The Merkava Mk.4 Main Battle Tank entered service with Israel Defense Forces in 2004.
It is a further development of the Merkava Mk.3.
A total of 360 of these tanks have already been built and another 300 have been ordered
by Israeli Defense Forces.
For a long time these tanks were not available for export, though some of the tank's systems
and components were offered for the export customers.
However in 2014 it was reported, that Israel will export a number of these tanks to an
undisclosed customer.
Currently the Merkava Mk.4 is among 10 best main battle tanks in the world.
The Merkava Mk.4 is slightly larger than the previous Mk.3.
The new Main Battle Tank is one of the most protected tanks in the world.
It has a new armor, comparing with predecessor.
Hull of the Merkava Mk.4 was redesigned to install new engine.
A front-mounted engine also provided improved frontal protection.
The Mk.4 is also fitted with new modular armor, that can be reconfigured to match specific
threats.
Bottom of the hull has been strengthened for better protection against land mines.
This tank is fitted with a combat-proven Trophy active protection system, which destroys incoming
missiles and rockets.
Protection suite also includes advanced threat identification and warning system.
This Main Battle Tank is also well protected against air-launched guided missiles and top
attack anti-tank weapons.
The Merkava Mk.4 features an improved 120 millimetre smoothbore gun, developed by Israel
Military Industries.
It is a further development of the Merkava Mk.3 tank gun.
This gun is designed to sustain higher pressure, generating higher muzzle velocity.
This Main Battle Tank can fire various 120 millimetre rounds, including LAHAT anti-tank
missiles.
Also it can fire all standard NATO munitions.
Ten rounds are stored in electrically operated revolving magazine and are ready to fire at
any time.
Every single round is stored in a protective container, to protect the crew in case the
ammunition explosion.
Loader semi-automatically selects the ammunition type.
This main battle tank is equipped with new fire control system, that includes some very
advanced features.
One of them is a high hit probability firing against helicopters using conventional munitions.
Secondary armament consists of 7.62 mm machine guns, and internally-operated 60 millimetre
mortar.
This main battle tank has a battle management system.
It enables crew to plan missions, navigate and update their situation awareness.
It also reports friendly units of enemy targets.
Integrated battle management system combines tanks, anti-tank and artillery units and helicopters
in a combined task force.
The Merkava Mk.4 has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
Specifications Weight: 65 tonnes
Length: 9.04 metre (incl.
gun barrel) 7.60 metre (excl.
gun barrel)
Width: 3.72 metre Height: 2.66 metre
Unique layout of Merkava series main battle tanks with front-moutned engines allowed to
free space for the troops or cargo at the rear of the hull.
When ammunition is unloaded the tank can carry up to 8 dismounts or 3 stretchers.
Troops enter and leave the vehicle threw the rear hatch.
This unique capability allows to deliver troops directly to the battlefield, or evacuate them.
Speed: 64 Kilometers per hour - on road
55 Kilometers per hour - off road
This main battle tank is powered by General Dynamics 883 V-12 diesel engine.
It develops 1 500 horsepower and delivers 25% more power comparing with the previous
1 200 horsepower engine on the Merkava Mk.3.
This engine was originally developed by a German MTU company, but it is license-built
by General Dynamics Land Systems in the USA.
The same engine is used on the French Leclerc main battle tank.
Engine pack and transmission are located at the front of the hull.
It can be replaced in field conditions within 30 minutes.
Mine rollers can be fitted at the front of the hull.
Variants: Namer heavy armored personnel carrier, based
on the Merkava Mk.4 chassis, but lacks a turret.
It has a crew of two and can carry 10 fully equipped troops.
Vehicle has protection level similar to the Merkava Mk.4.
It entered service with the Israel Defense Forces in 2008.
Unit cost: $3.5 million (for delivery to the Israel Defense
Forces) $4.5 million (price for sales to other countries)