Difference between revisions of "Merkava battle tank"
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Revision as of 18:44, April 6, 2008
| Merkava battle tank | |
|---|---|
| |
| Merkava Mk.1 | |
| Specifications | |
| Type | Main Battle Tank |
| Origin | Israel |
| Entered production | 1974 |
| Length | 9.04m |
| Width | 3.72m |
| Height | 2.66m |
| Weight | 65 tons |
| Crew | 4 |
| Armor | Laminated ceramic-steel-nickel composite alloy |
| Primary amament | 120 mm MG253 smoothbore gun |
| Secondary armament | 1 × 12.7 mm coaxial MG 2 × 7.62 mm MG 1 × 60 mm internal mortar |
| Suspension | Helical coil spring |
| Max. road speed | 70 km/h |
| Max. offroad speed | 55 km/h |
| Operational range | 500 km |
| Engine | GD883 V-12 Diesel |
| Power output | 1,500 hp |
| Power/weight | 23 hp/ton |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5 gears |
The Merkava (Hebrew: מרכבה "Chariot") is the Main Battle Tank used by the Israel Defense Forces. It has been in service since 1979, and is considered an innovative design, placing special emphasis on crew protection.