Merkava tank decoy
Inflatable Merkava with the distinctive turret and hull lines of the type, produced from measured drawings rather than photographs where required.
- Scale
- 1:1
- Material
- High-strength composite fabric with nano metallic coating
- Inflation
- Automatic, one-key inflation
- Deployment time
- 3–5 min
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Product details
Built for the Merkava silhouette, including its distinctive turret profile and rear engine deck. The decoy uses the same high-strength fabric and welding process as the rest of the armoured range and is finished in printed camouflage or supplied in plain colours for local painting. Field repair is carried out with the supplied patch kit and hand press.
Every armoured decoy in this family is reverse-modelled from the platform it represents: hull angles, road-wheel spacing, turret shape and barrel length are taken from measured drawings or 3D scans rather than from photographs alone. Bodies are welded from high-strength composite fabric and finished with a nano metallic coating that lowers the radar cross-section of the inflated shape.
Key features
- Measured-drawing accuracy on request
- Reproduced drive sprocket and running gear
- Available in any customer camouflage
Typical applications
Decoy position · opposing-force training · exhibition
Technical specifications
| Scale | 1:1 |
|---|---|
| Material | High-strength composite fabric with nano metallic coating |
| Inflation | Automatic, one-key inflation |
| Deployment time | 3–5 min |
| Operating crew | 2 |
| Options | Motorised turret and barrel rotation |
What is included
- Decoy hull with printed camouflage
- Electric inflation blower
- Repair patch kit and adhesive
- Guy lines with ground anchors
- Transit and storage bag
- Camouflage touch-up paint
- Operation and maintenance manual
Deployment
-
Reconnoitre the position
Choose ground that matches the terrain the real platform would occupy, and note which direction observation and imaging are most likely to come from.
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Unroll and orient
Lay the decoy out on the marked outline and turn it so the turret and barrel face the expected sensor axis.
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Inflate
Connect the blower and inflate to working pressure — 3 to 5 minutes for a two-person team.
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Anchor
Tension the guy lines and drive the ground anchors so the decoy holds its shape in wind.
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Fit signature modules
Install the optional radar reflector panel, heat source or smoke and acoustic units if the scenario calls for them.
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Recover
Deflate, fold and return to the transit bag. Recovery takes the same two-person team.
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Service between exercises
Wash, dry and inspect seams and valves before storage so the decoy reaches its rated 200-plus cycles.
Frequently asked questions
Questions buyers ask about the Merkava tank decoy.
What is an inflatable tank decoy?
A full-scale inflatable replica of a battle tank, built from coated high-strength fabric and inflated on site. It reproduces the silhouette, proportions and ground footprint of the real vehicle; with optional coatings it also reproduces its radar cross-section and thermal signature. Reconnaissance and targeting systems then treat the position as occupied.
How long does it take to put up?
Two operators position and inflate one decoy in 3 to 5 minutes using the supplied electric blower. No tools, no groundwork and no special training are needed.
How much does a decoy weigh?
Roughly 1% of the mass of the platform it represents. A main battle tank decoy can be carried, deployed and recovered by the same two-person team, on a light vehicle or on foot.
Can a sensor tell it is a decoy?
At long range the optical match is close, because every proportion is taken 1:1 from measured drawings of the real vehicle. To defeat radar and thermal sensors as well, add the metallic coating option for an adjustable radar cross-section, and the low-emissivity treatment or an active heat source for the infrared band.
How many times can it be reused?
The fabric and seam construction are rated for more than 200 inflation cycles in extreme field conditions. Small tears are repaired in the field with the supplied patch kit.
Can the camouflage match a specific unit?
Yes. Camouflage patterns, unit markings, insignia and stencil text are printed to order from your reference photographs, so the decoy matches the vehicles it is standing in for.
Does it need a continuous air supply?
No. The standard hull holds pressure for several days. A continuous-inflation variant is available for decoys that must stay inflated for weeks in strong wind.
What climate can it be used in?
The coating is rated from −40 °C to +120 °C at the surface, so the same decoy can be stored and deployed in desert, arctic and tropical theatres.
Ordering and delivery
- Minimum order
- From 1 set — mixed models can share one container
- Sample lead time
- 72 hours for stock patterns
- Documentation
- Bid documents, test reports and certificate of origin
- Customisation
- Camouflage, unit markings, insignia and signature options
- Service life
- Over 200 inflation cycles in field conditions
- Lead time & payment
- Lead time and payment terms confirmed on enquiry
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