Machbet



Overview

Machbet

Israeli military Machbet in firing position with rear ramp lowered.
Source: www.news.webshots.com - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Israel
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Self-propelled SAM system
Entered service
1998
Status
In service
Development
Mid 1990's - 1997
Developer
Israel - Israeli Aircraft Industries
Production
Late 1997's
Producer
Israel - Israeli Aircraft Industries
Designations
Machbet
Hebrew for "racquet"
Notable users
Israel

Description

The Machbet is an Israeli modification of the M163 Vulcan self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. The Machbet adds a pod with four FIM-92 Stinger missiles. These greatly increase the engagement range and have a much better effectiveness against fast aircraft. Additionally an optical tracker is fitted. The chassis features many modifications common to the M113 in Israeli service. Some are for instance fitted with Zelda mesh armor.

Details

Facts Machbet
General
Origin
Israel
Type
Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun / SAM system
Crew
4 (commander, driver, gunner, assistant)
Dimensions
Weight
12.5 t combat load
Heavier with add-on armor
Length
4.86 m hull
About 5.5 m overall
Width
2.85 m
Height
3 m
Armament
Type
20mm M168 Vulcan minigun
Ammunition
2.280 rounds, 1.180 ready to fire
Rate of fire
1.000 or 3.000 rpm, selectable
Elevation
-5 to +80° elevation, 45°/s powered
Traverse
360° traverse, 60°/s powered
Range
About 2 km against aircraft
Up to 3 km in ground support role
4.5 km slant range
Stabilizer
No
Secondary armament
Type
FIM-92 Stinger surface to air missile
Mount
Quadruple launcher on turret
Ammunition
4 missiles ready to fire
Traverse
Traverse and elevation as main armament
Stabilizer
No
Sensors
Fire control system
FLIR camera, possibly with tracking ability
Night vision
Passive for driver
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 5 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Track on ground
2.67 m
Tread
2.16 m
Ground pressure
0.6 kg/cm²
Suspension
Torsion bar
Automotive
Engine model
Detroit Diesel 6V53
Engine type
6-cylinder water-cooled diesel
Power output
212 hp at 2.800 rpm
Transmission
6 forward, 2 reverse
Fuel
360 L
Mobility
Speed
68 km/h on road
Range
480 km
Power to weight ratio
17.0 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.41 m
Wall
0.6 m
Trench
1.7 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
30 %
Fording
Possibly no longer amphibious
Protection
Armor type
Aluminum
Armor thickness
12 to 38 mm
NBC system
Yes
Smoke
No

Media

Related articles

M163 Vulcan

The Machbet is based on the American M163 Vulcan self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. In Israeli service the original M163 is known as Hovet.

Read more about M163 Vulcan

20mm M61 Vulcan

The 20mm M168 gatling-type autocannon on the Machbet is a variant of the M61 Vulcan.

Read more about 20mm M61 Vulcan

FIM-92 Stinger

Machbet has four FIM-92 Stinger missiles ready to fire.

Read more about FIM-92 Stinger