Israel's Merkava Main Battle Tank
Merkava Mk4 represents the third evolutionary phase of the Merkava program. The Mk-4 is equipped with a
120 mm gun but the new gun is designed to sustain higher pressures,
generating higher muzzle velocities which are an essential feature for
advanced kinetic energy ammunition. The Merkava Mk4 can accommodate various
120mm ammunition types, including 120mm APFSDS-FS (kinetic) rounds, and
their training derivatives, HEAT (hollow-charge) types and
anti-personnel/anti-material ammunition which have already been used in
combat operations with previous Merkava types. The tank will also be able to
accommodate the Lahat missile as it becomes
operational. The loader can load the gun from a fully
automated, fire-proof magazine which accommodates up to 10 ready rounds and
deliver up to four types of ammunition types to the loader. (more...)
The tank is
equipped with a modern fire control and sighting system which includes
computerized ballistic calculations and compensations, a dual axes
stabilized gunner sight and a dual axis stabilized commander panoramic
sight, both equipped with an advanced FLIR and TV channels for day and night
operation. The system is equipped with an improved tracking system which
enables tracking of moving targets, such as tanks, helicopters,
vehicles or soldiers. It also enables locking the sight and gun on targets
when the tank is on the move, utilizing the ultra-fast gun stabilization and
electrical turret drive system. Merkava Mk-4 is believed to be protected by a new type of hybrid
armour, which can be conformed from modular elements, to match specific
threats. The Mk-4 retains the hull design of the previous Merkava versions.
The tank also
utilize the Battle Management System designed by Elbit Systems' ElOp - the
system is providing fast communication networking between the commander and
subordinate units, and enables the crew to plan missions, navigate and
continuously update their situation awareness. The system also enables recording and
debriefing the operation, by utilizing the tank's digital recorder.
The
Merkava Mk4 is equipped with the new VDS-60 digital data recorder produced by Vectop,
it
records and restores the sight images and observation data collected during
the mission. The capture of such images can also be shared by other
elements, which are networked with the BMS, to enable reporting of enemy
targets. This concept is rapidly becoming an essential part of the "digitized
land forces" integrated battlefield concept, combining tanks, anti-tank
and combat helicopters in a combined task force at various levels. Each crew
member has an individual flat-panel color displays showing the status of
systems each member is responsible for. The gunner and commander can also
see the sight images on their individual screens. The commander can use his
display for map navigate, orientation and reporting.
For example, the
driver can see a rear and side view of the tank from the closed compartment.
This capability is derived from a new, and unique system called Tank Sight System, developed by Vectop. The system provides video coverage the tank's surroundings in day and night. It
improves safety, especially when traveling backwards and in conditions where
the driver's visibility is impaired. Merkava Mk 4 uses four cameras
installed in hardened cases embedded outside the tank. These cameras are providing full peripheral view displayed on high resolution monitors
installed at the driver's position and in the fighting compartment.
Another feature
provided by the "computerization" of the Merkava Mk4 is the introduction of
"integrated training capability", providing the crew and unit a
sophisticated training environment based on their tanks and readily
available in the field. This capability will be integrated with the "virtual
scenario" a set of virtual terrain features, friendly and enemy elements,
and "intelligent" behaviors based on pre-set maneuvers, doctrinal concepts
etc. All will be presented to the tank crew, and unit members, through their
observation systems, sights and sensors, to support a comprehensive training
scene in the field.
Unique among the main
battle tanks of the world, the Merkava design features a front-mounted power
pack, which presents a heavy mass in the forward area, which protects the
crew from enemy attack. This configuration also cleared room at the rear
section for a safe exit and enough space to carry a few fully armed
infantrymen, in addition to the crew. The rear access hatch allows for the
quick and safe exit of injured crewmen or pickup of wounded soldiers for
evacuation.
The engine pack
is easily replaced. The tank is powered by the new General Dynamics GD833 1,500-horsepower direct injection, liquid cooled diesel engine, (co-produced
in the USA by General Dynamics and MTU). This type is also powering the
French Leclerc MBT. This powerful weighs 1.9 tons net, and 4.9 tons with its
entire power-pack. This powerful engine affords the tank greater mobility
than the previous versions, which had the 900 and 1,200-horsepower engines.
The tank utilizes an electric turret and gun control system, designed by
Elbit Systems, which comprises two electrical brushless motors, produced by
Bental Industries.
Merkava 4 is
expected to be equipped with an active full perimeter defense, which
utilizes, among other capabilities, warning against laser-guided threats.
Further improvements include the Trophy active
protection system, which is currently under advanced engineering
phase.The Mk-4 like its predecessors, is also equipped with a central
filtering system designed by Kinetics, which maintains positive air pressure
at the fighting compartment, for protection against
nuclear-biological-chemical threats. The system also provides air
conditioning for individual crew members (micro-cooling) and for the entire
cabin, as well as auxiliary power when positioned at “silent watch” for
battery recharging. Special modifications installed on Merkava Mk4 are
preparing the tank to operate in urban
environment of the Low Intensity Conflict.
Picture on this
page: Defense-update. Below: IDF Spokesman.
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