Namer Heavy Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle, Israel

[DavidSling]

Namer is a heavily armoured infantry fighting vehicle based on the chassis of the Merkava 4 main battle tank of Israel. Also called Tiger or Leopard, it is one of the most highly protected armoured personnel carriers (APC) in the world. Developed in 2008, the Namer armoured vehicle is a major element of the Israel Defence Force (IDF) modernisation plan.

The 60t armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) can carry a crew of three – the driver, commander and the remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) operator. The mobility and protection of the vehicle is comparable to the latest main battle tanks.

The Namer was developed by the Israeli Ordnance Corps and was first acquired by the Golani Brigade of the IDF in summer 2008. The brigade used two Namer vehicles in the war in Gaza. The IDF plans to deploy about 250 Namer armoured IFVs by developing support variants and replace the M-113 APC vehicles.

Namer armoured fighting vehicle production and development

The Namer was derived from the combination of Nagmash, the Israeli variant of M113 APC and Merkava. In 2005, the first prototype of the heavy IFV, called Nemera (Tigress) was revealed. It was developed based on the chassis of the Merkava mk1 main battle tank (MBT). Field trials and evaluation were conducted for exporting the Nemera, which, however, received no orders.

"Namer is one of the most highly protected armoured personnel carriers (APC) in the world."
The plans to convert the aging Merkava mkI MBTs, which are being withdrawn from service, to the APC and IFV have been cancelled as construction of new vehicles with the Merkava 4 chassis was considered to be a more economical alternative.

Development of the Namer heavyweight vehicle began in July 2007 with the launch of IDF's armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) programme. The programme aims to modernise and strengthen the IDF ground forces throughout the five-year plan.

Namer was revealed to public in early 2008 and went into production in April 2008 with the approval from the IDF chief of staff and IDF funding for the pilot production of 15 tracked vehicles.

Namer AIFV design

Namer is based on the turret-less Merkava 4 chassis, which has sloped hybrid armour to protect the fighting compartment. It has a remotely operated weapon station and multiple smoke canisters are embedded within the armour. The vehicle has two hatches on the hull roof for use by the commander and gunner, and a rear ramp for use by troops.

The driver's compartment is ergonomically designed and the vehicle is equipped with large vision blocks and electro-optical viewing devices. Four remotely controlled video cameras provide an unobstructed peripheral view. The fully networked AIFV has an Elbit Systems battle management system included in the C4 equipment, a control and inspection system and computerised weapon systems to enable the infantry corps to destroy threats.

Features
The Namer IFV can carry up to 12 including the crew, a stretcher and medical equipment as attachments. The vehicle is equipped with advanced defensive systems, missile launchers, machine guns, reconnaissance equipment for day and night vision and an internal air-conditioning unit. The doors and ramps are redesigned for efficient offload of soldiers and equipment and easy stretcher handling.

The Namer AIFV will enable safe and quick advancement of infantry troops. The IDF is also considering the development of multipurpose Namer versions. The various planned variants are the armoured recovery vehicle, repair and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and 30mm cannon armed anti-tank guided missiles command vehicle.

Armament
"The Namer AIFV will enable safe and quick advancement of infantry troops."
The Namer AIFV is armed with Rafael's Mini-Samson RCWS with multisensor target acquisition systems. It is also equipped with a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm M246 machine gun, a 60mm mortar and smoke grenade launchers. The future development plans also include mounting of a Samson weapon station armament and heavier 30mm automatic cannons and spike guide weapons.

Protection
Namer is equipped with automatic fire suppression systems, and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection. The vehicle offers protection level equal to that of the Merkava 4. Rafael's Trophy active protection modules, also called ASPRO-A, cover the sides of the vehicle.

In June 2009, the IDF selected the Israel Military Industries (IMI)-developed Iron Fist active protection system (APS) for the Namer armour personnel carrier. The Namer troop carrier, however, is fitted with Trophy APS. There are also plans to develop a hybrid APS system which would launch both Trophy and Iron Fist interceptors.

Propulsion
Namer is powered by a Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-9AR V12 air-cooled diesel engine. It develops 1,200hp (895kW), the same as that of the Merkava mkIII tank.

@Penguin @PARIKRAMA @Natan @500 @GURU DUTT

 

[Penguin]

I'm using this to drive my kids to school ;-)

 

[Natan]

In September 2008, when an operational Namer was presented to the general public for the first time in an open exhibition in Rishon LeZion (along with many other military equipment, celebrating 60 years of arms manufacturing), I was there with a camera. I already knew the Namer is there, so when they opened the gates I rushed to armored vehicles corner to take some pictures of the Namer. After a few shots I was interrupted by an officer who asked me whether I can translate for him. Apparently two guys with suits (amidst hot Israeli summer) followed my footsteps to the armored vehicles corner and were eagerly asking questions about the Namer. They were asking about its mobility, armor, armament, e.t.c, and I translated their questions to the officer and his answers to them. They nodded, and I turned around to take more photos (unfortunately, t was too late for good photos, because the corner became swarming with kids wanting to disassemble a tank). I'm 99% sure these two guys with suits were from India.

This is my best photo from there:

The officer was sitting on that black plastic stool.

 

[DavidSling]

In September 2008, when an operational Namer was presented to the general public for the first time in an open exhibition in Rishon LeZion (along with many other military equipment, celebrating 60 years of arms manufacturing), I was there with a camera. I already knew the Namer is there, so when they opened the gates I rushed to armored vehicles corner to take some pictures of the Namer. After a few shots I was interrupted by an officer who asked me whether I can translate for him. Apparently two guys with suits (amidst hot Israeli summer) followed my footsteps to the armored vehicles corner and were eagerly asking questions about the Namer. They were asking about its mobility, armor, armament, e.t.c, and I translated their questions to the officer and his answers to them. They nodded, and I turned around to take more photos (unfortunately, t was too late for good photos, because the corner became swarming with kids wanting to disassemble a tank). I'm 99% sure these two guys with suits were from India.

This is my best photo from there:

The officer was sitting on that black plastic stool.

I think one of the most important lessons from gaza is the vulnerability of ground troops to IED's and missiles.
Israel should spend more on those mighty AIFV's in combination with UGV"s for IED's detection for better control over the battlefield in future operations/wars.

 

[Desertfalcon]

Looks formidable!

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

In September 2008, when an operational Namer was presented to the general public for the first time in an open exhibition in Rishon LeZion (along with many other military equipment, celebrating 60 years of arms manufacturing), I was there with a camera. I already knew the Namer is there, so when they opened the gates I rushed to armored vehicles corner to take some pictures of the Namer. After a few shots I was interrupted by an officer who asked me whether I can translate for him. Apparently two guys with suits (amidst hot Israeli summer) followed my footsteps to the armored vehicles corner and were eagerly asking questions about the Namer. They were asking about its mobility, armor, armament, e.t.c, and I translated their questions to the officer and his answers to them. They nodded, and I turned around to take more photos (unfortunately, t was too late for good photos, because the corner became swarming with kids wanting to disassemble a tank). I'm 99% sure these two guys with suits were from India.

This is my best photo from there:

The officer was sitting on that black plastic stool.

The right most APC appears to be a T-55? Converted into an APC?

 

[Natan]

The right most APC appears to be a T-55? Converted into an APC?

IIRC, Iit was IDF Puma. Centurion tank converted to a CEV.

 

[C130]

umm don't know if I like Namer.

seems like it's way too heavy IMO and isn't amphibious

K21 and BMP-3 would do just as well, and has better firepower

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

I'm using this to drive my kids to school ;-)

Or one can travel in style ;

 

[DavidSling]

Or one can travel in style ;

View attachment 314682 View attachment 314683

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

View attachment 314686

That's an armoured yet luxury vehicle .. These are military types..

Much like these ;

 

[Penguin]

Seriously, you don't want this in your rearview mirror....

 

[GURU DUTT]

Namer is a heavily armoured infantry fighting vehicle based on the chassis of the Merkava 4 main battle tank of Israel. Also called Tiger or Leopard, it is one of the most highly protected armoured personnel carriers (APC) in the world. Developed in 2008, the Namer armoured vehicle is a major element of the Israel Defence Force (IDF) modernisation plan.

The 60t armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) can carry a crew of three – the driver, commander and the remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) operator. The mobility and protection of the vehicle is comparable to the latest main battle tanks.

The Namer was developed by the Israeli Ordnance Corps and was first acquired by the Golani Brigade of the IDF in summer 2008. The brigade used two Namer vehicles in the war in Gaza. The IDF plans to deploy about 250 Namer armoured IFVs by developing support variants and replace the M-113 APC vehicles.

Namer armoured fighting vehicle production and development

The Namer was derived from the combination of Nagmash, the Israeli variant of M113 APC and Merkava. In 2005, the first prototype of the heavy IFV, called Nemera (Tigress) was revealed. It was developed based on the chassis of the Merkava mk1 main battle tank (MBT). Field trials and evaluation were conducted for exporting the Nemera, which, however, received no orders.

"Namer is one of the most highly protected armoured personnel carriers (APC) in the world."
The plans to convert the aging Merkava mkI MBTs, which are being withdrawn from service, to the APC and IFV have been cancelled as construction of new vehicles with the Merkava 4 chassis was considered to be a more economical alternative.

Development of the Namer heavyweight vehicle began in July 2007 with the launch of IDF's armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) programme. The programme aims to modernise and strengthen the IDF ground forces throughout the five-year plan.

Namer was revealed to public in early 2008 and went into production in April 2008 with the approval from the IDF chief of staff and IDF funding for the pilot production of 15 tracked vehicles.

Namer AIFV design

Namer is based on the turret-less Merkava 4 chassis, which has sloped hybrid armour to protect the fighting compartment. It has a remotely operated weapon station and multiple smoke canisters are embedded within the armour. The vehicle has two hatches on the hull roof for use by the commander and gunner, and a rear ramp for use by troops.

The driver's compartment is ergonomically designed and the vehicle is equipped with large vision blocks and electro-optical viewing devices. Four remotely controlled video cameras provide an unobstructed peripheral view. The fully networked AIFV has an Elbit Systems battle management system included in the C4 equipment, a control and inspection system and computerised weapon systems to enable the infantry corps to destroy threats.

Features
The Namer IFV can carry up to 12 including the crew, a stretcher and medical equipment as attachments. The vehicle is equipped with advanced defensive systems, missile launchers, machine guns, reconnaissance equipment for day and night vision and an internal air-conditioning unit. The doors and ramps are redesigned for efficient offload of soldiers and equipment and easy stretcher handling.

The Namer AIFV will enable safe and quick advancement of infantry troops. The IDF is also considering the development of multipurpose Namer versions. The various planned variants are the armoured recovery vehicle, repair and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and 30mm cannon armed anti-tank guided missiles command vehicle.

Armament
"The Namer AIFV will enable safe and quick advancement of infantry troops."
The Namer AIFV is armed with Rafael's Mini-Samson RCWS with multisensor target acquisition systems. It is also equipped with a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun, a 7.62mm M246 machine gun, a 60mm mortar and smoke grenade launchers. The future development plans also include mounting of a Samson weapon station armament and heavier 30mm automatic cannons and spike guide weapons.

Protection
Namer is equipped with automatic fire suppression systems, and nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) protection. The vehicle offers protection level equal to that of the Merkava 4. Rafael's Trophy active protection modules, also called ASPRO-A, cover the sides of the vehicle.

In June 2009, the IDF selected the Israel Military Industries (IMI)-developed Iron Fist active protection system (APS) for the Namer armour personnel carrier. The Namer troop carrier, however, is fitted with Trophy APS. There are also plans to develop a hybrid APS system which would launch both Trophy and Iron Fist interceptors.

Propulsion
Namer is powered by a Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-9AR V12 air-cooled diesel engine. It develops 1,200hp (895kW), the same as that of the Merkava mkIII tank.

@Penguin @PARIKRAMA @Natan @500 @GURU DUTT

its looks so imposing but at 60tonne its too heavy i guess why not a lighter version of it under 40 tonne since it dosent have a gun turret .... just my view IDF sure knows better

 

[Penguin]

its looks so imposing but at 60tonne its too heavy i guess why not a lighter version of it under 40 tonne since it dosent have a gun turret .... just my view IDF sure knows better

It goes where the tanks go, so no problem. Lighter vehicles if/when no tanks.

 

[Natan]

its looks so imposing but at 60tonne its too heavy i guess why not a lighter version of it under 40 tonne since it dosent have a gun turret .... just my view IDF sure knows better

Actually, IDF tends to agree with you, No one is going to stop the production of the Namer, which is going to continue slowly and costly 'till 2027. But we are about see the Carmel APC/IFV prototype someday soon, which is supposed to be slightly under 40 tonnes, maybe with heavier unmanned gun turret.

It goes where the tanks go, so no problem. Lighter vehicles if/when no tanks.

Exactly. It is able to sustain the same amount of damage a tank is able to sustain, and go on with it.