One of the most rugged and versatile war machines of our time The I.D.F. Merkava Mk. III From Israel, a nation carved from the desert and surrounded by hostility, came some of the most rugged and versatile war machines of our time. MRC-Academy is proud to add to its collection of precision military models Israel's Merkava Mk III tank. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) created the Merkava series of tanks out of the need to have an independent source of Main Battle Tanks (MBT). Designed for survivability, the concept of modular spaced armor was incorporated to provide the Mk. III with added protection around the crew section. The spaced armor provides an open area between two layers of composite material to dissipate the energy of an anti-tank weapon with minimum effect on the crew and the tank. The modularity of the armor allows quick field replacement. A diesel powered 1,200 HP TCM AVDM 1790-AR engine mounted in the front of the hull acts as extra armor and major suspension changes were made for increased road speed and crew comfort. The crew is further protected from Nuclear/Biological/Chemical (NBC) weapons by an environmental control system that uses filtration and a positive air pressure system. The Merkava Mk. III is equipped with impressive offensive weaponry including a 120mm cannon, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, 2 anti-personnel 7.62mm machine guns, a 12.7 mm machine guns for use by the tank commander and a 60mm light mortar. Academy's Merkava Mk III portrays the strength of this powerful war machine in all facets of this kit bringing the realism and precision to a new standard in military models. Kit Features: Accurately reproduced IDF Merkava III Highly detailed Hull, Turret and Bogies Includes realistic ‘Chain Curtain of White Metal Various Accessories and Sub Machine Guns included Academy a passion for precision remarkably priced at $32.00. Scale 1/35th Item no.: 1391 Retail: $32.00