Merkava Mark I
The need to introduce modern tanks to the Israeli Army became acute when Israel faced a tremendous build-up of hostile military formations beyond its borders, equipped with the best weapon systems of that era including modern tanks and anti - tank systems. The decision to develop the Israeli tank named MERKAVA (Chariot in the biblical language) became inevitable.
In 1970, Israel elected to eliminate its reliance on foreign tank suppliers and achieve independence in design and production. Until that time, Israel could not equip its armored corps with new tanks due to the continuous refusal of all nations to sell modern tanks to Israel. This decision led to the establishment of Israel's Tank and APC Administration under the Ministry of Defense, and subsequently, its first tank project.
The State of Israel made the decision in August 1970 to develop and build a Main Battle Tank. At the early stages of the program, Tal and his team sought to develop a tank based primarily on existing systems. With this idea as a starting point, the team changed course and began developing an original, innovative tank. Existing infrastructure was used to limit costs and resources, with the IDF's tank rehabilitation and maintenance center used as the program's assembly line. There, 200 employees would produce the thousands of parts and systems that make up the Merkava.
The facility, which had once focused solely on rebuilding and repairing Israel's old tanks was transformed into the assembly line for the country's first independent tank line, and eventually led to the creation of the Merkava factory. The development of the Merkava Mark I represents the start of a true industrial revolution in Israel. It transformed the country into a global leader with a positive reputation in the industry and the ability to produce complex, modern tank systems with inter-industrial integration.
The production of Merkava tanks began in 1979. It is noted that up to 30 percent structural elements of the machine come from abroad. The enterprise, where the hull and turret are assembled, is supplied with an American engine and transmission, a 105-mm rifled cannon (manufactured under an American license), an Israeli-made fire control system and communications equipment.
Many Israeli enterprises participated in the design and manufacture of this machine. In addition, foreign specialists and firms were involved. Already at the beginning of the work, it became clear that for the production of Merkava tanks, the Israeli industry would not be able to provide them with cast and rolled armor plates and other parts, as well as an engine, transmission and many more structural elements and equipment. As reported in the foreign press, much assistance in the development and production of the tank was provided by the United States, which, in particular, at the initial stage provided a loan of $ 120 million.
According to the requirements, the main efforts of the developers of the Merkava tank were aimed at ensuring its maximum survivability and protection of the crew. As a result, the tank has an increased combat weight (60 tons) compared to comparable western models and an unusual layout. To enhance the protection of the crew, the engine with the transmission are located in the bow of the hull and thus serve as an additional barrier to the projectile in the event of penetration of the frontal multi-layer spaced armor set at a large angle of inclination. In addition, this placement of the engine compartment, according to Israeli experts, made it possible to free up a significant reserved volume of the rear of the vehicle to accommodate an additional amount of ammunition. In the same compartment, if necessary, instead of ammunition, you can transport infantry troops (up to 10 people) or wounded. The tank (Fig. 1) has a hull length of 7.45 m (with a cannon forward-8.65 m), a width of 3.7 m and a relatively low height (2.65 m on the turret roof). The shape of the welded turret, which is sharpened from the sides to the bow, along with the use of multilayer armor in its design, make it less vulnerable to enemy fire.
For the first time, "Merkava" tanks were used during the Israeli operation in Lebanon in 1982. According to foreign experts, they showed high combat effectiveness, including in terms of ensuring the protection of crews, the losses of which turned out to be the smallest in comparison with the losses of crews of tanks of other types. It was noted that this was to a certain extent facilitated by the presence on the Merkava tanks of the modern high-speed system of fire-fighting equipment Spectronix, which uses the flame-extinguishing gas Halon 1301, as well as the provision for the crew to leave the damaged vehicle through the door in the rear of the hull. According to Israeli experts, in comparison with the exit through the upper hatches, the use of this door reduces losses from small arms fire.
Taking into account the experience gained as a result of the use of the Merkava tank in hostilities, the Israeli industry in 1983 switched to the production of the modernized Merkava Mk2 tank, which differs from the previous base model (about 250 of these vehicles were produced) by enhanced armor protection and increased firepower.
