D9R Doobi

The D9R Doobi is an Israeli armored bulldozer. The model was made in 1:35 scale. The work received a distinction and a special award of the Modelers Association from Kielce, Poland for the most interesting combat vehicle made by a junior at the 12th International Festival of Plastic Reduction Models Bytom 2015 in Poland.

The D9R is variant of the Caterpillar D9 bulldozer modified by an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The D9 bulldozers were introduced as early as 1950, and the D9R version in 2004. A remote-controlled variant (D9T) was also created.

The armor protects the mechanical systems of the bulldozer and the crew of two people. The cabin windows are made of bulletproof glass. The characteristic cage around the cabin is to protect the vehicle against attacks with anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade. This is called slat armor, which is designed to disrupt the operation of the shaped-charge.

The bulldozer can be equipped with machine gun, smoke generator or grenade launcher. The Doobi is a versatile bulldozer that can be used for earthmoving, minefield clearing, building demolition or obstruction removal, among others. It can do these works under fire.

Some technical data:

• Weight without armor: 48 t (UK-47½ t, USA-53.9 t),
• Weight with armor: 72 t (UK-70.9 t, USA-79⅖ t),
• Length: 8.1 m (26⅗ ft),
• Width: 4.5 m (14⅘ ft),
• Height: 4 m (13.1 ft),
• Engine power: 405-410 hp (298-331 kW),
• Drawbar pull: 71.6 t (UK-71½ t, USA-78.9 t).

Sources:

• http://www.army-technology.com/projects/armoured-d9r-dozer/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IDF_Caterpillar_D9
• http://www.missing-lynx.com/reviews/modern/mengss002reviewbg_1.html

26 Jun 2015