Merkava 3
Overview
Merkava IIID
Right side view of an Israeli Merkava IIID seen during an exercise in 2018.
Source: Shai Avidan -
© CC BY-SA 4.0
Merkava Baz | Mark 3B
Merkava Dor-Dalet | Mark 3D
Description
Introduction
The Merkava 3 is a modern main battle tank of Israeli origin. It is a further development of the original Merkava tank. The firepower, protection level and mobility have been improved. This makes it heavier and more costly than its predecessor. Unique features such as the front mounted engine, small silhouette turret, light mortar and rear access hatch have been retained.
Design
The Merkava 3 has the same unique layout as the original Merkava series but uses a larger and longer chassis. A larger and more powerful diesel engine has been installed in the front. The reshaped turret mounts a more powerful 120mm smoothbore cannon equivalent to NATO cannon. The rear ammunition and crew compartment with rear hatch has been retained.
Protection
The Merkava 3 has an improved protection level over the previous models by including composite armor. Partially the armor package is modular. Over time protection levels have been improved by adding applique armor. At first modular top attack armor was fitted. For the turret this has been improved in the Dor Dalet upgrade with composite armor all around. Smoke grenade launchers and NBC protection are fitted as standard.
Firepower
The main armament is a 120mm MG251 smoothbore cannon. A total of 46 rounds are carried and are manually loaded. Loading speed is increased due to the use of a 5 round mechanical drum with ready to use ammunition. All NATO standard ammunition can be fired including the LAHAT anti-tank missile for the Baz equipped model. High quality fire contol systems provide a good accuracy, even when firing on the move. A 7.62mm MAG is mounted as a coaxial machine gun. A 60mm mortar can be fired from within the turret. Additionally one or two 7.62mm MAG are pintle mounted on the turret roof. A 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun can be coaxially mounted above the barrel.
Mobility
The tracked chassis with helical spring suspension provides good all terrain mobility. The combination of a 1.200 hp diesel engine with the high combat weight result in a mediocre power to weight ratio. The maximum speed is 60 km/h. Dash speeds, both forward and reverse, have been improved over earlier Merkava.
Users
The Merkava 3 is used only by the Israeli army. Over time production models and existing models have been upgraded with additional armor and improved fire control systems. Merkava 3 is supplemented by the newer Merkava 4 but will remain in service for many years to come.
Variants
Merkava IIIB
Merkava IIIB on public display in the Yad la-Shiryon Museum as seen in 2010.
Source: Ricardo Tulio Gandelman -
© CC BY 2.0
List of Merkava 3 variants
Details
Media
Merkava 3 Baz
Israeli Merkava 3 Baz firing its 120mm main gun during a live fire exercise in the Golan Heights in 2008.
Source: Israel Defense Forces
Copyright: CC BY-SA 2.0
Merkava IIID
Forward view of an Israeli Merkava IIID dor Dalet seen in the field without machine guns on the turret roof.
Source: Michael Mass
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Merkava IIID
Rear view of an Israeli Merkava IIID crossing the Jordan River during an exercise in 2010.
Source: IDF
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Merkava IIIB Baz
Forward view of a Merkava IIIB Baz main battle tank fitted with mine rollers in 2011.
Source: Matanya
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Merkava IIIB
Merkava IIIB on public display in the Yad la-Shiryon Museum as seen in 2005.
Source: Bukvoed
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Merkava IIIB
Rear view of a Merkava IIIB on public display in the Yad la-Shiryon Museum as seen in 2005.
Source: Bukvoed
Copyright: CC BY-SA 3.0
Merkava IIID
Left side view of an Israeli Merkava IIID main battle tank as seen in 2019. Note the battering ram mounted at the front.
Source: Dr. Zachi Evenor
Copyright: CC BY-SA 4.0
Related articles
Merkava
The Merkava 3 is a further development and deep modernization over the earlier Merkava models.
Merkava 4
The Merkava 4 is the latest generation of Merkava main battle tank. Both the chassis and turret were redesigned.