Further work has been done on the upgraded Magach 6 models, including new armor, Merkava based tracks, new fire controls, a thermal sleeve for the gun and smoke dischargers, eventually resulting in the Magach 7 model which is still in use with the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). Prior to the 1982 invasion of Lebanon (1982 Lebanon War), Magach 6 tanks were fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA). However, the large majority of the IDF’s armoured corps continued to consist of Magach variants until the 1990s, and the tank was continuously upgraded during this time. During the 1980s and 1990s, the Magachs were gradually replaced with Merkava tanks as Israel’s front-line main battle tank. By the time the 1973 Yom Kippur War erupted, some 800 Magach 3 were in active service, in addition to some original configuration M60 (Magach 6). In the beginning, the first Magach was an upgrade of M48A3 main battle tank, it was the Magach 3. It is understood that these have now been replaced by later and enhanced versions. It is believed that the M60 series fitted with ERA were called the MAGACH-6 and 7 for the latest version. From the 1970s, the M60s were upgraded in a number of areas including the addition of an Israeli-developed thermal sleeve for the 105 mm gun, the addition of Israeli-developed explosive reactive armour, installation of a new Urdan commander’s cupola (also adopted by the US Army for its M48A5 tanks), two roof-mounted 7.62 mm machine guns and the Israel Military Industries CL-3030 instantaneous self-screening system either side of the main armament. Magach 6/7 is a series of Israeli tanks, based on the American M60 Patton Tanks.
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