The Merkava IV (chariot) is the latest of a series of main battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces which began development in 1970. The Merkava was first used extensively in the 1982 Lebanon War. The tank was developed and wholly made in Israel. Its design concept is to provide maximum protection for its crew, and therefore its front armour was fortified and the engine placed in the front part of the tank, unlike most other tanks.
Design criteria include rapid repair of battle damage, survivability, cost-effectiveness and off-road performance. With the engine in front, this layout is intended to grant additional protection against a frontal attack, so as to absorb some of the force of incoming shells, especially for the personnel in the main hull, such as the driver. It also creates more space in the rear of the tank that allows increased storage capacity and a rear entrance to the main crew compartment allowing easy access under enemy fire. This allows the tank to be used as a platform for medical disembarkation, a forward command and control station, and an infantry fighting vehicle. The rear entrance's clamshell-style doors provide overhead protection when off- and on-loading cargo and personnel.
