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