The merkava was designed to be a MBT (main battle tank) and a APC (armoured personel carrier) that is why it’s but is so thiic.
True also the engine is in front for crew survivable and for increased thiccnesMerkava is thick? You must have never heard about the maus, cause that is a thick tank, not this silly banker defense tankthe rear exit is for increased crew survivability incase the vehicle becomes disabled, and a very small compartment where they can put crew they pick up in to evac them; that space is usually filled with ammo storage except in emergencies. also note that the front engine placement increases chances of becoming mobility killed, and lowers gun depression meaning you're more likely to just get killed
[size=18]If you remove the ammo you can jam a few guys in that space... that doesn't mean its an apc lol
tanks are never alone in real life scenarios, so if the tank gets disabled there are more tanks and troops to cover them and get them out alive.
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The prototypes of the Namer were based on the merkava 1 hull though.
the rear hatch was added after experience in the 1973 war where tank crews would get killed exiting disabled vehicles, when exiting from turret and hull hatches you are vulnerable to machine gun firethe doors at the back of the tanks are just for faster reloading the rest is just a can but not mustit could fit 6-8 soldiers if thee back is empty....usally its filled with atgms\cannon roundsIt's a MBT not an APC or an IFV. It can take 6-8 troops inside but that is just for emergencies and not its main job, that means also removing your ammo in the ammo rack which basically is not optimal for a MBT since you can't fight without carrying ammunition.