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Namer



Overview


Namer

Israeli Namer heavy APC on loan by US Army in 2012.
Source: US Army (1st Lt. Tyler N. Ginter) - © Public domain

Origin
Israel
Type
Heavy armored personnel carrier
Entered service
2008
Status
In service
Development
2005 - 2007
Developer
Israel Military Industries
Production
2008 - present
Producer
Israel - MANTAK / IDF Ordnance
Unit cost
$ 3 million
Number produced
531 planned by 2027
Designations
Namer
Hebrew for "leopard"
Notable users
Israel - Army

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


Facts Namer
General
Origin
Israel
Type
Heavy APC
Crew
3 + 9 (commander, driver, gunner, 9 troops)
Dimensions
Weight
60 t combat load
Length
7.5 m
Width
3.8 m
Height
2.0 m roofline
Main armament
Type
12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun
Mount
Samson remote controlled weapon system
Traverse
360 degrees, powered
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on roof
Ammunition
200 rounds ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Automotive
Chassis
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Engine
Continental AVDS-1790-9AR diesel
Power output
1.200 hp
Mobility
Max speed
60 km/h
Range
500 km on road
Power to weight ratio
20 hp/t
Protection
Armor type
Modular armor package
NBC system
Yes
Smoke
2x6 smoke grenade dischargers
Active protection system
Trophy active protection system

Media


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.