T-54/55 and Tiran tanks

Soviet-built T-54 tanks appeared for the first time in the Middle-East soon after the Suez crisis in 1956.
Egyptian Army received this new tank to rebuild its armoured corps. Before the six day-war hundreds of T-54/55´s were issued to Egyptian and Syrian tank units. During the six day-war the IDF captured about 400 T-54/55´s and many of them were repairable.

The basic design of this tank had many advantages; good armour protection, robust suspension, low silhouette and easy maintenance. Israeli ordnance corps made some evaluations and they found it useful for their service after some modifications. Soviet radios and antennas were replaced with American VCR types. Loaders 12,7 mm Dshk and 7,62 mm co-axial machine guns were replaced with .30 cal American counterparts. Small pintle for signal flags was added behind tank commanders station. Two jerry can holders were welded and bolted to turret rear armour with additional antenna mount. Gun mantlet was modified by welding three tubes to possibly hold search light and one lift ring.

                      

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