אינדקס
Merkava Mk.4 - Israel Main Battle Tank [Review]
The Merkava is a main battle tank used by the Israel Defense Forces. The tank began development in 1973 and entered official service in 1978. Four main variants of the tank have been deployed. It was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War. The name "Merkava" was derived from the IDF's initial development program name.
Design criteria include rapid repair of battle damage, survivability, cost-effectiveness and off-road performance. Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located closer to the rear than in most main battle tanks. With the engine in front, this layout is intended to grant additional protection against a frontal attack, especially for the personnel in the main hull, such as the driver. It also creates more space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity and a rear entrance to the main crew compartment allowing easy access under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an infantry fighting vehicle. The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel.
The Mark IV is the most recent variant of the Merkava tank that has been in development since 1999 and production since 2004. The upgrade's development was announced in an October 1999 edition of the Bamachaneh ("At the Camp") military publication. However, the Merkava Mark III remained in production until 2003. The first Merkava IVs were in production in limited numbers by the end of 2004.
Specifications:
Weight: 65 tonnes
Length:
9.04 m (incl. gun barrel)
7.60 m (excl. gun barrel)
Width: 3.72 m
Height: 2.66 m
Crew: 4 (commander, driver, gunner, and loader)
Passengers: Maximum 6 passengers
Armor:
Classified composite/sloped armour modular design.
Main Armament:
120mm MG253 smoothbore gun, capable of firing LAHAT ATGM
Secondary Armament:
1 × 12.7 mm MG
2 × 7.62 mm MG
1 × 60 mm internal mortar
12 smoke grenades
Engine:
1,500 hp turbocharged diesel engine
Power/weight: 23 hp/tonne
Payload capacity: 48 rounds
Transmission: Renk RK 325
Suspension: Helical spring
Ground clearance: 0.45 m
Fuel capacity: 1,400 litres
Operational Range: 500 km
Speed:
64 Kilometers per hour - on road
55 Kilometers per hour - off road
Unit cost:
$3.5 million (for delivery to the Israel Defense Forces)
$4.5 million (price for sales to other countries)
