How was the Merkava tank designed to improve crew and ammunition protection?

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Kuwait: U.S. 1st Armored Division M1A1 Abrams tanks — tank M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks of the U.S. 1st Armored Division moving across the desert in northern Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War, February 1991.

The Merkava tank features a unique configuration that departs from the traditional postwar design to prioritize crew survival and ammunition safety. Unlike most tanks that place the engine at the rear, the Merkava positions its engine compartment at the front of the hull. This placement serves as an additional layer of protection for the crew located behind it.1

Furthermore, the tank is designed to minimize the risk of catastrophic ammunition explosions by storing its ammunition at the rear of the hull, where it is least likely to be struck by enemy fire. To further enhance survivability, the Merkava utilizes a turret with a low frontal area, which effectively reduces the target profile presented to enemy weapons.1