Merkava IV unveiled today

Today, the IDF unveiled the new Merkava Mk. IV, the newest Merkava MTB of the Israeli Military industries. The [link:http://www.jpost.com|The Jerusalem Post] carried the following story:

IDF unveils new Merkava IV tank
By ARIEH O’SULLIVAN

The newest version of the Merkava tank was revealed today by the IDF.

The Merkava IV features a more powerful engine, a 120mm cannon and an advanced modular armor system.

The engine has been increased in output to 1,500 horsepower instead of the 1,200 HP in the Merkava III.

The earlier Merkava III is the only tank in the world which uses modular armor and is considered one of the world’s most protected tanks. But the new Merkava IV will be the first tank in the world with full protection against both vertical and horizontal attack.

Improvements were also made in the firing system and night vision.

Israel has never released production figures of the Merkava tank series since the first one was declared operational 20 years ago.

According to Jane’s Defense Weekly, the IDF operates about 1,050 Merkava II and 700 Merkava III tanks.

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On the IDF site one can find information about the new Merkava IV and the history of the Merkava family on the following link:
http://www.idf.il/merkava4/english/index.stm

A table of comparisons between the Merkava I, II, III and IV can be found here:
http://www.idf.il/merkava4/english/table.stm

And finally some pictures:

http://www.idf.il/merkava4/english/015A.jpg

http://www.idf.il/merkava4/english/035a.jpg

http://www.idf.il/merkava4/english/043A.jpg

http://www.idf.il/merkava4/english/047a.jpg

http://www.idf.il/merkava4/english/053A.jpg

Shalom,

Jonathan