Merkava.

[RERomine]

The photo seems to show twelve 4-round containers and seem to be for 105mm rounds, so the numbers quoted from Jane's don't add up:

- 44 in 4-round containers

My math tells me that is eleven 4-round containers, but my eyes tell me twelve. The containers are obviously removable, so maybe they typically pull one of the 4-round containers and use the space for MG ammo storage. That is just a guess, however. I don't believe I've seen any pictures with 2-round containers, but I haven't really looked for them either.

As far as the two containers you are referring to possibly holding 105mm rounds, it is possible. My gut tells me it is something else. We know the 4-round containers were removable, so maybe they were taken out and these put in. Possible for one of those ad-hoc infantry missions. They could be used for equipment storage and make convenient, if uncomfortable seats. If you recall, commented before that the handles wouldn't be pleasant to be sitting on.

For the benefit of everyone else, I'll put those pictures out here as well.

[kevineduguay1]

Thanks again.

And for those who have not seen this yet....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOZvoBL8d-k

[kevineduguay1]

I think we have the reply we were waiting for on Tanknet. Its post #36 by DADI.

He knew about the metal bins in the pic posted here above.(Its not Merkava gear) He also gives a load out for the MkI and MkII of 14 rounds while carrying 8 men in full gear. carrying this many men does not restrict in any way the rotation of the turret. With a 1 or 2 man team it is possible to carry a full load of ammo. Now we just have to do a little math to figure out the rest.

Getting this kind of info on the MkIII and MkIV will probably not be possible at this time but it may be possible to come up with some kind of solution that will satisfy most players.

I have seen some of DADIs other posts and I trust his figures.

[gila]

What can you trust Israeli propaganda or the real truth?




Unique among the main battle tanks of the world, the Merkava design features a front-mounted power pack, which presents a heavy mass in the forward area, which protects the crew from enemy attack. This configuration also cleared room at the rear section for a safe exit and enough space to carry a few fully armed infantrymen, in addition to the crew. The rear access hatch allows for the quick and safe exit of injured crewmen or pickup of wounded soldiers for evacuation.



Source here:

http://www.defense-update.com/directory/merkava4.htm

[gila]

note can carry a "few" fully equiped infrantry..which means 3 at best.

The way Isreal trys to describe it as some kind of Hybride tank,that can do backflips and juggle all at the same time,is just plain PG BS.

[Imp]

Kevin why not go read about 2006 as this was the documented period where squads were loaded. From memory not rereading so appologies if wrong.
First tank goes bang doing regular patrol work, parks up & deploys troops in the same few spots most days
The charge through the valley into the ATGM ambush also had troops on board.
These mistakes will not be repeated in a hurry & yes the tactic of troops on board was only a small part of the problem. Poor use of intel & shall we say overconfidence played a bigger factor while the Hez had been planing for months.
Will they ever use them as IFVs again or perhaps is this what is making them think sticking a GL or gun on the Namer is a good idea.
Perhaps Israels problem was they could not use the tanks as they wish because the APCs cant keep up so carrying some infantry seemed a good idea.

[kevineduguay1]

gila,

With a full ammo load 2-3 troops. Thanks for the confirmation.

The Russians call the Merkava a hybrid.

Imp,

Carrying a few troops in the back (1-3) seems to have been common practice durring LIC operations. In a tank vs tank situation the Merks would probably not carry any infantry

In both Lebanon conflicts the Merks were pressed into service to transport infantry into areas where a normal APC would be a sitting duck to anyone with a RPG.

2006 was when these tactics were used the most and with the most men aboard. One tactic was to back the tank up to a breach or doorway of a building and let the squad or section out under full cover from small arms fire.