amoss%batata.Huji.AC.IL%CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU (Amos Shapira) (06/20/89)
From: Amos Shapira <amoss%batata.Huji.AC.IL%CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU@CUNYVM.CUNY.EDU>
To correct a number of mistakes made by myself in prior messages about
the Merkava MK III MBT, I hereby post a more or less complete writeup of
the tank.
Merkava Mk III MBT
Crew: 4 (Commander, Driver, Gunner, Loader)
Engine: 1200bph Teledyne, giving > 20 bph/ton (vs ~14 in Mk I and II)
Armament: Main: IMI 120mm smoothbore, developed in Israel (see notes)
Secondary: 60mm mortar (loaded from inside the turret)
3 FN-MAG 7.62 MG's, two on the turret deck, one coax.
Ammunition: 120mm APDS, APDSFU, HEAT, HE (50 rounds)
60mm HE, ILLUM, SMOKE
7.62 NATO (~7000 rounds)
Sensors: Laser RF, Electromagnetic, Atmospheric
CM: Smoke (IR blocking) grenade dischargers
Armour: See notes
Notes:
------
The 120mm smoothbore cannon was developed in Israel after Germany decided
that Israel is not to be trusted, for various (political) reasons, with the
Rheinmetal cannon. The cannon is equipped with an Israeli developed thermal
sleeve, which is linked to the atmospheric condition and the FC computers.
The gun is shorter than the German counterpart. The entire cannon can be
replaced from the outside, without lifting the turret.
The 120mm ammunition, which was developed for the gun is revolutionary-
The entire shell, except the base containing the primer, is consumed in
the firing process, leaving the compartment free of clutter. The ammo is
stored in a number (classified) of hardened ammunition compartments,
minimizing the chance of an uncontrolled explosion detonating the ammo.
An additional improvement over the existing tanks is that the turret
traversing mechanism is completely electronic, doing away with the
highly volatile hydraulic oils used previously.
Armour was boosted by 90%, with 70% of the armour now protecting the
front (upper and lower glacises and turret) of the tank (as opposed to
50% worldwide). Additional "Bazooka plates" were added to all armour areas.
One pecularity (or advantage) of the armour is that almost ALL of it is
removable and replacable, allowing armour to be upgraded without rebuilding
the tank.
The fire control panels and readouts now use MFD (air jock for Multi-
Function Display) screens from the cancelled Lavi fighter.
The suspension system was redesigned, especially the boogies. Some
springs (damned if I remember their names) were trippled.
Gross weight was decreased, endurance and speed increased. All weights are
classified, however (read- I was unable to find out ;-).
Full scale deliveries expected in 1990.
Source: ROMACH (CH as in loch, not church - tr. Javelin)
Marc A. Volovic, Sgt (res).
Standard disclaimer: This posting is my own initiative, and does not
represent any official views.