Magach 7

Magach 7 Alef & Gimel

Overview

Magach 7C

Magach 7C main battle tank in the field.
Source: Unknown author - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin

Israel

Type

Main battle tank

Entered service

Mid 1980's (Magach 7A)
Late 1980's or mid 1990's (Magach 7C)

Status

Limited service

Development

Early to mid 1980's (Magach 7A)
Mid to late 1980's (Magach 7C)

Developer

Israel - IMI

Production

Mid 1980's (Magach 7A)
Late 1980's to 1990's (Magach 7C)

Producer

Israel - IMI

Designations

Magach 7 Alef (Magach 7A)
Magach 7 Gimel (Magach 7C)

Notable users

Israel

Variants

Magach 7A

The Magach 7A is the first of the Magach 7 to be developed. It entered service somewhere in the mid 1980's. It is easily recognized by its flat-faced turret armor. The rounded cast turret of the M60 Patton can no longer be seen. Magach 7A was produced only in limited numbers.

Magach 7C

The Magach 7C is a further development of the earlier Magach 7A. The Magach 7C is a significant upgrade over the venerable M60 Patton. A tailor made set of passive applique armor covers turret front, side and top. The 105mm gun is improved by fitting a new fire control system, stabilizer, thermal sleeve and it fires modern ammunition. To cope with the increased weight a more powerful engine is fitted, which is coupled to a new transmission.

Details

Facts Magach 7C

General

Origin

Israel

Type

Main battle tank

Crew

4 (commander, driver, gunner, loader)

Dimensions

Weight

About 55 t combat load

Length

9.4 m gun forward

7 m hull

Width

3.63 m

Height

3.25 m

Main armament

Type

105mm M68 L/52 rifled cannon

Ammunition

About 50 rounds (estimate)

Elevation

-10 to +20°, powered

Traverse

360°, powered

Fire control

Improved Gal FCS with laser range finder

Stabilizer

Yes, both axis

Coaxial machine gun

Type

7.62mm MAG machine gun

Mount

Coaxial with main armament

Ammunition

10.000 rounds in total (estimate)

Traverse

Traverse and elevation as main armament

Coaxial heavy machine gun

Type

12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun

Mount

External coaxial mount over main gun

Ammunition

500 rounds, 100 ready to fire

Traverse

Traverse and elevation as main armament

Secondary armament

Type

2x 7.62mm MAG machine gun

Mount

Pintle mount at loader's hatch and commander's hatch

Ammunition

10.000 rounds in total (estimate)

Traverse

Manual elevation and traverse

Chassis

Chassis type

Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels

Idler front and drive sprocket rear

Ground pressure

0.83 kg/cm²

Suspension

Torsion bar

Automotive

Engine

Teledyne Continental AVDS 1790-5A diesel

Power output

908 hp

Transmission

Allison CD850-6BX hydromechanical semi-automatic

2 forward gears, 1 reverse

Fuel

1.450 L

Mobility

Speed

About 60 km/h

Range

About 500 km

Power to weight ratio

16.5 hp/t

Obstacle crossing

Ground clearance

0.4 m

Wall

0.9 m

Trench

2.6 m

Gradient

60 %

Slope

30 %

Fording

1.2 m

Protection

Armor type

Cast steel turret and hull

Passive applique armor

NBC system

Yes

Smoke system

2x6 smoke grenade dischargers

Fire suppression

Nachel Oz fire detection and suppression system

Armament

105mm Royal Ordnance L7

The Magach 7 retains the M68 rifled gun of the M60 Patton and adds a locally developed thermal sleeve. It is also capable of firing modern Israeli ammunition.