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Based on the lessons learned in Lebanon
since 1982, the IDF has pursued the development of heavy armored
personnel carriers capable of keeping pace with the Merkava tanks
while withstanding the same levels of threats. Initially, the IDF
converted turretless T-55 and Centurion hulls into heavy APCs. These
vehicles were produced in limited numbers and used extensively during
the later years of the Israeli – South Lebanese conflict. The IDF has
also used these heavy APCs in Gaza, supporting operations around and
inside heavily populated areas, and patrolling the border areas around
the Gaza strip.
However, according to initial analysis done
by the Merkava Program Office (MPO, also called Mantak in Hebrew), the
Merkava chassis is far more suitable for this task than the T-55 or
Centurion hulls. The Merkava’s forward mounted engine leaves room for
a large rear access ramp, and provides a spacious internal
configuration for the fighting compartment. The flat roof provides
effective observation from closed hatches, and flexible and efficient
installations for payloads and remotely controlled weapon stations.
The superior base armor and the availability of add-on armor modules
provides a Merkava based APC with a protection level unprecedented
among contemporary AIFVs.
 As part of the evolution of the Merkava
family, this main battle tank chassis will further evolve into a
family of heavily armored vehicles, designed for multi-mission
operations in high and low-intensity warfare. MPO produced several
versions of Merkava based APCs, called Namer (Leopard in Hebrew),
utilizing existing chassis of various Merkava models. Two armored
infantry carriers were produced fitted with advanced modular Merkava
armor and providing accommodation for 12 men: commander, driver,
weapon station operator and eight fully equipped troops. The hatch for
the driver’s station has been removed and that area provided with
additional armor to the top and sides of the vehicle. The underside is
reinforced by a belly plate to protect against mines. Remotely
controlled weapon stations mounting 7.62mm and M2 heavy machineguns
were installed with associated optronics and fire control systems. As
in the Merkava Mk 3 LIC, the Namer will have a sniper port located in
the rear access door ramp.
The new vehicles will enable effective
operation in "buttoned up" conditions over extended durations,
offering spacious interiors and rapid access and dismounting of
troops. For medical evacuation under fire, every Namer will be fitted
for collapsible stretcher carriage to facilitate rapid and efficient
battlefield MEDEVAC operations. Safety equipment includes
blast-absorbing seats for the crew and an internal fire suppression
system. Another version with an elevated, remotely controlled mount
carrying a 30mm gun has also been tested.
Other configurations include an armored
recovery vehicle, and a company support vehicle, fitted with all tools
required for the combat maintenance and support team. Future
configurations could include a multi-purpose missile launcher enabling
engagement of targets beyond line of sight.
According to Amir Nir, IDF Merkava Project
Manager (MPO), the Namer could enter production by 2010, to be
followed as early as 2015 with a new platform based on an evolutionary
Merkava chassis. General Nir told Defense Update that he foresees a
versatile ground platform that would be lighter than the current
Merkava, weighing around 35-40 tons, but retaining the Merkava’s
excellent protection from all types of threats including kinetic
projectiles, belly charges, shaped charges and IEDs. The weight saving
will be achieved primarily through replacement of the turret with a
remotely controlled, integrated gun and missile station. The use of
active protection armor instead of conventional armor could result in
further weight reductions. The vehicle could also deploy unmanned
systems and missiles to allow Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS) as well as
direct fire engagements.
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