Merkava: Encyclopedia II - Merkava - Special Merkava variants

Merkava - Special Merkava variants

Following the al-Aqsa Intifada, the Israeli Defence Forces modified some of their Merkava tanks to satisfy the needs of urban warfare. This adaptation can be done by field engineers and should not harm the tank's combat performance.

Merkava - Merkava 3 LIC

This is a Merkava 3 Baz tank fitted for urban warfare. The LIC designation stands for low intensity conflicts. The LIC model is equipped with internal co-axial M2 Browning 0.5 machinegun, enabling the tank crew to use heavier firepower than a medium caliber machine gun but lighter than cannon shells, without being exposed to enemy's fire. The tank also has extra protection against grenades and netting that protects optics and ventilators. Marking poles and a rear camera were installed to allow better navigation in narrow streets.

Merkava - Merkava Ambulance

Some of the Merkava tanks were fitted with ambulance capablities. The rear area of the tank was converted for carrying injured soldiers and has had stretchers and life support systems added.

The main advantage of the "tankbulance" is heavy protection and a rear door, enabling the evacuation of wounded soldiers under heavy fire, with the ability of the tank crew to return fire with machineguns or the cannon.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Special Merkava variants", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki