COBI Merkava MK.I #2621

The Merkava (Hebrew: “chariot”) is a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces and is the backbone of the IDF’s armored corps. The tank began development in 1970, and its first generation – the Merkava mark 1 – entered official service in 1979. Four main variants have been deployed, with the Merkava mark 4 being the latest version. The Merkava was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War. The name “Merkava” was derived from the IDF’s initial development program name.

The tank was developed in the Merkava and Armored Combat Vehicles Division of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, and most of its parts are manufactured in Israel. Its design concept is to provide maximum protection for its crew, and therefore its front armor was fortified and the engine placed in the front part of the tank, unlike most other tanks.

Design criteria include rapid repair of battle damage, survivability, cost-effectiveness and off-road performance. Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located closer to the rear than in most main battle tanks. With the engine in front, this layout is intended to grant additional protection against a frontal attack, so as to absorb some of the force of incoming shells, especially for the personnel in the main hull, such as the driver. It also creates more space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity and a rear entrance to the main crew compartment allowing easy access under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an infantry fighting vehicle. The rear entrance’s clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merkava