Are those Israeli Merkava tanks pretty good ? I mean are they equall to something we have? Abrahms?
I believe so. As far as I know, they are pretty fancy too.
Equal is a relative term. They are really good, but specialized for their particular arena of combat. James will show up sooner or later with details. They can definitely fight with the best of them.
Pat! Well let’s just say they are better than good. The Merkava is an interesting project that the Israelis started back in the 70’s. It’s power plant is in the front, infront of the driver’s compartment which is in itself unique compared to western countries. It’s armour is spaced in certain ways that add extra armour. I could go into a complete dissertation on the wonders of this tank if you’d like, so I’ll try to keep this as brief but succinct as possible. The IDF designed it’s own armour comparable to Chobham armour that the UK developed. All variants have served their purpose in it’s time in history… however that doesn’t mean that one variant is not used anymore. Israel is the king of using and RE using it’s equipment, modifying as they go along. What was once a Merkava MK. I has been upgraded for many different roles of importance being urban conflicts. Tell me what you’d like to know about specifics and I’ll get into them for you if you’d like… I’m only going off the top of my head. I’ve been working all day and my brain hurts, so my thoughts aren’t clear! Let me know what you want to know and I’ll be more than glad to answer any question! As for specifics… The latest Merkava the Mk IV is definately one of the best tanks around. THe classic wedge shaped turret is gon as is the bulges on the front hull where the powerplant is. It’s optics and sensors are top notch in that they give 360 degree protection from projectiles. The armour is stepped up to the top of the turret and is in itself almost the size of most WWII tanks. This gives it a protecting that most tanks don’t have… the top! The tank is a little slower than most western tanks, but, that’s comparable because the Israelis have a past of bad run ins with cliff faces and winding hills and mountains, so slow and steady wins the race. The power plant can be changed in combat conditions in about 30mins and returned to battle in under an hour. It has a 120mm main gun with many anti infantry options added such as grenade launchers and machine guns. There is no loaders hatch, but a panel can be removed to put an instructors chair into it… The IDF felt that it was unnecessary and took away from the top turret protection. anyway, let me know what variant and specifics you want/need and I’ll get them to you. The Merkava is my first love, even more than my wife! LOL If I can help, I’d be more than happy
There we go mortar [:D]
Will
That didn’t take long…it’s like you have a sixth sense.
if these links work they will give you the best views of a Merkava Mk. III and Merkava Mk. IV http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoyguOcALXs that’s the Mk. III Baz Dor Dalet which is currently being modified for Urban combat, better brush up on your hebrew, but if not it still is inspirational and educational! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T-GKplzI0k&mode=related&search= Merkava Mk. IV, this is the unveiling video of the Merkava Mk. IV, the latestest in IDF MBT technology!
Man, I so own you now! Calling Mrs. CDNTanker25…ring, ring, ring…is anyone home?
hahahah that was you that left the message on the machine wasn’t it LOL… man just goes to show you have to watch what you say LOL LOL
My wife knows that there is room in my heart for her and all the other stuff I love. Luckily, she would never make me choose.
looks like the conflict over in Lebannon is going to spark a HUGe interest in modelling this stuff!!!
CNN or CNBC — it looks to be merk time soon-- god bless all-- treadwell
Man, I so own you now! Calling Mrs.Motarmagnet…ring,ring,ring…is anyone home?
Good thing I unplugged the phone.
Don’t forget email.
Hello
Merkava 1
This is a (1984) Tamiya 1/35 kit no.3627… I finished around January 2006…
Greetings
TDC
Ya what James said![:)]
Zip
I smell a spike in Merkuva sales with all this crud going on in the Middle East.
Hello
I just received Merkava 2 and 3… looking for Merkava 4…
Greetings
TDC
I am in the final stages of construction of my Merkava IV… however, I agree with Eric! seems to be a wind change in building with many people… what was an obscure subject is now becomming the talk of the town! Though I’ll admit, this conflict is giving me some great dio ideas!!! I just wish I had time to sit down and build the four Merks I’ve got on the bench!