Israeli Merkava Mk.4 Main Battle Tank (P3/3)

The Merkava Mk.4 main battle tank entered service in 2004. This vehicle is a further development of the Merkava Mk.3. Up to 400 of the Mk.4 tanks are going to be built. Currently the Merkava Mk.4 is among 10 best main battle tanks in the world. The latest Merkava Mk.4 is slightly larger than the Mk.3. The new MBT is one of the most protected tanks in the world. It has a new armor protection, comparing with predecessor. Hull of the Merkava Mk.4 was redesigned to install new engine. It also provided improved frontal armor protection. The Mk.4 is also fitted with new modular armor, that can be reconfigured to match specific threats. Bottom of the hull has been strengthened for better protection against land mines. This main battle tank can also be fitted with Trophy active protection system. Protection suite also includes advanced threat identification and warning system. This MBT is well protected against air-launched guided missiles and top attack anti-tank weapons The Merkava Mk.4 features an improved 120-mm smoothbore gun, developed by IMI. It is a further development of the Merkava Mk.3 tank gun. This gun is designed to sustain higher pressure, generating higher muzzle velocity. This MBT can fire various 120-mm rounds, including LAHAT anti-tank missiles. Ten rounds are stored in electrically operated revolving magazine and are ready to fire at any time. Every single round is stored in a protective container, to protect the crew in case the ammunition explosion. Loader semi-automatically selects the ammunition type. This main battle tank is equipped with new fire control system, that includes some very advanced features. One of them is a high hit probability firing against helicopters using conventional munitions. Secondary armament consists of 7.62-mm machine guns, and internally-operated 60-mm mortar. This main battle tank has a battle management system. It enables crew to plan missions, navigate and update their situation awareness. It also reports friendly units of enemy targets. Integrated battle management system combines tanks, anti-tank and artillery units and helicopters in a combined task force. The Merkava Mk.4 has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver. Furthermore it can transport eight troops or three stretcher casualties in place of the ammunition load. Troops enter and leave the vehicle threw the rear hatch. This main battle tank is powered by General Dynamics 883 V-12 diesel engine. It develops 1 500 horsepower and delivers 25% more power comparing with the previous 1 200 hp engine on the Merkava Mk.3. This engine was originally developed by German MTU, but it is license-built by General Dynamics Land Systems in USA. The same engine is used on the French Leclerc main battle tank. Engine pack and transmission are located at the front of the hull. It is a unique design among the main battle tanks in the world. Such decision allowed to free space for the troops at the rear of the hull.
The Merkava Mk.4 currently is not offered for export, but some it's systems and components are available for export customers.

Variants Namer heavy armored personnel carrier, based on the Merkava Mk.4 chassis. It has a crew of two and can carry 10 fully equipped troops. Vehicle has protection level similar to the Merkava Mk.4. It entered service with the Israel Defense Forces in 2008.

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News & Politics

[Waltham1892]

The Merkava is a good tank, but its not an exceptional tank.

However, Israeli training and doctrine make it an exceptional weapon.