Country of origin |
Israel |
Entered service |
1990 |
Crew |
4 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
60 t |
Length (gun forward) |
9.04 m |
Hull length |
7.97 m |
Width |
3.72 m |
Height |
2.66 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
120 mm smoothbore |
ATGW |
LAHAT |
Machine guns |
3 x 7.62 mm |
Mortar |
1 x 60 mm |
Elevation range |
? |
Traverse range |
360 degrees |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
50 rounds |
Machine guns |
10 000 x 7.62 mm |
Mobility |
Engine |
Continental AVDS-1790-9AR diesel |
Engine power |
1 200 hp |
Maximum road speed |
60 km/h |
Range |
500 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
40% |
Vertical step |
1 m |
Trench |
3 m |
Fording |
1.4 m |
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The Merkava
Mk.3 main battle tank is a successor to the
Mk.2.
It was first publicly revealed in 1989. Production tanks entered
service with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1990. Production ceased
in 2003 and a total of 780 of these tanks were built. It is still
widely used by the IDF alongside the newer
Merkava Mk.4.
The Merkava
Mk.3 has the same layout as its predecessors. It reflects the
unique requirements of Israeli MoD. This tank has
improved armor protection, firepower and mobility.
Protection
of this main battle tank was improved by adding passive modular
armor. Damaged modules can be easily replaced in field conditions.
Such armor can also be constantly upgraded when more advanced
modules are available. This MBT can also be fitted with explosive
reactive armor blocks. The Mk.3 is also fitted with a laser warning
system. It is worth mentioning that this MBT unlike the others has a
front-mounted engine for better crew protection. Vehicle can be
fitted with Trophy active protection system.
The Merkava
Mk.3 is fitted with a fully-stabilized 120 mm smoothbore gun,
locally developed by Israel Military Industries. This gun can fire all
standard NATO 120 mm munitions. It can also fire gun-launched LAHAT
anti-tank guided missiles in the same manner as ordinary
projectiles. Vehicle carries 50 rounds for the main gun. Ammunition
is stored in separate containers.
Vehicle is
fitted with a new fire control system, developed by Elbit. This fire
control system has automatic target tracking.
Secondary
armament consists of three 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is
mounted coaxially with the main gun, while the rest are positioned
on top of the roof. Sometimes the Mk.3 tanks can be seen fitted with
ranging 12.7 mm machine guns. This MBT is also fitted with remotely
controlled 60 mm mortar, which is used to fire illumination and
fragmentation rounds.
The Merkava
Mk.3 has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and
driver. It is worth mentioning, that the Merkava Mk.3 has a unique
feature and can carry up to ten troops, when ammunition is unloaded.
Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear hatch.
Vehicle is
powered by Continental AVDS-1790-9AR diesel engine, developing 1 200
horsepower. Power-to-weight ratio of this tank is rather poor due to
excessive weight which limits the tank's mobility.
Variants of
the Merkava Mk.3 include the Merkava Mk.3A, 3B, and 3D. Production
of the Merkava Mk.3 ceased in 2003. Its successor became the
Merkava Mk.4.
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