History
The M151 its a jeep made by the US (Ford Motor Company), development starting in 1951 and production in 1959. The M151A2 “Orev” its the successor of the M38A1 Orev, and the predecessor of the Humvee Orev.
In the late 1960s, Israel received from the US large batches of M15A2 jeeps (Military Assistance Program late 1960s, Emergency Aid after 1973, and bought directly from the US by the IDF), used for recon and logistics missions, mainly during the Yom Kippur War. During mid 1970s the IDF installed and tested the M220 TOW in these jeeps (getting rid of the windscreen so as not to block the line of fire of the weapon), reaching the conclusion that this new platform was perfect for the new tank hunter role the M38A1 left behind. (better suspension, stable and moe internal space).
During the Levanon Civil War (1975 - 1982) was the period the M151 Orev really shined, used extensively (by the Lebanese Front wich Israel backed) against syrian armor and PLO fortifications with hit-and-run tactics thanks to its low profile. During the Lebanon War (1982, Operation Peace for Galilee) the M151 Orev saw combat at anti-tank ambushes against Syrian forces in the Bekaa Valley.
The M151 jeep was finally retired from IDF service in the 90s, and replaced with the the HMMWV (Humvee), also in the tank hunter role, giving the humvee the TOW launcher (Humvee Orev).
About the TOW versions the M151A2 used, the BGM-71A was the first used during mid 1970s and early 1980s, later it got replaced with the BGM-71B TOW which had improved reliability (not important change for War Thunder so thats why Im suggestion the B version). Can’t find information if the israeli M151A2 used the BGM-71C (I-TOW) so its a NO, about the BGM-71D/E/F, these were too heavy for the platform, so its impossible it actually used them (with also no prooves), only mounted in the M113 and the Humvee.
Specifications
Platform:
- Crew: 4
- Lenght: 3.38 m
- Width: 1.68 m
- Height: 1.80 m
- Wheelbase: 2.07 m
- Weight: 1,085 kg
- Max. speed: 105 km/h (on road)
- Engine: 65 hp / 4,000 rpm / Hercules Ford 4-cyl 2.3L gasoline
- Transmision: 4-speed manual (2-speed transfer case)
- Ammo capacity: 1 loaded + 2 storaged in the right side
BGM-71B TOW:
Same as the BGM-71B in the Giraf:
- Guidance: SACLOS
- Ammo: HEAT
- Penetration: 430mm
- Range: 3.00 km
- Night capability: No
- Day magnification: x4 / x8
Pictures
Sources
Jeeps Tank Hunters - M151 & Landrovers in IDF Service – Part 1 | Armorama™
IDF Armor - Jeep Tank Hunters
https://warwheels.net/images/M151DjapasIDFHendriks022012.pdf
BGM-71 TOW | Weaponsystems.net
M151 - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Lebanese Civil War - Wikipedia
1982 Lebanon War - Wikipedia
Lebanese Front - Wikipedia
http://www.them151mutt.com/
