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Armor/AFV: IDF [Israeli Defense Forces]
Armor and AFVs of the IDF army from 1947-today.
Hosted by Darren Baker
IDF Light/Heavy Metal
Tanksami
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Posted: Friday, August 03, 2018 - 02:27 PM UTC
Hi All,
Please excuse my total lack of knowledge re IDF tanks, pic 1403 what version merkava is it, b does anyone make that version so I could build it as per the photo or would I need extra aftermarket parts too?

And are we sure it is not the new fire support underwater equipment for the Israeli navy seals 😉🤔

Thanks
Mike
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Friday, August 03, 2018 - 06:58 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Please excuse my total lack of knowledge re IDF tanks, pic 1403 what version merkava is it, b does anyone make that version so I could build it as per the photo or would I need extra aftermarket parts too?


It's a Mk.3 equipped with the new panoramic sight. Early (non-D) Mk.3 is available both from Academy and Meng (sans the panoramic sight which doesn’t even exist as AM yet).
Tanksami
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Posted: Friday, August 03, 2018 - 07:13 PM UTC
Hi Israel,

Thanks very much for that, I will keep my eye out at an upcoming swap meet for one & hopefully when I can build it either the new sight will be available in aftermarket or I can see if I have an scratch building skills. Lol

Cheers
Mike
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Sunday, August 05, 2018 - 12:08 AM UTC
I've created an index on the first page which will hopefully make looking-up for specific AFV types easier...
exgrunt
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Posted: Sunday, August 05, 2018 - 12:49 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I've created an index on the first page which will hopefully make looking-up easier...

Thanks for doing all this, you've created one of the leading resources for IDF armor on the web. Wish the mod here could find a way to pin this thread to the top.

Keep the pics coming!
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Sunday, August 05, 2018 - 01:07 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Thanks for doing all this, you've created one of the leading resources for IDF armor on the web. Wish the mod here could find a way to pin this thread to the top.

Keep the pics coming!


Thanks John, much appreciated! Stick around, a lot more in the pipeline!
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Sunday, August 05, 2018 - 07:53 PM UTC
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ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Tuesday, August 07, 2018 - 09:37 PM UTC
Not AFV related, but anyhow: the IDF is currently testing new combat uniforms for regular...







...and Special Forces units.








JavierDeLuelmo
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Posted: Wednesday, August 08, 2018 - 02:40 AM UTC
Here goes one of those rare M3/M9 "hybrid" halftracks...

1619.

exgrunt
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Posted: Thursday, August 09, 2018 - 04:33 AM UTC
Strange looking magazine holders on those M4's. Seems like anytime you hit the prone, you'd be filling the top of the spare mag with dirt / debris.
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Thursday, August 09, 2018 - 05:03 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Strange looking magazine holders on those M4's. Seems like anytime you hit the prone, you'd be filling the top of the spare mag with dirt / debris.


It's just a carrier clip to keep the magazine out of the weapon but ready for action. Mind you, in Israel soldiers carry their weapons all the time, including when they're on leave.

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ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Thursday, August 09, 2018 - 07:48 PM UTC
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Never seen this tactical marking before (gimel-1 from right to left); the sequence is odd too, should be reversed...

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ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Thursday, August 09, 2018 - 08:42 PM UTC
IDF unveils the newest Mk.4 'Barak' version: https://newatlas.com/merkava-mk-4-barak-smart-tank/55556/

The Iron Vision in action: https://youtu.be/aGLTLa04Il4
GTDeath13
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Posted: Thursday, August 09, 2018 - 11:04 PM UTC
1628.

I have seen the same sequence on Magach 6s in the very early 70's, after the YKW
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Tuesday, October 30, 2018 - 05:23 AM UTC
'Droid' equipped Mk.4s


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exgrunt
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Posted: Thursday, November 01, 2018 - 12:19 PM UTC
Nice pics but what's the story on those sandbags on the turret sides? Mk 4's need some cheap up-armoring?
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Thursday, November 01, 2018 - 07:48 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Nice pics but what's the story on those sandbags on the turret sides?


I was wondering too. I guess some kind of gear is stored in them.
rfbaer
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Posted: Friday, November 02, 2018 - 04:36 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Nice pics but what's the story on those sandbags on the turret sides?


I was wondering too. I guess some kind of gear is stored in them.

I think I remember reading somewhere (A Desert Eagle book perhaps?) that each bag contains all the hardware necessary to change a single track link.
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2018 - 02:58 AM UTC
Spike-MR launch from unmanned-turreted Namer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiYqKsT7KFQ#action=share

RobinNilsson
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Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2018 - 04:48 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Spike-MR launch from unmanned-turreted Namer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiYqKsT7KFQ#action=share



very small launch signature
AgentG
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Posted: Thursday, December 13, 2018 - 05:22 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Nice pics but what's the story on those sandbags on the turret sides?


I was wondering too. I guess some kind of gear is stored in them.


Crew gear in waterproof bags.

G




exgrunt
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Posted: Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 03:14 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Spike-MR launch from unmanned-turreted Namer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiYqKsT7KFQ#action=share



very small launch signature


I noted that too. Impressive. Is this version a test rig or in production?

Maybe I'm just old and jaded but I still don't feel that those big, bulky unmanned turrets (similar to the Stryker Dragoon & 105mm versions) are the way to go. Just feel that tankers need unrestricted 360 degree viability. Especially if they are fighting in urban terrain.
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Saturday, December 15, 2018 - 03:18 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Is this version a test rig or in production?


Test-vehicle
ReluctantRenegade
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Posted: Thursday, January 03, 2019 - 03:21 AM UTC
The 'Trophy' equipped Mk.4M

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GTDeath13
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Posted: Thursday, January 03, 2019 - 03:57 AM UTC
@ReluctantRenegade Do you have any photos of Magach 6C Gimel that provide a good glimpse of the gunner's sight?

Best of wishes for a happy new year, thank you for the photos
 _GOTOTOP