Merkava Battle Tank

Merkava battle tank
Merkava Mk.1
Specifications
Type	Main Battle Tank
Origin	Israel
Entered production	1974
Length	9.04m
Width	3.72m
Height	2.66m
Weight	65 tons
Crew	4
Armor	Laminated ceramic-steel-nickel composite alloy
Primary amament	120 mm MG253 smoothbore gun
Secondary armament	1 × 12.7 mm coaxial MG 2 × 7.62 mm MG 1 × 60 mm internal mortar
Suspension	Helical coil spring
Max. road speed	70 km/h
Max. offroad speed	55 km/h
Operational range	500 km
Engine	GD883 V-12 Diesel
Power output	1,500 hp
Power/weight	23 hp/ton
Transmission	Automatic, 5 gears

The Merkava (Hebrew: מרכבה "Chariot") is the Main Battle Tank used by the Israel Defense Forces. It has been in service since 1979, and is considered an innovative design, placing special emphasis on crew protection.

One of the ways it does this is by taking the engine (normally located behind the turret and fighting compartment) and moving it to the front of the hull. This also allows it to have a hatch in the rear which can be used to carry ammunition or troops.

External links[edit]

• You Tube Merkava Mk 4 in action (4:31)
• Merkava at Israeli-weapons.com