- Yes :)
- No :(
(אב טיפוס נגמ"ש לחימה)
BASIC DESCRIPTION
Eitan (heb: איתן, eng: Strong) - It is the first ever Israeli-made wheeled APC, unveiled in 2016, IFV version of which came later in 2019. Powered by a 750hp MTU diesel engine, it can reach speeds of up to 90km/h (56mph) on paved roads. The IFV version is armed with a 30mm Bushmaster auto-cannon with dual feed, a Spike launcher, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, a 60mm mortar, 6x smoke grenade launchers, Iron FIst active protection system, as well as two independent sights for the commander and gunner. The vehicle is operated by a crew of 3 and can carry another 9 fully equipped infantrymen.
The development of the first of its kind Wheeled APC in the IDF started with the lesson learned from 2014 Operation called “Tzuk Eitan” (heb: צוק איתן, eng: Strong Cliff). Once again its goal was to replace obsolete M113s, but unlike earlier Israeli projects like Achzarit, Namer, Nagmashot and others, it was designed to be lightweight and agile. The development of such light APC was finally made possible by the new armor technologies and advanced active protection systems that helped make it lighter without endangering the crew, and the improved off-road capabilities made the wheeled APC concept worthy in comparison to the past, where tracked vehicles had an advantage in rough terrain.
The development of the new APC was led by MANTAK (מנת"ק), which is the “Merkava and APC Program Directorate” in the Ministry of Defense, this body is responsible for all the development and production programs of the Merkava Family and APCs in the IDF. It was established in the 70s by the General Israel Tal to develop and produce the first ever Israeli tank - The Merkava. And over the years, in addition to the Merkava family, they have developed numerous heavy AFV converions from MBTs, such as the Achzarit from the T-55/54s, the Nagmachon/Nagmashot from the Centurions, and the most recent Namer from the Merkavas.
In August 2016, MANTAK unveiled the first prototype of Eitan, the name of which means “Strong” in Hebrew and it was given after the name of aforementioned operation. With the introduction of the Eitan, it was announced that in the future it will have an IFV version with a turret mounting a “30-40mm auto-cannon” and APS.
Finally in October 2019 IFV prtotype of Eitan was unveiled to the public, mounting an unmanned turret with a 30mm Bushmaster II Mk.44 auto-cannon, a retractable Spike dual-launcher, a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a 60mm mortar. The same turret was unveiled a two years earlier on Namer chassis, the only difference being that Eitan utelizes Iron Fist APS unlike Trophy on Namers.
Few years passed, Eitan IFV prototype underwent numerous trials across the country. Until, in August 2023, insides from IDF emerged that the IFV versions would be produced from 2024. But as we all know, another war broke out in October 2023, and so the development of the IFV version was temporarily suspended.
As of writing this suggestion (October 2024) there is only one IFV prototype of Eitan, carrying the serial number “714997”.
The Eitan is armed with unmanned turret developed by MANTAK in cooperation with major Israeli defence manufacturers. It consist of a 30mm Bushmaster II MK.44 Automatic Cannon with 400 rounds ready to fire in a dual feed, a retractable dual launcher in the back of the turret with Spike missiles, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun with 700 bullets, as well as roof-mounted 60mm mortar that can fire smoke shells.
The turret also includes two independent COAPS sights for the commander and gunner. COAPS is a highly modern panoramic sight from Elbit Systems that features:
- hunter-killer capabilities
- 3-5μm or 8-12μm thermal imagers
- Color zoom camera
- Eyesafe laser range-finder
- Dual-axis stabilization
The powerpack consists of MTU 6V890 desel engine generating 750 horsepower and Allison 4800 SP transmission with 7 forward and 2 reverse gears. Eitan weights 30-35 tons, with that information we can calculate that its power-to-weight ratio is either 25 or 21.43 horsepower per tone. It is claimed that the Eitan can reach speeds of 90 km/h (56 mph) on paved roads. In addition, the Eitan can also tackle difficult terrain thanks to its 8x8 wheelbase.
Eitan is equipped with passive and active protection systems. The hull is protected by a combination of composite armor and SLERA modules, which provide good protection even against high-caliber threats. As for this vehicle, the exact level of protection is unknown. In addition, Eitan offers excellent protection against mine explosions due to its high ground clearance and V-shaped bottom.
The turret’s armor is also unknown, but it is likely to have little to no protection since it is unmanned and is separated from the rest of the cabin, where the crew is protected in an enclosed capsule. Additional protection measures include: Laser Warning System, smoke dispenser with 6 smoke grenades and last but not least Active Protection System.
Iron Fist is installed at the sides of the turret, covering 360° in horizontal coverage and -15°/+55° in vertical. It detect threats with flight speed within 70m/s-1700m/s. Has 4 interceptor charges with 2pcs per each side.
Spoiler
Ooo, you read it till the end. I really appreciate it, I hope you enjoyed reading my suggestion. 
SPECIFICATIONSEitan (IFV Prototype)
Year: 2019-current - Development stage: Prototype (1 vehicle built, planned production)
Dimensions
Weight: 30~35t. (without turret)
Height: 3m. (without turret)
Width: 3m.
Length: 8m.
Firepower
30mm Mk.44 Bushmaster II (Ammo: 400 / Dual feed)
- APFSDS MK258
- HEI-T MK266
- APDS
Spike missile launcher (Ammo: 2 (possibly more in the hull))
- Gil (Spike-MR)
- Gil-2 (Spike-LR II)
7.62mm coaxial machine gun (Ammo: 700)
60mm roof-mounted mortar
- Smoke shell
- High-Explosive shell
- Illumination shell
Commander sight: COAPS
Gunner sight: COAPS
Dual Axis Stabilizer
High Quality Thermals: 3rd gen or higher.
Laser Rangefinder
Mobility
Engine: MTU 6V890 (750 hp)
Transmission: Allison 4800 SP
- Gears: 7 forward, 2 reverse.
Power-to-Weight Ratio: 25~21.43 hp/t
Top Road Speed: 90+ km/h (56+ mph)
Suspension: 8x8
Road Range: 1000 km (620 mi)
Protection & Crew
- Armor type: Combination of Composite armor and SLERA (Exact values are Unknown/Classified)
- 6x Smoke dispensers
- Active Protection Sytem: Hetz Dorban (Iron Fist)
- Horizontal coverage: 360°, each launcher covering 180° per side.
- Vertical coverage: -15°/+55°
- Charges: 4pcs total, 2pcs per side.
- Threat velocity: 70m/s-1700m/s.
- Laser Warning System
- Crew: 3 + 9 infantrymen
- 10.7
- 11.0
- Other
- I Don’t Know
- I Voted NO in the first poll
- Researchable vehicle after Namer
- Squadroon
- Premium/Event
- Other
- I Don’t Know
- I Voted NO in the first poll
Sources:
Spoiler
https://www.fresh.co.il/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=594754
https://www.mod.gov.il/Defence-and-Security/merkava/Pages/eitan.aspx
https://www.mod.gov.il/Defence-and-Security/articles/Pages/17.6.18.aspx
https://defense-update.com/20200209_eitan-3.html
Unmanned turret to be fitted to new Israeli armoured vehicles from 2024
Two Variants of 30mm Unmanned Turret for Namer APC and Eitan AFV – IWEAPONS®
Watch: Israel unveils Eitan armored personnel carrier - UPI.com
https://www.israeldefense.co.il/node/30534
https://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/615337?amp=1
Oshkosh Defense to Produce Hundreds of Eitan Armored Vehicles for Israel - Defense Update:
БТР «Эйтан» получит трансмиссию Allison 4800 SP: oleggranovsky — LiveJournal
