T-55 variants, Iraq

Merkava Mk 3/Mk 4

Israel

Externally the Merkava Mk 3 appears very similar to the two earlier Merkava marks apart from the main gun, which is a 120 mm Israeli designed and built smoothbore cannon with a distinctive Vishay Israel thermal sleeve. However, practically every major component is in fact new.

The armour package is of an advanced special passive type that is integrated into the basic tank design and contains approximately 50% of its make-up as replaceable modules. The latter allows for both easier deport level repairs and replacement by more modem armour developments as they become available. The basic cast steel turret has attachments for special armour modules at the front and sides, as have the hull glacis, sponsons and nose positions. Full length special armour side skirts are also provided. All-electric turret/ weapon drive and stabilisation systems are fitted to reduce the internal fire risk. An advanced El-Op Knight Mk III director/hunter-killer type computerised fire control system with retractable meteorological sensor has been fitted This significantly increases the first-round kill probability against moving targets. An Amcoram 360° capability warning system is used to provide warning of enemy lasing and electro-magnetic emissions, The main gun fires both Israeli and standard NATO type 120 mm smoothbore ammunition families. Like the Mk 1/2 the two 7.62 mm FN MAG antiaircraft machine guns carried are a specially modified version developed for the Merkava family with variable height capability mounts. The 12.7 mmMG is mounted over the main gun and again is electrically fired from within the turret. Sixround launchers for the CL-3030 IS-6 smoke screen system grenades are fitted either side of the turret front. A new central Filter and over pressurisation system is carried for NBC defence.

Similar command and combat engineer models to the Merkava Mk 1/2 are also used, Further improvements are being made to the vehicle including the fitting of an upgraded final drive assembly to cope with the additional weight, Vehicles modified in this manner are being referred to as the Merkava Mk 4, A further version with a 140 mm main gun is likely.

Specifications:

First prototype: • Merkava Mk 3 1986; MerkavaMk 4 1989/90 First production: Mk3 1987-current (400 built to-date); Mk 4 1992-current (modifications of built vehicles) Current user: Israel

Crew: 4

Combat weight: 62 000 kg Ground pressure: 0.96 kg/cm2

Length, gun forwards: 8.78 m Width (with skirts): 3.7 m Height (without AA gun): 2.76 m Ground clearance: 0.53 m

Max. road speed: 55 km/h Maximum range: 500 km Fording: unprepared 1.4m Gradient: 70% Side slope: 40%

Vertical obstacle: 1 m Trench: 3.5m

Powerpack: TCM AVDS-1790-9AR air cooled turbo-charged diesel developing 1200 hp coupled to an Ashot fully automatic transmission Armament: (main) 1 x 120 mm gun (50 rounds); (coaxial) 1 x 7.62 mm MG; (anti-aircraft) 1 x 12,7 mm and 2 x7.62 mm MG; (anti-personnel) 1 x 60 mm light mortar (internally loaded); (smoke dischargers) 2 x6

Israeli Army Merkava Mk3 MET.