Merkava facts for kids
The Merkava is a powerful main battle tank made in Israel. It was designed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This tank first appeared in 1978. Its first use in a real battle was during the 1982 Lebanon War. There are four main versions of the Merkava: Mark I, Mark II, Mark III, and Mark IV.
When the Merkava tank was designed, the most important thing was to keep the crew safe. The engine is placed at the front of the tank. This helps protect the crew from attacks. If the tank is damaged, the crew can escape through a special door at the back. The Merkava has very strong armor and can move well. This makes it one of the safest tanks in the world. The first Merkava was designed by a team led by Israel Tal, who was a commander in the Israeli armored corps.
Contents
What Makes the Merkava Special?
The Merkava tanks have some key features that make them unique and strong.
Merkava Mark I: The First Version
The Merkava Mark I was the first model. It weighed 63 tons. It had an engine with 900 horsepower. This allowed it to reach a top speed of 46 kilometers per hour (about 28 miles per hour).
- Main Gun: It was armed with a 105-millimeter M64 main gun. Later, the M68 gun was installed.
- Machine Guns: It had a 7.62-millimeter machine gun next to the main gun. There were also two more 7.62-millimeter machine guns on the turret.
- Mortar: It also had a 60-millimeter mortar mounted on the outside.
Merkava Mark II: Improved Design
The Mark II was very similar to the Mark I. The main improvements were:
- Internal Mortar: The mortar was moved inside the tank.
- Better Movement: It could move more easily.
- Stronger Protection: It had better armor to protect the crew.
Merkava Mark III: More Power and Armor
The Mark III was heavier and more powerful. It weighed 65 tons. Its engine had 1200 horsepower. This allowed it to go up to 60 kilometers per hour (about 37 miles per hour).
- Main Gun: It was armed with a larger 120-millimeter MG251 main gun.
- New Systems: It had better armor and new systems, like an improved fire-control system. This system helps the tank aim and shoot more accurately.
Merkava Mark IV: The Latest Model
The Mark IV is the most modern version. It also weighs 65 tons. It has a very powerful 1500-horsepower engine. This lets it go faster than 60 kilometers per hour.
- Main Gun: It uses a 120-millimeter MG253 main gun. This gun has an electrical system that helps load 10 rounds quickly.
- Weapons: It has a machine gun next to the main gun. Another machine gun on the turret can be operated from inside the tank. It also has an internal 60-millimeter mortar.
- Advanced Technology: The Mark IV has a new fire-control system that can even help shoot down helicopters. It also has upgraded tracks for better movement and a digital system to manage the battlefield.
Where Can You See a Merkava Tank?
One Merkava Mark I tank was given to the Prague Military Technical Museum in the Czech Republic. This is the only Merkava tank on display outside of Israel.
Images for kids
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Merkava Mk 4M, 2016
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Merkava Mark I tank at the Military museum Lešany, Czech Republic
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Merkava Mark I at Yad La-Shiryon
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Merkava IIID Baz fires – the Baz Fire-control system increases the Merkava's accuracy and lethality
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Merkava Mark IV
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A profile of a Merkava Mk 4M tank, armed with an IMI 120 mm gun, a M2 Browning .50-cal, a 7.62×51 mm NATO commander's FN MAG, and equipped with the Trophy active protection system.
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The AT-14 Kornet anti-tank laser-guided missile
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Merkava IV with Trophy active defense system.
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Merkava Mk 4M Windbreaker, fitted with Trophy active protection system, during Operation Protective Edge
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Merkava Mk 3D Baz with LIC upgrades
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Namer in Yad La-Shiryon 62nd Independence Day exhibition.
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Namer CEV in Yad La-Shiryon 68th Independence Day exhibition.
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Sholef in Beit ha-Totchan, Zikhron Ya'akov, Israel.
See Also
In Spanish: Merkava para niños
