Sayeret
07-02-2004, 01:56 AM
Merkava is a series of tanks developed and manufactured by Israel for the Israel Defence Forces.
The Merkava (Chariot) has been designed for crew survival. For example, the power plant is placed in the front of the tank, which provides additional crew protection. Also, the armor is thickest in the front providing much protection for the engine.
It is produced at the tank production factory at Tel Hashomer Armoured Corps base.
History
Following the Six Day War and the French embargo on Israel, the UK signed a deal with Israel for joint development of a new battle tank - the Chieftain. In 1969, following Arab pressure, the British cancelled the deal with Israel and expelled them from the Chieftain project. Israel realized that it cannot count on other countries to supply it weapon systems and considered self-manufacturing of a main battle tank - one of the most crucial elements of ground armoured forces.
The Israeli government decided in 1970 that it needed an indigenous tank-building capacity. General Israel Tal led a development team which took into consideration Israel's unique battlefield characteristics and lessons learned from previous wars.
Merkava Mk 1
The Merkava was first introduced into service in April 1979. It was developed for the rough terrain of the northern region of Israel and the Golan Heights. It was equipped with a 105 mm gun and featured a power plant in the front and rear door. It took part in Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982.
Merkava Mk 2
The Merkava Mk 2 was first introduced into service in 1983. It introduced several improvements focusing on urban warfare and crew survivability, following Israel's incursion into Lebanon in 1982 and the battles in Beirut.
Merkava Mk 3
Following information gained in Israel's incursion into Lebanon in 1982, the Merkava Mk 3 was introduced in 1990. The Mark 3 introduced a 1200 horsepower (895 kW) engine, a new suspension and transmission system, and a new 120 mm smooth-bore gun.
A 1995 version, the Mk 3B (also known as Merkava Baz), had an improved fire-control system and a built-in NBC protection and air-condition system.
Merkava Mk 4
The Merkava Mk 4 has improved mobility, enabling the tank to move more easily in the Golan Heights, where terrain can limit tank movements. It also has the capacity to engage and shoot down anti-tank helicopters, such as the French SA342L Gazelle anti-tank helicopters and Russian Mil Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters of the Syrian Air Force.
In addition, the Merkava has improved armor on the front and sides of the tank and even on the top of the turret. It also has 0.5 in (12.7 mm) co-axial machine gun (MAG Refael) which enables the tank crew to shoot soft targets from the turret without getting out. The internal 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine gun and the rear door have proven to be useful in urban warfare.
Yet another improvement is the development of a Battle Management System designed by Elbit Systems, which uses digital information to update planning, navigation, and briefing of crews. The Battle Management System can record data gained during the mission.
A video system gives the driver 360 degree visibility around the tank at all times.
Special Merkava Variants
Following the al-Aqsa Intifada, the Israeli Defence Forces have modified some of its Merkava tanks to satisfy the needs of urban warfare. Those adaptation can be done by field engineers and doesn't harm the tank's combat performance.
Merkava 3 LIC
This is a Merkava 3 Baz tank fitted for urban warfare. The LIC designation stands for low intensity conflicts. The LIC model is equipped with internal co-axial M2 Browning 0.5 machinegun, enabling the tank crew to use heavier firepower than light ammo but lighter than shells, without being exposed to enemy's fire. The tank has also extra protection against grenades and netting that protects optics and ventilators. Marking poles and rear camera were installed to allow better navigation in narrow streets.
Merkava Ambulance
Some of the Merkava tanks were added with ambulance capablities. The rear area of the tank was converted for carrying injured soldiers and was added with stretchers and life support systems.
The main advantage of the "tankbulance" is heavy protection and a rear door, enabling evacuating wounded soldiers under heavy fire, with the ability of the tank crew to return machinegun fire or shells.
Merkava Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV)
The Merkava ARV, called Nammer is an armored recovery vehicles based on a Merkava chassis.
General Remarks
Like any other tank, the Merkava is vulnerable to command-detonated mines. Two Merkavas have been destroyed in the Gaza Strip by Palestinians. The tanks were later repaired and returned to service.
Overall, the Merkava project is considered a great success, both in its military aspects and economical aspects.
Some pictures of the Merkava tank
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20040629/capt.sge.jad08.290604192949.photo03.default-384x256.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040629/capt.jrl10806292218.mideast_israel_palestinians_jrl108.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040629/capt.akcf10906292214.mideast_israel_palestinians_akcf109.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040701/capt.as10207010738.mideast_israel_palestinians_as102.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040701/capt.as10107010738.mideast_israel_palestinians_as101.jpg
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040701/i/r4008295393.jpg
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040701/i/r496995924.jpg
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/merkava.jpg
http://koti.mbnet.fi/~herrax/images/merkava.jpg
The Merkava (Chariot) has been designed for crew survival. For example, the power plant is placed in the front of the tank, which provides additional crew protection. Also, the armor is thickest in the front providing much protection for the engine.
It is produced at the tank production factory at Tel Hashomer Armoured Corps base.
History
Following the Six Day War and the French embargo on Israel, the UK signed a deal with Israel for joint development of a new battle tank - the Chieftain. In 1969, following Arab pressure, the British cancelled the deal with Israel and expelled them from the Chieftain project. Israel realized that it cannot count on other countries to supply it weapon systems and considered self-manufacturing of a main battle tank - one of the most crucial elements of ground armoured forces.
The Israeli government decided in 1970 that it needed an indigenous tank-building capacity. General Israel Tal led a development team which took into consideration Israel's unique battlefield characteristics and lessons learned from previous wars.
Merkava Mk 1
The Merkava was first introduced into service in April 1979. It was developed for the rough terrain of the northern region of Israel and the Golan Heights. It was equipped with a 105 mm gun and featured a power plant in the front and rear door. It took part in Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982.
Merkava Mk 2
The Merkava Mk 2 was first introduced into service in 1983. It introduced several improvements focusing on urban warfare and crew survivability, following Israel's incursion into Lebanon in 1982 and the battles in Beirut.
Merkava Mk 3
Following information gained in Israel's incursion into Lebanon in 1982, the Merkava Mk 3 was introduced in 1990. The Mark 3 introduced a 1200 horsepower (895 kW) engine, a new suspension and transmission system, and a new 120 mm smooth-bore gun.
A 1995 version, the Mk 3B (also known as Merkava Baz), had an improved fire-control system and a built-in NBC protection and air-condition system.
Merkava Mk 4
The Merkava Mk 4 has improved mobility, enabling the tank to move more easily in the Golan Heights, where terrain can limit tank movements. It also has the capacity to engage and shoot down anti-tank helicopters, such as the French SA342L Gazelle anti-tank helicopters and Russian Mil Mi-24 Hind attack helicopters of the Syrian Air Force.
In addition, the Merkava has improved armor on the front and sides of the tank and even on the top of the turret. It also has 0.5 in (12.7 mm) co-axial machine gun (MAG Refael) which enables the tank crew to shoot soft targets from the turret without getting out. The internal 0.5 in (12.7 mm) machine gun and the rear door have proven to be useful in urban warfare.
Yet another improvement is the development of a Battle Management System designed by Elbit Systems, which uses digital information to update planning, navigation, and briefing of crews. The Battle Management System can record data gained during the mission.
A video system gives the driver 360 degree visibility around the tank at all times.
Special Merkava Variants
Following the al-Aqsa Intifada, the Israeli Defence Forces have modified some of its Merkava tanks to satisfy the needs of urban warfare. Those adaptation can be done by field engineers and doesn't harm the tank's combat performance.
Merkava 3 LIC
This is a Merkava 3 Baz tank fitted for urban warfare. The LIC designation stands for low intensity conflicts. The LIC model is equipped with internal co-axial M2 Browning 0.5 machinegun, enabling the tank crew to use heavier firepower than light ammo but lighter than shells, without being exposed to enemy's fire. The tank has also extra protection against grenades and netting that protects optics and ventilators. Marking poles and rear camera were installed to allow better navigation in narrow streets.
Merkava Ambulance
Some of the Merkava tanks were added with ambulance capablities. The rear area of the tank was converted for carrying injured soldiers and was added with stretchers and life support systems.
The main advantage of the "tankbulance" is heavy protection and a rear door, enabling evacuating wounded soldiers under heavy fire, with the ability of the tank crew to return machinegun fire or shells.
Merkava Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV)
The Merkava ARV, called Nammer is an armored recovery vehicles based on a Merkava chassis.
General Remarks
Like any other tank, the Merkava is vulnerable to command-detonated mines. Two Merkavas have been destroyed in the Gaza Strip by Palestinians. The tanks were later repaired and returned to service.
Overall, the Merkava project is considered a great success, both in its military aspects and economical aspects.
Some pictures of the Merkava tank
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20040629/capt.sge.jad08.290604192949.photo03.default-384x256.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040629/capt.jrl10806292218.mideast_israel_palestinians_jrl108.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040629/capt.akcf10906292214.mideast_israel_palestinians_akcf109.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040701/capt.as10207010738.mideast_israel_palestinians_as102.jpg
http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20040701/capt.as10107010738.mideast_israel_palestinians_as101.jpg
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040701/i/r4008295393.jpg
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040701/i/r496995924.jpg
http://chrisevans3d.com/temp/merkava.jpg
http://koti.mbnet.fi/~herrax/images/merkava.jpg