Re: Merkava.
Whilst it is true that the Merkava has an interesting niche capability it probably isn't as unique as you'd think.
It is one thing to cram troops in the back but I can assure you that without restraints and well designed seating going cross country at speed in a heavy armoured vehicle is simply downright dangerous. It certainly feels rather dangerous even with the above!
As for the numbers I've heard stories of 27 troops with bergans in the back of a Warrior, its strange what the prospect of a 20 mile tab makes possible. It isn't just a question of the number of seats either. Storage space on AFVs is very tight and unless even moderately heavy equipment is restrained you are asking for someone to get brained. Often the restraints and seating are needed for extra bits of kit and there is a huge difference between the kit needed for a quick jolly and a deployment where you are effectively living out of the vehicle. Rifle racks and the suchlike are not just to keep things tidy.
You could probably make a case for almost any modern MBT carrying a couple of dudes, possibly not even at the expense of some ammo. If you were going to model it however you'd probably have to think about them being unconscious or having broken limbs if the vehicle went above 30 mph for any period of time.
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