Difference between revisions of "Ra'am Sagol"

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{{About
 
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| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link = Merkava (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=il_merkava_mk_3_raam_segol
 
|code=il_merkava_mk_3_raam_segol
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]].
+
In the 1990s, during the war in Southern Lebanon, Merkava Mk.3 tanks of the armoured reconnaissance squadron "Nakhshol" of the 71st battalion of the 188th Armoured Brigade of the Israel Defence Forces, were tested with an experimental electro-optical active protection system codenamed '''"Ra'am Segol"''' ("Purple Thunder") in combat conditions. The system detected the launch of an ATGM, alerted the crew, turned the gun towards the threat and deployed an aerosol screen using standard and additional smoke grenade launchers. The Ra'am Segol APS did not go into serial production, giving way to the more advanced [[Merkava Mk.4M|"Trophy" APS]].
 +
 
 +
The '''Ra'am Segol''' was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]]. In the game, its APS informs the commander of the direction from which the tank is being illuminated by an ATGM launch system, and the player can then make their own decision about manoeuvring and firing smoke. In all other respects, the tank is identical to its other counterparts, possessing the familiar 120 mm gun capable of penetrating most tanks, and decent turret protection. It is not the best in mobility compared to other tanks, and the front-mounted engine, while allowing it to withstand hits to the frontal part of the hull, increases the risk of engine failure and fire.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
 
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''
  
−
{{tankMobility}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,860|rbMinHp=1,061|AoAweight=3}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 46 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 32.4 || 44.8 || 54.4 || 60.2 || 64.0 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 20.2 || 23.8 || 28.9 || 32.0 || 34.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 1,000 (200) || 575 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle (loader) || 1,800 (200) || 1,001 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle (commander) || 1,800 (200) || 1,001 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 1,001 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The Raam Segol is a Merkava Mk.3, and plays similarly to them.
 +
 
 +
The very powerful M322 APFSDS round will give you great advantages at long ranges, capable of penetrating any tank in the game, though in up-tiers you will have to aim for weak-spots on tanks such as the T-80BVM. The round can consistently one shot enemy tanks even with poor placement due to good spalling and penetration.
 +
 
 +
The M339 HE-TF round is great against hovering helicopters due to the time fuse and can also be used to overpressure tanks provided that you aim in the correct spots. Aiming at an enemy's wheels will cause the M339 to detonate directly under the enemy tank and knock out their entire crew. Bring 3-5 of these HE-TF shells for light tanks or hovering helicopters.
 +
 
 +
The very distinctive turret on the Merkava's allows the enemy to instantly know where to aim for your weak-spots. This can be mitigated by placing some bushes to conceal the look of your turret. If properly done it greatly increases the survivability as the enemies first shots will be against the weak spots of the more popular Abrams, Leopard, or Chieftain which tend to be your strong spots. Allowing you to punish anyone who mistakes you for another tank. Combine this with the low position of the crew inside the hull, and it makes positions where only your turret is visible very rewarding.
 +
 
 +
You have more smokes than you ever need, while the smokes on the side of the turret can be fired as quickly as you want, the mortar smoke that launches directly forward takes a few seconds to reload. This is not an issue unless you have expended over 30 of your smokes and the ones from the turret now shoot to your sides, which will leave your front vulnerable if the launcher is reloading.
 +
 
 +
Gen 1 thermals have massive disadvantages due to the fuzzy-ness of the optics compared to similar tanks at your BR. But the APFSDS round more than makes up for the poor aim you will have in long range thermals.
 +
 
 +
The commander sight does not get thermals and only gets night vision. In up-tiers this can be a drawback.
 +
 
 +
You will be the last to get into position majority of the time, this requires you to be a little more cautious but the good gun depression and very strong cannon allow you punish from range.
 +
 
 +
Engine smoke is very useful in down-tiers where most tanks do not have thermals to look though it.
 +
 
 +
The Raam Segol is not a brawler, and will lose most fights that require quick reloads or fast speed for positioning. This tank excels at long ranges where it can use its M322 round to its advantage. The uniqueness and rarity of the tank can be advantageous as some players will not know where to aim. But veteran players will tend to always 1 shot you. Avoid exposing your hull as that is your weak-spot to APFSDS.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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* Good crew survivability
 
* Good crew survivability
 
* Well-protected against IFV autocannons and HEAT rounds
 
* Well-protected against IFV autocannons and HEAT rounds
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Rear-mounted turret can make it hard to fight around corners
 
* Rear-mounted turret can make it hard to fight around corners
 
* No thermals for the commander sight
 
* No thermals for the commander sight
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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 vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
In 2020, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) authorized the declassification of a unique tank unit -- long-since disbanded -- which had been used to test Israel's first Active Protection System.
 +
 
 +
The declassified tank unit operated in Israel's "Security Zone" in southern Lebanon, between around 1998 and Israel's eventual withdrawal in 2000. It was a company of [[Merkava Mk.3C|Merkava Mk.3]] tanks belonging to the IDF's 188th Armored Regiment -- at the time some of the most advanced Merkava tanks in service -- and mostly carried out patrols and ambushes against Hezbollah guerillas. Unlike other Israeli tanks at the time, however, the unit's tanks carried a unique new system known only by the code-name ''Ra'am Segol'' ("Purple Thunder"). The few existing photographs of the company's tanks from that period show the system as a pair of opaque boxes on the turret's forward cheeks, and an additional box at the rear of the turret. The system has never been showcased publicly, nor have any of its specifications been made clear; though the declassification of the armored company that utilized it has led to a somewhat solid conclusion about its intended function.
 +
 
 +
''Ra'am Segol'' is speculated to be a "soft-kill" APS: a radar/laser warning system that could detect incoming missiles, then perform some sort of reaction to neutralize them and/or reduce threat to the tank. ''Ra'am Segol'' could not intercept the incoming missile directly, instead performing electro-optical jamming (similar to the Russian Shtora-1, found on the [[T-90A]]) against SACLOS-guided missiles such as the TOW and MILAN, deflecting the missile's trajectory away from the tank. Additionally, it seems likely that the system would automatically deploy the Merkava's smoke grenades, and may have also automatically rotated the turret to face the incoming projectile and allow quick return-fire against the launcher.
 +
 
 +
In newspaper interviews following the declassification, crews from the ''Ra'am Segol'' unit reported exposing their tanks deliberately to potential threats in order to test the system directly, sometimes going out on patrols without any infantry support (very unusual for armored units during that particular conflict) or even stopping the tank at exposed positions in order to draw missile fire. Official IDF Armored Corps sources, however, have so far denied that the tanks had been utilized any differently from any other unit. There have been no reports of the system ever triggering in action, though the crews have reported never coming under any missile attacks, despite their deliberate efforts.
 +
 
 +
The ''Ra'am Segol'' unit was disbanded once the IDF withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, and the APS itself was dismantled from all of the tanks, never to be seen again. It is unknown whether the system had failed in some way, or was simply deemed unsuitable for the IDF's purposes. Nevertheless, just over a decade later, another Active Protection System was revealed in active service with the IDF, this time being the world's first "hard-kill" APS: the "[[Merkava Mk.4M|Trophy]]".
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|SqxntIySLo4|'''The Shooting Range #406''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|SqxntIySLo4|'''The Shooting Range #406''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
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* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Merkava (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 13:02, 25 August 2024

Ra'am Sagol
il_merkava_mk_3_raam_segol.png
GarageImage Ra'am Sagol.jpg
Ra'am Sagol
Israel flag.png Israel
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
11.3 11.3 11.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
STORE

Description

In the 1990s, during the war in Southern Lebanon, Merkava Mk.3 tanks of the armoured reconnaissance squadron "Nakhshol" of the 71st battalion of the 188th Armoured Brigade of the Israel Defence Forces, were tested with an experimental electro-optical active protection system codenamed "Ra'am Segol" ("Purple Thunder") in combat conditions. The system detected the launch of an ATGM, alerted the crew, turned the gun towards the threat and deployed an aerosol screen using standard and additional smoke grenade launchers. The Ra'am Segol APS did not go into serial production, giving way to the more advanced "Trophy" APS.

The Ra'am Segol was introduced in Update "Alpha Strike". In the game, its APS informs the commander of the direction from which the tank is being illuminated by an ATGM launch system, and the player can then make their own decision about manoeuvring and firing smoke. In all other respects, the tank is identical to its other counterparts, possessing the familiar 120 mm gun capable of penetrating most tanks, and decent turret protection. It is not the best in mobility compared to other tanks, and the front-mounted engine, while allowing it to withstand hits to the frontal part of the hull, increases the risk of engine failure and fire.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull90 / 50 / 30
Turret150 / 65 / 65
Crew4 people
Visibility107 %

Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom 		___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet 		___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB67 / 29 km/h
RB and SB60 / 26 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight65.0 t
Engine power
AB2 290 hp
RB and SB1 200 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.2 hp/t
RB and SB18.5 hp/t

Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock AoA Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 67 29 62 3 1,860 2,290 30 35.23
Realistic 60 26 1,061 1,200 17.11 18.46

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB3 304 Sl icon.png
RB3 384 Sl icon.png
SB4 003 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 560 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces2 420 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 150 / 190 / 220 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 244 / 244 / 244 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement il.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods tank additional armor.png
Mine protection
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm IMI MG251 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition46 rounds
First-order5 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
7.8 → 6.0 s
Vertical guidance-7° / 20°
Main article: IMI MG251 (120 mm)

Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: {{main|Name of the weapon}}. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.

120 mm IMI MG251 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 46 -7°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 32.4 44.8 54.4 60.2 64.0 7.80 6.90 6.36 6.00
Realistic 20.2 23.8 28.9 32.0 34.0

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
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°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
46 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition6 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
2 x 7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 machine gun
Ammunition3 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)

Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,000 (200) 575 - -
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle (loader) 1,800 (200) 1,001 -10°/+50° ±120°
Pintle (commander) 1,800 (200) 1,001 -10°/+50° ±120°
Coaxial 6,000 (200) 1,001 - -

Usage in battles

The Raam Segol is a Merkava Mk.3, and plays similarly to them.

The very powerful M322 APFSDS round will give you great advantages at long ranges, capable of penetrating any tank in the game, though in up-tiers you will have to aim for weak-spots on tanks such as the T-80BVM. The round can consistently one shot enemy tanks even with poor placement due to good spalling and penetration.

The M339 HE-TF round is great against hovering helicopters due to the time fuse and can also be used to overpressure tanks provided that you aim in the correct spots. Aiming at an enemy's wheels will cause the M339 to detonate directly under the enemy tank and knock out their entire crew. Bring 3-5 of these HE-TF shells for light tanks or hovering helicopters.

The very distinctive turret on the Merkava's allows the enemy to instantly know where to aim for your weak-spots. This can be mitigated by placing some bushes to conceal the look of your turret. If properly done it greatly increases the survivability as the enemies first shots will be against the weak spots of the more popular Abrams, Leopard, or Chieftain which tend to be your strong spots. Allowing you to punish anyone who mistakes you for another tank. Combine this with the low position of the crew inside the hull, and it makes positions where only your turret is visible very rewarding.

You have more smokes than you ever need, while the smokes on the side of the turret can be fired as quickly as you want, the mortar smoke that launches directly forward takes a few seconds to reload. This is not an issue unless you have expended over 30 of your smokes and the ones from the turret now shoot to your sides, which will leave your front vulnerable if the launcher is reloading.

Gen 1 thermals have massive disadvantages due to the fuzzy-ness of the optics compared to similar tanks at your BR. But the APFSDS round more than makes up for the poor aim you will have in long range thermals.

The commander sight does not get thermals and only gets night vision. In up-tiers this can be a drawback.

You will be the last to get into position majority of the time, this requires you to be a little more cautious but the good gun depression and very strong cannon allow you punish from range.

Engine smoke is very useful in down-tiers where most tanks do not have thermals to look though it.

The Raam Segol is not a brawler, and will lose most fights that require quick reloads or fast speed for positioning. This tank excels at long ranges where it can use its M322 round to its advantage. The uniqueness and rarity of the tank can be advantageous as some players will not know where to aim. But veteran players will tend to always 1 shot you. Avoid exposing your hull as that is your weak-spot to APFSDS.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely large amount of smoke grenades, practically infinite for most battles
  • Strong APFSDS shells, with great velocity and penetration
  • Unique HE-TF that can be used as a pseudo-SAP round
  • Good crew survivability
  • Well-protected against IFV autocannons and HEAT rounds

Cons:

  • Poor KE protection overall, weak turret cheeks and little meaningful hull armor
  • Vulnerable engine and transmission due to frontal placement
  • Rear-mounted turret can make it hard to fight around corners
  • No thermals for the commander sight

History

In 2020, the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) authorized the declassification of a unique tank unit -- long-since disbanded -- which had been used to test Israel's first Active Protection System.

The declassified tank unit operated in Israel's "Security Zone" in southern Lebanon, between around 1998 and Israel's eventual withdrawal in 2000. It was a company of Merkava Mk.3 tanks belonging to the IDF's 188th Armored Regiment -- at the time some of the most advanced Merkava tanks in service -- and mostly carried out patrols and ambushes against Hezbollah guerillas. Unlike other Israeli tanks at the time, however, the unit's tanks carried a unique new system known only by the code-name Ra'am Segol ("Purple Thunder"). The few existing photographs of the company's tanks from that period show the system as a pair of opaque boxes on the turret's forward cheeks, and an additional box at the rear of the turret. The system has never been showcased publicly, nor have any of its specifications been made clear; though the declassification of the armored company that utilized it has led to a somewhat solid conclusion about its intended function.

Ra'am Segol is speculated to be a "soft-kill" APS: a radar/laser warning system that could detect incoming missiles, then perform some sort of reaction to neutralize them and/or reduce threat to the tank. Ra'am Segol could not intercept the incoming missile directly, instead performing electro-optical jamming (similar to the Russian Shtora-1, found on the T-90A) against SACLOS-guided missiles such as the TOW and MILAN, deflecting the missile's trajectory away from the tank. Additionally, it seems likely that the system would automatically deploy the Merkava's smoke grenades, and may have also automatically rotated the turret to face the incoming projectile and allow quick return-fire against the launcher.

In newspaper interviews following the declassification, crews from the Ra'am Segol unit reported exposing their tanks deliberately to potential threats in order to test the system directly, sometimes going out on patrols without any infantry support (very unusual for armored units during that particular conflict) or even stopping the tank at exposed positions in order to draw missile fire. Official IDF Armored Corps sources, however, have so far denied that the tanks had been utilized any differently from any other unit. There have been no reports of the system ever triggering in action, though the crews have reported never coming under any missile attacks, despite their deliberate efforts.

The Ra'am Segol unit was disbanded once the IDF withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, and the APS itself was dismantled from all of the tanks, never to be seen again. It is unknown whether the system had failed in some way, or was simply deemed unsuitable for the IDF's purposes. Nevertheless, just over a decade later, another Active Protection System was revealed in active service with the IDF, this time being the world's first "hard-kill" APS: the "Trophy".

Media

Videos
The Shooting Range #406 - Metal Beasts section at 00:25 discusses the Ra'am Sagol.

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Israel medium tanks
M-51  M-51 · M-51 (W)
Magach  Magach 1 · Magach 2 · Magach 3 · Magach 3 (ERA) · Magach 5 · Magach 6
  Magach 6A · Magach 6B · Magach 6B Gal · Gal Batash · Magach 6C · Magach 6M · Magach 6R · Magach Hydra · Magach 7C
Tiran  Tiran 4 · Tiran 4S · Tiran 6
Sho't  Sho't · Sho't Kal Alef · Sho't Kal Gimel · Sho't Kal Dalet
Merkava  Merkava Mk.1B · Merkava Mk.2B · Merkava Mk.2D · Merkava Mk.3B · Merkava Mk.3C · Ra'am Sagol
  Merkava Mk.4B · Merkava Mk.4M · Merkava Mk.4 LIC

Israel premium ground vehicles
Medium tanks  M-51 (W) · Magach 3 (ERA) · Sho't Kal Dalet · Merkava Mk.2D · Ra'am Sagol
Tank destroyers  Sholef

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