Namer
Overview
Namer
Israeli Namer heavy APC on loan by US Army in 2012.
Source: US Army (1st Lt. Tyler N. Ginter) -
© Public domain
Hebrew for "leopard"
Description
Introduction
The Namer is a modern heavy APC of Israeli origin. It was developed to supplement older generations of heavy APC's in Israeli service. While earlier heavy APC's were based on the chassis of obsolete main battle tanks, the Namer is a purpose built derivative of the Merkava design. Prototypes were based on the Merkava I and II, but the production models are based around the newer hull and drivetrain of the Merkava 4. In addition, many other components are shared amongs both Namer and Merkava 4. The name Namer is an abbreviation of "Nagmash (personnel carrier)" and "Merkava", reffering to its role and origin.
Layout
The Namer is based on the chassis of the Merkava 4 main battle tank. The layout is a further development of proven heavy APC design that were based on the chassis of obsolete tanks. The Namer is a very large and heavy vehicle, mainly due to its all aspect high level of protection. The engine and drivetrain are located at the front, the crew comparment is in the middle and a rear door is the most common way to enter and exit the vehicle. For an infantry vehicle of this size the crew capacity is limited, being only 9 troops plus the crew of 3.
Mobility
The Namer has a good all terrain mobility. The tracked chassis provides a good off road performance. The 1.200 hp diesel engine allows for a maximum road speed of 60 km/h. The sheer size of the Namer makes it more difficult to use in narrow urban combat situations.
Firepower
In Israely service the Namer is used as a heavy APC and lacks serious firepower for a combat vehicle of this size and cost. A Samson remote controlled weapon system is fitted. Normally this mounts a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun, but a 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher can be fitted as well. Often a pintle mounted 7.62mm MAG machine gun and external 60mm mortar are fitted as secondary armament. The Rafael OWS unmanned turret can be fitted, although it is yet to be fielded. This would increase the firepower significantly by adding a 30mm autocannon and Spike anti-tank missiles.
Protection
The main characteristic of the Namer is its level of protection and crew survivability. The ballistic protection is modular and is said to contain both passive and active reactie armor. Most, if not all, vehicles are fitted with the Trophy active protection system. This provides a high level of protection against both unguided rockets at short range as well as long range anti-tank missiles and other types of munitions.
Users
The Namer is used in limited numbers by the Israel Defense Forces. A total of 531 vehicles are planned to be introduced in the IDF by the year 2027.
Variants
Namer
IDF Namer heavy APC in 2012.
Source: IDF photo by Staff Sgt. (res.) Abir Sultan -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Namer heavy APC
The Namer is a heavy armored personnel carrier based on the chassis of the Merkava 4 main battle tank. The Namer is a large vehicle with distinctive looks.
To date there is only one production model of the Namer, although more variants are planned. Some Namer vehicles are in use with combat engineers and feature additional stowage and equipent on the hull. An increasing number of Namer vehicles feature the Trophy APS.
Prototype vehicles were based on the Merkava I and II chassis and look different, with the sides not being a sloped as on the production vehicles.
Details
Media
Namer
IDF Namer heavy APC on the move in 2012.
Source: IDF photo by Staff Sgt. (res.) Abir Sultan
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Namer
Namer in combat engineer vehicle role on public display in 2016.
Source: Zachi Evenor
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Namer
Rear view of Namer heavy APC with rear door in lowered position.
Source: IDF photo by Pvt. Tal Manor
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Namer
Namer heavy APC on public display in 2010.
Source: MathKnight and Zachi Evenor
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Prototype Namer
Namer prototype on display in a museum. Note that the prototype is based on an earlier model Merkava tank chassis than the production vehicle.
Source: Sirpad
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Related articles
Merkava 4
The Namer is based on the chassis and automotive components of the Merkava 4 main battle tank.
Achzarit
Namer was developed to replace older heavy ACPs in Israeli service, such as the Achzarit.