It was reportedly decided shortly before the beginning of the 2006 Lebanon War that the Merkava line would be discontinued within four years. The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an infantry fighting vehicle. It also creates more space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity and a rear entrance to the main crew compartment allowing easy access under enemy fire. With the engine in front, this layout is intended to grant additional protection against a frontal attack, especially for the personnel in the main hull, such as the driver. Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located closer to the rear than in most main battle tanks. The name "Merkava" was derived from the IDF's initial development program name.ĭesign criteria include rapid repair of battle damage, survivability, cost-effectiveness and off-road performance. It was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War. Four main variants of the tank have been deployed. The tank began development in 1973 and entered official service in 1978. The Merkava "chariot" is a main battle tank used by the Israel Defence Forces.
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