Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985-2004 (New Vanguard) [Paperback]

Marsh Gelbart (Author), Tony Bryan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: New Vanguard | Publication Date: February 25, 2004

Over the last two decades, the Israel Defence Force (IDF) has introduced a variety of new AFVs. Old models such as the M48 and M60 have been improved beyond recognition, in the form of the Magach 7. The performance of Israel's indigenous Merkava tank has been similarly enhanced with new variants and the new Merkava 4 MBT has recently entered service. Israeli infantry have also received machines such as the Achzarit assault carrier, the Puma combat engineer vehicle and the Nagmachon and Nakpadon (tank-based carriers intended for low intensity conflicts). This book examines the design, modification and combat history of these formidable fighting machines.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The unrivalled illustrated reference on fighting vehicles, transport and artillery through the ages. Each volume is illustrated throughout, making these books uniquely accessible to history enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

Marsh Gelbart is a freelance writer specialising in defence affairs. Born in the North of England, he lived for some years in the Middle East and has an interest in the development of Israeli armoured vehicles. Marsh has an MA in War Studies from Kings College, London. He currently lives in London and contributes to a number of military journals.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (February 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841765791
• ISBN-13: 978-1841765792
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.1 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #909,443 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book on modern Israeli armored vehicles, March 16, 2004

By 

Kenneth P. Katz - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985-2004 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

Unfortunately, Israel has spent its entire existence in war of greater or lesser intensity, and as a result has developed a reputation for excellence in both the technical and operational aspects of armored warfare. At this point, we have a good understanding of Israeli armor in the first half of its existence, including the critical battles of 1967 and 1973. Although Israel emerged victorious in 1973, the cost was very high and the decisive arms of the IDF (armor and air force) were savaged. Much of Israeli developments since then can be seen as a result of the damage inflicted by the Arabs in October 1973.

This book covers the last twenty years, which have been covered only sketchily. During this period, Israel has remained prepared for conventional ground combat, while using armor in low-intensity combat in Lebanon and against the Palestinians. During this period, we have continued to see the characteristic pattern of a few home-grown Israeli systems and the more numerous modernization of foreign vehicles, often beyond recognition.

The book starts with a brief background and then starts with infantry carriers. First the variety of Israeli M113 variants, then all sorts of heavy infantry and engineer vehicles which are a distinctive Israeli specialty. Then the book proceeds to the many variations of the Patton (Magach) and the more recent variants of the Merkava, including the Merkava 4. The information is detailed, considering security considerations.

The layout is excellent, the text is well written and edited, the photographs are good and the color plates by Tony Bryan are outstanding. This book is a winner and a must-buy for anybody interested in the topic.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good but not wholly complete, April 6, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Israeli Tanks and Infantry Carriers 1985-2004 (New Vanguard) (Paperback)

This is a good overview of some recent Israeli tanks, APCs and IFVs. One thing to be aware of, though, is that it only covers the most recent developments in the Merkava tank, not a thorough overview of that important tank series. Apparently, you have to buy Osprey Publishing's earlier book, "Merkava Main Battle Tank MKs I, II & III," to get a fuller view of the Merkava program (but, irritatingly, you still have to buy this newer book to get details on the current Merkava IV!). Otherwise, I have very few complaints about this volume. Like most Osprey books, it's brief and thus a bit thin, but informative and well-illustrated. Another quibble: the cutaway views are only from one angle, when some of the details clearly need to be shown from at least two different angles to make much sense.