@@American-patriot. Not as much as the Swedish S-tank. That one is interesting in its own way. That said, the Mercava has a very attractive built-for-purpose look to it.
This video misses to point out that the Chieftain was co-developed between the UK and Israel. The UK eventually refused to let Israel produce their own chieftains because they felt their deals with the Arab countries were far more important.😊
You are absolutely correct!!! It was a betrayal of the greatest magnitude by the back stabbing British. Israel had spent years upgrading the Centurion tank and Britain was given access to these advances. The Chieftain was indeed a joint project. We Jews are supposed to have Chutzpa but after refusing to supply Israel with the very tank they had jointly developed, the British MOD actually requested further assistance in ironing out some problems with the first models. You can't make this stuff up.
If Israel is in something, the comments are out for someone. *makes popcorn* Edit: My vision has been fulfilled! I have successfully orchestrated a war in my replies! Now everyone is to distracted to see me take over the world! Muahahahaaha!!! But like for real THIS is my most liked comment? A comment that has started a war? Really does tell something about humans IMO.
My favourite quote about the Merkava is from Israel Tal, form an interview in 2001: “there are a lot of better tanks out there, but no better tank for Israel than a Merkava”
Well in 2001 Merkava Mark 4 Wasn't out Yet, and Merkava MK 3 was Pretty Mid, but still Best for Israel because it was made in Israel Merkava MK 4 However is As Good as any Tank in the World
The 105mm was not completely obsolete when it came out on the merkava. The Abrams was mostly still using a 105mm up until the early 90s, and the US Marines even used m60s with 105mm guns up until the early 2000s.
Isrelai conoany who amde this Even MADE THR FIRST Trophy system , 5 years later rusiia tries to copy it , , our small coutry was so imorntnt russia tried to copy It
They have been fighting serious tank battles , for decades . They know what they need , that will fit the best in their area of the world . They are big on long range gunnery , because they are almost always outnumbered .
As an idf tanker myself יאלה ומפיר אימפריה I love the idea of a video on the mark 4 as to the fact that I have actual combat experience in both the mark 4, 4b, 4m, 4m 400, and lightning…
@@isaiahthomas118 because they fled instead of standing their ground, if they stood their ground we may had peace today but unfortunately 😢 they are cowards who use their own blood as a meat shield that we dont want to attack but have to cause we also don't want to die and want to live on. Thomas I don't know where are you from but if you had a territory the size of Manhattan with 2.6 million people near your country that want you and your family and your country dead even if they have to exterminate themselves in the process they will do it, i want to know what do think your country and yourself will do in this situation
Im might be muslim but as engineering student, i always amazed by engineering & aesthetic look behind it. Merkava is the 1st tank that make me start to fall in love with tank (warplanes still my 1st love tho) . Both before & after modernazation it design & doctorin still hold it place my heart. It felt like how i love seing Tiger 2 for the first time. But as you say, it is sensitive thing & engineering without morale is dangerous.
Look Israel isn’t the nicest or least corrupt state. But it’s far better than any state ran by Muslims. In most Islamic communities/countries Women are forced to cover their face, they can’t leave the house without men, men can marry multiple women, men can beat their wives, prostitution is legal, marrying children is legal, murdering Jews and Christians is common etc. This isn’t a sensitive topic. You should just hope that Israel doesn’t become Islamised.
@@auliaaa.9858As a malaysian myself...yes we tend to like to keep everyone have good relationship with us but for israel...nah they are ban in here. We are not allow the devil itself come here.
Correction: the Magach is a series of modified American Patton tanks, not British tanks as you said in the beginning of the video. Also, a significant amount of Israeli tank casualties during the Yom Kippur War were actually from the lack of proper combined arms tactics, with Israeli tanks, especially in the Sinai, conducting assaults not properly supported by infantry, if at all. Finally, contrary to popular belief the name of the tank is actually pronounced mare-ka-vah. Hebrew has no equivalent to the -er sound
I think I may had mixed the idea of the Magach and the Shoot-ShootKal tanks. BTW, I disagree in the wrong tactical use on the yom ki pur. The standard back then in a frontal assault was an MBT force that would face off other MBT and cannons; the infantry cover would be for the trenches or cities. However, the ATGM use at such scale was something new the IDF tank core was not prepared for. Thinking the would face again the same rigid and somewhat outdated enemy tank forces like in 56 and 67 they were not prepared for the new generational war of ATGM (like whats happening in Ukraine with drones). In fact, the new Magach marks and the hole idea of the Merkava were born out of the lessons of the ATGM threat (and not so much from the YomKiPur war as a hole).
The problem with the Merkava is the sell price at 810k was wildly higher then typical 250-350k for US gear or the planned XM1 at 550k a pop. Or even 750k (production planned cost) for MBT-70.
One of the major problems with the L71a1 was that while it could out range, the Soviet made 125mm by the time you got IN EFFECTIVE RANGE you were about in effective range of the 125mm.
Well done on a fascinating and informative video. I found no errors in the information and you gave a lot of info on obscure incidents. I'm very impressed! 🙂
The L7A1 was a rifled rather than a smoothbore gun. It was also the original armiment for the US M1 Abrams tank (or at least a US copy was). One thing to note is that 120mm rounds are larger than 105mm ones, so while they are undoubtedly more effective you can carry fewer of them. Whether this was a consideration in the design of the M1 and/or Merkava I do not know.
I'd love to see a another continuation of this video! Haven't seen such an in-depth and fleshed out explanation of the Merkava variants than this channel! And great job on how you handled the topic :)
It’s really interesting that the merkava’s development has basically been split into two, with early variants expected to face way different scenarios then what modern variants actually face.
Advertising to help make MORE AI slop? Why would you do that? That is fast eroding the respect I have for this channel. I'm sure this comment doesn't change your mind. IMO once you have crossed that line, you prolly don't care much what your viewers think. Please don't continue this trend. You're one of the good channels. It's not like you are hurting for sponsors.
People really *underestimate* the effect of the engine being in the front. Against chemical munitions that would already have to bust through the Upper Front Plate of armor, it’s quite the distance for a particle beam to travel, making it really effective from crew survivability.
I mean it's fine because once you get penned you normally bail but uh which makes snes for a tank that isn't the abrams or challenger II as they have insane armor that has never have been penned in the front over dcades of service... So if you don't have access to that armor it seems like a good idea but... It makes tank recoveries take insanely long assuming they have an engine with them... As they have to swap an enigne from a tank that has taking damage to it and to the stuff around it... Making it very hard on it's own nott to mention it can't be fast or easy normally as they don't have the engine doors like tanks normally do... so I would think they would have to pull it out the back... But um even in a factory with a fresh tank that can't be fast or easy because they kinda have to gut the entire tank unless the stuff can be just moved out of the way... And moving tanks has never been easy even if you have the time and stuff to do it... so under fire or behind enemy lines it's very much impossble... As was shown in WW2 by the gremans who only started losing tanks to their german engeering after they stopped being offensive only or the fact that US service abrams have only been lost qhwn they couldn't bne recovered as they needed to be blown up... Which the US never could actually do beyond airtriking it enough for the insides bits to take the hint and not exsits the hull is very fine though... So yeah it's only a good idea if you just heard it from the good idea fairy IRL it's an insanely bad idea as you could just have better access doors on the side or top no need to put the ngine in a place no one has since WW2 started as it's universally a bad idea...
Actually I think the forward engine placement is a solid choice. The thing is, the Merkava isn’t going to be advanced deployed far from Israel proper. So an M-kill doesn’t matter as much, they can always come back and get it later with time in their side. Saving the crew is a huge deal though because their population is small and tank crews, in Israel, get lots of extra training. Compared to other conscripts. The U.S. is big and n avoiding casualties for political optics but Israel has to keep troops alive because the available cadre is so small.
Dont forget either the external fuel and water tanks. Israel Tal himself said that a 10cm thick external fuel tank could be equivalent to 1cm thick steel plate.
@@GreenBlueWalkthroughthe engine in the front makes no problem for repairs and swap. In fact it makes easier, the TAM also has it's engine up front and it is really easy to work with. The upper front plate is a whole door that the crew can swing open and then it is easier to work than a back engine. To swap is as easy as any, just lift it out with an engine crane.
the name "Merkava" is actually derived from "Chariot of God" as described by the prophet Ezekiel (in the book of Ezekiel 1), and should not be confused with "Iron Chariots of the Canaanites" or "Roman Iron Chariots" for the IDF, much of their home made equipment is named after stuff from the Bible.
@@galadato7425I mean he had it coming. There were signs of an upcoming invasion written all over the Egyptians and Syrians. Yet he considered these signs no big deal until October 6 1973.
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I remember thinking the Merkava was special when it was introduced. Very interesting to learn more about it forty five years later.
Fun fact: The 6 Days War saw the first use of military drones for reconnaissance by the Israelis. They literally bought three toy RC airplanes from America for $850, strapped miniature cameras to them that automatically took photos based on a timer and flew them over Egyptian positions. There was no live transmission, so they had use binoculars to see where they were, wait until the drone had come back, pray the film was intact, pick them up, develop the film and only then could they see the results. It worked out extremely well though and spawned the current military drone industry in Israel. By 1980, they already had a drone that was able to transmit a live TV signal.
One of the big problems with the Merkava is that it is really made for the essentially short range defensive military needs of Israel, so there isn't really an export market for it...on the other hand, the successive technologies that the IDF has developed for the Merkava, and the various upgrades for older Western tanks and captured East bloc tanks has developed a huge IDF upgrade industry across the world, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia. I'm pretty sure the SADF/SANDF Olifant MBT benefited from Israeli research in this respect..
There has been no exports (until now) due to Israelies own decision. However, even if they wanted, you have to consider that it is an MBT made for israeli specifical needs and reality so it may not fit in any other country. For ex., its a giant beast, that surpases 65mt (and can reach 80 with extra protection).
I've seen a video relating a true story about the Merk from recent urban combat experience. I'll try to summarize it here as best I recall. Three Merkavas were engaged in a congested urban combat environment when the lead tank experienced a mechanical failure. Because the crew could not resolve the problem, rather than remain stationary in a vulnerable position the crew bailed and exited the rear of the tank, covered by the two behind it. Meanwhile, a Hamas RPG team saw the stationary tank and hit it with a rocket, setting it partly ablaze. Seeing that, the second crew, trapped between the burning tank in front and the one behind, bailed as well. The RPG team then hit the second tank in quick succession. I believe the third tank withdrew. Sometime later Hamas reported the destruction of two Israeli tanks and both crews as casualties. However, the crews of both tanks were safely back at their forward staging area, reporting the action so a follow up strike could be conducted. Both tanks were recovered and repaired. That pretty much sums up the philosophy behind the Merkava - the crew is much more valuable than the tank.
For the pro- fakestine supporters here 1. The merkava doesnt get destroyed by RPGS, it has not been lost in gaza once. 2. The videos of rpgs fired at merkavas dont show the aftermath, because the APS intercepted it or the RPG did no damage. And the IDF is winning so cope and this isnt a propaganda video
Stick to roblox kid😂😂😂😂😂 bet your knowledge is from TikTok video and roblox servers, you cant judge whats happening while relying on such sources and one video
@@ahmaddiab7344 so you provide no sources or claims, and start attacking OP for saying the truth? Go back to kindergarten and give the phone back to mommy.
@@whimsiquisitive i agree with the other u put this one out without thinking. Like come on. If u are really a German guy/girl (i highly doubt it) you at least wouldn't want to stereotype ur nation or other people in ur country.
@ my bad, i was just saying that because a lot of people reference that when they say german tanks are good ( i know modern german tanks are good aswell)
The Merkava is fun in War Thunder, that engine placement in the front can eat some less powerful APFSDS shells. It is funny seeing a tank with something of a 125mm gun still strugling to kill me even after 2 shots because of the engine. And with a fuel tank at the tip of the front, HEAT shells also becomes less deadly.
I wont lie the merkava is incredibly ugly, and tbh I am fairly biased, as I prefer the looks of tanks like the T-84 opolot, t-90A, and even the olifant mk2.
Some errors: 1. The LMGs were either FN MAGs (as stated) or Browning 0.3 (M1919) 2. The front machine gun was, at least later, a Browning 0.5 (M2) HMG not an LMG 3. The cannon was rifled 105, not smoothbore, the 120mm in the Mk.III onwards was smooth bore - a possible mix-up here? 4. The cannon was standard NATO for the time, and used in the M1 Abrams, so not really underarmed (Although the Chieftain was 120mm rifled) 5. The rear was often used as an ambulance, and could carry stretcher cases, and did sometimes carry combat troops (10 men in theory, or 8 with equipment) 6. Sans the rear area, the Merkava could carry around 63 or 64 rounds in the main hull, the rear added another 40 o so rounds. Most tanks could carry in the 60s, so, even carrying troops, it was fairly standard. 7. The Israelis also used water as armour, along with Diesel. 8. They also added air-conditioning, to prevent egress of chemical etc weapons 9. Your history of the Chieftain and Israel significantly wrong in places. The 6-Day War was not the reason Britain worked with Israel, it couldn't be because the first ones were sent in 1966, a year before the war! What actually happened was that Israel had purchased 10 Centurions in the 1950s, and asked to buy 10 more. Around this time Britain was running out of cash to develop the Chieftain and then a scandal developed in Germany. The Americans didn't want to supply Israel with first rate equipment, but didn't want them over-run either, so agreed to sell 150 M48s second-hand, from stock supplied to Germany. To disguise that they were supplying Israel, they were called Holocaust reparations by the Germans. However, this was uncovered, and turned into a scandal. So, America, knowing of Britain's cash crises, and knowing that Israel wanted more Centurions, suggested to Britain allowing the Israelis a licence to build the Chieftain. This was circa 1964. However, the Israelis weren't happy with the Chieftain, so, an agreement was made for the Israelis and British to develop the Chieftain. The British recognised that the Israelis had combat experience, and so two Mk.III and later two Mk.IV were sent to Israel for testing. Reports differ on if there were ever 4 tanks in Israel. In June 1967 after the outbreak of war the British Foreign Office sent a telegram asking Israel to move the Chieftains away from the border. Israel replied that they were moving the border! Iran trusted Israel, and knowing that the Israelis were developing the Chieftain, bought hundreds of Mk.V, the Israeli developed version, indeed, Israel Tal was said to have brought more exports to the UK than anyone else! In December 1969, under pressure from the Arabs, Britain cancelled the programme and the tanks were returned.
There are a few matters about Israel and this tank that are typically overlooked in these videos. First is the matter of experience. Say what you will, but by 1979 Israel had far more real-world tank combat experience than any other country. When you consider the small population of Israel, it’s also safe to say that the Merkava was developed by a workforce that also was far more experienced in the use of tanks than any other factory force. Israel had fairly recently (1973) experienced two of the largest, bloodiest armored battles of all time: The Golan and the Sinai. I count them separately as the two campaigns utilized armor in entirely different manners; they just happened to occur at the same time. Likewise, Israel was in the unique position of having far more hands-on experience with a greater variety of tanks than anyone else. American? French? British? Soviet? Israel had deployed, and fought against, essentially the whole worlds’ inventory. Israel knew what worked and what was problematic. The other element is political. Israel has learned (the hard way) that allies are unreliable. Hence the desire to make their own weapons, unencumbered by licensing agreements or treaty limitations. Israel never intended to make “the best tank in the world.” No, Israel meant to have the best possible tank for their own use, taking into account their unique geography and doctrine. The result was an original design. Combat since then has shown that the design is successful.
@@darius_alex2043 Hi, the new variant released this year with the virtual cockpit systems that is fully computerized etc is being called Merkava Mark 5 Barak by many in Israel. Though it is akin to a 4.5.
Judges 1:19 "Yahweh was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain, because they had chariots of iron".
If only he can get all the juicy details on the Mk V. Now that tank looks legit like the worlds best current tank due to all the situational awareness the sensors provide. In theroy anyway.
15:26 - "...during the fighting in South Lebanon in the first Palestinian Infidada...." _Infidada?_ That's Intifada M8! 😆 But humor aside, nicely done overall. I learned a few things about the Merkava, and unlearned a few others. Many thanks! Liked. - From a subscriber.
someone finally made a correct video about the merkava. I hope the next one will not be "the merkava mk4 isnt capable of fighting other tanks" but Im still looking forward to it
First! Where's my cookie
You are first!
@@RedTail1-1 Its just a little youtube tradition, don't take things so serious mate ; ) its just in good fun
Like he said
@@RedTail1-1 you're just jealous you weren't first.
@@jermfunny 😅
Ohhhhh boy...... Here is the actual war(comments section)
You said wrong.
Its not "Comment Section".
It is " Comment Action".
@@tauqeerhaider9373he said that right
(Starting a war)
@@tauqeerhaider9373Comment action?
What are you talking about?
The 1st Lardassian Keyboard Commando Brigade is forming As. We. SPEAK....
@@flickingbollocks5542 He said war in "Comment Section".
When a war broke out in comment section, I named it, as "Comment Action".
😄😄
Politics aside, The Merkava imo looks pretty damn cool
Some of the most futuristic tanks ive ever seen honestly, to think you could actually see those on the field is fascinating.
It still does.
And,as not a lot of tanks can do,it can add "combat proven".
Looks like a triangle on Wheels. I love it
@@American-patriot. Not as much as the Swedish S-tank. That one is interesting in its own way.
That said, the Mercava has a very attractive built-for-purpose look to it.
Mk. I & II yeah
Mk. IV/III look ass
Why isn’t this video sponsored by War Thunder?
The greatest advantage of the Merkava is, you can skip most of the low BR grind.
Ironically enough, I think I’d enjoy a theoretical low tier Israel, there’s some quite quirky tanks that they used
would have been a better sponsor than the AI bullshit
Gaijin be like: “50 more Magachs to the Israeli tech tree”
Gaijin is a Russian company. They don't want good western tanks to be in their game.
@@AutoFish6484 to be fair, they aint bad
80% of comments : oh boy here comes a comment section war
While i am here still searching for a political comment
There are some, you just need to go to the newest comments section. Although as you could imagine, no one really gives them that much attention.
Cherish it now, they'll be copy paste their slogans after views become higher in a few days.
calling merkava the best tank in the world is like calling biden the best president in history.
This video misses to point out that the Chieftain was co-developed between the UK and Israel.
The UK eventually refused to let Israel produce their own chieftains because they felt their deals with the Arab countries were far more important.😊
You are absolutely correct!!! It was a betrayal of the greatest magnitude by the back stabbing British. Israel had spent years upgrading the Centurion tank and Britain was given access to these advances. The Chieftain was indeed a joint project. We Jews are supposed to have Chutzpa but after refusing to supply Israel with the very tank they had jointly developed, the British MOD actually requested further assistance in ironing out some problems with the first models. You can't make this stuff up.
@@RebMordechaiReviews The bigger betrayal was when they prevented refuge from Jews who fled to Israel in 1939-1948, in breach of the mandate.
make a vid on the MK III and IV pretty please
Yes please. I second that.
Me too.
And me..m
And me!
piles on
If Israel is in something, the comments are out for someone. *makes popcorn*
Edit: My vision has been fulfilled! I have successfully orchestrated a war in my replies! Now everyone is to distracted to see me take over the world! Muahahahaaha!!!
But like for real THIS is my most liked comment? A comment that has started a war? Really does tell something about humans IMO.
Just to be clear, this tank is currently being used to commit genocide. Thats why it’s such a charged topic.
@@jonathan34hjf54 yeah sure pal
@@jonathan34hjf54 Good ole waterbrained take, right on schedule.
@@jonathan34hjf54Little Jonathan😂😂😂😂😂😂
@@jonathan34hjf54 winning a war these "Palestinian" Muslims started is commiting a genocide ?
Every war Muslims lose is genocide ?
My favourite quote about the Merkava is from Israel Tal, form an interview in 2001: “there are a lot of better tanks out there, but no better tank for Israel than a Merkava”
That makes no sense that guy is a loser
Well in 2001 Merkava Mark 4 Wasn't out Yet, and Merkava MK 3 was Pretty Mid, but still Best for Israel because it was made in Israel
Merkava MK 4 However is As Good as any Tank in the World
@@LemonHead-sq5ws it basically says the merkava is perfect for Israel your welcome
He was behind the project so he's not gonna talk trash about it! 😂
Idc what anyone says merkava M4 just looks so badass
not even close to T90m proryv.
@bieber_and_dolik yes cuz it looks better than that 💀☠️
@@QuinZcoco It certaintly doesn't, it's ugly as hell. Especially with that bulge in it's canon and how short it looks like.
@@QuinZcoco keep dreaming.
@@bieber_and_dolik "boohoo someone doesn't like my ugly tank I'm gonna cry on the internet" grow up 💀
The 105mm was not completely obsolete when it came out on the merkava. The Abrams was mostly still using a 105mm up until the early 90s, and the US Marines even used m60s with 105mm guns up until the early 2000s.
the ipm1 an improved m1a1 with a 105 was also in service until the 2000s
Best turret design, hands down. Those balls & chains at the back reminds me of The Predator's hair 😂
They should name some lighter version of IDF tank as "Desert Predator" sounds cool af.
Isrelai conoany who amde this
Even MADE THR FIRST Trophy system , 5 years later rusiia tries to copy it , , our small coutry was so imorntnt russia tried to copy
It
*sighs*
*opens comments*
“Free Palestine”
“You’re welcome for the repainted Abrams Israel”
“Enjoy the military budget we pay for”
Bruh… these guys IQs are in the gutter…
Agreed
Seems pretty tame so far
(please let me jinx myself it would be funny)
@@dr.enigma815I think that forcing Palestinians out of their homes is definitely not what god wants. ( now I’m going to get some popcorn)
Long live resistance
They have been fighting serious tank battles , for decades . They know what they need , that will fit the best in their area of the world . They are big on long range gunnery , because they are almost always outnumbered .
As an idf tanker myself יאלה ומפיר אימפריה I love the idea of a video on the mark 4 as to the fact that I have actual combat experience in both the mark 4, 4b, 4m, 4m 400, and lightning…
Keep fighting, you have the right to defend yourself
I was just thinking to myself "If you think the Mk 1 was great, you should see the Mk 4!"
@@bredsheeran2897 interesting how palestine never has that same right
@@isaiahthomas118 because they fled instead of standing their ground, if they stood their ground we may had peace today but unfortunately 😢 they are cowards who use their own blood as a meat shield that we dont want to attack but have to cause we also don't want to die and want to live on.
Thomas I don't know where are you from but if you had a territory the size of Manhattan with 2.6 million people near your country that want you and your family and your country dead even if they have to exterminate themselves in the process they will do it, i want to know what do think your country and yourself will do in this situation
@@isaiahthomas118 palestine doesn’t exist according to most western governments, and it had that right until it attacked israel the first time
You hate Israel because of politics
I hate Israel because their tanks are too OP in War Thunder (MF ate my sabot)
We are not the same
Putting MERK in merkava since 1970s
average israeli invention
Thanks
Would love to see the Mk3 and Mk4 in another video 😊
I served as a tank driver in the IDF and was using the MK III, I enjoyed watching this video because it’s very accurate and well informed.
עם ישראל חי וקיים לנצח נצחים!!!! ❤
עוד דבר, לא מבין בטנקים, כי הייתי חירניק!
@@NoamTheGOAT50 הכל טוב אחי! כל אחד עושה תפקידו
Im might be muslim but as engineering student, i always amazed by engineering & aesthetic look behind it. Merkava is the 1st tank that make me start to fall in love with tank (warplanes still my 1st love tho) . Both before & after modernazation it design & doctorin still hold it place my heart. It felt like how i love seing Tiger 2 for the first time.
But as you say, it is sensitive thing & engineering without morale is dangerous.
You are a sellout. Incompetent toddler.
Look Israel isn’t the nicest or least corrupt state. But it’s far better than any state ran by Muslims. In most Islamic communities/countries Women are forced to cover their face, they can’t leave the house without men, men can marry multiple women, men can beat their wives, prostitution is legal, marrying children is legal, murdering Jews and Christians is common etc. This isn’t a sensitive topic. You should just hope that Israel doesn’t become Islamised.
@@KillaKangaroo282???? THATS Iran not Islam countries like indonesia or Malaysia are more free have some neutrality atleast
@@auliaaa.9858As a malaysian myself...yes we tend to like to keep everyone have good relationship with us but for israel...nah they are ban in here. We are not allow the devil itself come here.
@@auliaaa.9858 tell that to the Indonesians who unfriended me for being Jewish
Mk 3 and 4 vid pls
Correction: the Magach is a series of modified American Patton tanks, not British tanks as you said in the beginning of the video. Also, a significant amount of Israeli tank casualties during the Yom Kippur War were actually from the lack of proper combined arms tactics, with Israeli tanks, especially in the Sinai, conducting assaults not properly supported by infantry, if at all. Finally, contrary to popular belief the name of the tank is actually pronounced mare-ka-vah. Hebrew has no equivalent to the -er sound
In Ashkenazi pronunciation, there absolutely is an "eh" sound with the "segol" vowel and an "Aleph"
@ talking about ER not EH
Incorrect Hebrew pronunciation ? He can't even do Australian-English pronunciation!
Patton s were shit bruh, dont believe me ask the paki how they lost their 3 to 4 companies with mounted tank guns on a jeep..😂
I think I may had mixed the idea of the Magach and the Shoot-ShootKal tanks. BTW, I disagree in the wrong tactical use on the yom ki pur. The standard back then in a frontal assault was an MBT force that would face off other MBT and cannons; the infantry cover would be for the trenches or cities. However, the ATGM use at such scale was something new the IDF tank core was not prepared for. Thinking the would face again the same rigid and somewhat outdated enemy tank forces like in 56 and 67 they were not prepared for the new generational war of ATGM (like whats happening in Ukraine with drones). In fact, the new Magach marks and the hole idea of the Merkava were born out of the lessons of the ATGM threat (and not so much from the YomKiPur war as a hole).
Given the Chieftan’s engine issues this probably a good thing for the IDF.
The problem with the Merkava is the sell price at 810k was wildly higher then typical 250-350k for US gear or the planned XM1 at 550k a pop. Or even 750k (production planned cost) for MBT-70.
yes and you had to grind many copy pastes before that very boring each one like 200k rp
Actually today the mk4 is considered way cheaper than any American or European designs
@@plazmaguy13yago9 not to mention the SL :)
One of the major problems with the L71a1 was that while it could out range, the Soviet made 125mm by the time you got IN EFFECTIVE RANGE you were about in effective range of the 125mm.
Well done on a fascinating and informative video.
I found no errors in the information and you gave a lot of info on obscure incidents.
I'm very impressed! 🙂
The L7A1 was a rifled rather than a smoothbore gun. It was also the original armiment for the US M1 Abrams tank (or at least a US copy was). One thing to note is that 120mm rounds are larger than 105mm ones, so while they are undoubtedly more effective you can carry fewer of them. Whether this was a consideration in the design of the M1 and/or Merkava I do not know.
I'd love to see a another continuation of this video! Haven't seen such an in-depth and fleshed out explanation of the Merkava variants than this channel! And great job on how you handled the topic :)
Doug Demuro is the type of guy to review a MK1 Merkava
He can go to Chech Republic.
They got mk1 as a gift for their suppot israel when Israel were young
Very well don! Informative without the drama, and even had humor sprinkled throughout the video. Thank you.
I love the Merkava tanks since they are one of the most unique in the world. Please continue the series since you've done such a fantastic job
Still Could Not Attack The "D" Point
"Never!"
defent the D point!
It’s really interesting that the merkava’s development has basically been split into two, with early variants expected to face way different scenarios then what modern variants actually face.
Love the entire concept, of which the Merkava is an excellent iteration.
Advertising to help make MORE AI slop? Why would you do that? That is fast eroding the respect I have for this channel. I'm sure this comment doesn't change your mind. IMO once you have crossed that line, you prolly don't care much what your viewers think. Please don't continue this trend. You're one of the good channels. It's not like you are hurting for sponsors.
agreed
People really *underestimate* the effect of the engine being in the front. Against chemical munitions that would already have to bust through the Upper Front Plate of armor, it’s quite the distance for a particle beam to travel, making it really effective from crew survivability.
I mean it's fine because once you get penned you normally bail but uh which makes snes for a tank that isn't the abrams or challenger II as they have insane armor that has never have been penned in the front over dcades of service... So if you don't have access to that armor it seems like a good idea but... It makes tank recoveries take insanely long assuming they have an engine with them... As they have to swap an enigne from a tank that has taking damage to it and to the stuff around it... Making it very hard on it's own nott to mention it can't be fast or easy normally as they don't have the engine doors like tanks normally do... so I would think they would have to pull it out the back... But um even in a factory with a fresh tank that can't be fast or easy because they kinda have to gut the entire tank unless the stuff can be just moved out of the way... And moving tanks has never been easy even if you have the time and stuff to do it... so under fire or behind enemy lines it's very much impossble... As was shown in WW2 by the gremans who only started losing tanks to their german engeering after they stopped being offensive only or the fact that US service abrams have only been lost qhwn they couldn't bne recovered as they needed to be blown up... Which the US never could actually do beyond airtriking it enough for the insides bits to take the hint and not exsits the hull is very fine though... So yeah it's only a good idea if you just heard it from the good idea fairy IRL it's an insanely bad idea as you could just have better access doors on the side or top no need to put the ngine in a place no one has since WW2 started as it's universally a bad idea...
Actually I think the forward engine placement is a solid choice.
The thing is, the Merkava isn’t going to be advanced deployed far from Israel proper. So an M-kill doesn’t matter as much, they can always come back and get it later with time in their side.
Saving the crew is a huge deal though because their population is small and tank crews, in Israel, get lots of extra training. Compared to other conscripts.
The U.S. is big and n avoiding casualties for political optics but Israel has to keep troops alive because the available cadre is so small.
Dont forget either the external fuel and water tanks. Israel Tal himself said that a 10cm thick external fuel tank could be equivalent to 1cm thick steel plate.
@@GreenBlueWalkthroughthe engine in the front makes no problem for repairs and swap. In fact it makes easier, the TAM also has it's engine up front and it is really easy to work with.
The upper front plate is a whole door that the crew can swing open and then it is easier to work than a back engine. To swap is as easy as any, just lift it out with an engine crane.
Because they used the actual, people that would use the tank to develop it, for their specific needs, not to brag our sell.
From what I can tell from the body and design, it looks very impressive. It’s always a good idea to try and redirect force rather than try to stop it.
9:29 Shocked, Frightened, Surprised, confused, bamboozled and even having wild thoughts at the same time.
Please make a video on the mark four and mark three!
Interesting and would love to hear more on the evolution of the Merkava.
Fun fact : people who argue about politics had nice safe home without dealing IDF and hamas
Tank has a kitchen, a bathroom, a study, a lounge area, and a billiard hall.
Like a Clue™ board in that thing.
I have a model of one of these and tried & failed to identify it.
Thank you so much for a randomly ending my search by appearing in my recommended.
With ammo minimized, they can create an armoured ambulance for casualties.
The turret on the Mk. III and Mk. IV is amazing with its flat slope.
Please make a video for the Merkava 3 and 4
11:50 the L7 is rifled, not smoothbore.
I’ll want to know more merkava mark 3 & 4.
Oh yes, would definitely love a video covering the MK.3 and MK.4
They knew that United States was on their back, so they placed the engine in front of the tank
😂 good one
Lol 😂
you are such a jerk-off
@@Lennystra goddamn moron
I think they were just confident the arabs will forever have a skill issue, so far holds true
the name "Merkava" is actually derived from "Chariot of God" as described by the prophet Ezekiel (in the book of Ezekiel 1), and should not be confused with "Iron Chariots of the Canaanites" or "Roman Iron Chariots"
for the IDF, much of their home made equipment is named after stuff from the Bible.
13:26 There is no desert on the Israel-Lebanon border...
Id love to see you cover MK.3 And MK.4!!
4:31 Yo that's the first time I see a politician with a pirate eye pad!
Yes we Israelis are weird
@@midnight_aviation I actually find that detail sick!
Moshe dayan, a genius tactician, but had his downfall due to the yom kippur war
@@galadato7425I mean he had it coming. There were signs of an upcoming invasion written all over the Egyptians and Syrians. Yet he considered these signs no big deal until October 6 1973.
Very interesting. Thank you for sharing. I remember thinking the Merkava was special when it was introduced. Very interesting to learn more about it forty five years later.
Found and explain I have a question, so could you make a video about the V2 rocket?
There's really no reason to, it was a massive failure as a weapon that didn't even have enough initial potential to be considered dangerous
@@theballingboi5360yes but it was the foundation of space exploration
@@theballingboi5360 the people killed by it would disagree
Helluva futuristic looking tank. At least a number of years ago it was easy to disable but I would imagine has been updated.
Israel's performance in the 6 Days War and 1973 War were pretty damn impressive. Especially considering they were at tech and numbers disadvantage.
Fun fact: The 6 Days War saw the first use of military drones for reconnaissance by the Israelis. They literally bought three toy RC airplanes from America for $850, strapped miniature cameras to them that automatically took photos based on a timer and flew them over Egyptian positions. There was no live transmission, so they had use binoculars to see where they were, wait until the drone had come back, pray the film was intact, pick them up, develop the film and only then could they see the results. It worked out extremely well though and spawned the current military drone industry in Israel. By 1980, they already had a drone that was able to transmit a live TV signal.
yes 1973 with loses like this who needs wins?
"Corps" as a military unit is pronounced "core" not like "corpse".
Great video, but I hate that over used ding sound
Great video. Very informative. Thank you for sharing.
One of the big problems with the Merkava is that it is really made for the essentially short range defensive military needs of Israel, so there isn't really an export market for it...on the other hand, the successive technologies that the IDF has developed for the Merkava, and the various upgrades for older Western tanks and captured East bloc tanks has developed a huge IDF upgrade industry across the world, particularly in Eastern Europe and Asia. I'm pretty sure the SADF/SANDF Olifant MBT benefited from Israeli research in this respect..
There has been no exports (until now) due to Israelies own decision. However, even if they wanted, you have to consider that it is an MBT made for israeli specifical needs and reality so it may not fit in any other country. For ex., its a giant beast, that surpases 65mt (and can reach 80 with extra protection).
Defensive military needs? I hope you are kidding?
@@samikhalloufi1530 the design goals of a tank do not prevent it from being used in different ways.
@Zach476 good point.
@@samikhalloufi1530 Remind me how often Israel has been attacked by its Arab neighbors since it was founded?
Can you cover the latest mercava tank to compare how they progressed?
am israel chai
I've seen a video relating a true story about the Merk from recent urban combat experience. I'll try to summarize it here as best I recall.
Three Merkavas were engaged in a congested urban combat environment when the lead tank experienced a mechanical failure. Because the crew could not resolve the problem, rather than remain stationary in a vulnerable position the crew bailed and exited the rear of the tank, covered by the two behind it. Meanwhile, a Hamas RPG team saw the stationary tank and hit it with a rocket, setting it partly ablaze. Seeing that, the second crew, trapped between the burning tank in front and the one behind, bailed as well. The RPG team then hit the second tank in quick succession. I believe the third tank withdrew.
Sometime later Hamas reported the destruction of two Israeli tanks and both crews as casualties. However, the crews of both tanks were safely back at their forward staging area, reporting the action so a follow up strike could be conducted. Both tanks were recovered and repaired. That pretty much sums up the philosophy behind the Merkava - the crew is much more valuable than the tank.
Aesthetically the Merkava is one of my favourite tanks. It's just so damn chonky and for me it's always had a kind of sci-fi look to it.
MerkavA-the accent is on the last syllable
I don't think a single Hebrew word he said was pronounced correctly.
For the pro- fakestine supporters here
1. The merkava doesnt get destroyed by RPGS, it has not been lost in gaza once.
2. The videos of rpgs fired at merkavas dont show the aftermath, because the APS intercepted it or the RPG did no damage.
And the IDF is winning so cope and this isnt a propaganda video
One has been lost due to an ied.
Stick to roblox kid😂😂😂😂😂 bet your knowledge is from TikTok video and roblox servers, you cant judge whats happening while relying on such sources and one video
@@ahmaddiab7344 so you provide no sources or claims, and start attacking OP for saying the truth? Go back to kindergarten and give the phone back to mommy.
@@ahmaddiab7344 seeking for conflict here for no reason, lend me your knowledge so I can see both sides
@@ahmaddiab7344 follow your advice 😜
you should make a video covering some of the more cursed m4 sherman variants, like the calliope, crab, skink or demolition/mine clearer variants
8:51 true. Though gasoline does not flame up as easily as shown in the movies.
Are there any cases where the engines actually burned up during combat?
Technically speaking, spaced armor (and diesel used for protection) is a form of composite armor.
Bring on mkIII and mkIV.
We need a Deadliest Warrior type video/series where it puts the best tanks from every country against each other.
Well designed, but made with old stuff. Makes me think Australia could make its own tank. 🤔
You mean the Sentinel tank?
That was WW2. Australia uses some M1A1's
@@frostcodm7555 I know, I was joking.
@@mauritsdonga7663 I was replying to OP
@@frostcodm7555 Ah, apologies.
dude we are using mark 4 already keep up boi
Ohhh boy, here we go
9:07 who need steel and fancy durable armour, when you got physics as your armour
Jews learning from Germans how to build a good tank is... pretty ironic.
germans ≠ nazis (≠ is not equal)
@@Alec-ri9tu ... I am German... I know.
@@whimsiquisitiveSo you should've known better...
@@whimsiquisitive i agree with the other u put this one out without thinking.
Like come on.
If u are really a German guy/girl (i highly doubt it) you at least wouldn't want to stereotype ur nation or other people in ur country.
@ my bad, i was just saying that because a lot of people reference that when they say german tanks are good ( i know modern german tanks are good aswell)
Wonderful video, top quality plz gib video on Mk3-4!
The missing thing is a toilet.
I mean, you got a helmet and a one use bag...
Taking a shit inside a tank has got to be one of the worst feelings ever
Thats literally what they said when they took Merkava Hull and made the Namer APC
The Merkava is fun in War Thunder, that engine placement in the front can eat some less powerful APFSDS shells. It is funny seeing a tank with something of a 125mm gun still strugling to kill me even after 2 shots because of the engine. And with a fuel tank at the tip of the front, HEAT shells also becomes less deadly.
It's less than ideal for air transport or long runs, but then your enemies come to you it's great.
It's a great _defensive_ tank.
Israel doesnt have the need or the logistics for long runs or aerial trasport so the ability of tanks to do those is redundant in israel's eyes
This is a great historical document and I would definitely like to see episode 2
I wont lie the merkava is incredibly ugly, and tbh I am fairly biased, as I prefer the looks of tanks like the T-84 opolot, t-90A, and even the olifant mk2.
Some errors:
1. The LMGs were either FN MAGs (as stated) or Browning 0.3 (M1919)
2. The front machine gun was, at least later, a Browning 0.5 (M2) HMG not an LMG
3. The cannon was rifled 105, not smoothbore, the 120mm in the Mk.III onwards was smooth bore - a possible mix-up here?
4. The cannon was standard NATO for the time, and used in the M1 Abrams, so not really underarmed (Although the Chieftain was 120mm rifled)
5. The rear was often used as an ambulance, and could carry stretcher cases, and did sometimes carry combat troops (10 men in theory, or 8 with equipment)
6. Sans the rear area, the Merkava could carry around 63 or 64 rounds in the main hull, the rear added another 40 o so rounds. Most tanks could carry in the 60s, so, even carrying troops, it was fairly standard.
7. The Israelis also used water as armour, along with Diesel.
8. They also added air-conditioning, to prevent egress of chemical etc weapons
9. Your history of the Chieftain and Israel significantly wrong in places. The 6-Day War was not the reason Britain worked with Israel, it couldn't be because the first ones were sent in 1966, a year before the war! What actually happened was that Israel had purchased 10 Centurions in the 1950s, and asked to buy 10 more. Around this time Britain was running out of cash to develop the Chieftain and then a scandal developed in Germany. The Americans didn't want to supply Israel with first rate equipment, but didn't want them over-run either, so agreed to sell 150 M48s second-hand, from stock supplied to Germany. To disguise that they were supplying Israel, they were called Holocaust reparations by the Germans. However, this was uncovered, and turned into a scandal. So, America, knowing of Britain's cash crises, and knowing that Israel wanted more Centurions, suggested to Britain allowing the Israelis a licence to build the Chieftain. This was circa 1964. However, the Israelis weren't happy with the Chieftain, so, an agreement was made for the Israelis and British to develop the Chieftain. The British recognised that the Israelis had combat experience, and so two Mk.III and later two Mk.IV were sent to Israel for testing. Reports differ on if there were ever 4 tanks in Israel. In June 1967 after the outbreak of war the British Foreign Office sent a telegram asking Israel to move the Chieftains away from the border. Israel replied that they were moving the border! Iran trusted Israel, and knowing that the Israelis were developing the Chieftain, bought hundreds of Mk.V, the Israeli developed version, indeed, Israel Tal was said to have brought more exports to the UK than anyone else! In December 1969, under pressure from the Arabs, Britain cancelled the programme and the tanks were returned.
There are a few matters about Israel and this tank that are typically overlooked in these videos.
First is the matter of experience. Say what you will, but by 1979 Israel had far more real-world tank combat experience than any other country. When you consider the small population of Israel, it’s also safe to say that the Merkava was developed by a workforce that also was far more experienced in the use of tanks than any other factory force. Israel had fairly recently (1973) experienced two of the largest, bloodiest armored battles of all time: The Golan and the Sinai. I count them separately as the two campaigns utilized armor in entirely different manners; they just happened to occur at the same time.
Likewise, Israel was in the unique position of having far more hands-on experience with a greater variety of tanks than anyone else. American? French? British? Soviet? Israel had deployed, and fought against, essentially the whole worlds’ inventory. Israel knew what worked and what was problematic.
The other element is political. Israel has learned (the hard way) that allies are unreliable. Hence the desire to make their own weapons, unencumbered by licensing agreements or treaty limitations.
Israel never intended to make “the best tank in the world.” No, Israel meant to have the best possible tank for their own use, taking into account their unique geography and doctrine. The result was an original design. Combat since then has shown that the design is successful.
The Merkava 4/5 now in the field may actually live up to the hype in the video as the best tank in the world right now. Thx for the vid!
What Merkava 5? Isn’t the Merkava 4 M the latest variant?
@@darius_alex2043 Hi, the new variant released this year with the virtual cockpit systems that is fully computerized etc is being called Merkava Mark 5 Barak by many in Israel. Though it is akin to a 4.5.
Judges 1:19 "Yahweh was with Judah, and he took possession of the hill country, but could not drive out the inhabitants of the plain, because they had chariots of iron".
Well done.
Brilliant video as always.
What is the name of the music bit you used around the 1 minute mark?
Al yasin rpg is watching silently
Exactly. It's watching silently, unable to do anything.
JDAM bomb is wacthing silently
Al Yasan RPG: 🙃🙃
@@F15_Cmakes scrap material of joo and merkava,😂😂
Awesome video! Even more amazing success story of this tank borne as an underdog
Nitpicking - 9:36 - this is not the interior of a tank, but the interior of a 155mm M-109 Hovitzer
41 Seconds ago Is a War Crime
Can you make a video on the plane ov-10 bronco, please
Yeah certainly would enjoy seeing the further development of the tank.
If only he can get all the juicy details on the Mk V. Now that tank looks legit like the worlds best current tank due to all the situational awareness the sensors provide.
In theroy anyway.
15:26 - "...during the fighting in South Lebanon in the first Palestinian Infidada...." _Infidada?_ That's Intifada M8! 😆
But humor aside, nicely done overall. I learned a few things about the Merkava, and unlearned a few others. Many thanks! Liked. - From a subscriber.
someone finally made a correct video about the merkava.
I hope the next one will not be "the merkava mk4 isnt capable of fighting other tanks" but Im still looking forward to it
9:24 oh... So it is really Jerry cans... I really thought it was ERA of some sorts and the handle for easy grip.. damn....
day 2 of asking for an IS7 documentary.
Please make a video on the other generations the Merkava III and IV