The GD883 diesel engine, paired with Renk RK325 automatic transmission, comprises the Merkava Mk4 powerpack. Produced under cooperation between MTU and general Dynamics Land Systems, this liquid cooled, direct injection engine is considered the most powerful of its kind. It was designed as an alternative to the gas turbines, currently used in the M-1 family of tanks. The US-German engine develops 1500hp power, and with the utilization of the specially designed automatic transmission, it offers the best power/weight ratio for heavy tracked vehicles. The electronically controlled transmission has five forward gears, also provides steering and braking functions.
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Engine weight: 1,900 kg
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Power pack weight: 4,800 kg
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Power output: 1,500hp
