How the name of the Merkava tank is translated from Hebrew. Israel's Fist of Steel

The Merkava-4 tank, the photo of which is presented below, was first shown to the general public on June 24, 2002. A year later, mass production of this model began. As of today, according to the authoritative American military analytical agency Forecast International, it is one of the best battle tanks on the planet and surpasses the German Leopard and the Russian T-90 in its main characteristics. The word “Merkava” translated into our language means a war chariot.

Model Creator

Merkava-4, like its three previous modifications, was born thanks to the legendary Israeli tank general Israel Tal. Throughout his career, he fought in various units and headed officer courses. Analyzing the battles during the Six Day War and the Sinai Campaign, in which he was directly involved, he realized that not a single tank in service with his country met the requirements of Israeli tank doctrine. In this regard, Tal came to the conclusion that it was necessary to build a fundamentally new combat vehicle. The main requirement for it was full compliance with the wishes and military experience of Israeli tank crews, as well as the theater of military operations. As a result, he later managed to bring his plan into reality. In addition, he became the founder of the IDF - the armored forces, which, under the leadership of this man, achieved the most significant victories in all the wars in which Israel took part. It is not surprising that the portrait of General Tal is hung in the Center of American Tank Forces (Hall of Great Tank Commanders) in Fort Knox (USA).

Design

The history of the Merkava-4 tank began with the modification of the Merkava-1. Initially, only 35 specialists took part in the creation of the project. Thanks to his great authority, General Tal was able to minimize all kinds of bureaucratic nuances. When developing the vehicle, special attention was paid not so much to maneuverability and firepower, but to ensuring the best possible protection for the crew. As planned, the lives of the soldiers were to be preserved even if the tank was completely disabled. Because, according to statistics, main reason the death of personnel was the detonation of ammunition, crew members and ammunition had to be reliably covered. In August 1970, the final design of the Merakva-1 tank was approved, after which mass production of the model began.

Improvement

In each new generation of Merkava, Israeli engineers embodied newest ideas world tank building. In particular, over time, the hull began to be made from a single casting, and the armor was attached to bolted joints specially designed for this purpose. The latest version of the machine is equipped with a fully computerized control system. It was developed using the technologies of Israeli designers and has no analogues throughout the world. It should be noted that the principle of active armor was implemented for the first time on the planet on this model. Four generations of it have already rolled off the production lines. The Merkava-4 tank, the characteristics of which are described in more detail below, was adopted by the Israeli army after a series of tests in 2004.

Layout: fundamental difference from analogues

The layout of the machine is fundamentally different from all those built according to the classical scheme of American and European analogues. In the front part is the management compartment, in the center is the combat compartment, and at the rear is the engine-transmission section. The engine of the Merkava-4 model is located in the front, thereby playing the role of additional protection for crew members, because it is the frontal part that takes on the majority of projectiles.

Tower

The vehicle received an updated turret, which is equipped with completely new armor modules on all sides (forehead, sides and roof). In this regard, the designers had to make the commander's hatch more massive and provide it with an electronic mechanism for opening and closing. The loader's hatch has been completely removed. Due to this design, the tower is distinguished by its stepped outline. On its right side there is a machine gun, from which the crew commander can fire remotely at 360 degrees. On top are smoke grenade launcher cassettes.

Gun

The Israeli Merkava-4 tank is equipped with a 120-mm smoothbore gun. Thanks to a number of improvements, it is now able to withstand increased pressure, which allows the use of powerful high-explosive fragmentation shells. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that already in the charging gun of the barrel programming takes place depending on the required task. Firing efficiency is significantly enhanced by the integral heat-insulating casing, which, among other things, reduces barrel wear. A machine gun (7.62 mm) is paired with the cannon. A 60-mm mortar of a new design is standard.

Behind the armored partition there is a semi-automatic gun loader with an electric drum for ten shots, which it automatically transfers to the loading tankman. The remaining 38 shells are packed in a protective container, which helps prevent an explosion inside the hull or turret of the Merkava-4 tank.

The fire control system boasts the ability to automatically track a target. This includes improved television as well as thermal imaging channels. The crew commander and gunner have independent stabilizing sights.

Engine and transmission

Now a few words about the engine installed on the Israeli Merkava-4 tank. The characteristics of the power plant used here differ significantly from the engines of other such machines. Engine power is 1500 horsepower. The designers have improved the mass and dimensions of the unit, power parameters, as well as fuel efficiency. The developers have improved the turbocharging system and increased the intensity of oil and liquid cooling of the pistons. The power supply system uses individual fuel pumps with controlled fuel supply. The motor operates smoothly under any roll conditions. This was achieved largely due to the use of a new design oil pan and an additional flat oil tank in the car. The engine is controlled by a computer, which provides the driver with all the necessary information through the monitor. It is impossible not to note the five-speed automatic, hydromechanical transmission of the model with a hydrostatic rotary mechanism. It is supplied by the German company Renk.

Active protection

Israeli engineers consider their real pride to be the active protection system of the Merkava-4 tank, the characteristics of which many world experts, after the appearance of the model, called a revolution in the protection of armored vehicles. This is not surprising, since the vehicle is capable of detecting, tracking and destroying most modern anti-tank missiles at a considerable distance without causing any damage to itself. This system is produced by two Israeli companies and is called “Trophy”. To be fair, it should be noted that something similar was used in Soviet tanks in the 1980s. Some sources claim that Trophy is an improved version of those systems.

Other characteristics and systems

The weight of the Merkava-4 model is 65 tons. The dimensions of the machine in length, width and height are respectively 7970x3720x2660 mm. The crew consists of four people. The tank is capable of reaching a speed of 65 km/h, and a full tank will last it about 500 kilometers.

To prevent the crew commander from being defeated during combat operations, the developers have provided a special turret for him inside. Four video cameras are installed on the body, which display images on the driver’s screen, thereby helping him in driving. Excellent visibility is ensured both in daylight and in the dark. The Merkava-4 tank, among other things, is equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system. The turret is equipped with chains with balls, which serve as protection for its lower part from RPG grenades. In order to make it easier for the driver to maneuver in narrow places, marker pins are mounted on the body.

Completion

Models from the Merkava series performed excellently during Israel’s combat operation in Lebanon. Then only five tanks were irretrievably lost, and almost all of the damaged vehicles returned to service after repairs. This is further proof of their high efficiency. The latest generation of the model is able to cope perfectly with the missile threat. In conclusion, one cannot help but focus on the fact that the concept of round-the-clock use of the tank is embodied here, for which space is provided to accommodate two crews, one of which can rest while the other works.

Israel's Fist of Steel
Israel is rightfully considered a great tank power: the IDF tank fleet is one of the largest in the world - it is armed with from 4 to 5 thousand tanks, the Merkava tank, built at Israeli tank factories, is, according to many experts, the best main battle tank in the world, Israeli tank crews have invaluable combat experience gained in numerous wars and armed conflicts. The Israeli combat example had a significant impact on the development of strategy and tactics of armored forces

Israeli Merkava Mk1 tanks are fighting in the city. Beirut, 1982

All rights belong to Alexander Shulman (c) 2003-2009
2003-2009 by Alexander Shulman. All rights reserved
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Alexander SHULMAN
Israel's Fist of Steel

Israel is rightfully considered a great tank power: the IDF tank fleet is one of the largest in the world - it is armed with from 4 to 5 thousand tanks, the Merkava tank, built at Israeli tank factories, is, according to many experts, the best main battle tank in the world, Israeli tank crews have invaluable combat experience gained in numerous wars and armed conflicts.

The Israeli combat example had a significant impact on the development of strategy and tactics of armored forces: Israeli tank generals Israel Tal and Moshe Peled are presented in the Hall of Great Tank Commanders at the General Patton Tank Forces Center, along with German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and American General George Patton .

Emblem of the Israeli Armored Forces (Heil HaShiryon) Creation of tank forces

Israeli tank forces, the main striking force of the IDF ground forces, were born in the battles of the War of Independence. In February 1948, the Armored Service was created under the command of Yitzhak Sadeh, but the tanks themselves did not yet exist - the main tank manufacturers - the USA, Great Britain and France - introduced a ban on the sale of weapons to the Jewish state.

Already during the battles of the War of Independence, it was possible to acquire 10 Hotchkiss N-39 tanks, which, together with the Sherman M4 tank and two Cromwell tanks stolen from the British, entered service with the first tank unit - the 82nd Tank Battalion. The battalion commander was former Polish Army major Felix Beatus, who served from Stalingrad to Berlin. The battalion's crews included tank crews - Jewish volunteers from around the world who fought against the Nazis in the ranks of the British Army and the Polish Army.

Israeli tank Sherman M4. War of Independence. 1948

Among them were several former Red Army tank officers. They were called "suicide bombers" - they deserted the Soviet occupation forces in Germany and reached Eretz Israel by different routes. In the USSR they were sentenced to death in absentia for “treason to the Motherland.” They went through mortal danger to fight for the Jewish state.

By mid-1948, the 7th and 8th tank brigades were formed and took part in battles with the Arab aggressors.

Israeli tank general Moshe Peled. Portrait from the gallery of "Great Tank Commanders" in

In those years, the doctrine of tank warfare began to take shape, adopted by the IDF. It is based on the following principles:
The first is Totality Tank. This means that tank formations, due to mobility, armor and firepower, are capable of independently solving the main tasks of a land war.
The second is “Bronefist” as the main tank maneuver,” which consists of introducing large tank forces into the breakthrough, capable of conducting an attack on high speed, destroying enemy forces along the way.
The main combat unit of the Israeli armored forces is the tank brigade. During the fighting from tank brigades Tank divisions and corps are formed.

Israeli tank general Israel Tal. Portrait from the gallery of "Great Tank Commanders" in
General Patton US Tank Forces Center

Analysis of tank battles showed a high percentage of losses among tank commanders. This is due to the requirements of a unique code of commander’s honor adopted in the Israeli army:
“Follow me!” - the main command in the IDF, the commander is obliged to lead his subordinates by personal example.
Tanks go into battle with open hatches - the commander, standing in the tank turret with the hatch folded back, controls the actions of the crew. This significantly expands visibility and allows you to fight with your eyes open, but the commander becomes a prime target for enemy fire.

Formation of tank forces

The first battle test of this doctrine took place during Operation Kadesh in 1956. In three days, the 7th and 27th tank brigades, interacting with infantry and parachute units, broke through the enemy’s defenses and, having passed through the Sinai Desert, reached the Suez Canal. During the fighting, up to 600 units of enemy armored vehicles were destroyed or captured, Israeli losses amounted to 30 tanks and armored personnel carriers.

Israeli tanks AMX-13. Operation Kadesh 1956

The IDF tank fleet began to be replenished with modern military equipment. During the battles, the AMX-13 tanks purchased in France performed well - the first modern tanks to enter service with the IDF. In total, about 200 of these tanks entered service with the IDF.
In the early 60s, hundreds of Super-Sherman M-50 and M-51 tanks entered service with the IDF.

Israeli Super Sherman tanks

In the early 1960s, the United States finally agreed to sell M48 tanks, called Magah in Israel. However, the Americans tried to hide this deal from their Arab friends. Therefore, a deal was concluded between Germany and the United States, and Israel formally purchased these tanks from Germany. In total, as part of this deal, more than 200 M48 tanks entered service with the IDF.

Israeli tanks Magah M48.

Around the same time, several hundred British Centurion tanks entered service with the armored forces, which in Israel received the name Shot (translated from Hebrew as “whip”)

Israeli tank Shot Centurion.

With this updated tank fleet, Israel had to fight fierce tank battles V
Six Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973.

In 1964, General Israel Tal became commander-in-chief of the tank forces. This most experienced tanker, based on combat experience, developed completely new tactical techniques for conducting tank warfare. These include sniper fire turret guns tanks for long and ultra-long distances - up to 5-6 kilometers and even 10-11 kilometers. This immediately gave noticeable advantages in battle.

New tactics were tested in battle during the “Battle for Water” in 1964-1966. Then Syria tried to divert the water of the Jordan River, and thereby deprive Israel water resources. The Syrians began to build a diversion canal, which Israel could not allow.
It was decided to use tank gun fire to destroy the enemy’s earth-moving equipment, tanks and artillery batteries covering the construction.

For this purpose, the Israeli command equipped the Sherman and Centurion tank units with trained crews, with General Tal personally taking the place of the gunner in one of the tanks, and the loader - the commander of the 7th Tank Brigade, Colonel Shlomo Lahat

The Israelis sent a tractor into the no man's land as bait. The Syrians immediately bought into the ruse and opened fire. The targets were immediately detected. Sniper fire from Israeli tank crews destroyed all selected targets at a distance of up to 6 kilometers, and then tank fire was transferred to targets located at a distance of 11 kilometers.

Such tank fire strikes were carried out many times throughout the year. The Syrians suffered heavy losses and were forced to completely abandon their plans to divert the water.

Six Day War. 1967
The Six-Day War of 1967 was a true triumph for Israeli tank forces. For the first time, Israeli tank formations operated simultaneously on three fronts. They were opposed by many times superior forces of five Arab states, but this did not save the Arabs from total defeat.


Six Day War 1967 Israeli tank crews

On the southern front, the attack was carried out by the forces of three tank divisions of generals Tal, Sharon and Joffe. IN offensive operation, called the “March through Sinai,” Israeli tank formations, interacting with aviation, motorized infantry and paratroopers, made a lightning-fast breakthrough of the enemy’s defenses and moved through the desert, destroying the encircled Arab groups. On the northern front, General Peled's 36th Tank Division advanced along impassable mountain paths, and after three days of fierce fighting reached the outskirts of Damascus. On the eastern front, Israeli troops drove Jordanian units out of Jerusalem and liberated ancient Jewish shrines from foreign invaders.

During the fighting, more than 1,200 enemy tanks were destroyed and thousands of armored vehicles, mostly Russian-made, were captured. Captured Russian T-54/55 tanks underwent major modernization at Israeli tank factories and entered service with the tank forces under the name "Tiran-4/5".

Captured Russian armored vehicles captured in the Six-Day War, at a parade in Jerusalem.

On September 9, 1969, an armored group consisting of 6 captured Russian T-55 tanks and three BTR-50 armored personnel carriers captured in the Six-Day War was secretly transported on landing ships to the Egyptian shore of the Suez Canal. The main goal was the destruction of the Russian air defense system, which was interfering with the actions of Israeli aviation. During this brilliantly conceived and executed operation, called Raviv, Israeli tank crews for 9 hours walked through the enemy’s rear with a fiery wave, mercilessly destroying radar stations and positions missile forces and artillery, headquarters, warehouses and army bases. Having successfully completed the raid without losses, the Israeli armored group returned safely to its base on landing ships.

Yom Kippur War. 1973

The most ordeal for Israel was the Yom Kippur War, which began on October 6, 1973, on the day of one of the most important Jewish holidays, when most military personnel were on leave. Israel was suddenly attacked on all fronts by vastly superior aggressor forces, including the armies of Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Morocco, Jordan, Libya, Algeria, Lebanon, Sudan, thousands of Russian “military advisers,” Cuban and North Korean “volunteers.” One of the largest tank battles in the world unfolded in the vastness from Sinai to the Golan Heights. military history- Up to six thousand tanks took part in it on both sides.

A particularly dangerous situation arose in the Golan Heights - there, only 200 tanks of the 7th and 188th tank brigades confronted almost 1,400 Syrian tanks on a 40-kilometer stretch. Israeli tank crews fought to the death, demonstrating mass heroism.

The names of the tank heroes who stopped the enemy went down in the history of Israel. Among them are platoon commander Lieutenant Zvi Gringold, company commander Captain Meir Zamir, nicknamed “Tiger,” and battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Kahalani.

Lieutenant (already a captain in the photo) Zvi Gringold is a tanker who accomplished an unprecedented feat: during a battle that lasted about a day, he destroyed up to 60 Russian tanks

The tankers fought until the last shell; from the tankers who survived the battle, who had just left the burning tanks, new crews were immediately formed, which again went into battle on repaired combat vehicles. Lieutenant Gringold went into battle three times in new vehicles. Being shell-shocked and wounded, he did not leave the battlefield and destroyed up to 60 Russian tanks. The Israeli tankers survived and won; the 210th Tank Division, under the command of General Dan Laner, arrived in time and completed the defeat of the enemy.

Israeli Centurion tanks. Yom Kippur War 1973 Sinai desert

Israeli Centurion tank. Yom Kippur War 1973. Golan Heights

During the fighting, the Iraqi tank corps, which was sent to help the Syrians, was also destroyed. Israeli troops launched a counteroffensive and on October 14 were already in the suburbs of Damascus.

Destroyed and captured Russian armored vehicles - T-62 tanks. October 1973 Golan Heights

An equally fierce tank battle took place in the sands of Sinai, where the Arabs initially managed to push back units of General Mendler’s 252nd Panzer Division. General Mendler died in battle, but stopped the enemy's further advance. On October 7, the 162nd Panzer Division under the command of General Bren and the 143rd Panzer Division under the command of General Ariel Sharon entered the battle. During heavy tank battles, the main Arab forces were destroyed.

Commander of the 162nd Tank Division, General Abraham Adan (Bren)

On October 14, the largest counter battle of tank formations since World War II took place, “tanks against tanks,” in which 260 enemy tanks were destroyed. Israeli tank crews lost 20 of their combat vehicles.

On October 16, Israeli tank forces launched a counteroffensive. General Sharon's tankers broke through the front, established a pontoon crossing across the Suez Canal, and Israeli tanks poured onto the African coast. In the ensuing battles, the Egyptian army was surrounded, all its reserves were destroyed, and a direct road was opened for an attack on Cairo.

Video of the 14th Tank Brigade fighting during the Yom Kippur War in Sinai

War of Yom Kippur. October 1973

During the fierce tank battles of the Yom Kippur War, Israeli tank forces again proved their superiority: more than 2,500 enemy tanks (T-62, T-55, T-54) and thousands of other armored vehicles were destroyed in the battles. However, a high price had to be paid for the victory - more than a thousand Israeli tank crews who heroically fought died in the battles.

Tank Merkava

One of the results of past wars was the creation of our own tank, in which the requirements of Israeli tank crews for a combat vehicle were most fully realized and their combat experience was taken into account. Another reason that prompted the creation of the Israeli tank was the embargo on the supply of military equipment, imposed by foreign manufacturers every time wars began. This situation was intolerable, since there was always a continuous flow of Russian weapons coming to the Arabs.

The Israeli tank project was headed by General Israel Tal, a combat tank officer who had gone through all the wars. Under his leadership, in just a few years, the project of the first Israeli tank, Merkava-1, was created, which already in 1976 was put into mass production at Israeli tank factories. The history of world tank building has never seen such a rate of creation of a tank industry.

The commander of the parachute brigade, Colonel Rafael Eitan, and the commander of the tank division, General Israel Tal. 1967 Six Day War

General Tal gave the new tank the name “Merkava”, which means “war chariot” in Hebrew. This word comes from the TANAKH; it is mentioned in the first chapter of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel as a symbol of movement, power and a stable foundation.

First generation tank Merkava Mk1


Second generation tank Merkava Mk2


Third generation tank Merkava Mk3


Fourth generation tank Merkava Mk4

The first Merkava tanks were equipped with a tank battalion commanded by the son of General Tal. The Merkava tank is recognized as the world's best tank for the Middle Eastern theater of operations. The fourth generation of Merkava tanks is now being produced, and the Israeli tank industry has become one of the largest in the world - tens of thousands of engineers and workers work at more than 200 enterprises.

War in Lebanon. 1982

“Shlom HaGalil” (Peace to Galilee) - this is how the IDF General Staff called the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, which began on June 6, 1982. in response to attacks by Palestinian terrorists operating from Lebanese territory.

On the Lebanese border, Israel concentrated 11 divisions, united into three army corps. Each corps was assigned its own area of ​​responsibility or direction: the Western direction was commanded by Lieutenant General Yekutiel Adam, the Central direction - by Lieutenant General Uri Simhoni, and the Eastern direction - by Lieutenant General Janusz Ben-Gal. In addition, two divisions under the command of Lieutenant General Moshe Bar Kokhb were deployed to the Golan Heights, in the immediate vicinity of Damascus. The armored divisions included 1,200 tanks. The overall command of the operation was entrusted to the Chief of the General Staff, Colonel General R. Eitan and the commander of the Northern Military District, Lieutenant General A. Drori.

Tank divisions advanced in the coastal direction and already on June 10 entered the suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut. Beirut was later completely captured by Israeli troops. During the offensive, the largest amphibious landing operation was carried out, when tank and motorized infantry units were landed behind enemy lines from the landing ships of the Israeli Navy.

Particularly fierce fighting took place in the eastern direction, where the target of the offensive was the strategically important Beirut-Damascus highway. Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli tanks were stopped about 30 kilometers from the Syrian capital Damascus.

Israeli tanks and infantry are engaged in street fighting in Beirut. 1982 Operation in Lebanon. 2006

During the operation in Lebanon in July-August 2006. The IDF was practicing completely new methods of warfare against terrorist groups.

Terrorist organization Hezbollah created a deeply echeloned system of fortified areas in southern Lebanon, which included many camouflaged underground bunkers connected by tens of kilometers of tunnels. According to their plans, the weapons and equipment accumulated by the militants should have been enough for a multi-month defense, during which they expected to inflict heavy losses on the Israeli army.

The terrorists paid special attention to anti-tank warfare - they carried out continuous mining in tank-hazardous areas, including planting dozens of landmines with hundreds of kilograms of TNT in each. The terrorists were armed with the most modern Russian anti-tank weapons: ATGMs “Malyutka”, “Fagot”, “Konkurs”, “Metis-M”, “Kornet-E”, as well as RPG-7 and RPG-29 “Vampire” grenade launchers.

Despite such impressive training of the militants, the IDF successfully completed all assigned tasks with minimal losses and completely eliminated the terrorist presence in the border areas.

According to Israeli data, during the battles the militants carried out hundreds of launches of anti-tank missiles, but their effectiveness was quite low: there were only 22 cases of penetration of tank armor; damaged tanks returned to service after repairs during the battles in Lebanon. Irreversible losses amounted to only 5 tanks, two of which were blown up by landmines. During the fighting, 30 Israeli tank crews were killed.

Israeli Armored Forces

All military experts note the high survivability of Israeli tanks, especially the most modern Merkava 4 tank.
The experience of battles in Lebanon has shown that despite the minimal losses of armored vehicles during battles, the solution to the problem of survivability of the main battle tank and its crew on a battlefield saturated with anti-tank weapons is the use of high-tech active defense means that ensure a change in trajectory or destruction of all types of incoming cumulative ammunition.

In Israel, the development of active protection equipment for armored vehicles is carried out by the military-industrial concern RAFAEL; among the numerous projects, the Iron Fist and Trophy active protection systems should be noted. Israel is leading in this direction - the Trophy active protection system was the first in the world to be installed on mass-produced Merkava Mk4 tanks.

Israeli tank forces have gone through a glorious battle path and are rightfully considered one of the strongest in the world - according to open data, it is known that the IDF now has up to 5,000 tanks in service. This is more than, for example, countries such as the UK, France and Germany. But the main strength of the Israeli tank forces lies in people whose invaluable combat experience and courage are the guarantor of Israel's security.
Alex Shulman ( shaon )

The Israelis consider their country a great tank power, and see the Merkava tank, built in their own tank factories, as the best main battle tank in the world. Both statements have a basis - indeed, the tank fleet of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF, in Hebrew - “Zva Hagana Le-Israel”, abbreviated as IDF), the most combat-ready and effective army in the Middle East, numbers up to 3 thousand tanks, and was specially designed For the Middle Eastern theater of operations, the Merkava tank remains one of the most advanced tanks currently in operation.

It is interesting that the British contributed greatly to the early appearance of the Merkava tank. “The Englishwoman is shitting” - the winged words attributed to the famous Russian commander Alexander Suvorov and used to define various “intrigues” of Great Britain, are quite consistent with this case. But more on that below.

It must be said that Israeli tank forces did not always have equipment stationed on cutting edge technical development. Throughout much of its history Israeli forces defense had to make do with tank “second-hand” - cast-offs from the armies of other countries. So, in the 1950s. The basis of the IDF tank fleet was made up of hopelessly outdated World War II veterans - medium American Sherman tanks, although there were also a number of more modern French AMX-13 light tanks.

The second prototype of the Merkava tank in the museum in Latrun

It must be said that most Israeli Shermans were bought at the price of scrap metal (which, in fact, they were at that time), and after delivery to Israel they had to be literally restored from scratch. At the same time, significantly more modern armored vehicles, mostly Soviet-made, entered service with Israel's Arab opponents. Under these conditions, the Israeli military was forced to become specialists in modernizing their combat vehicles and adapting them to local conditions.

For example, by the mid-1960s. The IDF artillery depots carried out a deep modernization of Sherman tanks. These old guys received a new engine (Cummings 460 hp diesel) and suspension, but most importantly, a modified version of the powerful French 105-mm tank gun CN 105 Fl (developed for the French AMX-30 tank). This weapon gave Israeli tanks a real chance to successfully fight even with the new Soviet T-55 tanks that entered service with the Egyptian and Syrian armies.

Emblem of the Israeli Armored Forces

However, there were limits beyond which obsolete tanks could no longer be effectively modernized. The IDF desperately needed more modern armored vehicles. In the early 1960s. the possibility was considered of establishing the production of the hull and turret of a tank of our own design in Israel itself, and purchasing the remaining components necessary for assembly abroad. However, at that time the proposal was considered too ambitious and expensive. Moreover, the “suppliers” managed to obtain for the IDF several hundred relatively modern American M48 tanks, as well as older, but reliable British Centurions.

French light tank AMX-13

Taking this into account, Israel, having abandoned the idea of ​​​​producing its own tank for now, began searching suitable car, which could be produced under license. Some sources claim that the first candidate for such licensed production was the French AMX-30 tank. Indeed, the Israelis had extensive military contracts with France, and General Israel Tal, then commander of the IDF tank forces, visited France to familiarize himself with the new AMX-30. However, there were no preliminary discussions with France about joint production of the AMX-30, and the IDF never intended to acquire it.

British Centurion modernized in Israel - in this case it is Shot Kal Alef

In reality, the main efforts were focused on negotiations with the UK to acquire a license to manufacture the newest British tank, the Chieftain. At the beginning of 1966, a preliminary agreement was reached - the British were ready to establish joint production of the tank, provided that the IDF continued to purchase outdated and no longer needed Centurions from the arsenals of the British Army. Israel was ready to do this.

M51 - a deep modernization of the Sherman tank, equipped with a French 105-mm tank gun CN 105 Fl

In November 1966, two Israeli delegations already worked in Great Britain - tank forces and weapons, whose task was to comprehensively study the Chieftain. Early next year 1967 two British tank were delivered to Israel, where they were subjected to extensive testing. Having driven these “Chieftains” until their service life was completely exhausted, they were sent back, receiving two new tanks in return. In total, the tests lasted two and a half years, and based on their results, the IDF put forward its proposals for changing the design of the tank, which would make it more suitable for local conditions.

American M48 tank, modernized in Israel (“Magach 3”) with a 105 mm cannon

In October 1968, the Israeli government officially approached Great Britain with a proposal to purchase the Chieftain tank. However, not everything was so simple. After the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, Israel came under international sanctions, which included an arms embargo. Against this background, a struggle between supporters and opponents of the sale of tanks to Israel unfolded in the British government. The military, represented by the Ministry of Defense, were naturally for it, while the diplomats, represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were against it. In the end, in December 1969, the politicians won, and Great Britain officially refused to Israel - “the Englishwoman messed up.” That same month, two Chieftain tanks, still undergoing testing in Israel, were sent back.

Tank "Chieftain"

The Merkava development team (General Tal on the far right) during testing

Diagram of the design of the Merkava Mk 1 tank. A front-engine layout was chosen for the tank. The main part of the ammunition was stored in the aft compartment

Under the circumstances, Israel had no choice but to return to the idea of ​​producing its own tank. Although this was associated with large financial costs and technical risks, it promised independence from external arms supplies. Already on June 6, 1970, the results of an economic study on the feasibility of developing and producing its own tank were sent to the Israeli Ministries of Defense and Finance. And after just a month and a half, without the usual delays, the Israeli tank program was given the go-ahead.

The program was called the “Merkava Program” (“Tokhnit Merkava”), and later the tank itself began to be called “Merkava”. The word “Merkava” has been translated into Russian in different ways. For example, some sources used the phrase “war chariot” or “divine chariot.” However, in Hebrew, "Merkavah" simply means "chariot", and not a "war chariot", but rather a "carriage" used by egyptian pharaoh, but not God. The tank was also called "Chariot", which is due to the effect of double translation - Chariot to English means "chariot". In addition, it can be mentioned that in the 1970s. There was a version that the new tank being developed in Israel would be called “Sabra”. Even when it became known that the name of the new tank was Merkava, some sources claimed that two tanks were being developed in parallel in Israel - the 60-ton Merkava and the 40-ton Sabra.

General Israel Tal was appointed head of the Merkava program, who headed the project until the entry into service of the latest (and, according to recent reports, possibly the last) modification of the tank, the Merkava Mk4. It was Tal, an outstanding tank commander and talented self-taught engineer, who owed the Merkava its most innovative features, in particular its unusual configuration.

The design of the new tank was undertaken by specialists from the research center at the state association IMI (Israel Military Industry). Colonel Israel Tilan was appointed chief engineer of the project, who held this post until 1975. Despite the fact that initially only 35 people took part in the work, the design was carried out at a very high pace. All bureaucratic delays were reduced to a minimum, largely thanks to the authority of Tal himself and the close cooperation of the military and designers.

When shaping the appearance of the future tank, General Tal insisted that it must provide an unprecedented level of crew protection. Israel's population is not that large, so the society is extremely sensitive to losses on the battlefield. In addition, the IDF realized that while damaged tanks can be repaired fairly quickly, it takes much more time to provide them with new trained crews. Quite naturally, the protection of the crew was given top priority.

As part of the program, a thorough study of armored vehicles damaged during battles (both our own and the enemy's) was undertaken. The type of shell that hit the tank, the location of impact and the damage caused were determined. As a result, it was determined that most often tanks were hit in the frontal area, within a sector of 60°. Of these hits, about 45% were on the turret. In general, this information was not something unexpected; even during the Second World War, when studying combat damage received by Soviet tanks during the Battle of Kursk, it was found that not all parts of the turret and hull of tanks were hit with the same degree of probability. It was the frontal elements that were hit en masse, with the largest number of hits in the turret. By the way, on the basis of these statistics, the differential armor of the Soviet IS-3 heavy tank was developed.

Tank shells. From left to right - high-explosive, cumulative, sub-caliber

As for the shells themselves, the Arab side widely used various cumulative ammunition (tank gun shells, ATGMs, RPG grenades). Their warhead was a thin-walled conical funnel (usually made of copper), pressed into a mass of explosive material (EV) and facing the blunt end forward. When the explosive detonated, the metal of the funnel collapsed and was stretched along its axis in the form of a cumulative jet. Such a jet of metal with a diameter of 3–4 mm acquired a speed of up to 10 km/s and exerted pressure on the tank’s armor of about 1 million atmospheres. As a result, a hole was formed in the armor with edges that had a melted appearance (at one time this was what led to the incorrect definition of cumulative shells as armor-burning).

But even after overcoming the armored barrier, the residual elements of the cumulative jet retained enough energy to cause destruction of equipment, detonation of ammunition, or injury to people in the armored space. Mortal danger The recently introduced armor-piercing sub-caliber finned projectiles (BPS) were also represented. Their long, arrow-shaped core, made of heavy metals (tungsten, depleted uranium), leaving the barrel of a tank gun at a speed of up to 1800 m/s, pierced armor due to enormous kinetic energy.

Protection scheme for the front part of the case. In the Merkava, diesel fuel was placed between the armor plates of the hull. Such tanks integrated into the armor protection, with a fuel layer thickness of 7 cm, when hit by a cumulative projectile, were equivalent to 1 cm of rolled armor

The use of new ammunition led to a situation where “the projectile defeated the armor.” The armor penetration of cumulative and sub-caliber projectiles exceeded the thickness of the armor protection made from homogeneous rolled armor of most tanks, and further increase in the thickness of the armor was impossible for practical reasons related to its weight and volume. Consequently, it was necessary either to use new materials to protect tanks that would be more effective than homogeneous rolled armor, or to look for new ways to organize protection.

In response to this challenge, “combined armor” was developed in the West and in the USSR, consisting of alternating layers of various materials (steel, ceramics), which provided good protection against cumulative ammunition, but did not completely protect against BPS. Unfortunately, at the time of designing the Merkava tank, the secret of such armor was not available to Israeli developers, and they had to look for other ways to provide reliable protection.

Special fire-fighting stowage for shots in the rear of the Merkava (view from the turret)

Layout of the crew and landing force

The Merkava turret was wedge-shaped in the front part and had a minimum height and cross-section

Wooden model of the Merkava, stored in the Batey HaOsef Museum (view from the stern, the turret turned backwards)

The design of the Merkava placed emphasis on shielding the habitable compartment, rather than the overall level of protection of the tank itself. In essence, all major components and assemblies, such as transmission, suspension, fuel tanks, batteries, were designed and located to provide additional protection for the fighting compartment. Together, all these components formed an additional protective shell integrated into the design of the tank - they had to “sacrifice themselves”, preventing the projectile from penetrating into the habitable compartment.

Thus, in the Merkava, the engine and transmission were placed at the front (as opposed to the classic tank layout - with the engine at the rear and the fighting compartment at the front) so that it would make an additional contribution to protection if the thick frontal armor was nevertheless penetrated by a shell. As a result of being hit by a projectile, the Merkava will most likely lose mobility, but the tank’s crew will avoid injury or injury.

View of the fighting compartment through the open aft hatch (levers for opening its doors are visible on the sides)

Thanks to the fact that the engine was located in front, it was possible to organize a rectangular hatch in the rear of the hull with two doors that fold up and down. The hatch provides the crew with a more convenient exit from the vehicle, and also makes it easier to rescue wounded crew members - evacuating them through the rear door is a much simpler task than pulling them up through narrow round hatches, as on other tanks.

The Merkava's massive spring suspension blocks provided additional protection for the crew compartment

The selected layout made it possible to significantly increase the usable volume in the rear part of the hull, which was used for storing ammunition. The Merkava has a significantly larger tank than is generally accepted, and it is easier to replenish it (through the large rear hatch). If necessary, shells and equipment from the rear of the tank can be removed. The vacated space is used to evacuate injured crews of destroyed tanks or even to transport an infantry assault team of four or five people in conditions of intense enemy fire. Thus, the Merkava is theoretically capable of performing the functions of not only a tank, but also highly protected armored personnel carriers/infantry fighting vehicles.

The Merkava gunner's position, the sight and elements of the fire control system are visible

Of course, the unconventional layout of the Merkava also had its drawbacks. The distribution of the weight of the units with this arrangement required making the tank hull extremely rigid, and this made the vehicle heavier. In addition, due to the forward position of the power plant, the tank's gun had to be moved to the stern, as a result, the forward angle of the Merkava's gun was only -8.5° (for typical Western tanks about -10°). Considering that the favorite positions of IDF tankers were on the slopes of hills, this limited the possibilities of firing. Accurate aiming was also complicated by the haze of heated air rising above the running engine. Thermal radiation from it also facilitated the detection and capture of the tank by the infrared homing heads of the ATGM.

New developments in the organization of the Merkava’s protection were not limited to the use of various units in a wooden mock-up of the Merkava’s upper frontal part mounted on a jeep with surveillance devices. A prototype with a wooden mock-up of the original turret installed as an additional shield. Experiments carried out by the developers have shown that with appropriate design, even fuel tanks cease to be just a potential source of fire hazard that needs protection, but themselves begin to contribute to protection.

In the Merkava, diesel fuel was placed between the armor plates of the sides and bottom of the hull. For example, the V-shaped bottom of the hull (this shape was chosen to reduce the effectiveness of anti-tank mines) was made of outer and inner armor plates, with fuel poured into the space between them. Such tanks integrated into the armor protection, with a fuel layer thickness of 7 cm, when hit by a cumulative projectile, were equivalent to 1 cm of rolled armor, however, such fuel elements were less effective against sub-caliber projectiles.

To reduce the likelihood of ammunition detonation, the shots for the gun were not placed in the turret, but were lowered below its shoulder strap, into the hull. In addition, the shots were placed in special lockable fireproof stowages (six stowages contained two shots each and eleven – four). Only six first-stage shots were close to the loader. Thus, the standard ammunition of the Merkava was 62 rounds, but, as already mentioned, it could be increased to 85 rounds by using the aft compartment in the area of ​​the evacuation hatch.

Wooden model of the future Merkava, on which designers checked the layout of units and components

A running mock-up on the extended Centurion hull, on which engine placement, integration of main systems, etc. were tested.

Prototype with installed wooden model of the original tower

The first Merkava prototype (Ts-820001, or simply “0001”) left the assembly shop without waiting for its original turret. To compensate for weight, a turret from an M48 tank was installed on it.

One of the first Merkava prototypes undergoing testing. The spring suspension with the large dynamic stroke of the roller is clearly visible.

Tiny Israel is rightfully considered the third (after the Reich and the USSR) great tank power, which is not surprising: the Israelis are the most fought tankers of the second half of the 20th century, the grandiose tank battles of the Six Day War and the Yom Kippur War are not inferior in scope, intensity and dynamism to the battles of the Second World War, and it’s not for nothing that the legendary Merkava is called one of the best modern tanks(if not the best), which has proven its highest effectiveness both in war and during anti-terrorist operations. A new book by a leading armor historian pays tribute to the Jewish "chariots" (that's how the word "merkavah" is translated from Hebrew), restoring the true history of the combat use of ALL types of Israeli tanks in ALL Arab-Israeli wars and refuting the many myths and fables generated by the secrecy regime, with in which everything is in order in the Holy Land - the USSR is resting! This book is a veritable encyclopedia of Israeli tank power, illustrated with hundreds of exclusive drawings and photographs.

• Israel Defense Forces tanks

* * *

The given introductory fragment of the book Israeli tanks in battle (M. B. Baryatinsky, 2012) provided by our book partner - the company liters.

Dedicated to my untimely departed mother

Israel Defense Forces tanks

The first IDF tanks

The deployment of IDF armored forces began during the War of Independence of 1947–1949. The event that became the starting point of this war was the vote of the UN General Assembly on November 29, 1947 on the issue of the division of Palestine, which was under British rule after the First World War. At 5:31 p.m. New York time, the decision was passed by a majority of 33 votes to 13, with 10 abstentions.

In anticipation of the UN decision on the Palestinian issue, a delegation of the Yishuv (the Jewish population of Palestine) met with the leadership of the League of Arab States (LAS) to try to work out a compromise solution on the division of spheres of influence in Palestine. This attempt was met with refusal. The Chairman of the Arab League, the Egyptian diplomat Azzam Pasha, made it clear to the Jewish envoys that there would be no peaceful division of Palestine and they would have to defend their right to any part of its territory with arms in hand.

According to resolution No. 181 of the UN General Assembly of November 29, 1947 on the division of Palestine, two independent states- Jewish and Arab, as well as Greater Jerusalem - a territory controlled by the UN. Each state was to consist of three territories bordering each other only at corners. The Jews agreed to the partition, but the Arabs refused to recognize it and demanded the creation of a single state entity in Palestine. The very next day after the vote, November 30, Arabs fired at a bus carrying Jews heading from Netanya to Tel Aviv, killing five and wounding seven. The war has begun.

At the first stage of the war, from November 29, 1947 to May 15, 1948, low-intensity armed clashes that had occurred since the mid-1930s escalated into full-scale fighting in almost all areas of contact between Jews and Arabs. This stage of the war was characterized by confrontation between Jewish and Arab irregular forces. British troops were preparing for the upcoming evacuation and showed little interest in what was happening. Jewish and Arab paramilitary forces sought to maximize the seizure of territory and control over communications, occupying key points immediately after the departure of British troops.

On May 14, 1948, the independence of the State of Israel was proclaimed, and on the night of May 15, troops of five Arab states invaded Palestine. However, describing the events of the Revolutionary War is not the purpose of this book. We are, in fact, interested in tanks.

Light tank H39 "Hotchkiss" on display at the Israeli Tank Museum in Latrun. Judging by the shape of the commander's cupola, this vehicle was in the hands of the Germans during World War II

The “Russian” company of the 82nd Tank Battalion of the Israel Defense Forces is in service. 1948 The vehicle with the number "612" has a French-style commander's cupola. Soviet-style tank helmets are noteworthy. Such Czechoslovak-made helmets were used by the IDF until the end of the 1950s

So, the first tanks were captured by detachments of the Jewish paramilitary organization Haganah on May 20, 1948. These were 2-3 Syrian R35 light tanks. On May 31, 1948, the Haganah was transformed into the IDF - regular Army Israel Defense Forces (IDF). In June, it formed the 82nd Tank Battalion, which became the IDF's only tank unit during the War of Independence. It received 10 Hotchkiss H39 tanks, purchased from France in March and arriving in Israel in June 1948. However technical condition these machines left much to be desired, and already in October 1948 it was decided to withdraw them from combat personnel. Instead, 30 medium Sherman tanks without weapons were purchased from a landfill in Italy at the price of scrap metal. However, we will talk about the Shermans separately.

In addition to the Hotchkisses, the 82nd battalion also had two Cromwell tanks (according to various sources, modifications Mk III or Mk IV), stolen from a British military base near the city of Haifa on the night of June 30, 1948.

"Cromwell" and "Sherman" from the "English" company of the 82nd tank battalion

In December 1948 - January 1949, during battles with Egyptian troops, nine M22 Locust tanks were shot down and captured, three of which entered service with the 82nd battalion. True, this happened after the end of the war. As of March 1, 1949, one tank of this type was listed as serviceable, and two were under repair.

All of the above tanks did not receive any special designations in Israel, but were simply called “Renault”, “Hotchkiss”, “Cromwell” and “Locast”, without specifying models or modifications. All these combat vehicles were withdrawn from service in 1952.

It should be noted that other types of tanks are also mentioned in connection with the Revolutionary War. For example, in 1948, several English-made Mk VI light tanks were captured from Egyptian troops, but they were not accepted for service. In July 1950, one Valentine tank was under repair. Its origin is unknown, but it may have been discovered in a scrap metal dump at one of the abandoned British military bases. It was also not accepted for service.

Israeli soldiers inspect a captured Syrian Renault R35 tank. 1948

In March - April 1948, 35 (according to other sources - 38) M5A1 Stuart light tanks were purchased in the United States. However, in July 1948 they were confiscated by the FBI and did not arrive in Israel. During 1948, negotiations were conducted with Czechoslovakia on the purchase of 32 light tanks of two types, referred to in documents as “9-ton” and “16-ton”. We were talking about Pz.38(t) tanks and Hetzer tank destroyers, or more precisely, LT-38/37 and ST-1. The deal did not take place because the parties did not agree on the price.

"Sherman" and AMX-13

The first Sherman tank was handed over to representatives of the Haganah organization on May 14, 1948. This was done by British soldiers who sympathized with Jews and were engaged in the destruction of armored vehicles that could not be removed from Palestine. It was an M4A2 modification vehicle with a faulty cannon and a chassis in need of repair. Until June 3, 1948, this tank was listed as out of order and did not participate in hostilities. The second M4A2 tank was discovered at a scrap metal dump in the summer of 1948 and repaired by October.

"Sherman" M4A2 from the 7th Tank Brigade of the IDF at the parade in Tel Aviv. April 1953

In September 1948, 41 Sherman tanks were purchased from Italy. Some sources report that these were M4A1 tanks with a Continental engine and 105 mm howitzers. However, the M4A1(105) modification did not exist. In the fire support version, only M4 and M4A3 tanks with welded hulls were produced. At the same time, only the first one was equipped with a Continental radial engine. So, most likely, tanks of the M4 (105) modification were purchased in Italy, or rather scrap metal, not tanks. All the vehicles had a faulty chassis, there were no machine guns, optics, communications equipment, etc. But most importantly, they had practically no main weapons. Formally, there were guns, but without bolts and with barrels cut in several places by autogenous guns. But only 30 units of these vehicles were shipped, and the rest were confiscated by the Italian authorities. Of the vehicles that arrived from November 1948 to January 1949, only 4 Shermans were fully restored until the end of the war; another 5 were operational, but did not have guns and were used as training and tractors.

Sherman tanks of the M4A4 modification at the parade in Tel Aviv in honor of Independence Day. April 1953

In total, as of November 1949, only 14 Sherman tanks were operational. But only four of them had guns - three 75 mm M3 tank guns and one 77 mm Krupp field gun. Fifty of these World War I guns were purchased from Switzerland in August 1948. Subsequently, Krupp guns (sometimes mistakenly called 75 mm) were installed on five more Shermans. However, in mid-1950, after the purchase of 50 75-mm M3 guns from France, work on installing 77-mm guns on Shermans was stopped, and the tanks already armed in this way were re-equipped with 105-mm M4 tank howitzers repaired in Israel.

In 1955, 10 Sherman Crab minesweeper tanks equipped with striker mine trawls were received from Great Britain

Here it would be useful to remember that the first Sherman that entered the Defense Army was for some time armed with a 20-mm Hispano-Suiza anti-aircraft gun, the barrel of which was fitted with a larger-diameter casing pipe that imitated the appearance of a real 75-mm gun.

At the end of 1950, 14 Shermans (12 M4A3 and 2 M4A1), purchased in the Philippines, arrived in Israel. In 1951, another 40 M4A4 tanks with 75-mm M3 cannons were purchased from France. These vehicles were delivered to Israel before the end of 1952.

Sherman Degem Bet tank armed with a 105 mm howitzer. In the background is an M10 tank destroyer, rearmed in Israel with a 17-pounder English gun.

At the beginning of 1951, the Israel Defense Forces had 31 serviceable Sherman tanks (26 with an M3 cannon and 5 with a Krupp; in addition, one tank with an M4 howitzer was under repair). At the end of 1953, there were already 76 Shermans in the army (30 Italian, 40 French and 6 Philippine; all with M3 guns).

Super Sherman M1 tanks at the parade in Tel Aviv on Independence Day. April 1957

In 1954, the Israeli military leadership made a fundamental decision to focus on the purchase of Sherman tanks, which were in a state of scrap metal, with their subsequent repair and modernization in Israel. As part of this decision, 181 tanks were purchased in 1951–1954. Of this number, 120 vehicles were produced in 1954. A year later, 10 more Shermans were purchased, in 1956 - 160 (of which 120 were in France, including 88 with 76-mm guns), in 1957 - 40, in 1958 - 8, in 1963 - 49 , in 1964 - 113 and in 1965 - 3. In 1959-1962, Israel did not purchase Sherman tanks, and since 1966, purchases of these vehicles have completely stopped. It should be noted that, except for the tanks purchased in 1956 in France, all the others were purchased at the price of scrap metal, which, in fact, was what they were.

In addition to tanks, 21 M10 Wulverine tank destroyers were purchased in Great Britain in 1951, another 30 in 1957, 50 in 1960, and a total of 101 vehicles. All of them were armed with American 76-mm M7 cannons. In Israel, some of the vehicles were re-equipped with 75-mm French M50 cannons and 17-pound British cannons taken from Archer tank destroyers captured from Egypt in 1956. The M10s did not take part in combat operations and were withdrawn from service in 1966. M10 tank destroyers, by the way, are often included in the same list as tanks, which introduces some confusion into the calculations and is the basis for discrepancies.

There is some confusion with the names of Sherman tanks in Israel. The fact is that for a long time the original Israeli names were unknown and their own were used in the Western press. It was they, for the most part, that migrated to Russian publications. Let's try to put an end to this.

Immediately after the War of Independence, two types of Shermans were standardized in the Israel Defense Forces. The tank with the 75 mm M3 cannon was designated “Sherman Degem Aleph” (“Sherman” Mk 1), and the tank with the 105 mm M4 howitzer was designated “Sherman Degem Bet” (“Sherman” Mk 2). In 1952, these names were abandoned, moving to the designation “Sherman” in accordance with the brands of guns installed on them. Thus, the two above-mentioned samples began to be called “Sherman” M3 and “Sherman” M4, respectively. The M4A1 tanks with the 76-mm M1 gun that entered service with the IDF began to be called the Sherman M1. At the same time, tanks with horizontal HVSS suspension and 24-inch tracks were called “Super Sherman” M1 or simply “Super Sherman”.

Until now, we have been talking about standard modifications of the Sherman tank, that is, no different from those that were in service with the armies of the United States and other countries. However, in addition to them, the IDF also had modifications in service that were created directly in Israel.

Along with the long-barreled gun, a characteristic external feature of the M50 tank was the voluminous welded niche of the turret, which, among other things, served as a counterweight

Sherman M50 is a Sherman tank armed with a French 75 mm CN75-50 cannon. The ballistics of this gun, mounted on the AMX-13 light tank, were borrowed from the German KwK 42 gun of the Panther tank. Its armor-piercing projectile had an initial speed of 1000 m/s. The idea to install this gun in the Sherman tank arose sometime in September 1953, but technical difficulties delayed the implementation of this project. Only at the end of 1955, French specialists from the arsenal in Bourges, fulfilling an Israeli order, completed the installation of the CN75-50 cannon in the turret of the Sherman tank. To do this, it was necessary to change the design of the mask and weld a new aft part to the tower in the form of a developed niche in which the radio station and fan were located. After the placement of a new gun with a more massive breech, there was no more room left in the turret for either one. In addition, the niche played the role of a counterweight, balancing the long and heavy gun barrel. It goes without saying that the Sherman gun lost its automatic loader. The upgrade kits (including the gun) were manufactured in France, and final assembly was carried out in Israel. The IDF Armaments Service began assembling tanks in early March 1956. The CN75-50 gun was named M50 in Israel, and the tank with it was called the Sherman M50. Moreover, the first 50 cars had a vertical suspension and a Continental R975 carburetor engine, and the rest had a horizontal suspension and a Cummins diesel engine with a power of 460 hp. By the end of 1964, up to 300 Sherman tanks had been upgraded to the M50 variant.

Sherman M50 during tactical training. The fan hood and two antenna inputs are clearly visible on the roof of the niche.

Sherman M51 is a Sherman tank armed with a 105 mm French CN105-F1 cannon designed for the AMX-30 tank. However, it turned out that this gun, which had a barrel length of almost 6 m and an initial speed of an armor-piercing projectile of 1000 m/s, could not be installed in the Sherman turret due to the lack of space for rollback. The gun barrel had to be shortened by 1.5 m and equipped with a massive muzzle brake, structurally similar to the brake of the 90-mm gun of the Panhard AML-90 armored car. This muzzle brake became a characteristic external feature of the tank. The initial speed of a sharp-headed armor-piercing projectile decreased to 800 m/s. The installation of the new gun, designated M51 in Israel, required the placement of a counterweight niche even larger than that of the M50 on the rear of the turret. 180 Sherman tanks were modernized, mostly with a cast hull, which was considered most suitable for installing a heavy turret. Some M50 tanks also underwent rearmament. All tanks were equipped with a horizontal HVSS suspension, a 23-inch track, and American Cummins VT8-460 engines with 460 hp. and automatic transmissions. These tanks became known as M51.

Sherman M51 medium tank armed with a 105 mm cannon

In the period 1952–1954, the Sherman tank was the only type of IDF tank, and until the end of the 1960s it remained the most popular Israeli tank. As of March 1957, there were 183 combat-ready Shermans in the Defense Army (203 in total), in 1958 - 405 (including 51 M10 tank destroyers), in 1962 - 487 (including 101 M10). By the beginning of 1967, the number of combat-ready Shermans reached 522 (by this time the M10s had been withdrawn from service).

Self-propelled 155-mm howitzer M50 on display at the Tank Museum in Latrun. In the background is a 290-mm Episkopi launcher, also based on the Sherman tank.

During the 1967 war, Shermans made up 46% of the IDF tank fleet and up to 56% of the medium tank fleet. By the beginning of the fighting, there were 515 combat-ready Shermans in service (107 M1, 231 M50 and 177 M51).

In 1973, 341 Sherman M50 (diesel only) and M51 tanks remained in service. They equipped part of the battalions of reserve tank brigades. After the war, the Shermans were again put into reserve, and in the early 1980s they were removed from service.

160-mm self-propelled mortar based on the Sherman tank, followed by a 155-mm self-propelled howitzer"Roem"

The tanks removed from service were converted into self-propelled guns M50 and Roem (known in Western literature as L33), 160-mm self-propelled mortars, Episkopi launchers, Ivri MLRS and several variants of special vehicles. A number of tanks were transferred to the “army of Major Haddad” in Southern Lebanon and the Phalangist militia in Beirut and took part in the civil war. Israel sold a small number of combat vehicles of this type to Uganda and Nicaragua. In the latter, the Shermans took part in battles with the Sandinista partisans. In the early 1980s, 117 (according to other sources - up to 150) M50 and M51 tanks were delivered to Chile. There they were installed with new engines and operated until the end of the 20th century.

Light tank AMX-13 in Latrun

As for the light French AMX-13 tanks, the first five vehicles (plus an option for 25 additional ones) were purchased in 1954 and arrived in Israel in February 1955. In 1955, the option for 25 of the above-mentioned tanks was implemented (all arrived before November 1955) and another 30 were purchased (arrived in February 1956). In July–September 1956, another 120 AMX-13s, recovered from French army units and warehouses, were delivered to Israel as emergency military aid. The tanks arrived in batches of 30. In total, by the 1956 war, the IDF had 180 AMX-13 tanks, of which 65 (according to other sources - 61) participated in battles and had no irreparable losses. At the same time, however, a significant number of tanks failed due to breakdowns, and on October 31, 1956, two AMX-13s were damaged as a result of an erroneous attack on them by Israeli aircraft. In 1962, Israel acquired four more AMX-13s. As a result, the Defense Army received 184 of these tanks.

By the 1967 war, all of these tanks were in service (including 174 of them operational on June 4, 1967) and fought on all fronts. There are no data on the losses of Israeli tanks of this type, but, apparently, they were quite high, since immediately after the war the AMX-13 was withdrawn from service as not meeting the requirements for tanks in modern combat conditions. Data were published on the sale of 72 AMX-13 tanks to Singapore in 1969.

In December 1958, a contract was signed for the supply of 60 Centurion tanks to Israel (with an option for another 20–30 vehicles). In 1959, this agreement was revised and the number of tanks purchased was reduced to 30 (16 used Mk 5 and 14 new Mk 7). However, already in May 1960, a new agreement was signed, which provided for the supply of another 60 used Mk 5 Centurions. In 1961, a contract was signed to replace the original 20-pounder (83.8 mm) gun with 90 tanks already purchased by Israel with the newest 105 -mm L7 cannon. 45 used Mk 5 105-mm guns purchased in 1962 were installed in the UK. It was also produced there major renovation. Since about 1964, replacement of guns and major repairs of purchased tanks were carried out in Israel. In addition, an additional fuel tank was installed on the tanks, and other changes were made. For example, a pivot mounting of a 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun was mounted on the commander’s hatches.

Shot tanks with 20-pound cannons. 1965

Tank "Centurion" - "Shot" Mk 5 with a standard 20-pounder (83.8 mm) gun

Medium tank "Shot Kal Gimel" in the tank museum in Latrun

Deliveries of Centurion tanks to Israel

Note. There is information that deliveries continued in 1973. According to some sources, Israel purchased a total of 1000 or even 1100 Centurion tanks.

Medium tank "Shot Kal"

Taking into account deliveries at the beginning of 1967, Israel had 385 Centurion tanks for the Six-Day War, of which 293 were combat-ready (26.3% of the total tank fleet), 283 with 105 mm guns. Only 10 vehicles that fought on the Central Front (against Jordan) still had 20-pounder guns.

In December 1969, a line for modernizing Centurion tanks began operating at the military tank repair plant. Modernization consisted mainly of replacing gasoline engine Meteor and mechanical transmission Merritt-Brown to diesel Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-2AC (modification AVDS-1790-2A; here C is from Centurion) and hydromechanical automatic transmission Allison CD-850-6 (then CD-850-6A). The new engine-transmission unit was larger in size than the old one, so the rear hull sheet had to be tilted 3.5° from the vertical, and the MTO roof had to be raised. It was also possible to increase the capacity of the fuel tanks, which, along with the installation of a less “gluttonous” diesel engine than a gasoline engine, led to an almost doubling of the power reserve. In addition to modernizing the power unit, the brakes were improved, new fire extinguishing and power supply systems were installed, and some vehicles received a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted above the gun barrel. The machine gun was fired remotely using an electric trigger. Externally, the modernized Centurion was distinguished by an increased height MTO, a rear hull armor plate tilted back, and the presence of an air cleaner located on the fender.

In 1970, 185 tanks were modernized, in 1971 - 248, in 1972 - 258 (according to other sources - 276), a total of 691 or 709 vehicles. Modernization continued in 1973–1974, but exact data about it is not available. By the start of the 1973 war, the Israel Defense Forces had 787 modernized and 222 non-modernized Centurion tanks, for a total of 1009. They made up approximately half of the Israeli tank fleet at the start of the war. It is known for sure that on April 1, 1973, Israel had 2009 tanks, including 975 “centurions” (48.5%).

In Israel, the Centurion tank received the name Shot (“shot” - scourge, whip). However, the original name was widely used, as well as the combination Centurion Shot.

Tank "Shot Kal Gimel", equipped with elements of Blazer dynamic protection. 1980s

The modernized tank with a new engine and transmission was named Shot Kal. Literally this means “light Shot”, so the name indicates the increased mobility of the tank. However, there is also a play on words: “Kal” is an abbreviation for “Continental,” the name of the engine manufacturer. There were several modifications of this tank.

Shot Kal Alef (“Shot Kal Alef”, that is, “Shot Kal” Mk 1 or Mk A) is a basic modernized model.

The Shot Kal Dalet medium tank is the latest version of the Israeli modernization of the Centurion tank.

Shot Kal Bet (“Shot Kal Bet”, that is, Mk 2 or Mk B) - the turret and gun control drives were replaced from electric to hydraulic, the same as on the M48A3 tank. The modernization of Mk A to Mk B took place from the mid to late 1970s, according to some sources. total quantity There were few modernized vehicles; only one armored brigade received these tanks.

Shot Kal Gimel (“Shot Kal Gimel”, that is, Mk 3 or Mk C) - in addition to hydraulic drives, this tank received a weapon stabilizer the same as on the M60A1. The exhaust is routed rearward through two distinctive pipes. A generator with a current of 650 A was installed, that is, the engine was upgraded to the AVDS-1790-2AG version (G for Generator). Subsequently, the tank received Blazer mounted dynamic protection and new CL-3030 smoke grenade launchers. According to some reports, Shot Kal Gimel received a fire control system. The modernization of Mk B to Mk C took place from the late 1970s to the early 1980s.

Shot Kal Dalet (“Shot Kal Dalet”, that is, Mk 4 or Mk D) - in addition to previous improvements, the tank received a new control system “Barak-Or” (“barak” in Hebrew means lightning, “or” means light). A heat-insulating casing was installed on the gun barrel, Browning M1919A4 machine guns were replaced with MAG 58. The modernization of Mk C to Mk D took place around 1984–1988.

Heavy armored personnel carrier "Nagmashon"

The size of the Shot Kal tank fleet in the Israel Defense Forces after the 1973 war ranges from 900 to 1,100 units. By 2002, it had decreased to 800 (according to other sources - up to 1000) units (including heavy armored personnel carriers based on the tank). On October 21, 1992, an official ceremony to remove these tanks from service took place, but, apparently, it was only about regular units and only the tanks themselves. However, according to some reports, Shot Kal tanks were in service with reserve tank units until 2001. Tanks removed from service are converted into heavy armored personnel carriers and armored vehicles.

The family of heavy armored personnel carriers and assault engineering vehicles was created specifically for operations in southern Lebanon. The first was the Nagmashot, an assault armored personnel carrier for sappers, which appeared in 1982. Using the experience of its operation, Israel has developed two new machines - Nagmachon and Nakpadon. The Nagmachon entered service in the late 1980s and the Nakpadon in the early 1990s. Some of them were made using Nagmashot chassis. Both designs used the same landing scheme. The soldiers first left the hull through the upper hatches, and then crossed the roof of the engine compartment and jumped to the ground. Nagmachon had a more powerful set of reactive armor than Nagmashot. It also had heavy side screens installed. Each screen consisted of seven sections, each of which was suspended on double hinges, allowing the section to be lifted for servicing the chassis. The front four sections contained dynamic protection, and the rear three were made of simple steel sheets. Often the rear sheets were fixed in a raised position to protect the landing infantrymen. In addition, Nagmachon had enhanced protection against mines.

The level of security of the Nakpadon armored personnel carrier was even higher. The Israeli army has long kept the design of mounted dynamic armor secret, and only recently has it become known that its modern examples have a multilayer structure, which, in addition to sheets of steel and explosives, includes layers of rubber and ceramics. This design allows you to protect the vehicle from anti-tank guided missiles, fire from RPG-7 hand grenade launchers and armor-piercing ammunition with a caliber of up to 20 mm.

All heavy armored personnel carriers intended for local conflicts have launchers for smoke grenades. The Nagmachon has four launchers for the Cl-3030 instant air curtain system, and the Nakpadon has two. Both types of vehicles are equipped with an electronic countermeasures system capable of blocking the passage of radio signals to detonate improvised explosive devices. The antenna of this system is installed at the rear of the vehicle.

Heavy armored personnel carrier "Puma"

The armament of heavy armored personnel carriers consisted of four 7.62 mm machine guns or one 12.7- and three 7.62 mm machine guns. They were placed on pivot mounts at the corners of the armored cabin. As for the Nagmachon-Mifleset modification, it received a fully armored high tower with four machine gun mounts in the corners.

The weight of both vehicles is about 50–55 tons. The Nagmachon has a diesel engine with a power of 750 hp, and the Nakpadon has an engine compartment with an AVDS-1790-6A engine with a power of 900 hp. borrowed from the Merkava 1 tank.

The latest version of a heavy armored personnel carrier based on the Centurion tank was the Puma. However, to be precise, this vehicle was created as a standard combat vehicle engineering troops. Puma was mainly used in this capacity. Characteristic details of the external appearance of this vehicle were the absence of a deckhouse as such and a bulwark, borrowed from the Merkava tank.

"Tiran" and other Soviet captured tanks

During the Six-Day War of 1967, Israeli troops captured up to 820 Egyptian tanks and self-propelled guns in the Sinai, including several hundred T-54 and T-55 (according to some sources, 291 T-54 and 82 T-55). Another 15 T-54s and 5 T-55s were captured on the Golan Heights. About 200 captured vehicles were fully operational, among others there were many tanks with minor damage. Feeling a constant need to replenish their tank fleet, the Israelis decided to take captured Soviet tanks into service. Already in July 1967, the first 130 tanks entered service: 81 T-54 and 49 T-55. At the first stage, repairs were made, machine guns and radio equipment were replaced, and a number of other minor changes were made (spare parts were partly produced locally, partly purchased in Finland). In total, in 1968-1969, 146 tanks were adopted by the Israel Defense Forces - 139 in 1968 and 7 in 1969. In the course of further modernization and bringing the tanks to Defense Army standards, the original 100 mm gun was replaced by the 105 mm American M68.

Tiran-4Sh tanks at a parade in Jerusalem. 1973

T-54/55 tanks took part in the War of Attrition in 1969–1970, including Operation Raviv on September 9, 1969 - a raid of 6 T-55s and 3 BTR-50s with paratroopers along the African coast of the Gulf of Suez, and then in the Yom Kippur War days in 1973. By the beginning of this war, they made up 7.6% of the Israeli tank fleet. The irretrievable losses of the T-54/55 amounted to 7 vehicles. It should be noted, however, that the brigade equipped with these tanks entered battle only on October 12, 1973.

In 1973, Israel captured about 1,500 Arab tanks (including about 200 T-62), of which 550 were in technically sound condition. Of these tanks, 400 were put into service, including 72 T-62s. In the mid-1970s, T-54/55 and T-62 made up up to 20% of the IDF tank fleet.

Tank "Tiran-5Sh" on display at the IDF Tank Forces Museum in Latrun

In the Israel Defense Forces, the T-54/55 and then the T-62 tanks were called Tiran. Moreover, this name was borrowed not from the island at the exit from the Gulf of Eilat in the Red Sea, but “tyrant” in the sense of “cruel ruler.” There were several modifications of this tank.

"Tiran-4" - T-54 with a standard 100 mm cannon. Two or three 7.62-mm Browning M1919A4 machine guns are installed (coaxial and on pivot mounts near the commander’s and loader’s hatches) and one 12.7-mm Browning M2НВ machine gun (rigidly above the gun barrel, with remote electric trigger), a 60-mm mortar on starboard side of the turret (on some vehicles), large boxes for equipment on the starboard side and stern of the turret and stern of the hull, new radio station and fire protection system.

Tank "Tiran-6" at a training ground in the Negev desert

"Tiran-4Sh" - "Tiran-4" with a 105 mm M68 cannon. Here “Sh” (the letter “shin” in Hebrew) comes from the word “sharir” (strong) - this is how the IDF called the 105-mm English gun (both the original L7 and its American version M68, as well as the version produced in Israel under license from IMI). The ammunition rack has been modified to accommodate 105 mm rounds.

"Tiran-5" - T-55 with a standard 100 mm cannon. Otherwise it is similar to the Tiran-4 tank.

"Tiran-5Sh" - "Tiran-5" with a 105-mm M68 cannon.

"Tiran-6" - T-62 with a standard 115 mm cannon. Installed three 7.62-mm Browning M1919A4 machine guns (coaxial and on pivot mounts near the commander and loader hatches) and one 12.7-mm Browning M2НВ machine gun (rigidly above the gun barrel, with remote electric trigger), 60-mm mortar on the starboard side turrets, large boxes for equipment on the starboard side and stern of the turret and hull stern, new radio station and PPO system.

Model “S” is an export version of the modernization of the Tiran-5Sh and Tiran-6 tanks, which appeared in 1984. The tank is equipped with: Detroit Diesel 8V-71T engine with a power of 609 hp; semi-automatic hydromechanical transmission; Blazer dynamic protection; weapon stabilizer from HR Textron Incorporated; MSA Matador; heat-insulating casing of the gun; new commander's cupola; passive night instruments for the commander, gunner and driver, new tank controls (steering wheel); new equipment boxes, etc.

The Achzarit heavy armored personnel carrier was created in Israel on the basis of the T-55 tanks. It was developed in the early 1980s by NIMDA. These armored personnel carriers entered service in 1989. The turret was removed from the tank and lighter weapons were installed. The armor of the sides and roof of the hull was strengthened. The engine and transmission compartment has been completely redesigned, the engine has been replaced with an American one and placed at the rear, on the left, to leave room for the landing party to exit. The landing is carried out from behind along a hydraulically driven ramp, while the landing party passes over the transmission. Three crew members - driver, commander and gunner - are located in front. Armament: OWS combat module from Rafael. The vehicle accommodates 7 paratroopers.

Achzarit has a high level of protection with a total weight of 44 tons. In the frontal area, the vehicle is protected from armor-piercing ammunition of 125 mm caliber. At the rear of the hull there is spaced TOGA armor made of perforated steel sheets. The space inside the spaced armor is used to accommodate the landing equipment and drinking water supplies. Additionally, survivability is increased by collective defense systems, fire protection systems and smoke screen installations. In addition, the engine is equipped with a smoke exhaust system.

Armored personnel carrier "Akhzarit"

The Achzarit armored personnel carrier was initially equipped with three OWS combat modules. They have a modular design that allows you to install a choice of machine guns of 7.62 or 12.7 mm caliber. Alternatively, a 40 mm grenade launcher can be installed. However, the main option for reasons of economy is the M240 7.62 caliber machine gun from FN Herstal. OWS weight 160 kg. On production machines, only one module is installed.

The vehicle's power plant is borrowed from the M109 self-propelled gun. It uses a 650 hp engine. Detroit Diesel with Allison automatic transmission. NIMDA has also developed a newer version of the Achzarit 2 armored personnel carrier with an 850 hp engine.

According to official Israeli data, at the end of 1997 this armored personnel carrier was used in two infantry brigades - one regular (Golani) and one reserve. It was planned to equip all infantry units with it. The motorized infantry battalion on the Achzarit armored personnel carrier has 37 such vehicles, which, based on 3 battalions in the brigade, gives a total number of 222 units. Taking into account the training units, in 1997 the number of these vehicles in the IDF hardly exceeded 250–300 units. As of mid-2002, Achzarit still only had the Golani among its regular infantry brigades. However, during the fighting in the Palestinian territories in 2000–2002, these armored personnel carriers were also used by other infantry units.

It is also difficult to evaluate the fleet of Tiran tanks in the IDF. Apparently, these vehicles were withdrawn from service in the mid-1990s. Perhaps several dozen vehicles are still in storage in reserve formations. Judging by Israeli press reports, at the end of 2005, units of the Southern Military District began replacing “tyrants” with Magach tanks. Old "tyrants" will be converted into heavy armored personnel carriers.

Since the early 1980s, Tiran 4 and Tiran 5 tanks have been supplied to the Lebanese Christian militia, as well as the South Lebanon Army (SLA). For example, about 18 Tiran 4s were delivered to ALE in 1987. Since the late 1980s, ALE has constantly had approximately 30 tanks of both modifications. After the collapse of the SLA in May 2000, some of the tanks returned to Israel, some were destroyed (including bombing by Israeli aircraft), and several ended up with Hezbollah. It should be noted that only tanks armed with Soviet 100 mm guns were supplied to Lebanon.

An IS-3 tank captured by Israeli troops at a parade in Tel Aviv. 1967

In 1990, 30 Tiran 5 tanks were sold to Ethiopia, and in 1997–1998, 15 “S” model vehicles were sold to Uruguay.

Light amphibious tanks PT-76 were first captured from Egypt in 1967. By the beginning of the war, Egypt had 28 such tanks in Sinai, and almost all of them became trophies of the Israelis. There is no data on how many of them were in good condition and how many were subject to repair. It is reliably known that the IDF used about a dozen PT-76s in the 1973 war (as of May 1973, the unit that operated these tanks had 7 PT-76s in service). During the 1973 war, a significant number of PT-76 tanks were captured. Suffice it to say that by the beginning of hostilities, Egypt had 101 such tanks, and Syria had 90. In addition, Iraq had 20 PT-76 tanks, and perhaps all or part of them fought in Syria as part of the Iraqi expeditionary force. According to Western data, in 1974–1981 the IDF had 65 PT-76s. They were withdrawn from service in the early 1980s.

Speaking about captured Soviet tanks in the Israel Defense Forces, it is necessary to mention that over 300 T-34-85 tanks were captured from Egypt in 1956, 1967 and 1973, from Syria in 1967 and 1973, and from the Palestinians in 1982. These vehicles were not accepted for service. Nevertheless, they found some use. Individual tanks were given to museums (both Israeli and foreign), as well as to populated areas as monuments. Diesels were removed from several T-34-85s captured in 1956 for use on Sherman tanks, but things did not go further than experiments. The hulls of part of the T-34-85 were cut, and the armor plates thus obtained were used for additional armoring of some special vehicles based on the Sherman. A large number of tanks were used at training grounds as targets.

Captured Soviet tank PT-76 on display at the IDF Tank Forces Museum in Latrun

The most interesting is the use of IS-3 tanks (they were called “Stalin tank” or “Stalin-3 tank” in Israel). Up to 40 of these vehicles were captured from Egypt in 1967. The engine and transmission were removed from several of these tanks, additional ammunition was placed in the vacant space, and the tanks themselves were installed on inclined concrete surfaces, which made it possible to give the barrels of their guns an elevation angle of 45° versus the standard 19°. Two of these IS-3s were used during the War of Attrition in 1969–1970 at the Tempo stronghold of the Bar-Leva Line (the northernmost stronghold along the Suez Canal, 10 km south of Port Said), two more - in the Budapest OP (on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, 12 km east of Port Said). After the depletion of stocks of captured 122-mm ammunition, the use of IS-3 tanks ceased. Unfortunately, there is no data on whether all of them were taken out of the OP or left there without use, as well as whether IS-3s were present in other OPs. It is only known that during the 1973 war, one such tank was available (but not used) in the Budapest OP.

The first M48 tanks arrived in Israel in the early 1960s from Germany as part of reparations payments. In 1964, Israel received the first 40 tanks of this type. By that time, information about Germany's military ties with Israel had leaked to the newspapers, and Arab countries began to threaten recognition of the GDR and the curtailment of trade ties with Germany. The Germans stopped military assistance, but the United States assumed their obligations to supply the remaining 110 tanks. In June 1970, Israel ordered another 100 M48A1 and 150 M60/M60A1 (apparently 50 M60 and 100 M60A1) from the United States. The deal was approved by Congress in January 1971, and all tanks were delivered by the end of 1971. In subsequent years, deliveries of tanks of both types continued, most intensively after the 1973 war. In total, since 1964, Israel has received about 800 M48 and 1400 M60 of various modifications.

One of the first M48A1 tanks received by Israel from Germany. 1960s

In the Israeli Defense Forces, the M48 and M60 tanks were called Magach (“magah” is the numeral “forty-eighth - third” in Hebrew, meaning the M48A3 tank, to the level of which the American M48A1 and M48A2C tanks that arrived in Israel were originally upgraded) and were repeatedly modernized after their adoption in 1965. Initially, the modernization was focused on the installation of the 105 mm L7 cannon, which Israel began producing under British license. Later common element All Israeli tank upgrades, both M48 and M60, included the installation of low-profile Urdan commander's turrets, thermal insulation covers for gun barrels, 60-mm mortars for setting up a smoke screen and additional machine guns on pin mounts. In addition, AVDS-1790-2A diesel engines from the American company Teledyne Continental and Blazer dynamic armor were installed.

Medium tank "Magah-5"

By 1985, despite all the modernizations, the Magakh was increasingly lagging behind the tanks probable opponents. Particularly acute was the problem of an inadequately low level of protection for the turret, which is most likely to be damaged in tank-versus-tank clashes. The equivalent thickness of the homogeneous armor of the M60 tank turret at its widest point was 254 mm. And in other places it was even less. In the 1970s, a standard 120 mm armor-piercing sub-caliber projectile could penetrate about 400 mm. And by the 1990s, armor-piercing sub-caliber shells of 120 and 125 mm calibers began to penetrate up to 800 mm.

The Blazer mounted dynamic protection kit weighs from 800 to 1000 kg. Against cumulative ammunition, it gave an increase in protection equivalent to what 10 tons of steel could provide. However, despite the constant improvement and increase in the effectiveness of this dynamic armor, it still could not provide an adequate level of protection against conventional armor-piercing projectiles and new ATGMs. In November 1997, two Magach 6Bs equipped with Blazer protection elements were hit by heavy anti-tank missiles fired by Hezbollah. If in 1982 RPGs and ATGMs could not penetrate the Blazer, then in this case the tanks were hit. Thus, the Blazer's dynamic armor has become ineffective not only against kinetic ammunition, but also against the new generation of cumulative ammunition. Strengthening passive armor would lead to an unacceptable increase in mass. Therefore, it was decided to use new ballistic materials and use the development results to modernize the Magach.

Medium tank "Magah-6 Bet". Noteworthy elements of the Blazer mounted dynamic protection

This process led to the introduction of a new variant, the Magach 7, in the mid-1990s. They had an increased level of passive armor, a corresponding increase in engine power to compensate for the increase in mass, and a new fire control system was used. Magach 7 has passive armor, equally effective against both armor-piercing and cumulative ammunition. It consists of a multilayer composite material, the composition of which is classified. Armor linings are installed on both the hull and the turret. In addition, side screens have been added. They are mounted on heavy springs to protect the material from loosening when maneuvering. The first two panels of the side screens are made of composite material, the rest are steel. Since the modernization process was expensive and labor-intensive, it took place in small batches, and not all cars were subjected to it.

In 1999, the Israeli army required expensive but more effective padded armor to be installed on the Magach 6B. This order was completed extremely quickly, in just 10 months. The upgraded vehicle was named Magach 6B Batash.

The turret of this tank has hybrid armor packages that include both reactive and passive layers. Most likely, they are optimized for protection against multiple hits by anti-tank missiles, which is typical for local conflicts. The frontal plate of the hull is protected by the second generation Super Blazer dynamic armor. The side screens are similar to those installed on the Magach 7.

It should be noted that Moked laser irradiation warning systems were periodically installed on Magakh tanks in operation. In addition, they are equipped with a modern software system from the Israeli company Spectronix.

"Magah-6 Bet Gal". The photo shows the main external distinctive features of this modification - the heat-protective casing of the gun, a new basket at the rear of the turret and tracks borrowed from the Merkava tank.

All Magach variants retained the 105 mm cannon. Increasing their firepower was achieved mainly through improved fire control systems and more effective ammunition. The turret's hydraulic drive was strengthened to compensate for the increase in turret mass caused by increased armor. An improved fire control system was also installed on some Magach 6Bs. The new fire control system is called Gal. On international market it was supplied by Elbit and El-Op under the name Matador. Magach 6B with the new control system was called Magach 6B Gal. The same Gal control system was installed on the Magach 7. In it, the original optical rangefinder was replaced with a laser one, and the gunner received a new day/night sight. To improve performance, a semi-stabilized gunner's sight is linked to the gun, which is independently stabilized. The commander received his own sight, integrated into the cupola on the right side of the turret. The space vacated by the old optical rangefinder is used for it.

"Magah-6 Bet Gal Batash" is the first version of the Israeli modernization of the M60 tank using powerful additional passive armor protection

The weight of the original M60 was 49.7 tons. The heaviest Magach 7 began to weigh up to 55 tons, despite replacing the tracks with lighter ones, which saved 1.7 tons. The price for greater security was a decrease in mobility. To maintain power density, 750 hp engines. were replaced by AVDS 1790-5A with 908 hp. from General Dynamics Land Systems with an automatic transmission borrowed from the Merkava 1 tank. Additionally, the Israeli company Kinetics modernized the chassis. IN real life, according to the crews, Magach 7 has become even more mobile than the M60. Crew fatigue has decreased. Due to the fact that the body became more stable in motion, shooting accuracy increased.

From 1965 to the present, several modifications of the Magah tanks have been used in the Israel Defense Forces.

Magach 3 – М48А1/А2С, upgraded to the М48А3 level.

Magach 5 – original American M48A5. The main difference from the Israeli Magach 3 was the engine - AVDS-1790-2D instead of AVDS-1790-2A and the CD-850-6A transmission instead of CD-850-6.

Magach 6 – M60. The same name is used to refer to the M60 in general, all models.

Magach 6 Alef (that is, Magach 6A) - M60A1. In Israel, the M60 of this and other models were modernized: a new Israeli-made commander's cupola was installed, the engine turbocharging system was improved, mounted dynamic protection and a heat-insulating casing were installed on the gun barrel. A gradual transition has been made to all-metal tracks with developed lugs, similar to the tracks of the Merkava tank, etc.

Magach 6 Bet (i.e. Magach 6B) - M60A1 (RISE), i.e. M60A1 with an improved engine, the so-called AVDS-1790-2C RISE (Reliability Improved Selected Equipment engine), instead of the original AVDS-1790-2A diesel engine. In addition, the tank received a more advanced gun stabilization system, as well as T142 type tracks with rubber cushions, while the Magach 6A had smaller wedge-shaped T97 type tracks. Gradually, the engine and stabilizer were improved on all M60A1s, that is, all Magach 6 Alefs were upgraded to the Magach 6 Bet level. As a consequence, the name Magach 6 Alef fell into disuse.

Magach 6 Bet Gal – Magach 6 Bet with the new Gal (“Wave”) control system, created on the basis of the Merkava tank’s Matador control system. In addition, the configuration of the dynamic protection units has changed, and a new basket for property of increased volume has been installed at the rear of the tower.

Magach 6 Bet Gal Batash is a variant of the Magach 6 Bet Gal with powerful additional passive armor for the turret and frontal part of the hull, and side screens (hence another, unofficial name for this model - Magach 6 “Memugan” - “protected”). A characteristic feature of the tank is the configuration of the additional armor of the turret, giving it a flattened shape. Engine 750 hp replaced with a more powerful one, 908 hp. The word "batash" means "bitachon shutef", i.e. "ensuring daily security." Usually the word “batash” refers to the protection of relatively peaceful borders, but in this case it meant the daily work of the IDF in Lebanon (before the withdrawal of troops from there in May 2000) - this is what this model was created for. A small number of Magach 6 Bet Gal tanks were upgraded to this variant.

Magach 6 Bet Baz - similar to Magach 6 Bet Gal, but with a Baz control system (as on the Merkava 3 tank) instead of a Gal control system. A small number of Magach 6 Bet tanks have been upgraded to this level.

Magach 6 Gimel (that is, Magach 6C) - M60A3.

Magach 6 Resh (i.e. Magach 6R) - M60 (unlike M60A1 and M60A3) with a new gun stabilizer (as on Magach 6 Bet), the engine has been upgraded to the level of AVDS-1790-2AG. The main difference between the AVDS-1790-2AG and the AVDS-1790-2A is a generator with a current of 650 A instead of the original 300 A, in order to satisfy the increased power requirements of the gun stabilization system (10 hp motor of the hydraulic system, gyroscope, servos guns, and subsequently – the fire control system).

Magach 6 Resh* (Magach 6 R*) – Magach 6 Resh, prepared for installation of the new Nachal-Oz control system, but does not yet have this system.

Magach 6 Mem (Magach 6M) – Magach 6 Resh* with Nachal-Oz control system.

Magach 7 is a deep modernization of the M60. New additional passive armor for the turret and hull, side screens, the 750-horsepower AVDS-1790-2AG diesel engine has been replaced by a 908-horsepower AVDS-1790-5A with an automatic starter, two 6-charge smoke grenade launchers (instead of the previous 10-charge ones), etc.

Magach 7 Alef (Magach 7A) - has almost vertical additional armor for the front part of the turret. The designation Magach 7 Alef is not used, just Magach 7 is used.

Magach 7 Bet (Magach 7B) – Magach 7 with armor like the Magach 7 Gimel. Prototype, not mass produced.

Magach 7 Gimel (Magach 7С) – the armor is similar to that of the Sabra tank, that is, with a strong slope of the front armor plates of the turret. It was on this model that the replacement of the engine from AVDS-1790-2AG to AVDS-1790-5A began.

The main battle tank "Magah-7A" - you can understand that it is based on the M60 only from the rear view

Currently, according to various sources, the Israel Defense Forces are in service with from 700 to 1000 Magach 6 and Magach 7 tanks of various modifications. As of 2007, there were 111 Magach 7 tanks.

The Sabra variant was developed specifically for participation in the tender for the modernization of M60 tanks announced by Turkey. This upgrade option includes changes similar to the Magach 7 (the form of additional armor is most similar to the Magach 7 Gimel), in addition, the 105 mm M68 rifled gun is replaced by a 120 mm smoothbore MG251 (created and produced by IMI for the Merkava 3 tank). Work to replace the gun was carried out back in 1994. The ammunition load consists of 42 rounds. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and an additional two machine guns mounted on the turret roof in front of the commander and loader hatches. It is also possible to install a 60-mm Soltam mortar. The Sabra Mk 2 main battle tank features an advanced computerized Knight III fire control system with laser rangefinder, supplied by El-Op (Electro-Optics) Industries Ltd. and Elbit Systems. At the request of the customer, a diesel engine from the German company MTU with a power of 1000 hp can be installed on the tank. or AVDS-1790 with 1200 hp. American company General Dynamics Land Systems.

Main battle tank "Magah-7S"

The Israelis won the Turkish tender. In 2002, Türkiye ordered the modernization of 170 of its M60A1 tanks into the Sabra Mk 3 variant, which included, among other things, the installation of a 1000 hp MTU diesel engine. and automatic transmission from Renk. Work began at the Turkish repair plant in Kayseri in 2006 and was completed in April 2010. The modernized tanks received the designation M60T (T - Turkish).

"Merkava"

The possibility of producing tanks directly in Israel began to be seriously considered for the first time in February 1964. At that time, we were talking about assembling the French AMX-30 tank, while the hull was planned to be manufactured in Israel, and the turret was to be imported ready-made from France. For various reasons, this idea was abandoned.

At the beginning of 1966, Great Britain expressed preliminary agreement to sell Chieftain tanks to Israel and even organize its licensed production in Israel (initially, a screwdriver assembly from imported components, and then a gradual transition to full in-house production). In November 1966, two delegations - the tank forces and the weapons service - went to the UK for a comprehensive study of the tank. At the beginning of 1967, two Chieftain tanks arrived in Israel to undergo extensive testing. After their service life was exhausted, these vehicles were replaced by two new tanks. In total, the tests lasted two and a half years. During their course, numerous proposals were made to change the design to better adapt the tank to work in the desert. On October 17, 1968, Israel officially approached Great Britain with a request to purchase Chieftain tanks. In April 1969, the Israeli delegation began studying the technology for producing "chieftains" in the UK. During this period, there was a discussion in the British government on the issue of selling the tank to Israel. The Ministry of Defense was in favor, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was against. Ultimately, in December 1969, Britain officially refused to accept Israel. At the end of the same month, both tanks located in Israel were sent back to England.

A group of officers of the IDF tank forces. Far right – Israel Tal

Failures to organize licensed production of tanks in Israel, apparently, finally confirmed the Israeli military leadership in the need to develop and further mass production of a tank of its own design. The main “pusher” of this idea was, of course, General Israel Tal. Since the role of this man in the creation of Israeli tanks can hardly be overestimated, a few words should be said about him, especially since Russian publications write mostly all sorts of nonsense about him. Its latest example is the announcement of Tal “from Soviet Union"! Well, of course, a talented tanker, by definition, cannot be non-Soviet or, at worst, without Soviet roots. Well, or studied with us. There is no other way! From the same clip there are fables about Guderian, who “studied” tank engineering in the USSR. To complete the picture, all that remains is to find General Patton’s Odessa roots, and everything will be in perfect order! Against the background of such Glavpurov obscurantism, a brief curriculum vitae about General Tal is simply necessary.

A prototype (more precisely, a running model) of the Merkava tank. The hull of the Centurion tank was used in its manufacture.

So, Israel Tal was born in 1924 in Palestine. He began his military service in 1942, when he voluntarily joined the British Army, with which he fought in North Africa and Italy. In 1946, Tal returned to British-mandated Palestine and joined the ranks of the Haganah organization. During the War of Independence, he fought in the infantry, after the war he commanded a battalion in the Givati ​​brigade, and in 1956 he became the commander of one of the IDF infantry brigades. Later, Tal moved to the tank forces, where he held the position of deputy commander, then commander of the 7th armored brigade, and in 1964-1969 he was commander of the IDF tank forces, during the Six-Day War at the same time commanding the 162nd tank division, advancing on north of the Sinai Peninsula. General Tal faced the 1973 war as the head of the operational department and deputy chief of the general staff, and at its final stage he commanded the Southern Front. In 1976, Israel Tal resigned and became assistant minister of defense. While occupying this position, he for many years headed the development and production of the Merkava tank. But this is probably not the main thing. General Tal was an outstanding tank commander and is rightfully considered the creator of the Israeli tank forces. It was under his leadership that the IDF tank forces became a formidable force that played a major role in the wars fought by Israel. General Tal was one of the true tank fanatics who knew and loved military equipment down to the last screw. Soldiers more than once saw their general in a field uniform, stained with machine oil, when he, together with the mechanics, sorted out breakdowns of tank units. Israeli tank crews gave their commander the loving nickname Talik. General Tal died on September 8, 2010.

One of the full-fledged prototypes of the Merkava Mk 1 tank is on display at the IDF tank museum in Latrun

It was under the influence of Tal that the concept of the Israeli tank began to take shape. He believed that none of the tank models, be it the American M48 and M60 tanks or the British Centurion, satisfied the basic requirements of Israeli tank doctrine. The Israeli army needed a completely new combat vehicle that would best suit the theater of operations and combat experience Israeli tank crews. The main emphasis, along with firepower and maneuverability, was on maximum protection for the crew: the tank could be completely disabled, but the crew must survive. This approach is fundamentally different from the generally accepted one, in which the three components of the design of any tank - security, mobility and firepower - are in a certain balance. But it is not at all accidental for a country in which the death of every soldier is a national tragedy. On June 6, 1970, General Israel Tal sent the Israeli Ministries of Defense and Finance the results of an economic study on the feasibility of developing and producing its own tank. The development program, called the Merkava Program, was officially approved by the government on August 20, 1970, and the research center at the state association IMI (Israel Military Industry) began design. It should be emphasized that the work was carried out in close cooperation with the United States. In addition, a group of tank officers led by General Tal took part in the development of the tank. The design was carried out at a very high pace, despite the fact that initially only 35 people took part in the work. All bureaucratic delays were reduced to a minimum, largely thanks to Tal himself and the close cooperation of the military and designers.

Assembly shop of a plant in Tel Hashumer

In December 1974, the first prototype was submitted for testing (this was preceded by testing of prototypes converted from Centurion tanks). The first 4 production vehicles were transferred to the Israel Defense Forces for testing on April 26, 1979. The official adoption of the Merkava tank (“merkava” - chariot) took place on October 29, 1979. Serial production has been carried out since 1979 at a plant in the city of Tel a-Sumer. In 1980, after the release of the first 30 tanks, the production rate was 7-10 vehicles per month, then it increased to 10 vehicles per month or more. By the 1982 war, the troops had about 200 Merkava Mk 1 tanks.

Merkava Mk 1

The design of the Merkava tank reflects the desire of the developers to ensure its maximum survivability and crew protection. The tank has an increased combat weight compared to comparable models of main tanks and an unusual layout. To enhance the protection of the crew, the engine and transmission are located in the forward part of the hull and thus serve as an additional barrier for a projectile in the event that it penetrates the frontal armor. In addition, this placement of the engine and transmission compartment made it possible to free up a significant reserved volume in the rear of the vehicle to accommodate additional ammunition. The management department is located behind the MTO. Access to it is provided both through the hatch in the roof of the hull and through the fighting compartment. The hatch has three periscope surveillance devices, the middle of which can be replaced with a non-illuminated night vision device. The fighting compartment is located in the rear of the hull.

End of introductory fragment.

Throughout its short history of independence, Israel has been forced to fight to defend its borders and defend against terrorist attacks. To survive, the Israelis had to pay great attention to the development of the armed forces and the military-industrial complex. Today, the Israeli Army (IDF) is one of the most advanced and combat-ready armed forces in the world, and the country’s military-industrial complex is considered no less advanced. In 2010, Israel exported $7.2 billion worth of military products, ranking fourth in the world. Only the USA, Russia and Germany had better results.

This is not surprising: almost all Israeli military developments are tested in real combat conditions. The country's military leadership pays great attention to the development of armored forces and the creation of new, increasingly advanced models of armored vehicles.

For several decades now, the main IDF tank has been the Merkava; it was put into service in the late 70s of the last century. Merkavah is translated from Hebrew as “war chariot,” but the meaning of this word is somewhat deeper. It is found in Old Testament texts and denotes the chariot of God and at the same time his throne, drawn by fantastic animals.

Every year, the authoritative American analytical agency Forecast International releases a ranking of the best tanks in the world. IN recent years The Merkava almost always takes a leading position in it, ahead of the German Leopard and the Russian T-90. In terms of its layout and some characteristics, the Merkava is a truly unique combat vehicle that has no analogues among modern battle tanks.

A special feature of the Merkava is its development for a specific theater of military operations and its “tailoring” to tactical techniques that are most often used by IDF tank crews. Since 1979, four modifications of the Merkava have been created: Mk.1, Mk.2, Mk.3 and Mk.4. Currently, work is underway to create the next modification of the tank, but, most likely, the Merkava-5 will be a new generation combat vehicle, unlike its predecessors.

History of creation

Development of the Merkava tank began in 1970 after the British refused to sell the Chieftain Mk 1 to the Israelis. Such a demarche came as a complete surprise to the country's leadership; a decision was made to create its own combat vehicle.

The developers were led not by an engineer, but by a professional tanker, Israel Tal, who went through the entire Second World War, stood at the origins of the creation of the IDF and took part in all the Arab-Israeli wars. This is a rather unusual situation for the world tank building industry. Tal is considered the founding father of Israeli armored forces.

After analyzing the Six Day War and the Sinai Campaign, Tal came to the conclusion that all main battle tanks (MBT) existing at that time were not very suitable for the Israeli army. What was needed was a new vehicle, the characteristics of which would most closely correspond to the nature of the theater of military operations and the Israeli defense doctrine.

When creating a new tank, the main emphasis was on its firepower, maneuverability and, most importantly, on the protection of the crew. Even after the destruction of the vehicle, the tankers had to survive. Another important feature of Israel, which largely determined the appearance and characteristics of the Merkava, is the compactness of this country. The fact is that the dimensions and weight of tanks set the standards for rail transportation to the greatest extent. Israel created a combat vehicle to protect its own territory, where it is quite possible to use vehicle platforms for transportation. The designers had less stringent restrictions on the weight and dimensions of the vehicle being developed, which is why today the Merkava is one of the heaviest tanks.

The Merkava is not suitable for use in frosty conditions, tropical humidity or Russian off-road conditions. But it is perfectly adapted to the mountains and deserts of the Middle East. Such a narrow specialization practically negated the export potential of the tank, but the Israelis created it to protect their country.

The tactics of the Israeli armored forces involve shooting from well-prepared positions on the slopes of heights. When used in this way, the tank's turret is very vulnerable, so the developers tried to reduce its frontal projection and place most of the fighting compartment in the hull.

The first prototype of the Merkava was ready in 1971. At the beginning of 1979, the first production Merkava Mk.1 vehicles entered service. 250 units of this modification were produced. Since then, four generations of the combat vehicle have been created, and in each of them the designers have implemented ideas that were revolutionary for modern tank building.

Description of design

The main difference between the Merkava and other modern tanks is its layout: the engine and transmission are located in the front part of the hull, and the fighting compartment occupies the middle and rear parts. At the rear of the tank there is a landing compartment in which infantrymen, wounded soldiers, additional ammunition or a replacement crew can be transported. This unique design idea essentially turns the Merkava into a universal vehicle capable of performing the role of infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers.

Another non-standard solution is the design of the tank’s hull and turret – they are cast. The Merkava's armor has large angles of inclination, the engine compartment is shifted to the right side of the tank, and on the left there is a control compartment with a driver's seat. He has three observation devices (periscopes), but due to the shift of his workplace to the left, his view is severely limited.

An armored partition is installed between the engine and fighting compartments. The main fuel supply is located in the rear of the armored fender niches; in their front part there are air intakes.

The tank's turret has a wedge-shaped shape, which increases the number of ricochets when it hits its front part. The Merkava turret has spaced armor, with additional protection elements located between the two main walls. At the back of the tower is a basket.

The turret contains space for three crew members: the loader, the tank commander and the gunner. The loader's position is located to the left of the gun; if necessary, he can serve as a gunner or driver. The gunner's position is to the right of the gun; to perform his functions, he has an optical sight with a laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer. For a general overview there is a periscope observation device.

The commander's position is behind and slightly above the gunner. He has a panoramic optical sight, in addition, the commander has access to the data received by the gunner. Based on them, he can give target designations or aim a weapon.

At the rear of the tank there is a compartment that can accommodate paratroopers (6 people), four stretchers with wounded or additional ammunition. The tactics of using the Merkava do not provide for the transportation of troops; usually the rear compartment is used for additional shells.

The Merkava Mk.1 is armed with a 105-mm M68 cannon, created in the USA and produced in Israel under license. The gun is stabilized in two planes and has a thermal casing. The ammunition load is 62 rounds. The gun is paired with a Belgian 7.62 mm MAG machine gun, produced under license. Two more machine guns (7.62 mm) are mounted on the roof of the turret. Above the gun barrel there is a 12.7 mm machine gun, which is controlled remotely. Also installed on the turret is a 60-mm mortar, its ammunition capacity is 30 min.

The engine is an American diesel AVDS-1790-5A with turbocharging, the transmission is CD-850-6B, also made in the USA, it has been modified by local specialists.

Spring suspension, Christie type. On each side there are six rubberized road wheels and five support rollers. The tracks are all-metal, their width is 640 mm.

Tank modifications

The Merkava Mk.1 took part in the Lebanon War of 1982; after its end, Israeli designers created the Merkava Mk.2 modification. It took into account the experience of the first combat use of the tank. The changes affected the vehicle's security, its maneuverability and increased firepower.

The turret's armor was strengthened with the help of additional screens with combined armor, and the side protection was similarly improved. The mortar was moved inside the turret, and now fire could be fired without leaving the vehicle. Baskets for various property were mounted on the tower, which provided additional protection. To protect against cumulative ammunition, balls on chains were hung from the tower.

The tank received a more advanced ballistic computer and range finder, and a little later a thermal imager was installed on it.

The weight of the Merkava Mk.2 increased to 65 tons.

"Merkava Mk.3". This modification received additional armor protection on the sides and turret, and a more powerful 120 mm MG251 smoothbore gun was installed on the tank. Ammunition was reduced to 46 rounds. Laser radiation sensors were installed on the Merkava Mk.3, which warned the crew about the danger of fire from guided missiles. This modification received the Matador-3 fire control system.
The weight of the Merkava Mk.3 was 65 tons.

"Merkava Mk.4". It was put into service in 2004. It was equipped with a new diesel engine GD883 General Dynamics (USA) with a power of 1500 hp. With. and Renk RK 325 transmission (Germany) with five speeds.

The shape of the turret has changed significantly due to the new configuration of armor modules, and the gun has received a mantlet. The main armor was also strengthened, the loader lost his hatch, and the commander's hatch became so massive that it opens mechanically. The visibility for the driver was improved, he received a rear view camera. The mine protection of the bottom has become more reliable.

The tank commander received a new panoramic sight with a thermal imager, and the gunner's sight was installed on the roof. The tank was equipped with a new BIUS "Tsayad".

The Merkava Mk.4 was equipped with a new MG253 gun, which can withstand higher pressure of powder gases. An automatic loader has appeared in the turret niche, which can accommodate 10 shells. The rest of the ammunition is located in the rear of the tank.

After the 2006 Lebanon War, the Trophy active protection complex (KAZ) was installed on the Merkava Mk.4. Combat vehicles equipped with KAZ received the designation “Merkava Mk.4M”. "Trophy" is designed to combat anti-tank missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades. The system consists of 4 radars, they detect ammunition approaching the vehicle and give the command to destroy it.

KAZ "Trophy" is the first such system that has been tested in real combat conditions.

During the last IDF combat operation in Lebanon, Hezbollah militants fired more than 1 thousand ATGMs at Merkava Mk.4 tanks Russian production. Only 22 vehicles (mostly old modifications) were damaged, and 5 tanks were lost. That is, the effectiveness of modern Russian ATGMs against the Merkava was only 0.5%. Now an even more advanced KAZ Meil ​​Ruach (“Air Cloak”) is being developed.

Evaluation of the combat vehicle and its future

OBS "Merkava" is, without a doubt, one of the best tanks of our time. It has certain disadvantages, caused primarily by its non-standard layout. Due to the location of the engine in the front of the vehicle, the nose of the tank is very heavy, which creates strong longitudinal vibrations of the hull when firing and reduces accuracy. The heat from the engine interferes with the operation of the sighting devices.

The current mass of the tank has reached 70 tons, which indicates the impossibility of further increasing the armor. The massive introduction of fire control systems on tanks has changed the statistics of hits, now more of them are on the hull. The Merkava has less protection than the turret.

However, the overall security of the Merkava, the comfort of the crew, and high firepower outweigh the above disadvantages. If an Israeli tank is damaged, its crew simply turns into infantry, and any serious defeat of Soviet tanks (Russian, Ukrainian) is almost guaranteed to lead to the death of the tank crews.

Specifications

Crew	4 people
Weight with ammunition	65 tons
Tank length	7 m 45 cm
Length with gun	9 m 40 cm
Clearance	53 cm
Width over tracks	3 m 72 cm
Tower hatch height	2 m 70 cm
CHARACTERISTICS IN MOVEMENT CONDITIONS
Engine power, 12-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine	1500 l. With.
Diesel fuel tank life on the highway; capacity 1400 liters	500 km
Highway speed	65 km/h
Speed ​​on arable land	50 km/h
Obstacle elevation angle	30 degrees
Obstacle barrier	1 m
Barrier ditch	3 m
Obstacle ford	1 m 38 cm
COMBAT WEAPONS
Gun type; caliber	Smoothbore caliber 120 mm
Gun ammunition	10 shells in the machine gun + 36 shells + 14 emergency
FN MAG coaxial machine gun	7.62 mm
Anti-aircraft machine gun	7.62 mm
Mortar	60 mm
PROTECTION AND DEFENSE
Combined cast steel armor, active, dynamic protection.

Video about the tank

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