The Merkava MK. (Mark) 2 first entered service with the Zahal in April 1983. While it was essentially the same as the Merkava Mark 1, it featured numerous small improvements following the 1982 invasion of Lebanon. The new tank was optimized for urban warfare and low-intensity conflicts.
The Mark 2 used the same 105mm M64 L71A cannon and 7.62mm machine guns as the Mark 1, but the 60mm mortar was redesigned during construction to be housed in the fuselage and configured for long-range firing to avoid the No longer expose operators to enemy fire. All subsequent Mark 2s were fitted with an Israeli-designed automatic transmission and a larger fuel tank for more range.
The "Ball and Chain" armor (consisting of chains with balls, to protect the trapping point at the rear of the turret) was installed to increase survivability against enemy Hezbollah armed with anti-tank missiles. Many minor improvements have been made to the fire control system. New weather sensors, side wind gauges and thermographic optics and image intensifiers provided better visibility and targeting accuracy.
The MK 2 was upgraded to the Mark 2D in the late 1990s with modular composite armor on the hull and turret, allowing for quick replacement of damaged armor elements.
This was necessary because the enemy troops were being equipped with modern anti-tank missiles at the time.
plastic model kit
1:35 scale
unbuilt/ unpainted
The Mark 2 used the same 105mm M64 L71A cannon and 7.62mm machine guns as the Mark 1, but the 60mm mortar was redesigned during construction to be housed in the fuselage and configured for long-range firing to avoid the No longer expose operators to enemy fire. All subsequent Mark 2s were fitted with an Israeli-designed automatic transmission and a larger fuel tank for more range.
The "Ball and Chain" armor (consisting of chains with balls, to protect the trapping point at the rear of the turret) was installed to increase survivability against enemy Hezbollah armed with anti-tank missiles. Many minor improvements have been made to the fire control system. New weather sensors, side wind gauges and thermographic optics and image intensifiers provided better visibility and targeting accuracy.
The MK 2 was upgraded to the Mark 2D in the late 1990s with modular composite armor on the hull and turret, allowing for quick replacement of damaged armor elements.
This was necessary because the enemy troops were being equipped with modern anti-tank missiles at the time.
plastic model kit
1:35 scale
unbuilt/ unpainted
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