merkavatroopsnc9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice. Couldn´t find a bigger one though.

[Ren987]

what rules would that be?

the thread says post your favorite merkava pics, so i did. what is your problem?

Your avatar. You are a terrorist sympathizer. MP.net doesn't allow that.

[AK54]

Your avatar. You are a terror apologist. MP.net doesn't allow that.so what about you and the other guy with IDF avatar?

[IDF_TANKER]

what rules would that be?

the thread says post your favorite merkava pics, so i did. what is your problem?

There are only three possible explanations to your avator and your posts:
A) Your avator is actually a picture of you.
B) You are a moron.
C) (A)+(B)

In the case of the second possibility I will explain you: posting a pictures in a thread called "Your favorite Merkava pics", in a military orientad pro-USA forum, a picture with burning Israeli tank with most certain possibility that IDF soldiers were at least wounded there, a picture with a sadistic caption "toasty" - this is a very poor taste at least. You really that stupid, that you don't understand why posting a picture with burning Israeli tank as your favorite merkava picture is "problematic"?


@Modes - please pay attantion to what is happening on this thread.

[Ren987]

so what about you and the other guy with IDF avatar?

Very simple : Hamas is defined as a terrorist group by UK from where the server forum is actually based.

http://www.vbulletin.com/about.php

[big80a2]

always loved this pic, ... have loads of nice merkava pictures..

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a272/big80a2/MerkavotKarnicrossing.jpg

[AK54]

There are only three possible explanations to your avator and your posts:
A) Your avator is actually a picture of you.
B) You are a moron.
C) (A)+(B)

In the case of the second possibility I will explain you: posting a pictures in a thread called "Your favorite Merkava pics", in a military orientad pro-USA forum, a picture with burning Israeli tank with most certain possibility that IDF soldiers were at least wounded there, a picture with a sadistic caption "toasty" - this is a very poor taste at least. You really that stupid, that you don't understand why posting a picture with burning Israeli tank as your favorite merkava picture is "problematic"?


@Modes - please pay attantion to what is happening on this thread.oh i forgot, cant be pro-USA if you dont support israel :roll:

[Ren987]

One of my favorite :

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6128/boogi7wfle2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[IDF_TANKER]

oh i forgot, cant be pro-USA if you dont support israel :roll:

It's definitely (B).

[AK54]

It's definitely (B).care to explain why? or can you only call names?

[Wall]

Dont care about AK54. When you answer him, he get what he wants.
And he wants attention.

Nice pictures.

[saigonsmuggler]

One of my favorite :

http://img466.imageshack.us/img466/6128/boogi7wfle2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
man that's a torque wrench I need! :)

AK54, if that was your lame attempt at a joke, it wasn't funny. Pretty retarded actually.

[tuffaznalz]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3794/idftank2mx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1356/merkavawm4oe4.jpg

anyone know the story behind these pics?

[Malchi]

Here is one more from my own camera
The Merkava Mk. 4
http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/4073/dscn4590op3.jpg

Another one, a Mk 2
http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/9136/markava2d1qq7nu6.jpg

and another one
http://img470.imageshack.us/img470/2492/markava2d2hw7pc7.jpg

and last one
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/6413/950942372495yd8.jpg

[Ren987]

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9048/2636866270098027777ctkrzh7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Switek]

toasty

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1356/merkavawm4oe4.jpg

You're simply moron, kid :bash:

[UoUo]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3794/idftank2mx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

http://img235.imageshack.us/img235/1356/merkavawm4oe4.jpg

anyone know the story behind these pics?

Don't sure.. looks like from the last lebanon war.
Just to add both of them are not MK3 or Mk4.

[liebgott]

There are lot of accident with this Merkava...heavy to drive? Tank is looking nice, the last pictures are very beautifull

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9048/2636866270098027777ctkrzh7.jpg

Is the Merkava an allone construction of the israelis?

Greetz
liebgott

[IDF-Godzilla]

There are lot of accident with this Merkava...heavy to drive? Tank is looking nice, the last pictures are very beautifull



Is the Merkava an allone construction of the israelis?

Greetz
liebgott

It's not that there are a lot of accidents, it's just our friends around the globe, they do not like Merkava's as much as we do, not to mention our liking us.
I can post numbers of destroyed or fliped over M1's or Challenger tanks, but thats not the point of this topic is it?
The Merkava is clearly an Israeli weapon, except for the engine 95% of the tank is manufactured in Israel.

[NimDod]

Don't sure.. looks like from the last lebanon war.
Just to add both of them are not MK3 or Mk4.

the first one is a MK2b
I'm not 100% sure about the second two, but I think they were mk3.

those tanks were destroyed by state of the art anti-tank missiles in a war. this stuff happeneds during war - or they would have stoped making AT missiles.
Merkava's were destroyed during the 82 Lebanon war, during the time IDF was in south Lebanon with the SLA and even in the Gaza strip. its a mechine and its not invulnerable. If you bothered checking the statistics, the percentage of anti missile penetrations and crew survivability much inproved compared to past even though the threat level was elevated.

and why you guys wasting u'r time with a dumbass with a Hamas terrorsist Avetar? he wont last a month in this forum, so why bother?
so he said "toastie". big deal. why do you think we M60 Patton tankers were nicknamed "French Fries"?

[liebgott]

thx for the information. But i have read, that the Merkava doesnt was so good in the last Libanonwar. Maybe the wrong tactics? I also have read, that the Hisbollah has using moder AT from Russia? Is this true?

http://www.b92.net/galerija/pics/2006/08/35773390244e1bfb40551f924723236.jpg

http://www.b92.net/galerija/pics/2006/08/196703705444d71c571b6cd019110930.jpg

http://www.b92.net/galerija/pics/2006/08/52477057944d24e0a0f5ec405678172.jpg

One Question to you Israelis, why you getting so angry when the World/PPL critic you? This Question can you answer me about PM...im only interesting why? Its for me as an european not easy to understand...THX

Greetz

[Switek]

thx for the information. But i have read, that the Merkava doesnt was so good in the last Libanonwar. Maybe the wrong tactics? I also have read, that the Hisbollah has using moder AT from Russia? Is this true?

Use serch function and you, for sure, find few threads on mp.net about this topic from September - November, last year

[JJC]

I always thought the Merkava's low profile of the turret looks cool, kinda stealthy looking.

Is it true that there is something classified about the merkava to make sure that the enemy doesn't find out what it is? Like, one time I was talking to an Israeli tank commander who told us that some internal pictures are not allowed to be taken for that reason?

[NimDod]

I always thought the Merkava's low profile of the turret looks cool, kinda stealthy looking.
it's profile is actullay much higher than most tanks. there's an old pic of a Merkava mk3 next to a T55 in an SLA outpost in south of Lebanon, and the mk3 much bigger in size and height.


Is it true that there is something classified about the merkava to make sure that the enemy doesn't find out what it is? Like, one time I was talking to an Israeli tank commander who told us that some internal pictures are not allowed to be taken for that reason?
yes. taking pictures inside the tank is forbidden (even though some did take pictures and even posted them on the web.)

[johanness]

The Merkava is clearly an Israeli weapon, except for the engine 95% of the tank is manufactured in Israel.

German canon and motor,if I remember correctly...
In the rest a really perfect tank,specially for Israelian needs

[NimDod]

German canon and motor,if I remember correctly...
In the rest a really perfect tank,specially for Israelian needs

the engine is of German design (Renk RK-325 Automatic transmission), but is manufactured in the US.
the cannon is based on the US version of the German Rheinmetall but is made in Israel by IWI.

[johanness]

Thanks for your clarification,NimDod

[Ironlung]

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g65/lordofwar_2006/merkava-1.jpg

Anyone know the story behind this picture? I believe it is a Magah 7 MBT. An upgraded M-60, but it is not a Merkava.

[500]

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/2108/merkava3israel004qp9.th.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=merkava3israel004qp9.jpg)

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/8325/merkava4israel001vy5.th.jpg (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=merkava4israel001vy5.jpg)

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/4097/5039318sg7.th.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/my.php?image=5039318sg7.jpg)

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/5729/mk3baz6dn8.jpg

[INAT]

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/3364/merkavavl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

I have a question what does that > marking on the side mean and other similar markings.Sorry for my ignorance
but i have always wondered that,

[IDF-Godzilla]

thx for the information. But i have read, that the Merkava doesnt was so good in the last Libanonwar. Maybe the wrong tactics? I also have read, that the Hisbollah has using moder AT from Russia? Is this true?

One Question to you Israelis, why you getting so angry when the World/PPL critic you? This Question can you answer me about PM...im only interesting why? Its for me as an european not easy to understand...THX
Greetz
It's not that we don't know how to accept critics, it's that there are always some as*holes that look for a good opportunity for screwing up a good topic and try to spread their anti-Israeli propaganda, there is a difference between giving critics and flaming.
About the first part of your reply, Hezbollah used one of the best ATGM's available today, Russian Kornets and Metis rockets are counted as 2 of the best ATGM's in the world with penetration of 800mm-1300mm of tank armor, there is no tank in the world that can sustain this kind of firepower, i don't want to get into the "best tank in the world" discussion simply because it will be stupid so for conclusion i will say again that there is no tank that can survive multiple attacks of this kind of weapons.
Another factor for tanks beeing hit is for poor tactics and deployment of tanks, the fighting in the territorys made our army to rust and changing it's doctrin.
500 (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/member.php?u=8580): thanks for the new avatar picture! :)

[IDF-Godzilla]

Here are some new pictures i found on my PC.
"Chariot Road"
Merkava 3B's on some road at northern Israel.
http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/2277/2197575489b434652baofb9.jpg

Merkava 2D
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8195/1178034356473xb3.jpg

Merkava 3D Baz
http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/8416/2hmk1twch3.jpg

[IsraDani]

Great pics guys.
Tanks being owned by russian ATGMs? ask to the merkavaIV crews for thatp-)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/650/vroom6wxrs2.jpg

[Holycrusader]

the first one is a MK2b
I'm not 100% sure about the second two, but I think they were mk3.

those tanks were destroyed by state of the art anti-tank missiles in a war. this stuff happeneds during war - or they would have stoped making AT missiles.
Merkava's were destroyed during the 82 Lebanon war, during the time IDF was in south Lebanon with the SLA and even in the Gaza strip. its a mechine and its not invulnerable. If you bothered checking the statistics, the percentage of anti missile penetrations and crew survivability much inproved compared to past even though the threat level was elevated.

and why you guys wasting u'r time with a dumbass with a Hamas terrorsist Avetar? he wont last a month in this forum, so why bother?
so he said "toastie". big deal. why do you think we M60 Patton tankers were nicknamed "French Fries"?

Merkava myth suffer during last Israeli excursion in Lebannon. Hezbollah do not use only "state of the art anti-tank missiles in a war". Old soviet era AT4 and american TOW were effective too (mobility kills etc). I think they best AT missles were Metis-M which get even some front penetration.
Im courious how mk IV would fare against more modern stuff. Propably not so good as I think before the last war...
Tanks need active defence systems. This war show that...

[Ladislav89]

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/3794/idftank2mx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Thats my favourite Merkava pic.. ;)


PWNED woot

[GiladS]

http://uploaded.fresh.co.il/2006/02/17/31501458.jpg

[Dimas]

There are only three possible explanations to your avator and your posts:
A) Your avator is actually a picture of you.
B) You are a moron.
C) (A)+(B)

In the case of the second possibility I will explain you: posting a pictures in a thread called "Your favorite Merkava pics", in a military orientad pro-USA forum, a picture with burning Israeli tank with most certain possibility that IDF soldiers were at least wounded there, a picture with a sadistic caption "toasty" - this is a very poor taste at least. You really that stupid, that you don't understand why posting a picture with burning Israeli tank as your favorite merkava picture is "problematic"?


@Modes - please pay attantion to what is happening on this thread.
So whats wrong with burned merkava pics? Why souldn't he post this pics if others can post pics with burned non USA or Israel vehicles? And it isn't a real problem, right? I thought that it is free forum for all peoples but not only for PRO USA users.

I agree that the word "toasty" could insult someone and I totaly agree that this word isn't approprate. But whats wrong with pics?

[IsraDani]

So whats wrong with burned merkava pics? Why souldn't he post this pics if others can post pics with burned non USA or Israel vehicles? And it isn't a real problem, right? I thought that it is free forum for all peoples but not only for PRO USA users.

I agree that the word "toasty" could insult someone and I totaly agree that this word isn't approprate. But whats wrong with pics?

The title "post Favorite Merkava Pics" means that you have to post pics you like most about that topic.
You havn't to be so clever for understand that posting a pic of a destroyed Merkava can cause mess, especially when you know that the crew of the tank in question is probably died and many Idf tankers are writing here.
So if you want to start a discussion about the tanks performance in the last war there are other sections in this space more suited for it.

[Player]

So whats wrong with burned merkava pics? Why souldn't he post this pics if others can post pics with burned non USA or Israel vehicles? And it isn't a real problem, right? I thought that it is free forum for all peoples but not only for PRO USA users

Posting burned Merkava pics isn't against rules but it says more about the poster first of all and in my opinion his will to bash Israel in this thread, not even mentioning his comment about the burned Merkava pic
toasty
and his terrorist supporting avatar.
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/image.php?u=27393&dateline=1172178709

But you seem to completely ignore all this for some reason...

[Player]

PWNED woot

Such comments are completely disrespectful to IDF victims and possible fallen IDF soldiers of this accident and are not welcome in this thread.

[Palmach]

Merkava myth suffer during last Israeli excursion in Lebannon. Hezbollah do not use only "state of the art anti-tank missiles in a war". Old soviet era AT4 and american TOW were effective too (mobility kills etc). I think they best AT missles were Metis-M which get even some front penetration.
Im courious how mk IV would fare against more modern stuff. Propably not so good as I think before the last war...
Tanks need active defence systems. This war show that...

Detailed reports show that all missile Mk4 kills were achived by the Kornetd. Saggers were employed primeraly against infantry positions, however some Sagger hits were achieved against armor as well. It must me noted, however, that in such cased the modern tandem warheads for AT-3 were employed, dramatically increasing the penetration capability of the missle. In fact, most modern tanks would suffer a penetration if hit with one of those.

Metis-M is substandard to Kornet in both range and penetration. The declared 800mm penetration for Metis can not and did not achieve frontal penetration against Merkava.

Mk4 showed EXCELENT protection level and survivability on the missle-rich battlefield. I doubt any other tank could've performed as well given the double danger of modern missles and Israeli divisional staff.

[Kaplanr]

Detailed reports show that all missile Mk4 kills were achived by Kornet. Saggers were employed primaraly against infantry positions, however some Saggers hits were achieved against armor as well. It must me noted, however, that in such cased the modern tandem warhead for AT-3 (that's the Sagger produced by Iran) was used which dramatically increases the penetration capability of the missle. In fact it most modern tanks would suffer a penetration if hit with one of them.

Metis-M is substandart to Kornet in both range and penetration. 800mm penetration for Metis can not and did not get frontal penetration against Merkava.

Mk4 showed EXCELENT defence level and survivability on the missle-rich environment. I double any other tank could've performed as well given the double danger of modern missles and Israeli divisional staff.

Touche! Not a triple threat - modern missiles, divisional staff and political echelon?

[Palmach]

Touche! Not a triple threat - modern missiles, divisional staff and political echelon?

Well, true, the mad head rush into the broken terrain without infantry cover was the result of the political echelon pressuring for results. Then again a divisional CO pulling a Vadi Luki under ANY kind of pressure is worth more to the enemy then a tactical nuke.

[MZKT]

Infact most of Hezbollahs missiles were Malyutka ATGMs either russian, yugoslavian and iranian modifications. Metis (not Metis-M) and Kornet were pretty rare (so far only one Kornet launch tube was found).

However every tank is invincible on certain spots, even to missiles from the 60s. Malyutka can penetrate EVERY tank from the rear and newer iranian mods even at least some side surfaces. Nor Leopard2, nor Abrams had ever faced an enemy, such densely equipped with ATGMs and, what's even more important, adequate training (Hezbollah Malyutka-operators are exceptionally well trained considering their achievements with MCLOS guided missiles). So far the only terrorist force with similarly modern weapons and training were chechen rebels, which also resulted in catastrophic performance of armor in Grozny (in addition to urban terrain and such unbelievable incompetence of leadership and even treason, that even israeli air force generals appear to be Rommel's descendants compared to it.)

One is for sure, if Leclerc,Abrams,Leo2 or T-90 had entered Lebanon under equal conditions the losses would be at least on the same level, arguably even higher. Merkavas are the last to blame for the results of this conflict.

[oldsoak]

Merkava was always designed for crew survivability - as is the British Challenger series. A pity the countries are not closer, as British armour and Israeli fire control and main gun would make for a very potent tank indeed.

[ya2]

a year and a half ago we saw the merkava 3 taking some saggers and when they hit the tank they just continue flying away from the tank like nothing happened.....
it was in a hizbullah video of attacks......

[KaceCoyote]

Such a pretty tank, any plans to replace her?

[Dimas]

Detailed reports show that all missile Mk4 kills were achived by the Kornetd. Saggers were employed primeraly against infantry positions, however some Sagger hits were achieved against armor as well. It must me noted, however, that in such cased the modern tandem warheads for AT-3 were employed, dramatically increasing the penetration capability of the missle. In fact, most modern tanks would suffer a penetration if hit with one of those.



Mk4 showed EXCELENT protection level and survivability on the missle-rich battlefield. I doubt any other tank could've performed as well given the double danger of modern missles and Israeli divisional staff.
But what about Leopard, does Merkava 4 is highly defenced that Leopard 2?

[Palmach]

Infact most of Hezbollahs missiles were Malyutka ATGMs either russian, yugoslavian and iranian modifications. Metis (not Metis-M) and Kornet were pretty rare (so far only one Kornet launch tube was found)..

More then one Kornet lunch tube has been found and the French TV video has been posted on this forum showing numerous tubes and at least one launcher. All of those have been found if the villages around Vadi Luke, which is where all Mk4 missle kills took place.



One is for sure, if Leclerc,Abrams,Leo2 or T-90 had entered Lebanon under equal conditions the losses would be at least on the same level, arguably even higher. Merkavas are the last to blame for the results of this conflict.

Let us not forget the additional mine protection of the Mk4. It has shown a remarcable resilience against various types of ED, higher then any other modern tank.

[Palmach]

But what about Leopard, does Merkava 4 is highly defenced that Leopard 2?

The frontal arch is probably equally well protected in both tanks, with Mk4 benefiting slightly from the engine in teh front of the tank.

Mk4 has a definite advantage against an attack "from the top", which is the prefered mode of all modern ATGM as well as a better anti-mine defence.

All in all I would probably put my money on Mk4.

[Ren987]

The frontal arch is probably equally well protected in both tanks, with Mk4 benefiting slightly from the engine in teh front of the tank.

Mk4 has a definite advantage against an attack "from the top", which is the prefered mode of all modern ATGM as well as a better anti-mine defence.

All in all I would probably put my money on Mk4.

Add to the crew survivability that you can evacuate the tank by the rear door, no more need to expose the crew to enemy fire by pulling out of the tank by the turret...

[1911-a1]

does anyone have my avatar in higher resolution?

[saigonsmuggler]

With my hard earned money, I'd place the following bets, when compared to the Mk4:

- M1A1/2 - better frontal armor but weaker side armor so possibly more tank losses but better crew survivability due to superior ammo stowage design.

- Leo2A5/6 - more losses both for tanks and crews due to weaker side armor and unvented front hull ammo stowage.

- Leclerc - more losses both for tanks and crews for the same reason as the Leo2.

- Challenger 2 - more losses both for tanks and crews. The Challenger has possibly the best armor in NATO but its side armor is still possibly weaker than the Mk4. It stores its HESH and other 120mm warheads openly in the fighting compartment so if the penetration reaches into the fighting compartment, it can be real bad.

Note that the Kornet and Metis has no top attack mode.

[Ren987]

With my hard earned money, I'd place the following bets, when compared to the Mk4:

- M1A1/2 - better frontal armor but weaker side armor so possibly more tank losses but better crew survivability due to superior ammo stowage design.

- Leo2A5/6 - more losses both for tanks and crews due to weaker side armor and unvented front hull ammo stowage.

- Leclerc - more losses both for tanks and crews for the same reason as the Leo2.

- Challenger 2 - more losses both for tanks and crews. The Challenger has possibly the best armor in NATO but its side armor is still possibly weaker than the Mk4. It stores its HESH and other 120mm warheads openly in the fighting compartment so if the penetration reaches into the fighting compartment, it can be real bad.

Note that the Kornet and Metis has no top attack mode.

Could fragmentation bomblets penetrate the top armor of these tanks?

[Ren987]

Does Anyone know if the merkava V shaped hull was designed specifically to counter mine and IED?

V shaped hull :
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5684/mer4bm220803p158hzgn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Top Armor :
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2445/17890509cv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[big80a2]

well the whole shape of the merkava is ment for full protection, so yes,
and note on the top that the merkava 4 has only one hatch (comander) to offer even more protection to newer ATGM that do top attack.

[CRTS27]

The care free world of having a tank without torsion bars..... :-(

Care to explain please?

[MZKT]

With my hard earned money, I'd place the following bets, when compared to the Mk4:

- M1A1/2 - better frontal armor but weaker side armor so possibly more tank losses but better crew survivability due to superior ammo stowage design.


While M1 has best ammo storage, best frontal turret armor and a strong lower glacis plate, it's upper glacis plate is a weak spot and extremely vulnerable to ATGMs launched from elevated positions. Merkavs superior side, roof and rear protection make it the best tank for anti-guerilla warfare (+mortar+videosystem+better mine protection+troop compartment+infantry telephone).

Maybe this conflict will finally result in fielding of Trophy or Iron Fist.

[Kaplanr]

While M1 has best ammo storage, best frontal turret armor and a strong lower glacis plate, it's upper glacis plate is a weak spot and extremely vulnerable to ATGMs launched from elevated positions. Merkavs superior side, roof and rear protection make it the best tank for anti-guerilla warfare (+mortar+videosystem+better mine protection+troop compartment+infantry telephone).

Maybe this conflict will finally result in fielding of Trophy or Iron Fist.

What you say might be true, but the tank was designed for either open combat in the desert or on the Golan. All those features are either standard or direct application of lessons from Yom Kippur. The single overriding lesson from the war was that armor needs infantry support and a way (the mortar) to offset entrenched and roving AT squads. The guerilla stuff what we face now and have since 1987.

[Switek]

What you say might be true, but the tank was designed for either open combat in the desert or on the Golan. All those features are either standard or direct application of lessons from Yom Kippur. The single overriding lesson from the war was that armor needs infantry support and a way (the mortar) to offset entrenched and roving AT squads. The guerilla stuff what we face now and have since 1987.

This why you upgraded mk3 and developed mk4?

[Ren987]

This why you upgraded mk3 and developed mk4?

I think the decision to switch for a newer tank was when Egypt introduced the M1A1 Abrams in the early 90's.

[saigonsmuggler]

Could fragmentation bomblets penetrate the top armor of these tanks?
The M1A1 turret roof is thought to be of at least 80mm RHA so I do not think that fragmentation bomblets can hurt it.


While M1 has best ammo storage, best frontal turret armor and a strong lower glacis plate, it's upper glacis plate is a weak spot and extremely vulnerable to ATGMs launched from elevated positions. Merkavs superior side, roof and rear protection make it the best tank for anti-guerilla warfare (+mortar+videosystem+better mine protection+troop compartment+infantry telephone).

Agreed but noted that the hull 120mm stowage is still somewhat of a weakness for the Mk4. However I think this will mostly be solved with proper deployment and an APS such as Trophy.

I am not aware of any strike to the turret top of any Merkava in last summer. I am aware of a couple of strikes in the front quarter upper side hulls. However here in the M1, there are fuel cells acting as spaced armor to help absorb the attack. In either case (M1 or Mk4), you'd end up with at least mobility kills anyway.

If the hit is from the right side (as was the cases) I believe that the Mk4 would fare better since it has its engine there. On the left side, the M1 has fuel cells as additional armor value, so if we assume that the base hull side armor is about the same, I would venture that the M1 may absorb the hit better. Though just from a visual perspective, the side skirt armor of the Mk4 appear to be thicker (thus maybe better?) than the front skirt plates of the M1 (basic without TUSK).

[ya2]

fuek tanks as armor ? i'd take nothing over that :)

[MZKT]

Infact diesel adds significant protection against a HEAT-Jetstream. It will be ignited but will disperse the jetstream before it reach the crew compartment. A burning fuel tank is better then a pound of melted steel and fragments flying around in crew compartment.
Fuel tanks are incorporated in armor protection on many vehicles i.e. BMP-1/2, Abrams, T-xx.

[500]

fuek tanks as armor ? i'd take nothing over that :)
Merkava also uses fuel as armor.

[ya2]

Merkava also uses fuel as armor.

where is the tank located?
i always loved riding the m113 with it's 600L tank next to me..

[tanks_alot]

Care to explain please?

I served in a Magach7C which is a heavily upgraded M60/48.
the Patton tanks use torsion bars, or in exact translation from Hebrew, twisting bars, which can become flexible under high pressure in order to stabilize the tank when on the move.

when the tank stands on uneven ground which causes one side of the bar to be higher then the other, the bar could snap and even if not it shortens the bar life time, which could later even snap when the tank is parked in the tank garage, replacing one takes a long number of hours even when things go smoothely.
i was told the tank can keep going even with 4 broken bars if forced to but it's probably not a pleasant experince.
the Magach's heavy armor doesn't help things either.

this problem doesn't exist in the Merkava series as it uses a spring system instead, which among with other more obvious reason and some less, made me a very jealous tanker... p-)

[NimDod]

this problem doesn't exist in the Merkava series as it uses a spring system instead, which among with other more obvious reason and some less, made me a very jealous tanker... p-)

I was told that the Merkava mk4 uses a combination of torsion bars along with springs.

[Sirpad]

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1935/merkava1od7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7284/merkava2qn7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/2594/merkava3jq7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9606/merkava4ko7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/889/merkava5wn3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/557/merkava6na6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7610/merkava7le4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Marsh]

Infact diesel adds significant protection against a HEAT-Jetstream. It will be ignited but will disperse the jetstream before it reach the crew compartment. A burning fuel tank is better then a pound of melted steel and fragments flying around in crew compartment.
Fuel tanks are incorporated in armor protection on many vehicles i.e. BMP-1/2, Abrams, T-xx.

Hi,
You are quite correct. A 7cm thick fuel tank will give the same level of protection as 1cm of RHA against HEAT attack. With a well designed, self sealing fuel tank it wouldn't be inevitable that the diesel would ignite.

Not only does the Merkava incorporate fuel tanks as part of its protective envelope, but many major components of the vehicle, obviously including the powerpack, are designed to be "sacrificed" to help protect the crew compartment.

Cheers
Marsh

[Marsh]

Does Anyone know if the merkava V shaped hull was designed specifically to counter mine and IED?

V shaped hull :
http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5684/mer4bm220803p158hzgn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

Top Armor :
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/2445/17890509cv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Hi,
Yes the hull base was designed specifically for that purpose. On the Merkava 1 and 2 a once piece layer of steel (thus avoiding vulnerable weld points) is bent into shape as the outer hull base, behind it is a fuel cell and then behind that a further armoured layer. On the Merkava 3 onwards the double layer of armour contains an integral air gap rather than a fuel cell, not because the fuel was found to ignite, it didn't, but because an air gap is less likelty to transmit a shock wave to the crew compartment than a sealed fuel cell.

An extra belly plate can be fitted to Merkavas working in environmants where there are likely to be improvised explosive devices. These thick plates are unpopular as they affect tactical mobility over rough terrain.

cheers
Marsh

[Marsh]

I was told that the Merkava mk4 uses a combination of torsion bars along with springs.

Hi Nimdod,
The Merkava doesn't incorporate torsion bars. It uses independently mounted road wheels using trailing arms and massive coil springs. This provides a system which has an excellent range of vertical movement for the wheels and one which is relatively easy to repair. The downside is that the Merkava's suspension is bulky. This is exacerbated as robust ballistic steel is used, which although helping the suspension protect the hull side - typical Merkava philosophy - makes for a very heavy system.

Cheers
Marsh

[Player]

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/2594/merkava3jq7.jpg

Incredible photo!

Thanks for the wonderful pics Sirpad :)

[CRTS27]

I served in a Magach7C which is a heavily upgraded M60/48.
the Patton tanks use torsion bars, or in exact translation from Hebrew, twisting bars, which can become flexible under high pressure in order to stabilize the tank when on the move.

when the tank stands on uneven ground which causes one side of the bar to be higher then the other, the bar could snap and even if not it shortens the bar life time, which could later even snap when the tank is parked in the tank garage, replacing one takes a long number of hours even when things go smoothely.
i was told the tank can keep going even with 4 broken bars if forced to but it's probably not a pleasant experince.
the Magach's heavy armor doesn't help things either.

this problem doesn't exist in the Merkava series as it uses a spring system instead, which among with other more obvious reason and some less, made me a very jealous tanker... p-)

Thank you very much!:)

[Michel_]

Great topic.
Keep them coming. :)

[70tonsofdiplomacy]

http://uploaded.fresh.co.il/2006/02/17/31501458.jpg

Anyone have this photo without the "by Php" crap? Best Merkava photo out there :)

[Player]

Anyone have this photo without the "by Php" crap? Best Merkava photo out there :)

From page 3 of this thread, posted by Vaiar.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/852/102040090cdfcdff76foec3.jpg

[70tonsofdiplomacy]

From page 3 of this thread, posted by Vaiar.

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/852/102040090cdfcdff76foec3.jpg

I dont think thats the same pic is it? The pHp one is from a different angle?

[Player]

I dont think thats the same pic is it? The pHp one is from a different angle?

Isn't this one good enough for you? Pardon, maybe you'll find a better one.
Good luck

[70tonsofdiplomacy]

Isn't this one good enough for you? Pardon, maybe you'll find a better one.
Good luck

I dont think i ll find a better one...the pHp one is amazing...minus the pHp obstructing my view of this beautiful tank :fork:

[Michel_]

Hmm the one with copyright is nicer. :P

[70tonsofdiplomacy]

Hmm the one with copyright is nicer. :P

This is exactly what im saying....someone please come to the rescue

[ooo]

Well, I, uhm, fixed it:
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/9002/31501458ai2.jpg

Hope you´re allright now!

[70tonsofdiplomacy]

Well, I, uhm, fixed it:
http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/9002/31501458ai2.jpg

Hope you´re allright now!

It got smaller though? Any way of having it the original size with the original rez?:oops:

[SpetsNazCU]

great pictures, long live Israel

[soutikghosh]

It's a request to you all
please, please post more of MERKAVAS
The tank is so unique.

[Ren987]

It's a request to you all
please, please post more of MERKAVAS
The tank is so unique.

Feed for life p-)

Modern IDF Armor (scroll down) (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=101202)

IDF Armored forces (http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=85129)


a

[soutikghosh]

Thanks a lot

[ooo]

It got smaller though? Any way of having it the original size with the original rez?:oops:

actually ... NO! Have a look at page 6, you´ll see, I didn´t resize anything, the pic is just as small as the photoshopped one i uploaded. I´m sorry, but if you need it larger, I´ll blow it up to the resolution you want it to be. Sure it wont be as sharp as a pic of actual higher resolution, but larger nonetheless.

[Ren987]

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5146/17210971acub2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[tanks_alot]

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5146/17210971acub2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This one has to be photoshopped, it looks like IDF meets Harry Potter... p-)

[LEGEND]

my avatar:
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2579/630if3.jpg

Taken from waronline.org's gallery.

[Ren987]

This one has to be photoshopped, it looks like IDF meets Harry Potter... p-)

You should ask for to IMI. They put that pic in front of their website (tank section). :) It looks surnatural, may be the colors were retouched.