Merkava

Since the early 1980s, four main versions have been deployed. The "Merkava" name was derived from the IDF's initial development program name. It is optimized for crew survival and rapid repair of battle damage. Through the use of spaced-armor techniques and quick-replacement modular designs, the design team was able to incorporate composite armor , a derivative of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) and Chobham armor . Additionally, the space between the inner and outer hulls is filled with diesel —an economical storage method and a means of defeating HEAT rounds. Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers , the turret assembly is located nearer the rear than in most main battle tanks. This gives the crew additional protection against a frontal attack by putting the engine between them and the attack. This arrangement also creates more space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity, as well as a rear entrance to the main crew compartment allowing easy access even under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an armored personnel carrier . The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel. It was reportedly decided shortly before the beginning of the 2006 Lebanon War that the Merkava line would be discontinued within four years.

The Merkava ( Hebrew : מרכבה , " chariot ") is a main battle tank used by the Israel Defense Forces . The tank began development in 1973 and entered official service in 1979. Four main versions 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. It was reportedly decided shortly before the beginning of the 2006 Lebanon War that the Merkava line would be discontinued within four years. However, on November 7, 2006, Haaretz reported that an Israeli General staff assessment had ruled of the Merkava Mark IV that "if properly deployed, the tank can provide its crew with better protection than in the past," and deferred the decision on discontinuing the line. On August 16, 2013, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon announced the decision to resume production of the Merkava main battle tank for the IDF Armored Corps. "Merkava Mk3/Mk4 Tank" , Israel , Global security . "Israel: Merkava tank production line re-activated" , Defense market intelligence , August 17, 2013 . "Israel restarts Merkava tank production" , Business news , UPI, August 16, 2013 .

The Merkava ( , , " chariot ") is a main battle tank used by the Israel Defense Forces . The tank began development in 1970, and entered official service in 1979. 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, so as to absorb some of the force of incoming shells , 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. Defending the Holy Land .

Israeli main battle tank For the religious/mystical connotations of the word, see Merkabah . The Merkava ( , , " chariot ") is a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces and the backbone of the IDF's armored corps. The tank began development in 1970, and its first generation, the Merkava mark I, entered official service in 1979. As of 2023, the Merkava mark IV Barak (nicknamed Merkava mark V) is the latest version. The Merkava was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War . The name "Merkava" was derived from the IDF's initial development program name. The tank was developed in the Merkava and Armored Combat Vehicles Division of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and most of its parts are manufactured in Israel. The Merkava was designed to provide maximum protection for its crew, and therefore its front armor was fortified and the engine placed in the front part of the tank, unlike most other tanks. 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, so as to absorb some of the force of incoming shells , 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. Defending the Holy Land . University of Michigan Press. note 16. "טנקי המרכבה לדורותיהם" [Chariot tanks for generations]. Ministry of Defense , Israel (in Hebrew) .

Series of Israeli main battle tanks For the religious/mystical uses of the word, see Merkabah . The Merkava ( Hebrew : מֶרְכָּבָה , [mɛʁkaˈva] , " chariot ") is a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) which are the backbone of the IDF's Armored Corps . Current iterations of this tank are considered broadly equivalent to the capabilities of the M1 Abrams , Leopard 2 and the Challenger 2 . The current Merkava uses the same MTU EuroPowerPack powerplant as a number of other tanks. Development began in 1970, and its first generation, the Merkava Mark 1, entered official service in 1979. As of 2023, Merkava Mark 4 Barak is the latest version. The Merkava was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War . The name "Merkava" was derived from the IDF's initial development program name. The tank was developed in the Merkava and Armored Combat Vehicles Division of the Israeli Ministry of Defense , and most of its parts are manufactured in Israel. The Merkava was designed to provide maximum protection for its crew, and therefore its front armor was fortified and the engine placed in the front part of the tank, unlike most other tanks. 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 provide additional protection against a frontal attack, so as to absorb some of the force of incoming shells and projectiles, 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 (with no ammunition, the Merkava can hold up to 4 stretchers, but this is only an emergency measure), 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. (Pretty Good, It Turns Out)" . Defending the Holy Land . University of Michigan Press. note 16. "טנקי המרכבה לדורותיהם" [Chariot tanks for generations]. Ministry of Defense , Israel (in Hebrew) .