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The IDF unveils : Merkava 4
The Israel Defense Forces unveiled its Merkava 4 tanks Monday with a festive ceremony at the tanks' factory at the Tel Hashomer armored corps base. Among those in attendance were Defense Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer, Chief of Staff Shaul Mofaz and U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Kurtzer.
With the start of production of the Mark 4 Merkava, the Merkava 3 will no longer be produced. Production of the Merkava 4 has already been disrupted since it is not clear when the German government will allow further supply of parts for the tank's engine - parts currently under embargo because of the situation in the territories and Berlin's fears that tanks built with German parts will be used there.
Under the original plan, several dozen Merkava 4 tanks are to be produced each year.
The Merkava 4 is the fourth and most advanced generation of battle tanks to be used by the IDF. The original tank was developed by Major General (Res.) Yisrael Tal, who was also present at yesterday's ceremony and received a rousing welcome. Defense establishment officials say that the tank is on a par with the second generation of the American Abrahams tank and the German Leopard. The head of the former Merkava tank administration, Brigadier General (Res.) Yehuda Admon, and current joint CEO of ELOP and deputy CEO of Elbit Systems, believes that the new tank's level of crew survivability, mobility and fire power means that it is the best tank in the world.
Since the Mark 1 Merkava came into operation in 1979, the tank has undergone significant alterations. The engine has increased from 900 horsepower to 1,500. But its two trademarks have remained - the engine is at the front of the vehicle, while at the back, there is a door allowing soldiers to exit the tank.
With the start of production of the Mark 4 Merkava, the Merkava 3 will no longer be produced. Production of the Merkava 4 has already been disrupted since it is not clear when the German government will allow further supply of parts for the tank's engine - parts currently under embargo because of the situation in the territories and Berlin's fears that tanks built with German parts will be used there.
Under the original plan, several dozen Merkava 4 tanks are to be produced each year.
The Merkava 4 is the fourth and most advanced generation of battle tanks to be used by the IDF. The original tank was developed by Major General (Res.) Yisrael Tal, who was also present at yesterday's ceremony and received a rousing welcome. Defense establishment officials say that the tank is on a par with the second generation of the American Abrahams tank and the German Leopard. The head of the former Merkava tank administration, Brigadier General (Res.) Yehuda Admon, and current joint CEO of ELOP and deputy CEO of Elbit Systems, believes that the new tank's level of crew survivability, mobility and fire power means that it is the best tank in the world.
Since the Mark 1 Merkava came into operation in 1979, the tank has undergone significant alterations. The engine has increased from 900 horsepower to 1,500. But its two trademarks have remained - the engine is at the front of the vehicle, while at the back, there is a door allowing soldiers to exit the tank.
From the IDF site :
Merkava Mk-4
The Merkava Mk-4 includes innovations in all tank quality components - protection and survivability, firepower and mobility.
Protection and survivability
The principles indicated in the design of the Merkava tank family have been applied again in the Merkava Mk-4. Priority has been given to protection and survivability, utilizing the tank's systems for protecting the crew (the engine is installed in the front of the tank), with storage of ammunition in protected containers, automatic fire suppression system, an overpressure NBC system, and more.
In the Merkava Mk-4, the ballistic protection is modular and provides more effective protection against modern threats, involving both protection efficiency and coverage area. Above all, the ballistic protection includes roof protection, which provides a capability against overhead attacks.
The electromagnetic threat identification warning system is an advanced generation of its predecessor in the Mk-3.
Firepower
The tank is equipped with a 120-mm gun that is an advanced generation of the type developed for the Merkava Mk-3. The new gun provides for firing of high-power munitions with increased penetrating capabilities. The ready-to-fire ammunition is stored in a protected compartment. The system allows the loader to semi-automatically select the desired ammunition type.
The tank's new fire control system includes modern components, whose capabilities are very high in detection range and target acquisition. The night vision system is based on the world's leading thermal technology. The automatic tracking ability has been significantly improved.
The systems provide for the implementation of an effective combat doctrine in target acquisition, allocation and destruction by commander and gunner.
The system which supports the fire power is controlled by displays and advanced operating systems, helping the commander with effective data communication and battle management.
Mobility
The Merkava Mk-4 tank is equipped with a modern engine. This is a 1,500 horse power diesel engine, controlled by a computer connected both to the driver's panel and to the modern automatic transmission system. The engine and transmission constitute a power pack that is considered a world leader.
The great power of the engine, in conjunction with the strong suspension based on that of the Mk-3, provide the tank with high mobility and maneuverability.
The installation of the new power pack in the Merkava tank has allowed for a redesign of the hull in a way that has improved frontal protection and the driver's field of view.
For improving reverse driving, a camera has been developed which enables the driver to look behind the tank while driving backwards without requiring commander or ground direction.
Table of Comparison of main properties - Generations of the Merkava tanks
Stupid Germans.
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