Achzarit
Overview
Achzarit
Side view of Israeli Achzarit heavy armored personnel carrier.
Source: gkirok -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Description
Introduction
The Achzarit is a late Cold War era heavy armored personnel carrier of Israeli origin. Unlike foreign mechanized infantry combat vehicles the Achzarit emphasizes on armor instead of firepower. The Achzarit is based on the chassis of captured T-54 and T-55 main battle tanks. The Achzarit is supplements and replaces older heavy armored personnel carriers based on the Centurion chassis.
Layout
The Achzarit is based on a T-54 or T-55 tank chassis that was heavily modified. The three man crew is seated at the front. The troop compartment seats seven troops and is located in what used to be the turret ring. The original engine and drivetrain have been replaced by a smaller model located at the rear left. On the right side of the engine there is a crew hatch.
Firepower
The Achzarit is fitted with a Rafael overhead weapon system which is armed with a 7.62mm MAG machine gun or 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun. Additionally two or three 7.62mm MAG machine guns are pintle mounted.
Protection
The original armor package of the T-55 tank chassis remains unchanged, but is supplemented by spaced armor. This provides all round protection against common RPG-7 rocket launcher warheads and autocannon rounds. Reportedly the frontal armor is able to withstand 125mm tank gun rounds. If true, these are likely older types of 125mm rounds.
Mobility
The tracked chassis provides good off road mobility. The original engine was replaced by a smaller Detroit Diesel 650 hp turbocharged diesel engine. The Achzarit was considered underpowered and unable to keep up with Merkava tanks. A Mk 2 model with more powerful 850 hp turbocharged diesel remedies this shortcoming.
Users
The Achzarit was produced for the Israel Defence Forces and has not been exported. It remains in use today, but is to be supplemented and replaced in the near future by the Namer.
Variants
Achzarit
Forward view of Israeli Achzarit heavy armored personnel carrier armed with M2HB heavy machine gun.
Source: www.oumil.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
Variants of the Achzarit
Details
Media
Achzarit
Forward view of Israeli Achzarit during operation Cast Lead.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Achzarit
Top view of Achzarit heavy armored personnel carrier.
Source: www.topwar.ru
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Achzarit
Drawing of Achzarit showing inner layout.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Achzarit
Rear and side view of Achzarit in Israeli service.
Source: Anton Nossik
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Achzarit
Rear view of Achzarit showing rear door next to the engine and drive train.
Source: Anton Nossik
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Related articles
Namer
In Israeli service the Achzarit is to be replaced by the Namer heavy APC. The Namer is a new vehicle based on the chassis of the Merkava 4 main battle tank.