The resulting exterior design was one that promoted the shallowest possible profile from any angle the glacis plate was particularly flat, nearly horizontal, while only the rear right area featured an elevated section of hull roof. Crew positions were given vision blocks for increased situational awareness and survivability was further enhanced by the locally-developed Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) block armor scheme implemented on the vehicle. Armor protection reached 200mm thickness. A fire detection/suppression system was added to help control the spread of onboard fires should the vehicle suffer a direct hit.
The engine of choice became a Detroit Diesel 8V-71 TTA series V8 water-cooled, diesel-fueled system of 650 horsepower. It was specifically selected for its compact dimensions to fit in the rather limited area at the vehicle's rear-left. Running gear included five double-tired road wheels to a hull side with the drive sprocket at rear and track idler at front. Side armor skirts protected the upper portions of the track link sections while the road wheels were left largely exposed. Performance included a maximum road speed of 65 kmh with an operational road range out to 600 kilometers.
Primary armament was fitted to the OWS and constituted 1 x 7.62mm M240 Medium Machine Gun. Three pintle mounts were added to increase self-defense potential by a further 3 x 7.62mm machine gun systems - though these were operated externally.
Work on the Achzarit saw a pilot vehicle made available during 1987. Trials were then undertaken and proved the design successful enough for formal adoption into the IDF which occurred during 1988. Manufacture of the product was out of the Israel Ordnance Corps factory at Tel a Shomer. Initial production yielded the Achzarit Mk I which was then followed by the modestly improved Achzarit Mk 2 that increased the line's acceleration and power-to-weight ratio. It was powered by a Detroit Diesel 8V-92 TA diesel engine of 850 horsepower output. Later versions also added a boxy superstructure at the commander's position complete with bullet-resistant glass allowing viewing of the surrounding area without direct exposure.
Since its introduction, the Achzarit has been fielded in all major border confrontations with the IDF where its survivability has been repeatedly proven. Its only known variant is a Command Post (CP) vehicle with increased communications gear to aid allied forces on the battlefield.
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