Editing Merkava (section)

===Merkava Mark 3===
{{multiple image
|width = 150
|footer_align = center
|footer = '''Variants of the Merkava Mark III'''
|image1 = IDF-ground-forces002.jpg
|alt1 = The Merkava Mark III
|caption1 = The Merkava Mark III
|image2 = Tank-weapons-Merkava3tank.jpg
|alt2 = The more advanced, Merkava Mark III Baz model, with weaponry highlighted
|caption2 = The more advanced, Merkava Mark III Baz model, with weaponry highlighted
|image3 = Merkava3dKasag001.jpg
|alt3 = Merkava Mark III Dor Dalet BAZ Kasag, the most advanced Merkava III variant
|caption3 = Merkava Mark III Dor Dalet BAZ Kasag, the most advanced Merkava III variant}}
The Merkava Mark 3 was introduced in December 1989 and was in production until 2003. As of 2016, the Merkava III was the most numerous tank in frontline IDF service. Compared to the Merkava II, it has upgrades to the drivetrain, powertrain, armament, and electronic systems. The most prominent addition was the incorporation of the locally developed [[IMI 120 mm gun]].<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Armour-and-Artillery-Upgrades/Israel-Military-Industries-120-mm-smoothbore-tank-gun-MG251-Israel.html |title=Israel Military Industries 120&nbsp;mm smoothbore tank gun MG251 (Israel) |work= Armour and Artillery Upgrades | publisher = Jane's |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101101114331/http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Armour-and-Artillery-Upgrades/Israel-Military-Industries-120-mm-smoothbore-tank-gun-MG251-Israel.html |archive-date= November 1, 2010}}</ref> This gun and a larger {{convert |1200|hp}} diesel engine raised the total weight of the tank to {{convert |65|t|lbs|comma=gaps}}, but the larger engine raised the maximum cruising speed to {{convert |60|km/h|abbr= on}}.<ref>{{cite web |department=Tanks |url= http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/tanks/merkava/MerkavaMk3.html |title =Merkava Mk 3 |access-date=2008-07-04 | work =Israeli Weapons |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080526162611/http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/vehicles/tanks/merkava/MerkavaMk3.html |archive-date=May 26, 2008}}</ref>

The turret was re-engineered for movement independent of the tank [[chassis]], allowing it to track a target regardless of the tank's movement. Many other changes were made, including:
* External two-way telephone for secure communications between the tank crew and dismounted infantry,
* [[File:Merkava III Showoff.ogg|thumb|Merkava III shooting a shell, FN MAG and smoke grenade. It then turns on the smoke screen system. The demonstration concludes with the throwing of a green smoke hand grenade (1 m 16 s).]] [[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - 188th Brigade Training Day, March 2008-cropped.jpg|thumb|Merkava IIID Baz fires – the Baz [[Fire-control system]] increases the Merkava's accuracy and lethality]]Upgraded ammunition storage containers to minimize ammunition [[cooking off|cook-off]]
* Addition of [[laser designator]]s
* Incorporation of the ''Kasag'' modular armor system, designed for rapid replacement and repair in the battlefield and for quick upgrading as new designs and sophisticated materials become available

====BAZ System====
The 1995 Mark 3 BAZ (Hebrew acronym for ''ברק זוהר'', ''Barak Zoher'', signifying ''Shining Lightning''{{citation needed|date=October 2022}}) had several updates and added systems including:
* [[Weapons of mass destruction|NBC]] protection systems
* Locally developed central [[air-conditioning]] system
* Added improvements in ballistic protection
* The Mark 3D has removable modular composite armor on the chassis and turret

====Dor-Dalet====
The last generation of the Mark 3 class was the Mark 3D ''Dor-Dalet'' (Hebrew: ''Fourth Generation''), which included several components as prototypes to be introduced in the Mark 4.
* Upgraded and strengthened tracks (built by Caterpillar, designed in Israel),
* Installation of the [[Rafael Overhead Weapon Station]].
* Independent, fully stabilised, panoramic commander's sights allowing "hunter-killer" ability.{{Sfn |Gelbart|2005|p=77}}
* Advanced thermal imagers for both gunner and commander.{{Sfn |Gelbart|2005|p=78}}