After its introduction in 1962, the M51 went on to create the core of Israeli Defense Forces armored devices, succeeding the M1 and M50. Many M51s used the cast hull M4A1 Sherman as a base, setting up a long caliber 105mm gun in a cast turret that has been extended rearwards to support the weapon. Powered by a 460hp diesel and using horizontal volute spring suspension system (HVSS) with wide songs, it could offer excellent mobility. The Six Day War of 1967 saw the M51's combat debut.
