Place of origin Israel Produced 1988–present | Manufacturer NIMDA | |
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Type Heavy armored personnel carrier Wars South Lebanon conflict (1982–2000)Second Intifada2006 Lebanon WarGaza War Designer Israeli Defence Forces Corps of OrdnanceSingapore Army (Coming soon) | ||
The Achzarit (אכזרית in Hebrew: "cruel", female inflection) is a heavily armored armored personnel carrier manufactured by the Israeli Defence Forces Corps of Ordnance.
Contents
History
The Achzarit is based on the Soviet-built T-54/T-55 tank, beginning with those captured from Arab armies during the Arab–Israeli wars. The IDF took the old design, removed its turret, and modified the chassis for carrying soldiers by adding a troop compartment and rear door. The engine was made more compact and powerful, and other internal systems were upgraded. Reactive armor was installed over the original armored tank chassis. The APC was created in 1988.
Engine
The Achzarit Mk 1 has a 650-hp engine, while the Mk 2 has an 850-hp engine.
Weapons
It is armed with three 7.62 mm machine guns, including one Rafael Overhead Weapons Station, a machine gun controlled from within the cabin, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. As a lesson from the Second Intifada, a bulletproof glass turret was installed over one of the hatches to enable the commander to see outside without being exposed to small arms fire and shrapnel.
Several Achzarit in service have been upgraded with a 12.7 mm Samson Remote Controlled Weapon Station in place of the standard 7.62 mm Rafael Overhead Weapon Station.
Operations
Because of its heavy armor, the Achzarit is sometimes called a Heavy APC (HAPC). Achzarit APCs are in service with the IDF Givati Brigade.
Achzarit APCs took part in Operation Rainbow in Rafah, after a comparatively lightly armored M113 APC was destroyed by an RPG. Achzarit APCs were also involved in the Gaza War.