One of Israel's most important military inventions is the Merkava Tank. In 1970, the Israel Defense Force decided to develop their own tank. The tank was designed by Major General Israel Tal. The first Merkavas were made in 1979. The tank was designed in a way for maximum crew protection. The engine of the tank is in the front, for crew protection. A special umbrella for the tank commander protects him from unexpected fire when the hatches are open. The fuel and ammunition compartments are protected so they do not explode. The compartment of the tank where the crew is located, is made of non- flammable materials. The Merkava weighs 62,000 kilograms, and goes forward at a speed of fifty five kilometers per hour.