03/18/2004
The innovative Merkava heavy tank has space in the back to carry extra ammunition/supplies or a 4-man infantry or scout section. UDLP's M8 Buford AGS light tank if powered by hybrid-electric drive could also do the same thing. The IDF is also optimizing their Merkava MK-3s for use as urban close combat heavy infantry carriers. Details:
PHOTOS & TEXT
www.defense-update.com/products/m/merkava-lic.htm
1st TSG (A) EXCLUSIVE! See Merkava Mk4 video! Click here!
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The IDF performed various modifications to its Merkava Mk 3 tanks, specially designed for MOUT combat. The tank was fitted with marking poles, which assist the commander and driver in movement in narrow streets, minimizing damages to surrounding structures. To eliminate the chance of individuals planting explosive charges into the air intakes, wire meshes were added to close such openings, as well as protecting the optic sights. A redesigned commander's cupola was also installed, offering supperior visibility at higher elevation. The external 0.5" [caliber, Browning M2 "Ma Deuce" heavy] machine gun, mounted on top of the main gun was linked to the fire control system and can now be fired by electrical actuation under armor. The IDF realized that the 0.5" is more effective in urban warfare. A firing hatch and observation window was also opened in the rear access door, where a sniper or sharpshooter can operate, from a protected position. The tank can use less than lethal stun cartridge, designed for effect at a range of up 30 meters. Another system demonstrated for the first time at LIC-2004 is a 360 degrees omni-directional panoramic [video] camera alerting the crew, when closed down, on any suspicious activity around the tank. The system can be utilized in combat situations, securing tanks in positions as well as protecting armor in parking area.
The following is from an Israeli newspaper........Njall
Last week, after a year-and-a-half's delay, the deal known as Project Bazelet was signed with Israel Military Industries for improving the protection of 50 M-113 APCs. It includes adding protective covering of three tons, a new engine, new tracks, and a driver's seat with power steering. The cost will be $20 million. Although the APC is 35 years old, the IDF is considering gradually upgrading hundreds of the old APCs because of their availability and relatively low cost
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Author: Colonel Mickey Marcus
Email: itsg@hotmail.com Home Page: www.geocities.com/equipmentshop |
Israelis use tracked AFVs in combat and do not lose men like U.S. Army does in vulnerable wheeled trucks
Unlike the U.S. Army, the IDF has long understood the non-linear, 4th Generation warfare battlefield; it is too busy fighting for its survival to play egomaniac games. Perhaps after enough preventable U.S. casualties are suffered, the U.S. Army will wake-up, perhaps not.
The IDF would be handling the occupation of Iraq far better than the U.S. military is.
Other excellent web resources on IDF Armor: