Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985 - 2004 Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | April 2004 | Title | Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985 - 2004 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Marsh Gelbart | Publisher | Osprey Publishing |
| Published | 2004 | ISBN | 1-84176-579-1 |
| Format | 48 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $14.95 |
Review
The author has compiled an impressive look at modern Israeli tanks and armored personnel carriers (APC). Information about Israeli armor developments is usually difficult thanks to the effective military censors, but the author has provided a great look at the contemporary hardware in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Starting with the M48 and M60 tanks that evolved in to continually improved versions of the Magach main battle tank (MBT), the author shows the evolution of the Magach into the configuration whose turret looks much like the Merkava.
Speaking of Merkava, the title provides a great look at this MBT which is an impressive indigenous design for the IDF and has evolved into the current Merkava 4 standard in service today.
On the subject of APC's the title provides an excellent look at the solution to the IDF's unique APC requirements. While using variations of the M113 for many years, the IDF needed a vehicle with better battlefield survivability. While they experimented with a modified Bradley and adaptations of the Merkava chassis, they ultimately developed the Achzarit, an effective APC based upon the numerous T-54 and T-55 tanks 'donated' over the years.
The title is well-illustrated with black & white and color photography, cut-away diagrams, and color profiles. A brief tutorial on IDF tactical markings is also included.
This is a must-have for the military historian and the modeler alike.
My sincere thanks to Motorbooks International for this review sample!