Difference between revisions of "IMI MG251 (120 mm)"

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[[File:Weapon IMI MG251 (120 mm).png|thumb|right|x250px|The 120 mm IMI MG251 on the Merkava Mk.3C gun mantlet.]]
 +
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.'' -->
−
The '''120 mm IMI MG251''' is an Israeli-produced tank armament intended for their Merkava tanks.
+
The '''120 mm IMI MG251''' is an Israeli tank cannon used on their domestic tank designs like the Merkava. Similar to the NATO 120 mm tank cannons, the IMI MG251 can deliver similar lethal firepower with its APFSDS and HEAT-FS round options.
−
 
 
−
Although sharing the same calibre and able to fire the same ammunition, the weapon is not a license-production variant of the [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L/44]] cannon and is independently designed and produced in Israel.
 
  
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
 
<!-- ''List out vehicles that are equipped with the weapon.'' -->
  
−
* {{Specs-Link|us_merkava_mk_3d|▃Merkava Mk.3D}}
+
* {{Specs-Link|il_merkava_mk_3b}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|il_merkava_mk_3c}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|us_merkava_mk_3d}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|il_merkava_mk_3_raam_segol}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|il_merkava_mk_4b}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|il_merkava_mk_4m}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|il_merkava_mk_4_lic}}
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
The 120 mm IMI MG251 is an Israeli made L44 Smooth-bore tank gun made by IMI (Israeli Military Forces). It was developed in 1983-1989, for the Merkava Mk. III. It was revealed in 1989 to be the main armament for the Merkava Mk. III. In 1990 the Israel Defense Prize was awarded to IMI which gave Israel the abilit to produce it domestically.
+
<!-- ''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.'' -->
 +
The MG251 is an armament intended for the Merkava tanks. Although sharing the same calibre and able to fire the same ammunition, the weapon is not a license-production variant of the [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rheinmetall L/44]] cannon and is independently designed and produced in Israel.
  
 
=== Available ammunition ===
 
=== Available ammunition ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).'' -->
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|M325, M339, M322, M338}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M325 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
 
−
|-
 
−
| M339 || HE-TF || 65 || 65 || 60 || 58 || 53 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
| M322 || APFSDS || 589 || 586 || 577 || 565 || 553 || 541
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M325 || HEATFS || 1,078 || 15.81 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,360 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M339 || HE-TF || 900 || 17 || 1.5 || 3 || 3,660 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M322 || APFSDS || 1,705 || 5.6 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
 
=== Comparison with analogues ===
−
The Rheinmetall Rh-120 is the most similar gun to it. It is also an L44 Smooth-bore Tank gun, and often the IMI MG251 120mm is often mistaken for a licensed version of it.
+
<!-- ''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.'' -->
 +
The MG251 is similar in almost every aspect to the following cannons, except for the ammunition:
 +
* [[M256 (120 mm)]] - Equipped with the M829A2 APFSDS shell, it can pierce up to 629 mm RHA
 +
* [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)]] - Equipped with the DM53 APFSDS shell, it can pierce up to 623 mm RHA
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
The IMI MG251 120mm is found on the Merkava Mk. III MBT meaning that it is going to be going up against tanks such as the T90A. Almost all ammunition types can pierce the T90As armour except for the M339.  
+
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 63: Line 37:
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
 
 
* High-penetration APFSDS round
 
* High-penetration APFSDS round
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
 
* M325 HEAT shell strength is mediocre at the fighting rank and is only useful against light-skinned ground and airborne targets
 
* M325 HEAT shell strength is mediocre at the fighting rank and is only useful against light-skinned ground and airborne targets
 
* Reload time is akin to that of L/55 cannon, being much slower than 120 mm L/44 and 125 mm cannons
 
* Reload time is akin to that of L/55 cannon, being much slower than 120 mm L/44 and 125 mm cannons
Line 73: Line 45:
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.'' -->
−
 
+
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - 188th Brigade Training Day, March 2008.jpg|x200px|right|thumb|none|An Israeli Merkava Mk.3D from the 188th Armored Brigade fires off a shot from its 120 mm.]]
 
The 120 mm tank armament was developed by Israel Military Industries' (IMI) Slavin Land Systems Division.<ref name="IMI">IMI Systems "L44 (MG251/3)"</ref> It made its public reveal in 1989 as the main armament of the [[Merkava_Mk.3D_(USA)|Merkava Mk.3]].<ref name="Jane">Janes "Israel Military Industries 120 mm"</ref>
 
The 120 mm tank armament was developed by Israel Military Industries' (IMI) Slavin Land Systems Division.<ref name="IMI">IMI Systems "L44 (MG251/3)"</ref> It made its public reveal in 1989 as the main armament of the [[Merkava_Mk.3D_(USA)|Merkava Mk.3]].<ref name="Jane">Janes "Israel Military Industries 120 mm"</ref>
  
 
There are three known variants of the IMI's 120 mm cannon:<ref name="Elbit">Elbit Systems "Portfolio"</ref>
 
There are three known variants of the IMI's 120 mm cannon:<ref name="Elbit">Elbit Systems "Portfolio"</ref>
−
 
+
* '''MG251''' - The first version mounted in Merkava Mk.3s
−
* '''MG251''' - The first version mounted in Merkava Mk. IIIs
 
 
* ''MG251-LR'' - An improved version that is mounted on Merkava Mk.4s
 
* ''MG251-LR'' - An improved version that is mounted on Merkava Mk.4s
−
* ''MG253'' - A version with reduced recoil length, 40% less than the normal.<ref name="IMI" /> Used in the M60T "Sabra" in Turkish service.
+
* ''MG253'' - A version with reduced recoil length, 40% less than the normal.<ref name="IMI"/> Used in the M60T "Sabra" in Turkish service.
  
−
The 120 mm guns are compliant with STANAG 4385, which means the cannons are compatible with other 120 mm NATO tank shells.<ref name="Elbit" />
+
The 120 mm guns are compliant with STANAG 4385, which means the cannons are compatible with other 120 mm NATO tank shells.<ref name="Elbit"/>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
[[File:Flickr - Israel Defense Forces - 188th Brigade Training Day, March 2008.jpg|frameless]]
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 92: Line 63:
 
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* [[M256 (120 mm)]]
+
* [[Rh120 (Family)]]
−
* [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)]]
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMI_120_mm_gun
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
+
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
https://web.archive.org/web/20161231050132/http://www.imi-israel.com/home/doc.aspx?mCatID=68579
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
;References:
+
=== References ===
 +
;Citations
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
−
;Bibliography:
+
;Bibliography
−
 
 
 
* Elbit Systems. "Elbit Systems Land Tank Ammunition Portfolio." ''Elbit Systems'', [https://elbitsystems.com/media/Catalog-Tanks_15_Web.pdf PDF document]. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210820111341/https://elbitsystems.com/media/Catalog-Tanks_15_Web.pdf Archive])
 
* Elbit Systems. "Elbit Systems Land Tank Ammunition Portfolio." ''Elbit Systems'', [https://elbitsystems.com/media/Catalog-Tanks_15_Web.pdf PDF document]. ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210820111341/https://elbitsystems.com/media/Catalog-Tanks_15_Web.pdf Archive])
 
* IMI Systems. "L44 (MG251/3)  - 120mm Smoothbore Tank Guns." ''IMI Systems'', [https://web.archive.org/web/20161231050132/http://www.imi-israel.com/home/doc.aspx?mCatID=68579 Web Archive] (Retrieved from 31 Dec 2016).
 
* IMI Systems. "L44 (MG251/3)  - 120mm Smoothbore Tank Guns." ''IMI Systems'', [https://web.archive.org/web/20161231050132/http://www.imi-israel.com/home/doc.aspx?mCatID=68579 Web Archive] (Retrieved from 31 Dec 2016).
Line 110: Line 80:
  
 
{{USA tank cannons}}
 
{{USA tank cannons}}
 +
{{Israel tank cannons}}
  
 
[[Category:Tank cannons]]
 
[[Category:Tank cannons]]

Latest revision as of 16:21, 25 March 2024

The 120 mm IMI MG251 on the Merkava Mk.3C gun mantlet.

Description

The 120 mm IMI MG251 is an Israeli tank cannon used on their domestic tank designs like the Merkava. Similar to the NATO 120 mm tank cannons, the IMI MG251 can deliver similar lethal firepower with its APFSDS and HEAT-FS round options.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

General info

The MG251 is an armament intended for the Merkava tanks. Although sharing the same calibre and able to fire the same ammunition, the weapon is not a license-production variant of the 120 mm Rheinmetall L/44 cannon and is independently designed and produced in Israel.

Available ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M325 HEATFS 480 480 480 480 480 480
M339 HE-TF 65 65 60 58 53 50
M322 APFSDS 589 586 577 565 553 541
M338 APFSDS 611 608 597 585 573 560
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M325 HEATFS 1,078 15.81 0.05 0.1 2.36 65° 72° 77°
M339 HE-TF 900 17 1.5 3 3.66 79° 80° 81°
M322 APFSDS 1,705 5.6 - - - 78° 80° 81°
M338 APFSDS 1,680 5.06 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Comparison with analogues

The MG251 is similar in almost every aspect to the following cannons, except for the ammunition:

  • M256 (120 mm) - Equipped with the M829A2 APFSDS shell, it can pierce up to 629 mm RHA
  • Rh120 L/44 (120 mm) - Equipped with the DM53 APFSDS shell, it can pierce up to 623 mm RHA

Usage in battles

Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High-penetration APFSDS round

Cons:

  • M325 HEAT shell strength is mediocre at the fighting rank and is only useful against light-skinned ground and airborne targets
  • Reload time is akin to that of L/55 cannon, being much slower than 120 mm L/44 and 125 mm cannons

History

An Israeli Merkava Mk.3D from the 188th Armored Brigade fires off a shot from its 120 mm.

The 120 mm tank armament was developed by Israel Military Industries' (IMI) Slavin Land Systems Division.[1] It made its public reveal in 1989 as the main armament of the Merkava Mk.3.[2]

There are three known variants of the IMI's 120 mm cannon:[3]

  • MG251 - The first version mounted in Merkava Mk.3s
  • MG251-LR - An improved version that is mounted on Merkava Mk.4s
  • MG253 - A version with reduced recoil length, 40% less than the normal.[1] Used in the M60T "Sabra" in Turkish service.

The 120 mm guns are compliant with STANAG 4385, which means the cannons are compatible with other 120 mm NATO tank shells.[3]

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 IMI Systems "L44 (MG251/3)"
  2. ↑ Janes "Israel Military Industries 120 mm"
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Elbit Systems "Portfolio"
Bibliography
  • Elbit Systems. "Elbit Systems Land Tank Ammunition Portfolio." Elbit Systems, PDF document. (Archive)
  • IMI Systems. "L44 (MG251/3) - 120mm Smoothbore Tank Guns." IMI Systems, Web Archive (Retrieved from 31 Dec 2016).
  • Janes. "Israel Military Industries 120 mm smoothbore tank gun MG251 (Israel), Weapons of 20 mm and upward." Jane's Armour and Artillery Upgrades, 17 May 2010, Web Archive (Retrieved from 01 Nov 2010)


USA tank cannons
20 mm  M139
25 mm  LW25 · M242
37 mm  M3 · M5 · M6
57 mm  M1
75 mm  M2 · M2 Howitzer · M3 · M6 · M1897A4 · XM274
76 mm  M1 · M7 · M32 · T185E1
90 mm  M3 · M3A1 · M36 · M41 · M54 · T15E1 · T15E2 · T54 · T208E9
105 mm  M4 · M68 · M68A1 · M68A1E8 · T5E1 · T5E2 · T140E2 · T140E3 · XM35
106 mm  M40A1C
120 mm  M58 · M256 · T53
152 mm  M81 · M162 · XM150E5
155 mm  M185 · T7
165 mm  M135
  Foreign:
20 mm  Rh202 (Germany)
57 mm  6pdr OQF Mk.III (Britain) · ZIS-2 (USSR)
105 mm  Sharir (Israel)
120 mm  IMI MG251 (Israel)

Israel tank cannons
30 mm  Bushmaster 2 Mk.44 (USA)
75 mm  SA50 L/57 (France)
84 mm  20pdr OQF Mk.I (UK)
90 mm  DEFA F1 (France) · M41 (USA)
100 mm  D-10T (USSR)
105 mm  M-51 (France) · M68 (USA) · Sharir
120 mm  IMI MG251
155 mm  M126 (USA) · M185 (USA) · Soltam M845

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