Merkava.

[Imp]

While the Merk is being looked at & I have no idea what they represent but assume 60 vision is radar etc. Should therefore only the lead tank in the company have 60 vision as its equiped with the sensor tower.

Kevin no one is I think disputing it can carry soldiers & the fuel tank post was sort of right fuel is normaly placed so it functions as additional armour as its fairly effective esp vs HEAT.
The question is if the tank can operate effectivly with troops on board & if it is used that way or just as a convienent way to ferry troops in the rear area.

If ginger tanker does not come back might try asking on israeli defence forums & see if anybodys willing to divulge anything.

[kevineduguay1]

Marek_Tucan

The Sherman carried most of those troops on the OUTSIDE of the vehicle. With all those bodies strewn across the hull the tanks weapons would have been useless.
The Merk in Question went into a combat zone under fire. Provided it's own fire support while recovering 13 wounded that were placed INSIDE the tank. It then covered it's own retreat with fire from its own weapons. Tight fit? Yes! Impossible? No!

Also, every video I have seen of troops leaving the rear hatch of the Merkava in training or combat situations are in "full kit" including backpack and other gear.

Imp,

Durring Israels last incursion into Lebanon the use of ANY APC was almost impossible because of the large amount of RPG and ATGM possesed by Hesbola. These light vehicles were only used as taxi cabs to deploy infantry well away from the front lines unless the area was deemed clear of enemy anti-tank weapons. In more than one site examples can be found showing that the Merkava tank was used as a heavy APC to transport full armed and equipped soldiers to the battle areas of the combat zone. As many as 10 troops were stuffed into these vehicles and they carried 50 rounds of 120mm Ammo.
I realy don't think for one second that they would send tanks with infantry inside but carry little or no ammo to support them once deployed. that would be just stupid.

Please read my last post again.

The MkIs and IIs could carry 92 rounds of 105mm ammo, or 62 rounds of 105mm ammo and up to 10 fully equipped combat troops.

The rear compartment of all Merkavas have 8 seats in the back. The two extra soldiers are carried in the space where the stretcher cases would be carried between the two rovs of seats. Their troops are equiped with Knee pads and other protective gear just like many other Nations troops are.

Is it a comfortable ride? Not likely. But its not only possible, it was done.

There is on version of the Merk that has a lower Main Gun ammo loadout. Its the "Tankbulance". This version looks just like anyother Merkava tank in current production but the rear troop compartment has been modified to carry...
2-3 stretcher cases
a 3 man medical team ( MD and 2 assistants)
and an operating theater with a full compliment of life support equipment.
With all that and it can still fight as a MBT if it has to.

I would post the pics to prove my point but I keep gettin the Error message because the files are to big. Most are on the site I posted on Page 1. Take your time, find the pics and video links and watch them. It will open your eyes.

[kevineduguay1]

DRG,

With 10 troops even the site says they are packed in very tight. I would be more than happy with a 8 troop capacity. Like I said before, it has 8 seats in the back.

Heavy weapons would have to be restricted. No TOW teams for example.