The Achzarit infantry heavy armored vehicle has been developed to meet the specific operational requirements of the Israel Defense Force for a well-protected vehicle capable of deploying infantry & operating with a well-armored MBT force (Main Battle Tank) such as Merkava tanks.
To handle the present demands of the IDF the Achzarit has been upgraded within a few categories: The existing power pack of the Achzarit Mk-I consists of the transversely mounted Detroit Diesel 8V-71 TA water-cooled, two-stroke V-8 Configuration diesel engine developing 625BHP coupled to an Allison XTG-411-4 hydrokinetic automatic transmission. All developed by Nimda Co Ltd.
To fit the present & future standards more power is needed & the IDF approached Nimda to find a proper solution to raise the power without causing dramatic changes at the engine compartment or hull.
The new alternative PP-MK-III is using the Detroit Diesel 8V92TA which provides around 720bhp coupled to the modified & upgraded Allison XTG-411-5, designed to rating of 1000BHP engine output power (option for fully automated, electronically controlled XTG411-6-N).
The engine can draw air from either the crew compartment or the engine compartment; both versions through a pre-cleaner with blowers to eject dust in a full desert operation.
This current PP does not require any changes in the engine compartment or vehicle & gives the APC the power which is needed to operate in the front line with modern Israeli MBTS such as Merkava Mk3 & Mk4.
Tractions: have been modified to a modern & western technology, similar to the Merkava style tracks, this traction & suspension upgrade provides the vehicle with better cross-country mobility and allows it to operate among modern MBT's. Fire power: basically 4 remote controlled weapon stations of machine gun (7.62mm) have been optionally upgraded with a new alternative by RAFAEL, the 30mm cannon RCWS (Remote Controlled Weapon Station). This can be aimed and fired from within the vehicle in complete safety.
Both day and night [image intensification] sights are provided.
There are an additional three 7.62 mm remote-mounted machine guns, one on the commander's hatch and two over the rear troop compartment. An additional upgrade for this vehicle is a converted version for a medical support teams for evacuation of wounded from the battlefield while using his passageway at the rear of the vehicle on the right side; this allows the infantry to dismount through the rear clamshell door.
The inside hull been modified for a medical team including a doctor & paramedic equipment.
A prototype of this upgraded Achzarit is running today at the IDF facilities.
The existing power pack of the Achzarit Mk-I consists of the transversely mounted Detroit Diesel 8V-71 TA water-cooled, two-stroke V-8 Configuration diesel engine developing 625BHP coupled to an Allison XTG-411-4 hydrokinetic automatic transmission. All developed by Nimda Co Ltd.
