http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ko&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mmzone.co.kr%2Fmda%2Fdocview.php%3Fid%3D167

Here is a google translate of an MMZ page that covers the last two releases of the Academy 2010 release schedule , a 72nd F-22 as well as the Merk IV LIC.

Now one thing that may be needed (by myself especially) is what exactly separates an LIC (Low Intensity Conflict - right?) from the standard Merkava IV?
Looks like we'll see at least differant side skirts, by looking at the mold at the bottom

Here is the standard MMZ page - there is a section that states the info on teh page is copyrighted so I am not grabbing any pics for this thread
http://www.mmzone.co.kr/mda/docview.php?id=167

matt

Hey a question, how does one go about posting active links on these forums?

AFAIK, a "full" LIC package should include the mine-protection underbelly armor, wire mesh protection for optics and exhaust, new side skirts and a different hull back on the left side of the vehicle
It also may include a gunner hatch, as seen on some vehicles
As always happens with israeli tanks and vehicles, options and variations are almost endless
You can take a look at idf-in-scale forum to get a better idea

So an LIC does not have the 'droid' which as far as I can tell is an anti-ATGM item.

It's part of teh problem that alot of the people who discusss things like this almost talk in shorthand where it is rather hard to get up to speed with the vernacular, especially if it is an area where one may not have much access to info. The Merk IV is one of those vehicles, in my bookshelf I think I have maybe 3-4 pics of prototype Merkava IVs .

I figure I can be just as bad discussing aircraft that I am most familiar with.

I'll take a look at IDF in scale , they now allow non-members to look at the boards, we just don't have posting privlages. Al in all I figure the Merkava IV will be a very well known subject - from a modeling perspective once the HB as well as this new variant of teh Academy kit are released.

http://www.idf-in-scale.com/forum/phpBB3/index.php

One good thing for rumourmongering is that the item number for teh Merk IV LIC is 13227. I had wondered if the rumour of an Mergach 6B (an M-60 variant IIRC) tht surfaced earlier this year was the same kit, however the initial rumour on IDF in Scale had the number 13220 for the Mergach. If I remember right the number came from a distributor list.

So take that for what it is worth, the Academy Mergach 6B is an as of now unsubstantiated rumour. But going by numbers it is a differing number.

Just as an example of Academy's prduct numbering system the recent Swedish CV 90 release is 13217 and the Ontos 13218, the K-9 SPG is 13219 and teh M4E8 13221. So there is still an as yet not known 13220 item number in the sequence.

Dear friends

The LIC is not a version of the Merkava Mk. 4, but a configuration for a LIC (Low intensity conflict) role.
I do not know what the new kit will include, but the real LIC is including:
- Mesh on front lights, exhaust grille and sights.
- Horns with chains in the front and rear for towing.
- Different attachment of towing cables.

The different side skirts, added loader's hatch are part of improvements and NOT the LIC configuration.

Michael Mass
idf-in-scale

It is a great news regardless. Modern AFV modelers definitely welcome it. The last sentence of the paragraph forecasts the price to be in the high 20,000's WONs. In other words, it will be priced around $27-29 in Asian markets. Most likely in $40 range in the North America.

I hope it has the belly armor.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ko&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mmzone.co.kr%2Fmda%2Fdocview.php%3Fid%3D167

These are photos of the molding plates, and I do see that they will have that belly armor. Thanks for posting!!