#SPAA
The Machbet is a self-propelled anti-aircraft system developed by IAI (Israel Aerospace Industries) during the first half of the 1990s. The Machbet goal was to upgrade the existing M163 VADS to modern standards and to extend its range and capabilities. It officially entered into service in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) anti-air division in 1997. This article aims to offer the reader an overview of its history during the almost 10 years of service in the Israeli armed forces.
In the early stages of the Vietnam War, the US short-range air defense primarily consisted of the M42 “Dusters”. However, the 40mm Bofors guns were becoming less adequate due to rapid advances in aviation technology. To improve on this, the 20 mm Vulcan cannon used on American jets was utilized as the basis of a new short-range air defense gun, modified into the M168 gun. Mounted on the M113 APC chassis, the M163 VADS (Vulcan Air Defense System) is equipped with a loadout that, while insufficient compared to other long-distance tracking SPAA like the Gepard or the ZSU-23-4, is sufficient enough as a short-range SPAA that can rip and tear through aircraft with its 20mm M168 Vulcan Gun.
This article will summarize the history of the German Panzerkampfwagen IV medium tank and its variants, including their development, production, and service history. The Pz.Kpfw. IV was one of the most produced fully tracked German armoured vehicles of the Second World War, second only to the Sturmgeschütz III assault gun. In addition to its original role as a medium tank, the chassis of the Pz.Kpfw. IV served as a versatile platform for many self-propelled weapon designs.
The Machbet (Hebrew: מחבט, or “racket”) is an Israeli upgrade of the M163 Vulcan Air Defense System (VADS) developed by Israeli Aircraft Industries, or IAI. Compared to the preceding M163 and Hovet, the Machbet retains the 20 mm M168 cannon but trades out the antiquated AN/VPS-2 tracking radar for a new FLIR/IR optical tracker and is equipped with a quad FIM-92 Stinger launcher, allowing it to combat enemy aircraft at distances beyond the gun’s effective range. The Machbet also has thermals and a laser rangefinder to aid with spotting and targeting enemy aircraft.
The ASRAD-R, a standout among the many SPAA systems at Rank VII, often flies under the radar compared to its more widely recognized counterparts. However, this should not be mistaken for a lack of lethality. Equipped with an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system and smokeless missiles, its enemies won’t know that they’re under attack until it’s too late to react. In competent hands, the ASRAD-R can prove a headache for opposing CAS pilots.
The Skink is one of the most iconic Canadian vehicles produced during World War II; the result of Canadian designers' and engineers' concept to fill a role that was required overseas. However, due to setbacks and production limitations, by the time it was ready it was no longer needed. Unlike most delayed projects, the Skink did see service and was operated in the European theater.
