Oblique view of Israeli Nakpadon heavy armored personnel carrier.
Source: Unknown author -
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The Nakpadon is a heavy armored personnel carrier that was first introduced in the late 1990's. It is the final and most capable model of a lineage of heavy armored personnel carriers derived from obsolete Centurion main battle tanks.
The Nakpadon follows the same design pattern of earlier Israeli conversions, but incorporates newer technology and lessons learned. A large armored superstructure is present over the area where the turret used to be on the Centurion. Heavy armor is added, especially to the sides of the crew compartment. A unique feature on some of the Nakpadon are two large clamshell doors on the front, allowing easy egress for the infantry compared to earlier designs. This variant may be called the Nakpuma. Other variants include an observation mast or a raised observation deck ("doghouse").
The Nakpadon is armed with four 7.62mm FN MAG machine guns. These are used for suppressive fire in a self-defense role. The Nakpadon is intended as a front line vehicle, but not to engage the enemy using the vehicle. At least two of its machine guns are remote operated from under armor protection.
The protection that the Nakpadon provides for its crew and passengers is the main feature. Exact protection level is difficult to ascertain, but it likely has the highest level of protection against HEAT warheads of all heavy APC conversions. New and thick EKE sideskirts are added to the crew compartment. The new superstructure also features NERA or ERA.
The tracked chassis provides the Nakpadon with good mobility in difficult terrain, albeit at low speed. The vehicle is very heavy and wide, restricting its mobility in urban terrain.
The Nakpadon is used by the Israel defense force in limited numbers for special duties. The Nakpadon was sort of a stopgap design towards introduction of the newer purpose built Namer heavy armored personnel carrier.
The Nakpadon was acquired only in small numbers. The new and purpose built Namer is to be the main heavy APC in Israeli service.
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