Description
The Merkava 3 BAZ main battle tank, one of IDF’s (Israel Defense Forces) most powerful MBTs, was based on the Merkava Mk3. Benefitting from its mobility due to the powerful 1200hp engine, the Merkava Mk3 BAZ was further updated with additional systems including NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) protection systems, a locally developed central air conditioning system, and improved front armour ballistic protection. The Merkava MK3 BAZ’s armament consists of a 120mm smoothbore gun, along with its MAG 58 7.62mm coaxial and turret guns, as well as a roof mounted 12.7mm heavy machine gun. The Merkava Mark III was also equipped with a new gunner’s sight and an additional commander’s panoramic sight.
Meng‘s Merkava 3 BAZ consists of 16 grey plastic sprues, 1 clear transparent sprue, 2 lengths of vinyl tracks, a slide molded turret and chassis and lower hull, poly caps, a length of wire and copper chains, a piece of lead foil, and a decal sheet. The kit features crisp details, such as the newly tooled turret’s finely molded ball and chain armor. All of the tank’s stowage baskets can be built either with the canvas cover. or without showcasing the baskets’ full interior frame. The kit also includes extra stowage such as spare jerry cans, personal defense rifles, and spare ammunition boxes, and a piece of lead sheet to replicate the unit markings’ insignia banner.
The Merkava Mark 3 BAZ can be built with the Nochri Dalet mine roller system. The faithfully reproduced system features crisp details, with enhanced parts such as the included copper chains.
Two marking options are included painting schemes are provided for one command tank, 2nd Platoon, 3rd Gimel Company, 1st Sufa (Storm) Battalion, 188 Barak Brigade, and one Tank 1 Alef, 1st Platoon, 1st Company, Izuz (bravery) Battalion, 460 Brigade, Operation Cast Lead in Gaza during January 2009.