The Achzarit is based on the Soviet-built T_54/T-55 tank, beginning with those captured from Arab armies during the Israeli-Arab wars. The IDF took the old T-55 tank and removed its turret. The chassis was modified for troop carriage by adding a troop compartment and a rear door. The original Soviet made but no less balky and unreliable Diesel engine was replaced with a more reliable diesel engine, and other internal systems were upgraded. Heavy armor plating was installed over the already-armored tank chassis.
It is armed with 7.62 mm machine guns, including one machine gun controlled from within the cabin, developed by the Israeli security development authority (Raphael).
Because of its heavy armor, the Achzarit is sometimes thought of as an HAPC. Achzarit APCs are in service with the IDF Lebanese border and in the northern part of the West Bank.
Achzarit APCs took part in Operation Rainbow in Rafah, after a comparatively lightly-armored M-113 APC was destroyed by an RPG round.
The Achzarit infantry armoured vehicle was developed to meet the specific operational requirements of the IsraelDefence Force for a well-protected vehicle capable of operating with the well-armoured
The chassis of the Achzarit is based on heavily modified Russian T-54/T-55 MBT chassis which have been rebuilt in significant numbers by the IsraelDefence Force for some years.
Standard equipment for the Achzarit includes a fire detection and suppression system, individual NBC system and the vehicle can also lay a smoke screen by injecting diesel fuel into its exhaust outlet on the left side of the hull.
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