FAS Military Affairs Network

Israeli Ground Forces

Merkava Mk3/Mk4 Tank
The Merkava is the innovative Israeli design of Major General Israel Tal. The primary
design criteria was crew survivability. Every part of the overall design is expected to
contribute to helping the crew survive. The engine is in the front to provide protection to
the crew. There is a special protective umbrella for the tank commander to enable
protection from indirect fire with the hatches open. Special "spaced armor" is in use along
with protected fuel and ammo compartments. Rear ammunition stowage is combined
with a rear entrance and exit. Since the rounds are stowed in containers that can be
removed from the vehicle whenever necessary, this space can accommodate tank
crewmen who have been forced to abandon their vehicles, or, if thought to be
appropriate, even infantrymen. Rear ammunition stowage allows replenishment much
more easily than if rounds have to be replaced in a carousel in the hull center, as in
typical Russian vehicles. Tank soldiers have long admired Merkava's rear entrance and
exit, recognizing that it would allow them to mount and dismount unobserved by the
enemy and would provide an excellent alternative escape route. The Merkava can also
carry a small Infantry squad internally under complete armored protection.

Specifications
Weight (kg) 62,000
Length 8.78 m
Width 3.7 m
Height 9'6"
Forward speed 55 kph
Reverse speed 25 kph
Engine 1200 hp TCM AVDS 1790-9AR diesel
Vertical obstacle climb 1 m
Maximum width ditch 3.5 m
Fording Depth 1.4 m
Main Gun 120mm cannon
Coaxial machinegun 7.62mm
Anti-personnel
2 x 7.62mm
machinegun
Commander's
12.7 mm
machinegun
Light Mortar 60 mm
Sabra Main Battle Tank
The Sabra Main Battle Tank is a modernised upgraded M60A3, orignally developed for a
proposal to Turkey by Israel Military Industries. The Sabra upgrade package is now being
marketed elsewhere internationally. The original 60s and 70s technology is replaced by
new systems which will extend the life of the M60 into the next century as an effective
weapon system capable of defeating modern tanks. The Sabra's main armament is a new
120mm Gun system which is interoperable with NATO weapon systems and
ammunition. Similar to the gun developed for the Merkava Mark 3 main battle tank, it is
mated with thermal imaging sights and the "Knight" fire control system and which
provides a fire on the move capability. The 120mm gun was developed to fit the
relatively small turret dimensions of older tanks. No machining or welding is necessary
on the turret to match the 120mm with the M60. The characteristics, including
dimensions, recoil force and range, are almost identical to those of the existing 105mm
system. Within the turret, the only major changes are for ammunition racking and the fire
control system. The enhanced turret and add-on ballistic protection improve survivability
against shaped charge and kinetic projectiles.

Specifications
Crew Four
Weight, combat loaded 55 tons
Overall length gun
9.40 metres
forward
Overall width without
3. 63 metres
skirts
height 3. 05 metres
Main armament 120 mm smooth bore gun
Ammunition stowage 42 rounds
Coaxial machine gun 7.62 mm/5.56 mm
Externally mounted
2 x7.62 mm / 5.56 mm
machine guns
Mortar 60 mm
Gunner's sight periscopic day and night, stabilized in 2 axes
Commander's sight day sight plus optical relay to gunner's sight
Laser rangefinder ND:YAG eye-safe
Teledyne Continental AVDS 1790-5A four stroke
Engine
diesel
Maximum road speed 48 km/hour
Range on hard level 450 kilometres
ground
M-68/-71 155mm
M-839P/-845P 155mm
Soltam Ltd, of Haifa Israel, offers a full range of modern artillery pieces and associated
equipment, including mortars and mortar ammunition and 155 mm gun/howitzers and
ammunition, notably the M-68/-71 155mm and M-839P/-845P 155mm guns.
LAR - Light Artillery Rocket System
The LAR - Light Artillery Rocket System includes launchers for any rocket regardless of
length, diameter, weight, range or payload designed to meet load-carrying capacity. It is
flexible, supporting 8, 10, or 13 rockets in 1 or 2 sealed launch pod containers. The
modular system operates with all launch platforms RSD's artillery rocket systems are
based on the LPC (Launch Pod Container) concept which provide fast reloading and
modularity with up to 13 factory-sealed rockets. It handles launch, storage, transportation
and handling operations.

Specifications
Rocket Systems Division of Israel Military Industries
Contractor Ltd.
Maximum range 45 km
warheads Variety