Nakpadon

   The Nakpadon heavy armored personnel carrier is a conversion of the Centurion main battle tank. Israel operated a number of out-dated Centurions, however it's performance can't match current MBTs. Furthermore Israel is involved in counter-insurgency operations and needs better protected armored vehicles, than ones used with other countries. This heavy APC entered service with Israel Defence Forces in early 90s.

   The Nakpadon was designed for counter-insirgency operations. It is very well armored and weights about 47 - 55 tons. The Nakpadon uses a mixture of passive armor and ERA packages for better survivability. Belly armor was also reinforced for better protection against land mines. Compared to the earlier Centurion conversions the Nakpadan has superior protection. It's armor cannot be penetrated by multiple RPG-7V hits and 20-mm armor-piercing rounds. Similar converted heavy armored personnel carriers significantly reduced number of Israeli casualties during the conflicts.

   Vehicle is armed with three or four M240 7.62-mm machine gun and a 60-mm mortar. Some heavy APCs are fitted with a 12.7-mm machine guns, but are rarely encountered. It is worth mentioning that externally mounted machine guns became a serious drawback of the Nakpadon, as weapon operators are very vulnerable to the sniper fire. The Nakpadon has a crew of 2 and can carry 10 troops.

   This vehicle is powered by an AVDS 1790-6A diesel engine, developing 900 horsepower. The same engine was used on the Merkava Mk.1 main battle tank.

   It is worth mentioning, that the Nakpadon heavy APC carries electronic warfare equipment, intended to block radio signals, used to detonate roadside bombs.

   A similar conversion of the Centurion main battle tank was made in Jordan. It is known as the Temash heavy APC.