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The Merkava (Hebrew: , Chariot) is the main battle tank of the Israel Defense Forces. Since the early 1980s, four main versions have been deployed. The "Merkava" name was derived from the IDF's development program name.
This platform is optimized for crew survival and rapid battle damage repair. With the use of spaced-armor techniques and quick-replacement modular designs, the design team was able to incorporate the composite armor, a derivative of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) and Chobham armor.
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Encyclopedia
The Merkava (Hebrew: , Chariot) is the main battle tank of the Israel Defense Forces. Since the early 1980s, four main versions have been deployed. The "Merkava" name was derived from the IDF's development program name.
This platform is optimized for crew survival and rapid battle damage repair. With the use of spaced-armor techniques and quick-replacement modular designs, the design team was able to incorporate the composite armor, a derivative of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) and Chobham armor. Additionally, the space between the inner and outer hulls is filled with diesel fuel — an economical storage method and a means of defeating HEAT rounds.
Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located nearer the rear than in most main battle tanks. This gives the crew additional protection against a frontal attack by putting the engine between them and the front of the tank. This arrangement also creates an otherwise unused space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity, as well as a rear entrance to the main crew cabinet allowing easy access even under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an armored personnel carrier. The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel.
It was reportedly decided shortly before the beginning of the 2006 Lebanon War that the Merkava line would be discontinued within four years. However, on 7 November 2006, Haaretz reported that an Israeli General Staff assessment had ruled of the Merkava Mark IV that "if properly deployed, the tank can provide its crew with better protection than in the past," and deferred the decision on discontinuing the line.
Primary manufacturers
The lead organization for system integration of the Merkava's main components is Israel Military Industries (IMI). The Israeli Ordnance Corps are responsible for final Merkava assembly.
Israeli owned and operated contributions to the platform are outlined below:
- IMI manufactures the 105 mm and 120 mm main guns and their ammunition,
- Urdan Industries assembles and constructs the hull, drive- and powertrains, and turret assemblies,
- Soltam manufactures the 60 mm internal mortar,
- Elta designs and manufactures the electronic sensors and infrared optics.
- Elbit delivers the ballistics computer and digital fire-control system (FCS),
- Tadiran provides cabin air conditioning, crew cabin intercom and radio equipment,
- El-Op, Elisra and Astronautics implement the optics and laser warning systems,
- Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. builds and installs the Rafael Overhead Weapon Station and Trophy active protection system.
Foreign companies that have licenced or supplied equipment are:
- L-3 Communication Combat Propulsion Systems produces licensed copies of Germany's MTU MT883 1500 hp diesel engine powerplant and RENK RK325 transmissions,
- Motorola supplies Tadiran communication encryption systems,
- DuPont supplies the Nomex, ballistic, and fire-retardant materials used by Hagor,
- Russia Military Industries helped to design the KMT-4 & -5 anti-mine rollers and the ABK-3 dozer blade, now built by Urdan.
- FN Herstal supplies 7.62 mm (MAG 58) and 12.7 mm (M2) coaxial and pintle-mounted machine guns,
- Caterpillar assisted with an Israeli-designed track system.
Merkava history
The legacy of the Merkava series of tanks dates back to the 1960s. Plans were drawn up to isolate Israel's military-industrial complex from foreign reliance. Israel's economy and national reserves, backed by U.S. military grant aid, allowed it to purchase nearly any land, sea, or air platform and weapon from friendly nations, but Israel's infrastructure was not capable of producing those items domestically.
In 1965, Israel's military establishment initiated research and development for a domestically-produced tank, the Sabra (Hebrew slang: "Native"). During the design of this platform, Britain approached Israel and requested their assistance in developing the United Kingdom's newest tank, the Chieftain. When two prototypes arrived for field testing in 1967 Israel shelved the Sabra program. As a result of political pressure from the British Foreign Ministry the two prototypes were recalled to England in 1969, and Israel lost five years with which it could have pursued its own development program.
Following this incident, Israel Tal—serving as a brigade commander after the Suez Crisis—restarted plans to produce an Israeli-made tank. Tal's mission was furthered by lessons learned in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where the Middle East's Arab nations held significant numerical superiority. Realizing that they could not win wars of attrition, the new tank platform would have heavy requirements for crew survivability and safety.
By 1974, initial designs were completed and prototypes were fabricated. After a brief set of trials, work began to retool the Tel-Hashomer ordnance depot for full-time development and construction of the infant platform. After the new facilities were completed, the Merkava was officially released to the public in the International Defense Review periodical. Additionally, the first official images of the tank were then released to other publications, specifically the American periodical Armed Forces Journal on May 14, 1977. The IDF's official adoption would not occur until December 1978 when the first full battalion of thirty tanks was delivered for initial unit training.
Merkava Mark I
The Mark I is the original design created as a result of Israel Tal's decision, and was fabricated and designed for mass production. This version already had the turret located towards the rear as in all Merkava versions.
The Mark I weighed 63 tonnes and had a diesel engine, with a power to weight ratio of 14 hp/ton. It was armed with the 105 millimeter M68 main gun (a licensed copy of the British Royal Ordnance L7), two 7.62 mm machine guns for anti-infantry defense, and a 60 mm mortar mounted externally, with its operator not completely protected by the tank's hull.
The Merkava was first used in combat during the 1982 Lebanon War where Israel deployed 180 units. After the war many adjustments and additions were noted and designed, the most important being that the 60 millimeter mortar needed to be installed within the hull and engineered for remote firing. A shot trap was found beneath the rear of the turret bustle where a well-placed shot could jam the turret completely. Installation of chain netting to disperse and destroy rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank rockets before impacting the primary armor increased survivability.
Merkava Mark II
The Mark II was first introduced into general service in April 1983 and incorporated several upgrades as a result of the previous incursion into Lebanon. The new tank was optimized for urban warfare and low intensity conflicts, with a weight and engine no greater than the Mark I.
The Mark II used the same 105 millimeter main gun and 7.62 millimeter machine guns as the Mark I, but the 60 millimeter mortar was redesigned during construction to be located within the hull and configured for remote firing to remove the operator from enemy small-arms fire. An Israeli-designed automatic transmission and increased fuel storage for increased range was installed on all further Mark IIs. Anti-rocket netting was fitted for increased survivability against infantry equipped with anti-tank rockets.
Many minor improvements were made to the fire-control system. Updated meteorological sensors, crosswind analyzers, and thermographic optics and image intensifiers gave greater visibility and battlefield awareness.
Incrementally improved versions of the original Mark II were designated:
- Mark IIB, with thermal optics and unspecified updates to the fire control system.
- Mark IIC, with more armor on the top of the turret to improve protection against attack from the air.
- Mark IID, with next-generation modular composite armor on the chassis and turret.
Merkava Mark III
The Merkava Mark III was introduced in December 1989, and had many major upgrades to the drivetrain, powertrain, armament, and safety systems. The most prominent addition was the incorporation of the locally-developed IMI 120 mm gun based on German Rheinmetall 120mm Gun. This gun and a larger diesel engine increased the total weight of the tank to 65 tonnes, but the larger engine increased the maximum cruising speed to 60 km/h.
The turret was re-engineered for movement independent of the tank chassis, allowing it to track a target regardless of the tank's movement. Many other improvements were made, including:
- External two-way telephone for secure communications between the tank crew and dismounted infantry,
- Upgraded ammunition storage containers to minimize ammunition cook-off,
- Addition of laser designators,
- Incorporation of the Kasag modular armor system, designed for rapid replacement and repair in the battlefield and for quick upgrading as new designs and sophisticated materials become available,
- Creation of the Mark IIIB, with unspecified armor upgrades.
BAZ System
The 1995 Mark III BAZ (Hebrew Acronym signifying Barak Zoher) had many improved and additional systems including:
- Upgraded fire-control system components, from Electro Optics Industries (EL-OP) and Elbit Ltd, provides the tank with the ability to engage moving targets while on the move (an automatic target tracker),
- NBC protection systems,
- Locally-developed central air-conditioning system,
- Added improvements in ballistic protection,
- The Mark IIID had modular composite armor on the chassis and turret.
Dor-Dalet
The last generation of the Mark III class was the Mark IIID Dor-Dalet (Hebrew: Fourth Generation), which included several components as prototypes to be introduced in the Mark IV.
- Upgraded and strengthened tracks (built by Caterpillar, designed in Israel),
- Installation of the R-OWS.
Merkava Mark IV
The Mark IV is the latest generation of the Merkava and has been in development since 1999. Its development was first announced in an October 1999 edition of the Bamachaneh (at The Camp) military publication.
Design features
The new model has a more robust fire-control system, the Knight Mark 4, produced by El-Op. The Mark IV has improved armor on all sides, including the top and underbelly, and is optimized for urban combat. The underside of the tank is reinforced with a modular, removable V-shaped "belly armor pack."
Ammunition is stored in individual fire-proof canisters, which reduce the chance of tank rounds cooking-off in the case of a fire inside the tank. As a result, the turret is classified as "dry", meaning that no active rounds are stored above the turret line.
Some features, such as hull shaping, exterior non-reflective paints, and shielding for engine heat plumes mixing with air particles to confuse enemy thermal imagers, were carried over from the IAI Lavi program of the Israeli Air Force to reduce the battlefield signature of the Merkava series tanks.
The Mark IV includes the larger 120 millimeter main gun of the previous versions but is capable of firing a wider variety of ammunition, including HEAT and sabot rounds like the APFSDS kinetic energy penetrator, using an electrical semi-automatic revolving magazine for 10 rounds. It also includes the incorporation of a much larger 12.7 mm machine gun for anti-vehicle operations (most commonly used against technicals).
Upgraded fire control system
The new fire-control system enables the Merkava to operate as an anti-helicopter platform and is capable of detecting and destroying armored attack helicopters such as the French Gazelle and the ubiquitous Russian Mil Mi-24, both used by Israel's neighbors.
Upgraded tracks
The Mark IV has been designed with the Israeli-designed "TSAWS (Tracks, Springs, and Wheels System)" caterpillar tracks system, called "Mazkom" by troops. This system is designed to endure the harsh basalt rock conditions of Lebanon and the Golan Heights with minimal "track-shedding."
Digital battlefield management system
A new and very sophisticated Israeli Elbit Systems BMS (Battle Management System; Hebrew: ??"?) has been designed, constructed, and tested. It is a centralised system which displays battlefield data on color screens. It collects data from tracked units and UAVs deployed in theater, and immediately distributes it in encrypted form to all other tank units in a given theater.
Combat history
Controversy surrounds the Merkava Mark IV's performance during the 2006 Lebanon War, as a significant proportion of Israeli casualties have been among tank crews. Hezbollah fired antitank missiles during the course of the conflict, penetrating armor in five Merkava Mark IV tanks and killing 10. The penetrations were caused by Hezbollah tandem warhead missiles, possibly including Russian-made RPG-29 'Vampir', AT-5 'Konkurs', AT-13 'Metis-M', and AT-14 'Kornet' missiles. Another tank crewman was killed when a Merkava Mark IV ran over an improvised explosive device (IED). This tank was equipped with additional V-shaped underside armor, limiting casualties to one of the seven soldiers (four crewmen and three infantrymen). Overall, 18 of the 52 damaged tanks were Merkava Mark IVs, eight of which remained serviceable on the battlefield. Two Merkava Mark IVs were completely destroyed, one by powerful IEDs, and another supposedly by an AT-14 'Kornet' missile. All but two Merkava Mark IV tanks damaged during the war were repaired and returned to the IDF. The Israeli military said that it was satisfied with the Merkava Mark IV's performance, and attributed problems to insufficient training before the war.
After the 2006 war in Lebanon, and as the IDF becomes increasingly involved in unconventional and guerrilla warfare, the Merkava's role in the Israeli military has been questioned by some analysts who argue that the Merkava is too vulnerable to missiles. Other post-war analysts, including David Eshel, disagree, arguing that reports of losses to Merkavas were overstated and that "summing up the performance of Merkava tanks, especially the latest version Merkava Mark IV, most tank crews agree that, in spite of the losses sustained and some major flaws in tactical conduct, the tank proved its mettle in its first high-saturation combat." On a comparison done by the armor corps newsletter it was shown how the average number of crewmen killed per hit-and-penetrated tanks was reduced from 2 during the Yom Kippur War to 1.5 during the 1982 Lebanon War to 1 during the 2006 Lebanon War, thus proving how, even in face of the improvement in anti-tank weaponry, the Merkava Mark IV provides better protection to its crew. The IDF wants to increase orders of new Merkava Mark IV tanks, and has plans to add the Trophy active protection systems to Merkava Mark IV tanks, as well as increased joint training between crews and Israeli antitank soldiers.
Specifications of models
| Merkava Mark I | Merkava Mark II | Merkava Mark III | Merkava Mark IV |
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| Type | Main Battle Tank |
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| Place of origin | Israel |
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| Service history |
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| In active service | 1979–? (reserve forces only) | 1983– | 1990– | 2004– |
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| Used by | Israel Defense Forces |
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| Wars | 1982 Lebanon War, First Intifada | South Lebanon conflict (1982–2000), First Intifada, Second Intifada, 2006 Lebanon War, 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict | South Lebanon conflict (1982–2000), Second Intifada, 2006 Lebanon War, 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict | 2006 Lebanon War, Second Intifada, 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict |
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| Production history |
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| Designer | Israel Military Industries |
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| Manufacturer | Israeli Ordnance Corps |
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| Produced | 1978—1983 | 1982—1989 | 1990—2002 | 2003— |
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| Number built | 250 | 580 | 750 | 220, another 300 are being delivered |
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| Specifications |
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| Weight | ~63 tonnes | ~65 tonnes |
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| Length | - rear to muzzle
- without gun | - rear to muzzle
- without gun |
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| Width | - without skirts | |
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| Height | - turret roof | - turret roof |
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| Crew | 4 (tank commander, driver, gunner, loader-signaller). May also carry some infantrymen. |
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| Armor | Rolled homogeneous armor | Spaced rolled homogeneous armor | Composite armor, modular design. | Composite matrix of laminated ceramic-steel-nickel alloy. Sloped modular design. |
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| Primary armament | M68 rifled tank gun with LAHAT ATGM capability. | tank gun with LAHAT ATGM capability. | tank gun with LAHAT ATGM capability. |
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| Secondary armament | 1 × external mortar
12 smoke grenades | 1 × internal mortar
12 smoke grenades | 1 × internal mortar
12 smoke grenades | MG
2 × MG
1 × internal mortar
12 smoke grenades |
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| Engine | Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-6A V12 air-cooled diesel engine | Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-9AR V12 air-cooled diesel | General Dynamics GD883 (MTU883) V12 water-cooled diesel |
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| Power / weight | ~14.5 hp/ton | ~18.5 hp/ton | ~23 hp/ton |
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| Payload capacity | 53 up to 62 rounds, 6 per container | 46 rounds, 5 ready in a mechanical drum | 48 rounds, 10 ready in an electrical drum |
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| Transmission | Allison Transmission CD850-6BX hydromechanical semiautomatic | Ashot Ashkelon hydromechanical automatic, 4 gears. | Renk RK325 hydromechanical automatic, 5 gears. |
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| Suspension | Helical spring |
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| Ground clearance | | |
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| Fuel capacity | 1100 - 1400 litres | 1400 litres |
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| Operational range | | |
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| Speed on road | | | |
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Merkava variants
Following the Second Intifada the Israel Defense Forces modified some of their Merkava's to satisfy the needs of urban warfare. This adaptation can be done by field engineers and does not interfere with the tank's combat handling.
Merkava LIC
These are Merkava Mark III BAZ or Mark IV tanks, converted for urban warfare. The LIC designation stands for "Low intensity conflict", underlining its emphasis on counter-insurgency, street-to-street inner-city asymmetrical type warfare of the 21st century.
The Merkava is equipped with a turret 12.7 mm caliber coaxial machine gun which enables the crew to lay down fairly heavy cover fire without the use of the main gun, which is relatively ineffective against individual enemy combatants. Like the new remote-operated weapon station, the coaxial machine-gun is fired from inside the tank without exposing the crew to small-arms fire and snipers.
The most sensitive areas of a tank, its optics, exhaust ports and ventilators, are all protected by a newly-developed high-strength metal mesh, to prevent the possibility of explosives charges being planted there .
Rubber whip pole-markers with LED tips and a driver's rear-facing camera have been installed to improve navigation and maneuverability in an urban environment by day or by night.
Merkava Tankbulance
Some Merkava tanks have been fitted with full medical and ambulance capabilities, but retaining their armament. The cabin area has been converted for carrying injured personnel and has had two stretchers and life support medical station systems added with a full medical team complement to operate under combat conditions with a Merkava battalion. The vehicle has a rear door to facilitate evacuation under fire, and can provide covering fire. However, it carries less ammunition.
The "tankbulance" is not an unarmed ambulance and is not protected by the Geneva Conventions provisions regarding ambulances, but it is far less vulnerable to accidental or deliberate fire than an ambulance or an ordinary armored personnel carrier.
Merkava IFV Namer
Namer (Hebrew: leopard, which is also an abbreviating of "Nagmash (APC) Merkava") is a heavy infantry fighting vehicle based on Merkava Mark IV chassis. In service since 2008.
History
Successful conversion of many T-54/55 tanks into Achzarit IFVs since 1988 pushed the idea of converting Merkava tanks into heavily armored APCs/IFVs. The concept held great promise, because many of the 200 Merkava Mark I's were being gradually withdrawn from service and it was also made clear that the Mark II 105 mm main guns could not be upgraded to modern 120 mm guns. The development did not progress much in the nineties due to lack of funds, but following Operation Rainbow in 2004, which exposed the vulnerability of the M-113, the IDF re-opened the development.
Eventually, IDF Ordnance developed some heavy-duty IFV prototypes based on Merkava Mark I chassis, and also a handful of IFVs based on Merkava Mark IV chassis. The vehicle was initially called Nemmera (Hebrew: leopardess), but later renamed to Namer.
On February 15, 2005 Ma'ariv reported that a running Namer Mark I prototype was fielded by the Givati Brigade for trials and evaluation. It was equipped with a Rafael Overhead Weapon Station, which is remotely controlled and loaded from within the vehicle. This same unit was demonstrated at Eurosatory 2005 military exhibition with possible export customers showing interest.
Lessons learned in the battles of the 2006 Lebanon War also largely verified this program. Consequently, on July 20, 2007, reported that the first fifteen Namers will be delivered in 2008, and over a hundred more will finally equip two combat brigades. However, conversion plans were abandoned.
Present and plans
On March 1, 2008 an operational, started from scratch and fully-developed Namer IFV based on Merkava Mark IV chassis was officially presented by the IDF. Reportedly, the construction was urged on May 2008 by importing parts from the US. As of August 2008, the Golani Brigade is first to acquire the Namer from now on. According to IDF, the Namer IFV will be distributed to infantry and combat engineering forces, with possible future plans for special models for Intelligence and command purposes. On September 15, 2008, the Namer was unveiled to the general public at an exhibition in Rishon LeZion.
Design features
Much like a tank, Namer is capable of maneuvering in very difficult terrain, powered by Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-9AR V12 air-cooled diesel engine of Merkava Mark III. Just like the Merkava Mark IV, it is optimized for high level of crew survival on the battlefield, featuring its modular armor, reinforced V-shaped belly armor pack, NBC protection, redesigned rear entrance, and digital battlefield management system; also ready to be equipped with either Trophy active protection system or Iron Fist active protection system.
Namer is fit to carry up to 12 crewmen and infantrymen, or two stretchers. It is armed with 12.7 mm Katlanit RCWS, 7.62 mm machine gun and smoke grenades. The 12.7 mm heavy machine gun can be replaced with an Mk 19 grenade launcher. Two hatches designed on the heightened roof.
Merkava ARV Nemmera
The Merkava Armored Recovery Vehicle initially called Namer (Hebrew: leopard), but subsequently renamed to Nemmera (Hebrew: leopardess). It is an armored recovery vehicle based on a Merkava Mark III or IV chassis. It can tow disabled tanks and carries a complete Merkava back-up power pack that can be changed in the field in under 90 minutes.
There are two versions of Nemmera. The heavier equipped with a 42 ton-meter crane and a 35 ton-meter winch, and the smaller equipped with a smaller crane.
Merkava Howitzer Sholef
Two prototypes of Sholef ("Gunslinger" or "Slammer") 155 mm self-propelled howitzer with automatic loading system were built by Soltam in 1984–1986. The 45-ton vehicle had a long 155 mm calibre gun barrel giving a range of 45+ km. Using GPS, inertial navigation, and an internal fire control computer, it was also capable of direct fire while on the move. It never entered production.
External links
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