Merkava Mk.3: Israel's New Spearhead

The latest version of the Merkava -the Mk.3 Main Battle Tank - was unveiled in Israel in May, on the eve of Israel's 41st Independence Day. Based on the general concept of the Merkava's earlier models, the new version contains a wide range of improvements, which virtually make it anew tank.

Modular Armor The Merkava Mk3's new armor protection offers "special armor" bolted to the hull and turret, instead of traditional steel cast plates. Repair crews can easily replace damaged modules in the field. The new "special armor" is passive, and offers protection from both hollow-charge and kinetic attack. A further advantage is that, in the future, as advanced technology makes it possible, new armor can replace the old. The new armor has actually reduced the weight of the vehicle by one ton, to 62 tons, and thereby increased the power-to-weight ratio to 20 hp/ton. Seventy percent of the weight is dedicated to frontal arc protection.

Armament and Fire Control One of the most prominent elements in the new tank is its main armament - the IMI (Israeli Military Industries) 120-mm smooth bore gun. The locally designed and produced gun is adapted to fire IMI ammunition as well as American or German 120-mm rounds. The 120-mm ammunition uses fured rounds with combustible cartridges. The 50 rounds (62 in Mk.1 and 2) are each placed inside the tank in individual fire resistant containers and maintained at constant low temperature, enhancing crew protection. A 60-mm mortar, which the loader can fire from inside the turret, fires smoke, HE, and illumination. Anew fire control system includes advanced subsystems such as a laser rangefinder, a common optical system for day and night vision for the commander and gunner, and anew ballistic computer. The FCS ties in with the turret traverse and gun-laying controls, allowing line-of-sight stabilization for the commander and gunner, and links to the electrically-driven turret control system. It offers accurate firing while on the move.

The American AVDS-1790-9AR Teledyne/Continental engine is an uprated version of the 750-hp power pack used in the Israeli M60-series, upgraded Centurion, and former Merkava models, but it now provides 1,200 hp.

The new suspension is characterized by a powerful spring and a rotary coil spring system, differing from the former double spring system. The first road wheel is strengthened to absorb shock. Built of ballistic steel, the suspension also contributes to the protection of the 24?

Merkava’s road wheels are made of ballistic steel, contributing to the protection of the hull sides. Other Features 0 Foreign sources claim the tank uses sensors for both laser and mine dctection. With early warning, the tank crew could take evasive action or counter the threat with quick reaction gunnery.

IMI CL-3030 smoke dischargers on both sides of the turret. 0 Fast reaction fire detection and suppression systems in the lighting and engine compartments - the first to be hardened against electromagnetic intcrferencc.

Overpressurized fighting compartment, with provision for cehtral filter and crew air conditioning.. hull.

Unlike torsion bars, the Merkava’s suspension is fitted externally so that each unit can be replaced rapidly in the field. The Merkava Mk.3 will become operational with IDF tank units in 1990.

Although similar in appearance to earlier Merkavas, the Mk.3’ armor is modular, easily upgraded and easy to replace.

Lieutenant Colonel David Eshel, IDF, Retired, is senior defense advisor to Eshel Dramit Ltd. publications. He served many years as a career officer with the Israeli Defense Forces with which he saw much combat duty including action with signal and tank units. He recently published a book, CHARIOTS

DESERT, a combat history of the Israeli Armored Corps. 25