israeli mbt Merkava Mk.4A - The early variant of Israel's best tank

Merkko · November 22, 2022

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MERKAVA MK.4

Merkava Mk.4 - is the fourth generation of merkava main battle tank series, and is the latest and the most advanced Israel ever built. Considered one of the most protected tanks in the world. Unlike first three generations, this tank is not continuation of previous Merkavas, but a completely new one.
When creating this model, the concept of the Merkava was completely revised, the tank itself is a capsule covered with a thick layer of modular armor, which can be easily replaced if damaged.
The tank design is so much different from its predecessors, that you can't see connection between them.
Except that the main uniqueness of the Merkava family has been preserved, retaining the same unique configuration with the crew compartment in the rear and the engine compartment in the front like the very first merkava.

The Merkava Mk 4 entered production in 2001 and in 2004 entered service with the IDF , and is believed that 600+ have been built since then.

Today i want to suggest a early production model of Merkava Mk.4.

MERKAVA MK.4A

Merkava Mk.4A - is the early production model of Merkava Mk.4 , at first glance it looks like all other Mk.4's, and it is, externally they look exactly the same except the small details that we are going to discuss a bit later. And the main components of the tank are also the same as at later model, same General Dynamics GD883 engine, same transmission, same optics and same IMI MG253 120mm gun.

So how is this model differ, we cant see it externally, it can be seen under the armor, the armour modules differ from later ones with a some kind of patten of holes on the casing of the armour models while the later types of module doesn't have that, it might be that these were made for air layer in the armor, the filling of the armor in the modules may also differ.

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How distinguish these two tanks externally, there is two ways, one is to look at side screens where is the early model has wavy shape, and in the later version side screens have a straight shape, two is to look at exaust tube , the early version has a diagonal grille shape, and the later one has an arrow shape

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The early version was produced in very small quantities and in a short period of time, almost immediately IDF began to produce merkava with a late armor layout, since in 2006 Lebanon war Merkava Mk.4B was already seen in action, and in most photographs from the armored corps Mk.4's are of B modification.
Unfortunately, it is not known how many early Merkavas were produced and put into service, since in many sources both models are referred to as simply Merkava 4.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions
Length Gun Forward - 9.04m
Length Hull - 7.6m
Width - 3.72m (with out side skirts)
Height - 2.66m
Ground Clearance - 0.45 m
Weight - ~ 65 t. (combat loaded)