Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1407425
been reinforced. The area over the tracks has received special ERA modules. The Hebrew warning signs here leave no doubts, as to what we are dealing with. The hull plate above the drivetrain also received extra protection in the form of layered armor. The main portion of the ammunition is still stored in the back of the hull, in two 18-container batches, with the containers being fire- and fragmentation-proof. They have been arranged on the sides of the corridor connecting the crew compartment with the dual hatch at the back. Merkava Mk 4 also received an enhanced variant of the fire-extinguishing and anti-explosion systems, along with a new CRBN protection suite. The increased survivability of Merkava Mk 4 has been achieved also thanks to the Elbit E-LAWS active protection system, and the net-centric nature of the applied C4ISR solutions. E-LAWS uses four optoelectronic sensors placed on the turret, providing 360 degrees coverage. They detect laser rangefinders, laser designators, or beam rider missiles, as well as IR radiation. The infor- mation on threats is transmitted to the central computing unit that displays relevant threat information to the commander. The system is also capable of turning the front of the turret towards the threat, and launching a salvo of multi-spectral smoke grenades (2 packages, 6 grenades each, have been arranged on the sides of the turret). Furthermore, the MBT can also create a smoke-screen of its own with the use of the onboard TAD system (fuel injection in the exhaust manifold). Despite the high level of fuel con- sumption associated with systems as such (220 liters per minute on average), they are still a very effective countermeasure. The net-cen- tric nature of Merkava's communications is a factor that offers a sig- nificant survivability boost. The Mk 4's BMS provides the user with an overview of the tactical picture, platoon- and company-level datalink, ability to transmit situational awareness data to the higher command levels, automatic IFF system, communications with the infantry, navi- gation, and a data recorder, gathering the data and imagery captured by the targeting systems. We do not know whether the system has been operational in two years since the Merkava Mk 4 entered service in 2004. The latest Merkava offers good levels of crew protection, as it weighs more than 70 tonnes. Ultimately, the integrated armor was compa- rable, or even superior, in comparison to the Western and Russian counterparts. Even though some MBTs offer better protection at the front (Oplot-M, Leopard 2A7V, M1A2), Merkava Mk 4 offers much better hull side-protection, and turret protection, at angles close to perpendicular. The situation is similar in the case of the top of the turret. It is very well protected, with relatively thick armor. We see VEHICLES