Editing Merkava Mk.2B (section)

==History==
Class: Main Battle Tank</br>
Developed: 1982-1983</br>
Service: 1983-2016</br>
Vehicles Built: cca 350 (sources vary)</br>
Operators: Israel

The Merkava ("Chariot") series is one of the most famous MBTs in the world, designed in Israel specifically with the IDF requirements in mind. All variants feature sloped armor and front-mounted engines, offering maximum protection to their crews. The design has its roots in the 1970s in a program led by one of the most influential tank visionaries of all time, General Israel Tal. Its heavily upgraded variants are still in service.

In many ways, Merkava Mk.2 was what Mk.1 should have been, had it not been pressed into service too early. The 1983 Merkava Mk.2 was a result of the experience gained in the war, aimed at removing the most obvious Mk.1 vulnerabilities. It received extra armor and the notorious rear turret shot trap was solved by the iconic hanging chains, intended to detonate incoming RPGs. The tank also received a new fire extinguisher system and, in 1984, a new Elbit Matador 2 FCS for its 105mm M68 gun. From 1985 forwards, the Merkava Mk.2 received its final major upgrade to the Mk.2B (or Mk.2 Bet) version, consisting of improved side skirts, the Moked “Third Eye” Laser Warning Receiver and several other elements. The production of this variant ended in 1989, but it would remain in service until 2016.