Magach

Magach מג"ח (in full, Merkevet Giborey Chayil, מרכבת גיבורי חייל; Hebrew: Chariot of War Heroes) is a series of Israeli tanks, based on the American M48 and M60 Patton tanks.

Magach 1–4 were based upon M48 Patton tanks. Magach 5–7 are based upon M60A1 and M60A3 tanks, given to Israel by the United States.

Israel upgraded their stock of M60s prior to the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, a part of Operation Peace for Galilee. The Israeli modifications included new tracks and explosive reactive armor (ERA). This variant was known as the Magach 6B. Further work in Israel has been done on the upgraded Magach 6 models, adding new armor, new fire controls, a thermal sleeve and smoke dischargers. This model, the Magach 7 (with variants A through C) is still in use within the Israeli Defence Forces.

Versions

Magach 1 – improved M48, upgraded with Urdan cupola and 105mm gun
Magach 2 – M60 with Urdan cupola
Magach 3 – M60A1/3 with urdan cupola
Magach 4 – version with Blazer ERA
Magach 5 – Magach 1 with Blazer ERA
- also version of 5 with Blazer ERA and SGD
Magach 6 – Magach-2 with Blazer ERA
- Magach 6 Batash – prototype vehicle for the Magach-7D armour
- Magach 6A – Magach 3 with thermal sleeve and M60A1 rubber track
  - also version of this with both Blazer ERA and SGD
- Magach 6B – Magach 6A with Merkava track, improved sight, Blazer and SGD (smoke grenade discharger)
  - Magach 6B Gal – prototype vehicle for the Magach-7D FCE system
- Magach 6C / Magach 9 / Sabra – upgraded M60A3
- Magach 6D / Sabra II – upgraded Sabra I with SGD
- Magach 6M – Magach-6R with FCS, crosswind sensor, thermal sleeve, and merkava tracks
- Magach 6R – Magach-6 with new gun stabiliser system
Magach 7
- Magach 7A – Fixed flat mantlet cover with gun 'slots', flat sides to turret
- Magach 7B – Fixed angled mantlet cover with gun 'slots', angled sides to turret
- Magach 7C – Fixed angled mantlet cover with gun 'slots', flat sides to turret
- Magach 7D (renamed Magach 8) – Movable angled mantlet, angled sides to turret
Magach 8 (a Magach 7D, see above)

Magach

Versions

See also