It is anticipated that the Israeli-made Merkava tanks will soon be sold to two foreign armies, reaching Europe and continuing to serve despite their advanced age. Ten soldiers or walking wounded could enter and exit through the rear door.After 40 years of service with the Israel Defence Forces, one of Israel’s defining symbols is being exported to Europe for the first time. Merkavas were converted into makeshift APCs or armored ambulances ok by taking out the palleted ammunition racks in storage. Although they were a success, the M113 APCs that accompanied them were found to have several defects and were withdrawn. Operational since 1978, the Merkava was first used in combat during the 1982 Lebanon War, where Israel deployed 180 units.
The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an infantry fighting vehicle. 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. With the engine in front, this layout is intended to grant additional protection against a frontal attack, especially for the personnel in the main hull, such as the driver. Following the model of contemporary self-propelled howitzers, the turret assembly is located closer to the rear than in most main battle tanks. Design criteria include rapid repair of battle damage, survivability, cost-effectiveness and off-road performance. The name "Merkava" was derived from the IDF's initial development program name. It was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War. Four main variants of the tank have been deployed. The tank began development in 1973 and entered official service in 1978. The Merkava (Hebrew for "chariot") was the main battle tank used by the Israel Defense Forces in the late 70's and through the 80's.
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