Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
the Leopard 2A4 EMES-15 system, the estimated capabilities of rapidly de- tecting and hitting the target are not that far off. The enhanced augmented situational awareness based on the new BMS is what made the Merkava Mk 4 unique. The system was created jointly by Elbit Systems Land and C4I-Ta- diran. It features all necessary gimmicks, such as Blue Force Tracking, GPS and INS navigation, platoon- and company-level datalinks, reporting, with the reports sent up the command chain. The system also provides the crew with a capacity to receive real-time data on the enemy positions, and hierarchiza- tion of that data. As optoelectronic systems are advancing rapidly, Merkava Mk 4B Barak quickly came to light. The Mk 4B features a new commander's sight and observation means, along with enhanced armor. These vehicles also use machine learning and enhanced awareness solutions, based on the see-thru-armor Iron Vision system. The solution allows the driver, thanks to a helmet-mounted augmented reality display, to see the interior of the vehicle, but displayed as a layer with an opacity of 85%. Behind it, another layer is placed, defining the outline of the vehicle. Behind it, one can see the imagery captured by numerous daytime/night vision cameras, providing a visualiza- tion of the space around the vehicle. The driver may control the vehicle with 360 degrees FOV, displayed depending on the movement of his head. The helmet-mounted display can also provide him with information on the ve- hicle status, or a map with the assigned route. The attempt to provide the very same ability to the vehicle commander is a challenge that is far more convoluted. Due to the limitations of the human inner-ear, several percent of the soldiers are unable to handle systems as such. Nonetheless, the poten- tial benefits are unprecedented. Not only can the crews feel far higher levels of safety, but they are also far more effective in combat. First attempts have also been made to connect the Merkava Mk 4, Barak, to unmanned land com- bat robots that would be used as recce and support assets for the MBTs. This is the most probable path of development for the light "Carmel" platform. Reporting the vehicle and crew status is a relevant novelty here - the relevant data is received by the higher command levels, and the logistical support elements. Noteworthy, Merkava Mk 4 has been designed with an assumption in mind, that its gun shall be easily replaceable with a 140 mm counterpart. Thus, it may be briefly summarized: Merkava Mk 4's firepower, and firepower of the Mk 4 Barak, are nothing short of impressive. Even though the gun or the ammunition are not far more effective than the solutions known from Leopard 2 and Abrams platforms, the targeting systems have become far more modern. Only the latest M1A2 SEPv3/v4 and Leopard 2A7V may stand a chance to catch up with Merkava within that regard. C4I and BMS are un- matched, undoubtedly. The automation of command processes and the da- talink are a major force multiplier. Furthermore, augmented reality, machine learning, and integration with combat robots all place Cahal one step further in development of the armored assets. Instead of developing new generation MBTs with unusual design layouts, the Israeli designers implemented all sys- tems associated with new generation vehicles, refining the most challenging, but also the most important component, the situational awareness, and the C4I capabilities. Thus they have gained an advantage that would be impossi- ble to defeat by the states in the region. Maybe, an entirely new Merkava, with completely different design layouts, is the next step. However, for now, this is an unnecessary effort, considering the advantages of the current iteration of the vehicle. www.fragoutmag.com