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Merkava 1
The fighting compartment of the Merkava tank did away with the traditional turret basket and used the full width of the hull, rather than isolating the driver from the commander, gunner and loader. The low turret was fitted with the M68 105mm rifled gun (the US version of the British L7). It was also fitted with a co-axial 7.62mm machine-gun and two more 7.62mm FN MAG anti-aircraft machine-guns at the loaders and commanders hatches. Finally an M2 .50 cal machine-gun was mounted over the main gun mantlet. This can be fired remotely by the gunner. A 60mm mortar was also fitted for firing smoke rounds.
After the 1982 Lebanon operations improvements were made to the Merkava 1 design, ball and chain armour was added to the rear of the turret as additional protection from infantry anti-tank weapons. In 1984 improved armoured side skirts and additional appliqué armour were added.
Merkava 2
The Merkava 2 was introduced in 1983. Its design took on many of the lessons learnt from the war in Lebanon in 1982. Layers of appliqué armour were added to the front and sides of the turret, the hull’s front armour was redesigned, the 60mm mortar could be reloaded internally, the side skirt armour was improved, and a number of other mechanical improvements were made to the design.
Merkava 3
The latest Merkava mark is the most powerful yet fielded by the IDF. In the hands of the well-drilled Israeli tankers this powerful main battle tank can deal with any enemy tank they are likely to encounter. Its 120mm IMI gun is more powerful than the 105mm gun of the previous models, able to deal with any of the Soviet designed tanks they may face in the hands of Arab forces, or any other enemy they may face.
The Merkava 3 has enough frontal armour to protect it from any known tank gun or anti-tank missile. It also has good side and top protection. Its armour system also incorporates composite armour technology to enhance its protection from HEAT and other shaped charge rounds. Its sophisticated stabiliser and fire control system give it great tactical mobility without a reduction of firepower on the move.
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