Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985 - 2004
By Marsh Gelbart
Osprey Publishing, ©2004
ISBN 1-84176-579-1
48 pages
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The author has compiled an impressive look at modern Israeli tanks and
armored personnel carriers (APC). Information about Israeli armor developments
is usually difficult thanks to the effective military censors, but the
author has provided a great look at the contemporary hardware in the Israeli
Defense Forces (IDF).
Starting with the M48 and M60 tanks that evolved into continually improved
versions of the Magach main battle tank (MBT), the author shows the evolution
of the Magach into the configuration whose turret looks much like the
Merkava.
Speaking of Merkava, the title provides a great look at this MBT which
is an impressive indigenous design for the IDF and has evolved into the
current Merkava 4 standard in service today.
On the subject of APC's the title provides an excellent look at the
solution to the IDF's unique APC requirements. While using variations
of the M113 for many years, the IDF needed a vehicle with better battlefield
survivability. While they experimented with a modified Bradley and adaptations
of the Merkava chassis, they ultimately developed the Achzarit, an effective
APC based upon the numerous T-54 and T-55 tanks 'donated' over the years.
The title is well-illustrated with black & white and color photography,
cut-away diagrams, and color profiles. A brief tutorial on IDF tactical
markings is also included.
This is a must-have for the military historian and the modeler alike.
My sincere thanks to Motorbooks International
for this review sample!
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