After its introduction in 1962, the M51 went on to make the core of Israeli Defense Forces armored devices, succeeding the M1 and M50. Many M51s used the cast hull M4A1 Sherman as a base, installing a long caliber 105mm weapon in a cast turret that has been extended rearwards to allow for the gun. Powered by a 460hp diesel and using horizontal volute springtime suspension (HVSS) with wide tracks, it may feature exceptional mobility. The Six Day War of 1967 saw the M51's combat debut.