Merkava

For the religious/mystical connotations of the word, see Merkabah.

Merkava (Chariot Heb.)
Merkava Israeli Merkava Mk-III LIC main battle tank
Type	MBT, Main Battle Tank
Place of origin	Israel
Specifications
Mass	63 tonnes (I and II) 65 tonnes (III and IV)
Length	7.6 m (gun forward=9.04 m)
Width	3.72 m (without skirts)
Height	2.66 m (turret roof)
Crew	4 (Driver, Commander, Gunner, Loader)
Armor	laminated steel/nickel composite + classified modular
Main armament	1 x 105 mm M68 cannon + 62 rounds (I and II) 1 x 120 mm smoothbore gun + 46 rounds (III and IV) LAHAT anti-tank missile
Secondary armament	1 x 7.62 mm coaxial MG (I-III) and/or 1 x 12.7 mm coaxial (IV) 2 x 7.62 mm MG 1 x 60 mm internal mortar
Engine	diesel 900 hp (I, II) 1,200 hp (III) 1,500 hp (IV)
Power/weight	14 hp/tonne (I,II) 18 hp/tonne (III) 23 hp/tonne (IV)
Suspension	helical spring
Operational range	500 km
Maximum speed	Road: 65 km/h;

Merkava (Hebrew: , "chariot") is a series of main battle tanks developed and manufactured by over 250 Israeli and 100 foreign companies with main assembly at the IDF Logistics and Armor Support plant at the Tel HaShomer Base near Tel Aviv.

The Merkava has been designed for crew survival and rapid battle damage repair thanks to Telescopic production methods and modular ceramic armour panels. The heavily shielded engine is placed at the front of the tank, increasing frontal mass, while the crew is now able to safely exit under combat fire from a disabled Merkava tank via doors in the rear of the hull should it become necessary.

The guns including the 120mm smooth bore main armament and amunition are produced by I.M.I. The hull, wheels and turret castings are by Urdan. The electronic sensors are by Elta. The computer systems by Elbit. The aiming by El-Op, Elisra and Astonautics. The new remote weapons station and Trophy Active Protective System is by Rafael to name just a few of the major on-board systems now being employed on the Merkava Mk IV BAZ.

Being heavily armoured and highly mobile, the Merkava has a unique plating system where the armour plates lock in a grid tightly and can also be disassembled easily for repairing or replacing.

History

The history of the Merkava (Chariot) series of main battle tanks dates back to the 1960's. Israel found out that to defend itself in time of war, it had to be able to have an unrestricted source for the major weapon platforms of air, land and sea. To be able to do that a country usually would have to have the means to build and adapt those systems to it's own specific needs, topography and technology. Israel could just about buy any plane, ship, submarine, gun and even amunition... but, it could not buy or build a current MBT (Main Battle Tank). So in 1965 Israel decided to see if it was feasible to build a so called 'Sabra' indigenous Main Battle Tank. However, fate intervened in 1966 when Israel was approached by Britain to help jointly develop and conduct field trials for a next generation MBT called the Chieftain. Israel agreed and two examples arrived in January 1967 with a team of British armour and military experts. The new proto-types were put through exhaustive desert test conditions. During the 1967 war the technicians were briefly with-drawn and the 2 tanks put into storage or hiding. A year later in 1968 the first two examples were sent back to England and another two modified Chieftains arrived to continue the field testing now in the rocky Golan Heights as well as the Southern Negev dessert. Many valuable lessons were learned from the 1967 Mid East conflict, especially the need for more crew protection and capability of getting off a first round hits on an enemy tank. However, politics intervened in late 1969 and England withdrew from the joint testing program due in part to Arab pressure and bias within the Bristish Foreign Ministry; not the Defense Ministry. The 2 remaining tanks were returned December 1969 and thus five valuable years was now lost in tank development program.

Israel then realized that it could not rely on other nations to help her produce a main battle tank, it would have to be done by her own manufacturing base. General Israel Tal began considering a completely Israeli-made and Israeli-designed MBT. By the end of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, the Israeli High Command realized that they did not have the human resources to withstand a war of attrition with any Arab nation. With that conclusion, the Israeli government decided to initiate projects related to designing the Merkava by placing crew-protection and safety as a paramount priority, almost to an obsession (so terrible were the tank crew losses in the desert Sinai war and the Russian state-of-the-art equipment of the Golan Heights.

By 1974 the tank's design was done, proto-types fabricated, a factory found and work begun on adapting it for full scale tank production and later that year field trials began. The Merkava was formally acknowledged in 1977 in International Defense Review monthly magazine, but it now needed badly extra funding. A rare trip for General Tal to America with hat in hand to convince anyone to contribute several million dollars. It would be found at the U.S. Congress and was forth-coming later that year when U.S. President Jimmy Carter signed a multi million dollar loan for the Merkava development. First official pictures were released to the world military publications early 1978 and during that year's Independence celebrations at the main Jerusalem stadium, it was introduced in a most memorable way. The Merkava Mark I rolled out onto the track, the four crew members were announced and then each stood up in their tank fighting compartment positions to a cheering crowd and then the crowds grew silent as a most unusual rear clam shell door slowly opened Up and Down in back of the tank hull and out came one-by-one ten fully armed combat troops to the crowds astonishment. The military attache's in attendance could not believe their eyes and said so in the following days newspapers. The official hand over ceremony would not take place until the following year in 1979 with the first armor brigade's official acceptance and crew training was now fully complete.

Merkava Mark I

Merkava I from the rear on display at Latrun. Notice the two piece door in the center of the back of the tank?

This was the first production model of the Merkava to be accepted into IDF service. First images to be released to world publications was in February 1977 with the first public appearance of the Merkava Mark I later in May 1977 at the Independence Day celebrations held in the Jerusalem National Stadium. This Merkava was very strange new designed tank with the engine mounted in the front and the turret set toward the back of the tank. More remarkable however, was the very small full frontal shape that left almost no target for an enemy tank to aim at! The Merkava had to be officially accepted into IDF service the following year, 1979 due to the delay in funding, the 1973 war and when it was said the proto-types had to finished their ten thousand kilometer field tests by December 1978. The first crews had completed their Merkava training conversion during 1979. Even though the tank was equipped with the current state-of-the-art 105mm rifled U.S. M68 main gun, it was pointed out that a much larger 120mm gun could also be installed when other Nato nations converted. Then there was that rear door to allow for fast resupply of ammunition, stores as well as a safe tank hull entrance and exit. The Merkava Mark I would have it's combat debut in the 1982 Lebanon War, There, many first time battle field issues would get addressed, solved and concepts proven by this unconventional 60+ ton beheamoth. It showed a need for the 60mm mortar to be installed inside rather than outside the turret to fight individual terrorist in an urban enviroment, a shot trap was found under the rear turret bustle which was easily remedied with a field installation of hanging chains, the removal of the tank search / spot light got rid of a foreign 'bad' idea, modification of tracks that were too easily thrown in the Lebanese mountain battles, a more powerful engine transmission was found to be needed, a more powerful main armament was necessatated in conformity with NATO nations now switching from 105mm to 120mm ammunition during the 1980's, it was also shown a need for individual air conditioning, an on board pure water supply, a need for anti helicopter equipment and many others.

Merkava Mark II

Merkava II.

The Mark 2 was first introduced into general service in 1983 after the previous year's incursion into Lebanon. Some latter said that this 2nd generation was really the original idea for the Merkava Mark I but due to funding and time constraints many of the up-grades got put off till this 1983 version appeared. It included many new upgrades and improvements, with a focus on urban warfare such as adding additional 7.62mm machine guns to the turret stations of the Commander, Gunner and Loader allowing much improved withering fire support for dismounted troops around the tank under combat conditions. Further improvements in crew survivability and the introduction of a new transmission and increased fuel storage followed the war in Lebanon and the battles for Beirut.

Merkava Mark III

Merkava III.

Following new intelligence gained during Israel's 1982 campaign into Lebanon, the Merkava Mk. 3 was introduced in 1990. Among the many modifications were some major changes to the platform:

• A new 120 mm smooth-bore main gun (designated MG-251)
• A new 1200 hsp powerpack engine for improved mobility and terrain handling.
• New special ballistic armor suite
• New hybrid digital electronics and digital communications
• An external 2-way telephone for secure comm between tank and dismounted troops
• New main gun stabilization sytem and all electronic slaving
• Use of containerized round boxes for every 2 or 4 120mm tank rounds
• New Laser target designators as well as 360 degree LWS (Laser Warning System)
• A modular armor system allowing quick replacement of damaged armor (designated Kasag).

The modular armor is designed for rapid replacement and repair in the battlefield and for quick upgrading as new designs become available.

BAZ (Hawk) System

Debuting in 1995 production models, the Mark IIIB (for Baz) was designed with many improved and additional systems including:

• A most sophisticated and revolutionary FCS fire-control system in the world

This 'BAZ' addition gives the Merkava eyes like a Hawk and sniper characteristics.

• A new NBC fighting compartment protection system.
• A new locally developed central air conditioning system (a first for tanks).

Dor-Dalet (Fourth Generation Armor)

The latest generation of the Mark III class is the Mk IIID or Dor-Dalet. The most significant difference between the two versions is the installation of the Kasag modular armouring system especially around the turret area. Other differences include tangential upgrades such as:

• Upgraded and strengthened of the Israeli proprietary Cat-Tracs built by Caterpillar
• Upgraded machine gun placement, caliber and a new remote control station.

The newer model also keeps many of the previous modifications, such as air filtration and advance NBC protection. Prospective upgrades planned for this model include a battlefield-management system (similar to the IVIS system installed in the American M-1 Abrams main battle tank). The system's deployment is crucial to integrating individual tanks and allowing a central command to follow the course of battle at an individual tank's level perspective.

Merkava Mark IV

Merkava Mark IV is introduced at Jerusalem 2002 Israeli Independence Day exhibition

The Mark IV is the latest generation in the Merkava-series of tanks, and has been in production since 1999 when in October 1999 it was first officially announced in the military publication BaMahane (In The Camp). It was then published November & December 1999 in hundreds of world sources, such as the foremost US publication Aviation Weekly, that several (6) examples of the Merkava Mark IV prototypes have completed more than ten thousand kilometer field trials and that an initial order of 400 US/German 1500 hsp powerpack systems have been placed on order with General Dynamics Land Systems. It offers additional crew protection as well as a more powerful and accurate fire-control system when El-Op said they would upgrade the Knight Mk3 FCS with the new Knight Mk4 on the 2005 Merkava Mk IV production line. Optimized for urban combat, the Mark IV has been given improved type of classified armour on all sides including top and even beneath the tank with a removeable 'belly pack,' not just the front-arc area like most conventional tanks in the world today. This modular armour system introduced in the Mark III series is still present as well as the NBC measures of the previous generation. A major upgrade to the series was the implementation of 'individual' fire-proof ammunition storage canisters to reduce the chance of rounds 'cooking-off' if the tank compartment is ever compromised such as in a fire. There are no storage rounds kept above the turret line so the turret is considered 'dry.' The Merkava has the lowest cross-signature of any modern MBT. Many of the stealth electronics, technical and physical features, such as the paint, were carried over from the 'LAVIE' ATF (Advance Tactical Fighter) program of the Israel Air Force.

Upgraded FCS, Fire Control System

The new Israeli El-Op computerized Knight Mk3 & Mk4 FCS (Fire-Control System) enables the Merkava to operate as an anti-helicopter platform and is capable of detecting and taking down armored attack helicopters such as the French Gazelle and the ubiquitous Russian Hind (both used by Arab nations in Israel's periphery). The tank has a smooth bore 120mm main gun which can fire the new I.M.I. APAM, the Kalanit and even the Lahat Missile guided tank rounds. A .50 caliber coaxial machine gun and an improved 60mm mortar that has an increased range from previous Merkava versions. A new rear position sniper port with an internal 7.62mm machine gun can now be fitted to the rear facing folding clam shell door and has proven very effective in urban LIC (Low Intensity Conflict) environments such as the recent 2006 Hizbollah and Hamas insurgency. It was announced late in 2006 that the new Knight Mk4 FCS is being installed on the Merkava Mark IV production line to create the new Merkava Mark IV BAZ (Hawk) latest version to the Merkava series.

Upgraded tracks

The Mark IV has been designed with an Israeli design concept of improved caterpillar tracks system. It has been named "Mazkom" by troops, with an official designation of "TSAWS," which stands for tracks, springs, and wheels system (Hebrew: מערכת זחלים קפיצים ומרכובים). The new system is designed to endure the harsh ground conditions of Israel and minimize incidents of track-shedding.

B.M.S. Computerized Battle Assesment Information Systems

A new system has been completely designed, constructed, and tested using Israeli sources. Named "the Battle Management System" (Hebrew: צי"ד), it was designed by Elbit Systems and allows for a centralized distribution of battlefield data on color plasma TV like screens. It collects data from tracked units and UAVs deployed in theater and allows this data to be distributed by central command authority instantaneously to all other tank units in a given theater.

Other Merkava Mark IV upgrades

In July 2006 a second Lebanon war was fought against a terrorist organization Hezbollah which purposely imbedded itself among the indigous Lebanese population. The Merkava tank being also a MICV (Mechanized Infantry Carrier Vehicle) with a capacity of 3 litter casualty patients or a 4 man forward operating command post or up to 10 fully equipped troops (predicated on amount of 120 mm amunition being carried); all under tank armor on the battlefield, can deal with this new threat. If deployed correctly and by an experienced tank crews trained in asymmetrical warfare, will be the way this new type of combat warfare can be fought and won. One important aspect overlooked was the original Mark IV was designed and programed to have an APS (Active Protection System) called 'TROPHY' which was under development by Rafael industries Israel since the early 1990's. But due to budget restrictions in 1999 and the need for an individual air conditioning uniform system installed, it was dropped until funding could be found. The 2006 conflict resurrected this project and the latest version Merkava Mark IV BAZ with improved defenses, a new I.M.I. 120mm 'Kalanit' round, El Op Next Generation FCS (Fire Control aiming System), LIC features: remote control 50 caliber turret weapons station and the new Trophy system on board; is now in production at Tel HaShomer (Sarafand) armor depot base.

• A video system has been installed around the entire tank which allows for a 360 degree viewing area available to the entire tank crew. Also, the main power pack has been upgraded to 1500 horsepower and allows the tank to accelerate to burst speeds of over 60 km/h and a Power to Weight factor of 25 similar to other current MBT's.

Merkava variants

Following the al-Aqsa Intifada, the Israeli Defence Forces modified some of their Merkava's to satisfy the needs of urban warfare. This adaptation can be done by field engineers and should not interfere with the tank's combat performance.

Merkava Mark III LIC

This is the main class of Merkava tanks designed for urban warfare. The LIC designation stands for "Low Intensity Conflict", underlining its emphasis on counter-insurgency, street-to-street inner-city type warfare.

The Merkava is equipped with an internal .50 caliber coaxial machine gun, enabling the crew to lay down fairly heavy cover fire without the use of the cumbersome and in-effective main gun against individual combatents. It also provides much higher protection, because like the new RWS (remote weapons station) it is fired safely from inside the tank without exposing the crew to small arms fire.

The most sensitive areas of a tank, its optics, exhaust ports and ventilators, are protected by high-strength mesh, which prevents a direct impact from the ubiquitous RPG.

Rubber whip pole-markers with LED tips and a rear camera have also been installed to improve navigation and maneuverability in an urban environment day or night.

Merkava Tankbulance

Some of the Merkavas were fitted with full medical and ambulance capabilities. The rear area of the tank was converted for carrying injured personnel and has had stretchers and life support medical station systems added for a full medical team compliment to operate under combat conditions.

Because the "tankbulance" is an armed vehicle of war, it is not protected by the Geneva Conventions as a traditional ambulance but, because it is still a tank the under full armor concept protects much better than conventional field type ambulances.

Merkava Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV)

The Merkava ARV, named: Nam'mer (Hebrew: Tiger) is an armoured recovery vehicle based on a Merkava chassis. It is capable of towing disabled tanks and carries a complete Merkava back-up power plant that can be field changed in under 30 minutes.

Merkava based APC/IFV

Israel developed a heavy-duty APC/IFV based on the Merkava chassis called Nemmera (Hebrew for tigress). Because many of the 330 built Merkava I's are being with drawn from service, this APC adaption holds great promise for the next two years.

Only a handful were produced, due to the cost of the vehicle, and the priority placed on fully-functional Merkava main battle tanks. Yet following Operation Rainbow and the vulnerability of M-113, the IDF re-opened the Nemmera program which is now in full development. 2006 war verified this program.

On February 15, 2005, Ma'ariv reported that a running prototype was fielded by the Givati Brigade and is equipped with a heavy machine gun, which is controlled and loaded from within the vehicle. It was also decided to rename the vehicle from Nemmera to Nammer ("Tiger"). and was seen in Europe at Eurosatory 2005 military exhibition.

Merkava based self-propelled artillery

Sholef in Beit ha-Totchan, Israel.

Two prototypes of Sholef (Slammer) 155 mm self-propelled howitzer were built by Soltam in 1984–1986. The 45-ton vehicle had a long 52-calibre gun barrel giving a range of 45+ km and was capable of direct fire on the move. It never entered production. The story here was this 155mm artillery was actually superior to the USA M-109 series because during the 1982 Lebanon War the US models could not keep up with the speed, mobility and terrain ability of the Merkava Mk I models, but thanks to the US annual largess of billions of dollars towards defense purchases the IDF was forced to keep on buying the inferior M series. [1]

General remarks

Like any other tank, the Merkava is vulnerable to 200 pound IED's Improvised Explosive Devices. During the Al-Aqsa Intifada, three Merkava IIB tanks were damaged by Palestinian Liberation Army in the Gaza Strip, on February 14, 2002; March 14, 2002; and February 16, 2003. A number of Merkavas were also damaged by anti tank rounds, such as on March 19, 2004, in which a tank was hit seven times resulting in injuring two of the crew members inside.

Israeli sources claim that during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict about 50 Merkavas were struck by Russian Kornet and Metis anti-tank missiles. All but six were returned to continue fighting in the conflict and those six have since been repaired and returned to duty. In total about 13% of the 200 Mk II and Mk III Merkava tank force was used in Lebanon was hit. Of the approximate 200 Merkava's deployed in the Hezbollah conflict, fewer than 50 were of Mark IV versions which faired much better. Many of the Merkava tanks seen in the conflict that looked like Mark IV's were in actuality Dor Dalet models of Mark II and Mark III Merkava's.

As of 2005, some 5,000 Israeli workers are directly employed in Merkava production, with another 5,000 employed indirectly, in over 250 Israeli firms. In 2005, exports of Merkava-related sub-systems amounted to US $318 million (the Mark IV tank itself was not exported). The Israel Defense Manufacturers Association "SIBAT" expects that by 2007 the number of Merkava production employees will increase by another 2,000 and exports will amount to well over US $400 million.

Merkava Trivia

The Merkava is reputed to have a water chiller to provide tank crews with their required intake of 1 liter of water per hour in the hot dry dessert to the South. A new hand held UAV is now included in the Merkava weapons inventory carried on board for BVR (Beyond Visual Range) warfare and communications requirements. The Merkava can fire the new Lahat missile round which then can be aimed, directed and even targeted by another tank, a helicopter or even a deployed member of the additional troops being carried into battle in the back of the tank.

See also

• Israel Defense Forces
• Israel
• Tank
• Armour

References

• Gelbart, Marsh, and Tony Bryan (illustrator). Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985–2004. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey Publishing, 2004. ISBN 1-84176-579-1.
• Katz, Sam, and Peter Sarson (illustrator). Merkava Main Battle Tank MKs I, II & III. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey Publishing, 1997. ISBN 1-85532-643-4.

External links

• Israeli-Weapons.com Merkava Page (Considerable tank info and pictures)
• IDF overview of Merkava's history and variants
• Merkava Mk 3 LIC, Merkava Mk 4 at Defense-Update
• Merkava Mk 1,2,3,4 at War Online.
• Merkava Mk 1,2,3 at voodoo.cz.
• Merkava Mk 3 Baz, Merkava Mk 4 at Army-technology (tank features and pictures from different angles)
• Merkava Mk1, Merkava Mk2, Merkava Mk3, Merkava Mk4 at army-guide.com
• ACPR's analysis of Merkava
• Continued Evolution of the Merkava Program at Defense Update
• Report on Merkava performance in 2006 Lebanese conflict
• The Armor Site! page on Merkava