Israeli Main Battle Tank Merkava Mk.4M W/ Trophy Active Protection System 1:72 Meng 72006

Plastic model kit: Israeli Main Battle Tank Merkava Mk.4M w/ Trophy Active Protection System 1:72 Meng 72006

The model kit: Israeli Main Battle Tank Merkava Mk.4M with Trophy Active Protection System in 1:72 scale from Meng is an excellent proposition for model enthusiasts and military fans. This detailed model represents one of the most modern battle tanks used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which is a key element of the Israeli armored corps.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Meng
• Catalog number: 72006

History and significance of the Merkava Mk.4M tank:

Merkava, which means "chariot" in Hebrew, is a series of main battle tanks that play a crucial role in the Israeli armed forces. The development of the Merkava tank began in 1970, and the first generation, Merkava Mark 1, entered service in 1979. To date, four main variants have been developed, with the latest being the Merkava Mark 4 Barak.

The Merkava tank was designed with maximum crew protection in mind. Unlike most other tanks, the engine of the Merkava is located at the front, which further protects the crew from frontal attacks. This design also allows for increased space in the rear of the tank, facilitating easier access to the crew compartment and enabling the tank to be used as a platform for medical evacuation, command post, or infantry fighting vehicle.

Trophy Active Protection System:

Trophy, known in the Israel Defense Forces as "Windbreaker," is an advanced active protection system designed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. This system is used on Merkava Mark 3 and 4 tanks and Namer armored personnel carriers. Its purpose is to protect vehicles from various anti-tank threats while enhancing the vehicle's ability to identify enemy locations.

The Trophy system uses the Elta EL/M-2133 radar, which provides a 360-degree detection field around the protected vehicle. Upon detecting an incoming projectile, the system automatically calculates parameters such as approach vector, type of threat, time to impact, and angle of approach. It then launches defensive projectiles that destroy the incoming projectile at a safe distance from the vehicle.

The Trophy system is extremely effective in protecting armored vehicles from various threats, including guided missiles, rockets, and anti-tank projectiles. It can simultaneously counter multiple threats coming from different directions, both on stationary and moving platforms. This system is also capable of cooperating with other technologies, such as C4I systems or remotely operated weapon stations.

However, the Trophy system also has its limitations. Its weight can affect the power-to-weight ratio of the vehicle, especially in the case of smaller vehicles. Additionally, the system is unable to counter kinetic projectiles, and its components are susceptible to damage during combat.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. For assembly, separately sold modeling tools are needed (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.