The Eitan (Herbew for persistent) is a new Israeli Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). It is currently being developed to meet requirements of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). It is the first wheeled 8×8 APC, developed in Israel. The IDF plans to replace gradually its tracked M113 APCs with a new armored vehicle. A prototype of the Eitan was first publicly revealed in 2016. It is planned that this prototype will be tested within the following years. Its full-scale production could commence in 2018.
Israel Develops a Highly Protected APC to Replace Thousands of M-113 ‘Tin Cans’
Israeli Ministry of Defense
The Israeli prototype is based on a proven automotive system, with an operationally proven powertrain that has been adopted by several armed forces in Europe. According to the head of Mantak, Brig. General Baruch Mazliah, using commercially available automotive components enabled the designers to develop an APC that will cost half as the tracked Namer, and less than similar wheeled APCs available in the world market. The hull was developed in the country, along with the weapon systems, survivability and protection systems used. According to Mazliah, the need for a wheeled armored vehicle such as Eitan evolved from lessons learned in recent combat operations in Gaza. The Eitan complements the Merkava and Namer, as it can transport infantry squads on roads, without relying on tank transporters. Eitan has a maximum road speed of +90 km/h (56 mp/h).
Similar to Merkava and Namer, Eitan does not rely only on ballistic armor for protection but uses a combination of survivability systems for to enhance the survival of the crew, passengers, and the entire vehicle. Designed for a gross vehicle weight of up to 35 tons (77,000 pounds), Eitan provides sufficient base protection for common battlefield threats. Using the Trophy Active Protection Systems (APS), the vehicle can effectively avoid high-level threats without proportionally increasing the weight of its armor. To protect the occupants from blast effects, of mines and IEDs, Eitan has been designed with protected, relatively high floor. The passive protection provided by modular armor is applied to the vehicle’s front and sides, while equipment modules add to its security. The vehicle will be initially produced at the Israel MOD AFV plant, at an annual production rate of several dozens of vehicles, as is the case with the Namer ICV.
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jdn.co.il
The Eitan has a typical layout for a modern APC. It weights around 30 – 35 t and is likely to be well protected. Actually it could be one of the most protected wheeled APCs in the world. Vehicle has a V-shaped hull for improved protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. Though there were no official data regarding its ballistic and mine protection. Most likely that all-round protection is against 12.7 mm or 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. In terms of mine protection it is likely that this vehicle was designed to withstand blasts equivalent to 10 kg of TNT. The Eitan can be reportedly fitted with Israeli Trophy active protection system, which
Prototype of the Eitan is fitted with a remotely controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. There is also a pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun. Though most likely that other weapons, such as 30 mm or 40 mm automatic cannons, will be also available on production version of the Eitan.
SAMSON Mini RWS
This dual-axis, gyro-stabilized RWS is designed for use on light wheeled or tracked combat vehicles, fast attack boats and other platforms requiring improved offensive capabilities. This single-weapon RWS accommodates a variety of armaments including a 5.56mm SAW and LMG, 7.62 mm GPMG and Gatling gun, 12.7 mm HMG, 14.5 mm, 40 mm AGL, ATGM Launcher and ASM, fed by high-capacity magazines. Supported by a ballistics-protected multi-sensor Sight Pod, with a mechanism for super elevation ballistic angle calculations, the SAMSON Mini provides a ’round-the-clock response to battlefield challenges.
Safety-related movement and firing limitations are implemented using the ACS/FIS.
IDF Spokesperson’s Unit photo
Main features
- Mount Type: Dual-axis, gyro-stabilized mounting system for weapon and Sight Pod
- Main weapon: One of the following: 5.56mm; 7.62mm; 12.7mm; 14.5mm KPVT; 40mm (AGL)
- Force Multipliers: ATGM Launcher; ASM
- Obscurants: SGL
- Sight Pod (Day, Night, LRF): Observation suite fastened rigidly to the Mount Assy with optional super elevation
- Compliance with Environmental Conditions (partial list): MIL-STD-1275; MIL-STD-461; MIL-STD-810; STANAG 2895; EN 60825
External Interfaces: I/O video channels; RS422/RS485/RS232 comm channels; CAN-BUS comm channel; Ethernet; I/O discrete lines
Source army-guide.com
* On test vehical
30mm unmanned turret
Israeli Ministry of Defense
The Defense Ministry has revealed the final version of the Eitan, the IDF’s first wheeled armored personnel carrier, which is set to enter operational use for infantry battalions by 2020.
Based on lessons learned from fighting Hamas in Gaza during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, the Eitan, which is intended to give troops better security as well as greater speed and mobility, is part of the IDF’s drive to modernize its armored vehicles.
First revealed in 2016, the Eitan has undergone a comprehensive series of tests by the Merkava and AFV administration in collaboration with the GOC (Ground Arm Command) Army Headquarters and the Nahal Brigade, which will be the first to use the vehicle.
In March, the Ministerial Committee on Security Affairs approved the plan by the IDF to purchase hundreds of Eitan armored fighting vehicles, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, Israel Military Industries and Rafael.
At 8 meters long and 3 meters wide, the Eitan weighs in at 30-35 tons and is operated by three crew members – the commander, gunner and driver – and can carry nine fighters in an air-conditioned environment.
As the first wheeled APC in the IDF, the Eitan will not need to be moved on heavy transporters like the Namer and other APCs in use by the military, and will be more maneuverable in urban areas such as the Gaza Strip.
Equipped with a 750-horsepower engine, the Eitan will be able to reach speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour on roads in urban areas while still able to maneuver off-road with independent suspension and an off-the-shelf drivetrain. According to a statement released by the Defense Ministry, a different engine will be placed on the final model of the Eitan to test as an alternative for operational and maintenance needs.
The body of the APC has also been improved to maximize crew protection and survivability as well as the suspension system. In addition, improvements were made to the steering, as well as to the electric and control systems.
The vehicle also comes equipped with a peripheral observation system, a high-resolution touch-screen system offering a 360-degree view of the battlefield and a variety of advanced weapons systems, which can intercept threats like missiles and rocket- propelled grenades – weapons that have proved deadly for older vehicles.
idf.il
During Operation Protective Edge, seven IDF soldiers – including Oron Shaul, whose remains are believed to be held by Hamas – were killed after Hamas terrorists fired a missile at an M-113 APC. Following the incident, 30 reservists notified their commanders that they would refuse to enter Gaza in the M-113, which was designed by the US Army in the 1960s and first used during the Vietnam War.
Equipped with advanced defense systems such as the Trophy active protection system and high-tech armor designed to protect against RPGs and anti-tank missiles, the Eitan also comes equipped with an FN MAG .50-caliber heavy machine gun, a 30 mm. cannon with a range of 2,500 meters and a missile launcher that can be operated without the crew leaving the vehicle and exposing itself to the enemy. Source jpost.com
jdn.co.il
The Eitan has more internal space than the M113. It is operated by a crew of 3 and can carry 9 soldiers. Troops enter the vehicle and dismount via a rear power-operated ramp with integral door.
This APC is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 750 hp. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which improves mobility over difficult terrain, such as sand. Tyres are fitted with run flat system. For a limited range of up to 16 km the Eitan can travel on deflated tyres. Though when the tyres are flat maximum speed is limited to 50 km/h. This vehicle is not amphibious.
Source military-today.com
Images are from public domain unless otherwise stated
Main image by jdn.co.il
Updated Jan 05, 2020
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