Eitan AFV
Eitan (Hebrew for "steadfast", "firm" or "strong") is an armored fighting vehicle (AFV) developed by the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate in the IMOD to replace the aging M113 armored personnel carrier in use by the Israel Defense Forces.[3]
Eitan | |
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Place of origin | Israel |
Service history | |
In service | 2022[1] |
Production history | |
Designed | 2016 |
Specifications | |
Mass | 30–35 tonnes |
Crew | 3 (commander, driver, RCWS operator) + 9 troops[2] |
Engine | MTU 750 hp (559 kW) diesel engine |
Suspension | 8x8 |
Maximum speed | 90 km/h (60 mph) - top speed |
Overview
The Eitan is an 8-wheeled vehicle much lighter than the Namer, weighing less than 35 tons,[4] fitted with the Iron Fist Light Decoupled active protection system.[5] The AFV has a top speed of 90 km/h and can carry 12 men including 3 crew. The Eitan can be equipped with a 30–40 mm gun and a missile firing position.[6] The armor is STANAG 4569 level 4.
The Eitan will replace hundreds of M113s currently in service.[7] According to Brigadier General Baruch Matzliah, the vehicle will complement, not replace, the Namer tracked APC;[8] as a wheeled vehicle, it will cost half as much as the Namer and, unlike tracked vehicles, can transport infantry squads on roads without relying on tank transporters.
The Eitan has run flat tires and is designed with a protected, relatively high floor to protect from mine and IED blast effects.[7] The first Eitan AFV was unveiled on August 1, 2016.[9]
See also
References
- "Defense Ministry to deliver first new advanced 'Eitan' APC to IDF". The Times of Israel.
- BECKHUSEN, Robert (6 August 2016). "Israel's Next Troop Taxi Is a Giant, Armored Carapace". War Is Boring. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 6 August 2016.
- Fabian, Emanuel. "Defense Ministry to deliver first new advanced 'Eitan' APC to IDF". www.timesofisrael.com. Retrieved 2023-03-29.
- Opall, Barbara (4 August 2016). "Israel Unveils Wheeled, Actively Protected Armored Carrier". Defense News. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
- Israeli Ministry of Defense Selects Elbit Systems' Iron Fist Light Decoupled Active Protection System for the Eitan AFV. PRNewswire. 20 August 2019.
- "Israel unveils its first wheeled APC". Globes. 8 January 2016.
- Eshel, Tamir (1 August 2016). "Israel Develops a Highly Protected APC to Replace Thousands of M-113 'Tin Cans'". Defense Update. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
- Lappin, Yaakov (4 August 2016). "Israel unveils first wheeled APC". IHS Janes. Archived from the original on 2016-08-04. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
- Lapin, Yaakov (1 August 2016). "The Eitan APC will come with an active protection system, and its high speed will enable rapid deployment of forces between North and South. armor STANAG 4569 level 4". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 18 August 2016.