The Machbet is an Israeli upgrade of the M163 self-propelled automatic anti-aircraft gun, based in turn on the M113 armored personnel carrier. In addition to the 20 mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon it is armed with 4-tubes FIM-92 Stinger surface-to-air missile launcher. The Machbet comes equipped with an upgraded tracking system and has the ability to share information with local high power radar. The vehicle carries 1800 rounds of 20 mm ammunition and 8 stinger missiles.
Developed by Israel Aircraft Industries in the mid-1990s. In service since 1998. As of 2005, most of Israel's M163s (also known in Israel Defense Forces as Chovet or Hovet) have been upgraded to Machbet. While the intended role of the Machbet is the shooting down of aircraft approaching at low altitudes, it has been also found useful in urban warfare and ground support missions.
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 27,542 lb (combat weight) |
| Length | 191.5 in |
| Width | 112.4 in |
| Height | 115 in |
| Crew | 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver) |
| | |
| Armor | Rolled 5083/5086 H32 aluminium, 29-45 |
| Main armament | M168 General Dynamics 20 mm Vulcan gun 1,100 rounds FIM 92 Stinger |
| Engine | General Motors 6V53, 6 cylinder two stroke diesel 212 hp (158 kW) |
| Suspension | torsion bar, 5 road wheels |
| Operational range | 360 liter fuel tank, 480 km |
| Speed | 64 km/h (40 mph) |
