Magach 6B Gal: M60A1 in IDF Service, Part 1

M60Al IN IDF SERVICE PART 1

MAGACH 68 GAL (M60A 1)

IN ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES SERVICE PART 1

WriHen by: Michael Mass

Contents:

Editor and Graphic Designer: Rafy Levy All photos are from the author's private collection unless otherwise indicated.

© 2006 All rights reserved to Desert Eagle Publishing Approved by the Israeli Defense forces (IDF) Censorship Bureau Printed in Korea

The Magach Family, Names and Derivatives ............................... 3

The Magach 6B Gal in Action .......................... ......................... 9

The Man and the Machine ...................................................... 20

The Magach 6B Gal in Detail .................................................. 32

The Magach 6B Gal in Detail - Power Pack ............................... 48

Training With The Magach 6B Gal ........................................... 51

Tactical Signs - No One Alike .................................................. 53

Modeling The Magach 6B Gal .................................................. 56

Acknowledgements: We would like to thank the following for their support and cooperation: IDF, IDF Armor Corps, its officers and soldiers Lt. Col Ron Karniely, IDF Censorship Bureau Our wives ... for their love and support Gilad Mass for his guidance Chan Kie Lee from Legend Productions JoAnn Sperber for her witty pen

Desert Eagle PUBLISHING

ISBN 0-9788844-1-3

Cover Page- A very mean-looking Magach 68, leaves for deployment equipped with the KMT 4 (Nochri) adapter.

6. An Armor formation that includes aformer Magach 68 Gal (M60Al), left, and advanced Magach 68 Gal 8atash (security) during training prior to deploy­ ment in the security zone on the Lebanese border. The difference between the two tracks is evident in this photograph. Although

the 68 Gal is equipped with an American made T142 track, the 8atash, right, is fitted with a new Merkava 2 track.

NAMES AND DERIVATIVES

THE

~

GAC

he Magach name was given to the Patton tanks used by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) by General Avraham "Bren" Adan, and the meaning of the name is "Battering Ram." In Hebrew, the meaning of the three letters of the Magach name are: MA-40

CH - 8 (together 48 for M48)

G- for Germany (where the first M48 arrived from).

AMES AND DERIVATIVE THE M48 GROl"P (round turret, round hull front glacis) Magach 3 - The name for all M48Al, M48A2C, M48A3 and all their derivatives before or after the conversions made during their long service, also called "FROG" by IDF soldiers. All sub-versions had the T97 tracks. lilagach 3 tanks have been fitted with the Blazer explosive reactive armor (ERA) modules since the late '70s. Alarger turret basket was installed in 1984, replacing the old small storage basket in the rear part ofthe turret. Also, minor :inprovements were made to the fire control system (CFS). Final configuration of the Magach 3 included the :05mm L7 "Sharir" or the American-made M68 main gun. 3ecause the modified Magach 3 was based on several - d versions of the M48, some tanks had three sets of return ~ Jners on each side of the suspension, while others had five :~':s . The Magach 3 variants took part in the Six- Day War in : ;67, the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and the Peace for Galilee ::;eration in 1982. Magach 5 - The name for more than 100 M48A5 tanks , ~ _plied to Israel by the U.S. govenment in the late '70s. =-.~y were equipped with the low-profile "Urdan" cupola and =- AVDS1790-2C engine that differs from the M48A3 _.. .-mS1790-2A engine by having a new 650 AMP generator, :):npared to the 300-amp generator on the :._:. -2A engines. This new engine also was fitted with larger :~_ coolers and an improved injection pump. fne Magach 5 tanks were equipped with T97 tracks during -.:-.2.ir entire service, and used Blazer ERA modules on the :-.:...-ret and hull. The Magach 5 fleet was supplied to Israel ~ . ::-.~ with many other armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) ~ _:c-, as the M88Al armored recovery vehicle (ARV) , M60 ::"'~.J re d vehicle launched bridge (AVLB), M60Al Reliability :"-~ ~ovements for Selected Equipment (RISE) , Ml09A2 and :--:':.2[S.

=-,e Magach 5 saw operational service during the Peace for

.A. A Magach M48A2C, in service with the Steel Division, fights near Rajah in northern Sinai during the Six Day War in 1967.

Galilee operation, in the eastern part of Lebanon.

THE M60 GROUP' (round turret, flat hull front glacis) Magach 6 - This name represents the original M60 (plain) tanks supplied to Israel during the war of attrition. They saw widespread service in the Sinai peninsula until and during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Because of massive losses of M60 tanks during the war, many M60s arrived from the United States during and after the war via air and sea transports. Under the name Magach 6, these M60s differed from the early M48s by having alu­ minum road wheels, fenders, air cleaners, stowage boxes and ammunition stowage racks. Their suspension arms also were different. At the time, only a few minor additions, such as gun supports for the UZI submachine gun, were added to the original configuration. All Magach 6 were fitted with T97 tracks and the original AVDS1790-2A engine, coupled with the CD850-6 automatic transmission. The original M19 cupo­ la was used until the low-profile Urdan cupola was installed in the entire fleet. Magach 6R (Reish)- In the late '70s, at same time as the arrival of a large fleet of the M60Al RISE, designated Magach 6B (Bet), IDF ordnance engineers developed a Magach 6 fleet (M60) improvement program, so the tanks would perform like the U.S. advanced Patton tanks. The improvements consisted of installation of a Honeywell hydraulic stabilization system, as well as an upgrade to the turret control-components. In addition to the stabilization system, a 10 HP electrical motor was installed in the hydraulic turret power pack,

IOF ARMOR SERIES NO. 1 - MAGACH 6B GAL replacing the 5 HP motor used in the M48 and M60 tanks. Other modifications were made to the traversing gearbox, gunner control, elevating mechanism and other turret- con­ trol components.

The old AVDS1790-2A engine with its 300-amp

First, a 60mm mortar was installed on the turret to the right side of the commander, together with a swivel-arm-mounted machine gun, installed on the left side of the turret for the use by the loader. Two smoke grenade launchers were fitted to the front of the turret on both sides of the main gun and new armored steel housings replaced the air cleaners' alu­ minum housings on the tank fenders. At that time, the Magach 6R was not equipped with a new advanced FCS, which was in the final stages of development. Magach 6Rs participated in the Peace for Galilee operation in 1982.

Magach 6R* (Kochav) - When the new Nachal-Oz FCS was ready to be installed, 100 Magach 6Rs were prepared for the new FCS installation. These tanks were designated Magach 6R*, but were identical to the Magach 6R in all other aspects.

... A Magach 6A (Aleph) , a former American made M60Al Patton tank, in service with the Armored Forces in Sinai (AFIS) in the early '70s. In the years before the Yom Kippur War (Odober 1973), the AFIS consisted of the Sinai Division (252) and the Steel Division (162) . The tank is stil/fitted with the high-profile Mk 19 cupola and the original T9 7 tracks.

generator was not powerful enough, so IDF engineers devel­ oped a program to enable the original engine to have -2C capabilities. The new engine was designated AVDS1790-2AG (-2A with generator). The name for the Magach 6R was based on the RISE's -2C capabilities. Together with the opening of the modification line in the 7100 Central Tank Depot, the Urdan company was asked to develop and manufacture sprocket wheels and hubs that would enable the installation of the all-steel Merkava-style track on the Magach 6. The first 100 Magach 6Rs left the assembling line with the original T97 tracks, sprockets and hubs. The tanks were sup­ plied to the armored units with Blazer ERA modules on the turret and hull, a new larger stowage basket on the rear of the turret, along with other changes and modifications such as supports for the Galil short assault rifles (SARs) inside and on top of the turret. After the Yom Kippur War-and as a result of lessons learned on the battlefield, involving enemy infantry and anti-tank hunters-more defensive elements were added.

Magach 6M (Mem) - After installation of the Nachal-Oz FCS in the Magach 6R and 6R*, the final configuration of the Magach 6 improvement program was designated Magach 6M or Mem. The Magach 6M was externally identified by the thermal sleeve on the main 105mm gun, similar to the one on the Merkava Mk. 1 and 2 variants. Acrosswind sensor mast also was installed in the left rear part of the turret roof. The total program ended in early 1984, after delivering heavily modified and improved M60s to the Armor Corps brigades. Many of the Magach 6R/6R* and 6M tanks were in service with armored units during the Peace for Galilee operation in 1982 and later in the "security zone" in southern Lebanon. Magach 6M Tadach - Aamerican-made M9 dozer kits were installed on 28 Magach 6Ms. These tanks were the only dedicated dozer Magach tanks (Tadach) that were used with a permanent dozer blade. Magach 7- After its long and massive service in the Armored Corps, the IDF improved the Magach 6M's protec­ tion by replacing the ERA armor modules with improved applique sections on the turret and hull, along with newly installed side skirts that were used for the first time on Magach tanks. The new large rectangular shape of the armored turret gave the Magach 7 a unique and threatening appearance; however it reduced the commander's ability to see the tank's margins during maneuvers. The increased weight of the tank caused a reduction in the power-to-weight ratio. Additionally, the tanks were too

NAMES AND DERIVATIVES

.... AMagach 7 on a flat bed of a FH16 Volvo trailer with its gun traversed backward and secured in the travel lock. The box-shaped turret .', evident in this photo, a unique shape among the up-armored Magach den'vatives.

:-.eavy for their already limited 750 HP engines. Magach 7C (Gimel) - As a result of the Magach 7's o':-.ortcomings, IDF engineers designed improvments to the -: :-tk by increasing the existing engine power from 750 to ; ~ o HP the same as the Merkava Mk 1 and 2 tanks. The turret applique armor modules were redesigned, : ~cring an arrowhead shape that enabled the commander ~---:-.?roved control ofthe tank's position during maneuvers.

GRO

to the Magach 6B configuration.

As a result, the Magach 6A finished its career under its origi­

nal designation and started a new service period within the

Magach 6B fleet.

Magach 6B (Bet) - The largest delivery of armored fight­ ing vehicles after the Yom Kippur War resupply arrived in 1978, in what was called the "Brown Deals." Among the many models of vehicles, which included self-propelled guns and armored personnel carriers, were

. (long turret, flat hull front glacis).

Hagach 6A (Aleph) - Shortly before the Yom Kippur War, ::- ~ U.S. government supplied the first long-turreted Patton :::~<s to the IDF. The tanks saw immediate service in the .-_----=.ored Corps units, with their high-profile M19 cupolas in ~- ~ :urrets equipped with the electrically operated M85 .50­ --: :--- 2r machine guns. Together with the Magach 3 and 6 :~~:s , these M60A1s took part in the War of Attrition along ~-_ ~ Suez Canal, and later, in the Yom Kippur War, in the : : ::':-.ern front. .~_-:1o ng the losses of Israeli tanks during the Yom Kippur -';':- :nany were M60Ai tanks. : -.:...ing and after the war, the U.S. government supplied -..: ~ ~F with other M60A1 tanks. Only minor changes and :-_::: ~.2ments were fitted on the IDF M60A1s during their first --c. :.:, ~f service. AU Magach 6A were converted in 1980-81

... This Magach 6M Tadach is on display at the Yad Lashiryon Memon'al Site and Museum in Latrun.

A A 6B Gal leaves an emplacement for a patrol mission. This is the tank of First Platoon commander of the Second Company. He sits high in his cupola, while giving radio instructions to his crew members and other two tanks. A Puma engineers armored personanel carrier is parked in the background. The Magach belongs to the Third Battalion, Second Company. Two short towing cables hang in front of the two frontfenders, aI/owing easy accessibility. The armor shield for the gunner sight is folded up for daylight use, unlike the photos on page 9, where the shield is down.

several hundred M60Al RISE that received the designation Magach 6B (Bet). Compared to the Magach 6A, the 6B included an improved turret-control system with a 10 HP electrical motor, main gun stabilization kit, improved AVDS1790-2C engine, and T142 track with a removable rub­ ber pads. The Magach 6B was immediately fitted with Blazer ERA, Urdan cupola, 60mm mortar and an additional machine gun on the turret. Although the Magach 6B was based on a modern version, the Magach 6M was considered superior because of its advanced Nachal-Oz FCS.

Magach 6B Gal (Wave) - After the Peace for Galilee oper­ ation, the Ordnance Corps decided to improve on the Magach 6B FCS, since it was based on the optical M17 range finder and M13 ballistic computer. The advanced Gal optical system was installed, changing the tank's disignation to Magach 6B Gal. The installation of a new peritelescope forced the construction of new and larger armored housing, which was positioned immediately in front of the comman­ der's cupola. A thermal sleeve also was installed on the original main gun, and a crosswind sensor mast was positioned on the rear left hand of the turret's roof. Some additional modifications were made during the conversion line, noticeably a large stowage basket was installed in the rear of the turret, replac­

ing the original narrow-bowed basket. The Magach 6B Gal was considered a first-line tank for many years, in parallel to the Merkava Mk 3 Baz.

Magach 6B Gal Batash (routine security) - In the late '90s, new threats were identified in the security zone between Lebanon and Israel, caused by the massive supply of state-of-the-art anti-tank missiles in the hands of the Hezbollah guerilla forces. Aspecial advanced armor envelope was designed and installed on the Magach 6B Gal. This armor, which replaced the old Blazer ERA modules, included heavy armor around the turret, roof armor sections and hull front. An armored section was added on the gun mantlet, and new side skirts were installed on special mounting consoles. This unique design gave the Magach 6B Gal, "Batash" as it was caned by the crews, much improved protection and also led to an engine conversion from 750 to 900 HP. Another addition to the armor envelope was the belly armor, which was attached to the front and rear shackles. The Gal Batash had an important role in the fighting in Gaza and Samaria. Magach 6C (6 Gimel) - Among the AFVs supplied by the U.S. government in the late '70s, were M60A3 TIS tanks.

NAMES AND DERIVATIVES

~ Magach 6B Gal Batash inside a tank emplacement in northern Samaria. Note the difference in color between the sandy turret and front hull glacis, compared to the side skirts. New armor on the turret, hull front and the side skirts changed the Magach 5 shape. This tank uses American- made steel road "heels still painted green, in addition to wheels painted sand gray. The tank belongs to the battalion commander and carries five crew members instead of -:;ur.

'JUs tank's exterior was similar to the Magach 6B; the turret and ~: II were the same size and shape. The Magach 6 Gimel (Gimel is equivalent to Cor 3), were fit­ :2d with a smooth American-made thermal sleeve for the main ~'.J1 and a different crosswind sensor mast. A Blazer suite was :..-:unediately installed on the Magach 6 Gimel, but the original ': c'.'led turret stowage basket was never replaced. This tank had a unique American FCS, which was based on ~e XM21 ballistic computer, a laser range finder and a thermal ~.:',:lTIer's sight. A majority of the 6 Gimel tanks used T142 tracks , ':-~',e in service with the U.S. Army, but arrived in Israel with :-:~el (M48) road wheels. The tank participated in the Peace for ~~'..'.;ee operation in 1982, and served afterward in reserve units. :1 Magach AVLB (6 Tagash) - The fleet of M60A1 armored -=":-icle lounched bridge (AVLBs) also known as Tank Gishur or ~~~ash Magach, was produces in a very small quantity. An additional quantity of M60A1-based AVLBs arrived in 1979 :':: ::-:-. the United States. as part of the "Brown Deals." The ~::~::sh tanks have participated in all fronts and battles since the ,:=.::'.y 1970s.

Several years ago, 1M1 developed a dual bridge for the M60A1 .-.'.LB, using the same hydraulic Launcher, and received the :-lame Tagash Tsemed (pair). Magach M88/M88Al (Tachlats) - The IDF had seven gaso-

TWO BADGES OF BRIGADES

OPERATING MAGACH TANKS

Badge of the 401 Brigade, known as "Iron Tracks," former unit of the Regulars 6B Gal tanks. Today the brigade is equipped with the state-of-the-art Merkava Mk 4 tanks.

Badge of the 500 Brigade, known also as "Kfir"(young lion) , unit of the Magach 7 and 7 Gimel tanks.

BADGE OF A BATTAI.ION

OPERA'rING MAGACH TANKS

The "Eshet" Battalion belongs to the 401 Brigade.

The emblem is based on the "PAL-MACH" symbol from

the 1948 War ofIndependence.

IDF ARMOR SERIES NO. 1 - MAGACH 6B GAL

... This Magach 68 Gal is fitted with almost every Gal version feature, including the new Gal FCS as evidenced by the crosswind mast on the turret rear roof, the big gunner sight housing and the thermal sleeve on the main gun. Also visible are the large stowage basket in the rear of the turret and Merkava tracks and sprocket wheels. Only the second road wheel from the front is an aluminum wheel (with ribs); all the others are steel wheels. This is a First Platoon commander tank of Second Company.

T The entire fleet of ARV (Tachlats) is still in active service with the Ordnance Corps, and has undergone several minor modifica­ tions.

"'A Tagash Magach was on display at the Yad Lashiryon Memorial Site and Museum in Latrun.

line M88 heavy armored recovery vehicles in service with the Magach 3 and 6 units in the late 1960s and early '70s. fu; part of a large delivery by the United States, several diesel M88A1 ARVs entered service with the IDF. At that time, the seven M88s were sent to BMY Co. in the United States to be upgraded to M88A1 standards.

'-"

THE MAGACH' 6B GAL IN ACTION

'"

.­ .... . ,.'"

. 68 GaL tanks from two reserve armored units engage in training maneuvers in the northern Negev Desert. The tanks have improvised company and pLatoon

- :: ·ngs. The battalion markings on the main gun are missing on the tank at right. Most of the tanks in the reserve units are fitted with the originaL T142 ::-::::ks and aLuminum road wheels, as seen on this tank. The observation tower is noticeabLe above the trees, enabling training :: - manders to spot targets and identify hits.

... - :: :~alion commander tank of a Third reserve Battalion. No company insignia appears on this tank. It is fitted with two communication -.= - - ::5, since it is a unit commander's tank that operates two separate radio sets. The 60mm mortar, in traveL Lock, is painted sand gray.

.A. A Magach 6B Gal moves in the heavy dunes of the Negev Desert on its T142 original tracks. Afolded stretcher is secured to its leftfrontfender, while the right fender is free of the crew tent that is stowed there only in emergencies. The tank is part of Company Alef (A). Note how the oil that drops from the .50­ caliber on the gun's mantlet and the loader's 7. 62mm MAG, leaves stains of oil mixed with dust under the machine guns.

.A. Side photo of a Magach with the "Nochri" (foreigner) KMT 4 mine roller. Many mine rollers were captured by the IDF during the wars, and entered service with the Armored Corps. The KMT 4 was later copied and manufactured in Israel, and was installed on many tank varieties using special adaptors. Note the red painted service, or special attention points on the KMT 4. A mount for the search light is welded to the upper rear part of the turret basket. This Magach also has folded antennas. Its .50-Caliber machine gun is missing from the coaxial cradle on top of the gun mantlet. This tank belongs to Third Battalion, Second Company (Bet), but it has no other markings.

THE MAGACH 68 GAL IN ACTION

... :he First Platoon commander of Bet Company, Third Battalion, is ready to move out on a mission. The main gun muzzle is blocked by a plastic cap, to preo-t dust and moisture from entering the barrel. Two towing cables are stored on each front fender, connected to the front shackles. Only the second road -"el is made of the aluminum (with ribs); all others are the M48 steel type that are heavier and stronger.