Eitan AFV
| Eitan | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) | |
| Place of origin | Israel |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2020 (planned)[1] |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2016 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 30–35 tonnes |
| Crew | 3 (commander, driver, RCWS operator) + 9 troops[2] |
| Engine | 750 hp (559 kW) diesel engine |
| Suspension | 8x8 |
| Maximum speed | 90 km/h (60 mph) - top speed |
Eitan (Hebrew for "steadfast") is an armoured fighting vehicle developed by the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate in the IMOD to replace the ageing M113 armored personnel carrier in use by the Israel Defense Forces. It is to be an 8-wheeled vehicle much lighter than the Namer, weighing less than 35 tons, and will be fitted with the Trophy active protection system.[3] The AFV has a top speed of 90 km/h and can carry 12 men including 3 crew. The Eitan can be equipped with a 30–40 mm gun and a missile firing position.[4]
It is hoped it will be able to replace hundreds of M113s currently in service.[5] According to Brigadier General Baruch Matzhliah, the vehicle will complement, not replace, the Namer tracked APC;[6] as a wheeled vehicle, it will cost half as much as the Namer and, unlike tracked vehicles, can transport infantry squads on roads without relying on tank transporters. The Eitan has run flat tires and is designed with a protected, relatively high floor to protect from mine and IED blast effects.[7] The first Eitan AFV was unveiled on August 1, 2016.[8]
See also
References
- ^ Israeli-made Eitan 8x8 armored IFV will enter in service by 2020 with Israeli Army. Army Recognition. 27 June 2018.
- ^ BECKHUSEN, ROBERT (6 August 2016). "Israel's Next Troop Taxi Is a Giant, Armored Carapace". War IS Boring. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- ^ Opall, Barbara (4 August 2016). "Israel Unveils Wheeled, Actively Protected Armored Carrier". Defense News. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
- ^ http://www.globes.co.il/en/article-the-idfs-first-wheeled-armored-personnel-carrier-unveiled-1001143339
- ^ Eshel, Tamir (1 August 2016). "Israel Develops a Highly Protected APC to Replace Thousands of M-113 'Tin Cans'". Defense Update. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
- ^ Lappin, Yaakov (4 August 2016). "Israel unveils first wheeled APC". IHS Janes. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
- ^ Eshel, Tamir (1 August 2016). "Israel Develops a Highly Protected APC to Replace Thousands of M-113 'Tin Cans'". Defense Update. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
- ^ Lapin, Yaakov (1 August 2016). "The Eitan APC will come with an active protection system, and its high speed will enable rapid deployment of forces between North and South". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 18 August 2016.