Looking at the Merkava 4 i cant help noticing the engine exhaust, looks like an awfully large shot trap to me.

Where is it? I cant make it....?

Tech TV did somthing about this, and they picked the Challenger 2.

Originally Posted by sherman105

Where is it? I cant make it....?

The exhaust? Left side of the tank when viewed from the front.

Originally Posted by sherman105

common...You all know this is the pretiest!

Really.It is!

http://www.israeli-Weapons.com/weapo...erkavaMk4.html

I went to that web page and checked it out. Looks sharp.

I got a question. On that web page, it shows a photo of a five-cylinder revolving auto-loader, that is called a 10-shot (obviously 2 rounds per cylinder, end-to-end). I can't figure out how to download and then upload the picture, so I hope this description is good enough. It says "An electrically operated revolving magazine contains 10 ready-to-fire rounds."

My question is; does the revolving auto-loader assembly recoil together with the barrel when firing? You would think so, wouldn't you?


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My understanding is that its not an autoloader, but rather a magazine with 10 rounds easily accessible to the loader, as the crew lists a loader.

Animal Mother is right. The IDF likes its loaders human...

OK, THIS is a debate I HAVE to get into.

Of all the tanks listed so far, the M1A2 SEP would definitely come out on top. The M1A1 Tank is already battle proven twice over, so the platform is obviously one of the best in the world. While the Merkava is a VERY good tank, FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IT WAS DESIGNED FOR, it would get chewed up when fighting in a European/Grassland environment. All aroun, pound for pound, the M1 series tank is the best in the world.

I'm not trying to take anything away from the CHALLENGER 2E. It's an excellent tank, but it has two very significant drawbacks.

1. The big boxy sight on top of the main gun mantlet is a thermal sight. Tank thermal sights are notoriously sensitve, and being the main engaement sight, it's PROBABLY not the samrtest thing in the world to put it so high, and so close to the shock of the main gun recoiling. I've talked to some British Tankers, and they agree the design is a little crazy.

2. The Brits don't use NATO standard ammunition on thier tanks, chosing instead to have a projectile and seperate propellant bags. This makes life difficult for them, as they can't draw off the same stocks as other Coalition vehicles.

Now, the reasons I would choose the M1A2 SEP:

1. Improved armor package over the already near-invulnerable M1A1.
2. Improved sights, to include a 2nd Gen FLIR, that increases engagement ranges from 4000m to 5000m.
3. Improved magnification on sights, from 10x maximum to 40+x maximum.
4. Increased ammunition payload.
5. Increased range (operational).
6. Increased crew situational awareness due to satellite-tracked vehicle information system.
7. Dual-redundant utility and data buses.
8. Independent thermal sight for the tank commander, enabling him to acquire and engage targets independent of the gunner.
9. Improved automotive performance.
10 "Smart" vehicle, troubleshoots itself and send status to higher headquarters.
11. Improved US Depleted Uranium ammunition.

What are the Merkavas drawbacks in a europian area?Not that it matters, after all, we have nothing to look for over there?

The Merk is a great tank, don't get me wrong. I think ANY tank designed BY tankers FOR tankers is an exceptional concept. General Tal was on the right track. I've looked at the stats, and the Merk is designed for desert and urban environments. It lacks the mobility of tanks in the Leo/ Challenger/ M1 class. By class, I don't mean levels of effectiveness, I mean purpose. The M1 and Challenger 2E are good ALL AROUND tanks, designed for various environments and types of combat.

I have a question on the Merk, though. The FIRST design, with the uniqe shaped turret, offered EXCELLENT armor protection, as well as significantly reducing the target profile when in the hull down posture, due to the innovative shape of the turret glacis... in the later models, you defeated this by adding armor/stowage on the sides...why?

Still a GREAT tank. The benefits of carrying infantry/own mortar are too numerous to mention.