Difference between revisions of "Merkava Mk.2D"
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+ | {{About | ||
+ | | about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
+ | | usage = other versions | ||
+ | | link = Merkava (Family) | ||
+ | }} | ||
{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=il_merkava_mk_2d | |code=il_merkava_mk_2d | ||
− | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_001.jpg}} |
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
== 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 ''' | + | The '''Merkava Mk.2D''' was the final variant of the Merkava Mk.2. It was equipped with the latest add-on modular composite armour for the hull and turret, quite similar to that of the [[Merkava Mk.4B|Merkava Mk.4]] variant. Damaged armour could be easily swapped out for new modules even while in combat, while new module upgrades could also be added without requiring significant changes to the tank's fundamental structure. |
+ | |||
+ | Introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]], the Merkava Mk.2D is the most advanced derivative of the Merkava Mk.2. With turret protection comparable to the Merkava Mk.4 variant, the Merkava Mk.2D will undoubtedly shine in the hands of any competent player. In rocky terrain, players will have little issue adopting a hull-down position and making the best use of the tank's low silhouette and fully protected turret to lock down areas of the battlefield against adversaries. | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}} | {{Specs-Tank-Armour}} | ||
<!-- ''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.'' --> | <!-- ''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.'' --> | ||
− | + | The {{PAGENAME}} has a complex armour array, with the composite screens and interior armour plates giving the tank a more imposing armour profile than the first glance would suggest. | |
+ | |||
+ | The tank is rather resistant against chemical tank shells like high-explosive and HEAT shells thanks to the composite screen present on the hull and turret. The composite screen on the sides are even enough for these kinds of threats. However, some higher-performing missiles can still cleave through this armour like butter, so beware of tanks that can fire missiles from a long distance. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Though only a portion of the {{PAGENAME}}'s front armour is covered in composite screen, the iconic Merkava engine placement enables the non-composite areas of the hull front to still be survivable against incoming shells. If the penetrating shell cannot penetrate through the engine and its two armour plated fire walls, then the crew interior can survive against a frontal penetration. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Despite all this elaborate protection against some chemical shells, the {{PAGENAME}}'s protection against kinetic shells is pretty poor except for the turret front due to its awkward geometry. However, as most enemies the {{PAGENAME}} faces have access to rather high-end kinetic APFSDS shells, this makes the {{PAGENAME}} rather vulnerable to most battlefield threats a player will face in a match. | ||
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations --> | '''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations --> | ||
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof) | <!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof) | ||
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) --> | * Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) --> | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Cast homogeneous armour (Hull front, Turret, Gun mantlet) | ||
+ | * Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof) | ||
+ | * Composite screen (Extra laid on Hull front/sides and Turret front/sides) | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof | ! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | Hull || | + | | Hull || 20-60* mm (22-88°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 50-90 mm (30-57°) ''Lower glacis'' || 30-50* mm (12-13°) || 30<sup>‡</sup> mm (12-44°)|| 30 mm (81-90°) |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Turret || | + | | Turret || 30-65*<sup>‡</sup> mm (0-78°) ''Turret front'' <br> 100 mm (0-83°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 30-65*<sup>‡</sup> mm (0-61°) || 65<sup>‡</sup> mm (0-70°) || 30 mm (86-90°) |
|- | |- | ||
− | | Cupola || | + | | Cupola || 30 mm (0-32°) || 30 mm (0-33°) || 30 mm (0-33°) || 30 mm |
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Composite screen || colspan="4" | <nowiki>*</nowiki> - Presence of composite screen. | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Spaced armour || colspan="4" | <sup><nowiki>‡</nowiki></sup> - Presence of spaced armour. | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of --> | '''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of --> | ||
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. --> | <!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. --> | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick. | ||
+ | * Turret front has 100 mm CHA plate behind the base armour. | ||
+ | * Turret sides and rear consists of spaced armour with the base cast armour and a 45 mm plate behind them. | ||
+ | * Engine is surrounded by RHA plates ranging from 10-35 mm in thickness. | ||
+ | * Hull rear consists of spaced armour with two 30 mm RHA plates. | ||
+ | * Belly armour is 30 mm thick in RHA. | ||
+ | * Ammo rack bundles are surrounded by a 5 or 10 mm thick RHA armour. | ||
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}} | {{Specs-Tank-Mobility}} | ||
<!-- ''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.'' --> | ||
− | + | Comparing the top speeds of contemporary main battle tanks to the {{PAGENAME}}, the {{PAGENAME}} is on the slower side. The only other main battle tank the {{PAGENAME}} will beat in a straight line race is the M60 Patton tanks. | |
+ | |||
+ | Acceleration is quick in the first 20 km/h speed in gear 1-3, though it starts slowing down when reaching gear 4-5 at around 30-40 km/h. As such, the {{PAGENAME}} can make some quick moves if starting from a stop, but it will still take a while to build up the necessary speed to cross through the open in a timely manner. | ||
+ | |||
+ | When moving at high speed, the {{PAGENAME}}'s could have enough momentum to turn the entire tank in a near 180 degree. This does allow the Merkava to quickly orient itself if attacked while it was moving at high speed towards an objective. However, doing this will bleed most, if not all, of the {{PAGENAME}}'s speed and so it would be best not to do turn so hard when there is a need to keep moving into a cover. | ||
− | {{tankMobility}} | + | {{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,492|rbMinHp=852|AoAweight=3}} |
=== Modifications and economy === | === Modifications and economy === | ||
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<!-- ''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: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. 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.'' --> | <!-- ''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: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. 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.'' --> | ||
{{main|Sharir (105 mm)}} | {{main|Sharir (105 mm)}} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | ||
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|- | |- | ||
! ''Arcade'' | ! ''Arcade'' | ||
− | | rowspan="2" | | + | | rowspan="2" | 54 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70 |
|- | |- | ||
! ''Realistic'' | ! ''Realistic'' | ||
− | | | + | | 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Ammunition ==== | ==== Ammunition ==== | ||
− | { | + | {{:Sharir (105 mm)/Ammunition|M152, M156, M416, M111, M413}} |
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− | | M152 | ||
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==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ==== [[Ammo racks]] ==== | ||
− | + | [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] | |
− | <!-- '''Last updated:''' --> | + | <!-- '''Last updated: 2.15.1.22''' --> |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 131: | Line 111: | ||
! 2nd<br>rack empty | ! 2nd<br>rack empty | ||
! 3rd<br>rack empty | ! 3rd<br>rack empty | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
! Visual<br>discrepancy | ! Visual<br>discrepancy | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | ''' | + | | '''54''' || 31 ''(+23)'' || 7 ''(+47)'' || 1 ''(+53)'' || No |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
+ | '''Notes''': | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded. | ||
+ | * Rack 3 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 6 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank. | ||
+ | * This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 3 - 1 - 2. | ||
+ | * Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 and 2 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack. | ||
=== Machine guns === | === Machine guns === | ||
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}} | {{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}} | ||
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}} | {{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)}} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | ||
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal | ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | || | + | | Coaxial || 1,000 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal | ! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | || | + | | Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A |
|- | |- | ||
− | | || | + | | Pintle || 1,800 (200) || 600 || -5°/+50° || -60°/+120° |
|- | |- | ||
− | | || | + | | Pintle || 1,800 (200) || 600 || -5°/+50° || -120°/+60° |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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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).'' --> | ||
− | + | Aside from the additional composite screens on the hull and turret, the {{PAGENAME}} does not differ so greatly compared to the [[Merkava Mk.2B]]. The {{PAGENAME}} continues to carry its quirk of possesses a front engine module. This should be taken into consideration when using the {{PAGENAME}} because most hits to the front will inevitably damage the engine and/or cause a fire, which will immobilize the tank. An immobilized tank is open to follow-up shots and so a Merkava that survives the first shot and gets stuck is still open to follow-up shots that will destroy it. Deploying smoke after a damaging hit from the front should be a survival instinct when playing this tank to provide that much extra cover and time needed to repair the tank's mobility to reverse away to cover. | |
+ | |||
+ | These issues of being hit and easily immobilized means the {{PAGENAME}} player should be encouraged to work with teammates. Since players are now able to help each other assist with repair, having an ally nearby able to provide aid will be important to getting the Merkava moving again as fast as possible. Deploying smoke after you get hit can also give allies that needed concealment to get in close and provide the necessary repair or fire extinguishing aid without getting shot at. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Due to the vulnerability of the hull front, but rather strong turret front geometry, the {{PAGENAME}} should try to fight the enemy in positions where only the turret is exposed. Areas on the battlefield for this to be done are relatively rare and will require a lot of situational awareness and map familiarization to find the right locations. However, if done, the {{PAGENAME}} can place itself and bounce many incoming shells that hit a turret part the wrong way. Doing this from a far distance is also possible with the use of the laser rangefinder to quickly range the target and have the distance automatically calculated into the reticle for a quick hit. | ||
+ | |||
+ | If it is a must for the {{PAGENAME}} to lead an attack right into an enemy objective, careful on how the front armour is exposed when advancing. If turning a corner, try to turn right into it rather than left. If turning right and an enemy attacks around the corner, they will hit your engine and, if lucky, the driver might survive. This is important because if the Merkava is immobile in a way where the front is hanging out the corner but the Merkava's turret cannot aim at the enemy, the enemy can just snipe away at the driver's position until the {{PAGENAME}} is fully knocked out. However, turning from the engine side might give that extra chance of the driver surviving, prolonging the {{PAGENAME}}'s survival for either a lucky break or an ally coming to assist. | ||
+ | |||
+ | However, if the {{PAGENAME}} is aware that the player across the corner fires only HE or HEAT shells, take great confidence turning left around the corner as the composite screen on the hull sides and driver front are highly likely to be able to resist against those kinds of shots. The only big concern is if a HE shell explodes and goes down the {{PAGENAME}} roof, or if the tracks get destroyed. | ||
=== 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".'' --> | ||
− | |||
− | |||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * | + | * Effective protection against chemical shells |
+ | * Plethora of smoke launchers | ||
+ | * Effective firepower with APFSDS and laser rangefinder / warning system | ||
+ | * Thermal imaging systems for gunner | ||
+ | * The placement of the engine at the front of the vehicle allows for it to occasionally it to soak up some hits and protect the crew, allowing you to return fire even if you are immobilised | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * | + | * Relatively low mobility |
+ | * Below average gun elevation angles | ||
+ | * Large ammunition racks in the rear of the vehicle | ||
+ | * Unreliable armour against APFSDS | ||
== 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).'' --> | ||
− | + | [[File:IDF Artillery_Corps_Cadets_Competence_Day_Merkava2D.jpg|x250px|left|thumb|none|IDF Artillery Corps cadets being tested with a Merkava Mk.2D.]] | |
+ | |||
+ | Merkava Mk.1 tanks served in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) from 1979 as the primary Israeli MBT. Not long after its introduction into service, this tank was sent to lead the way during the First Lebanon War of 1982. Despite proving itself under fire against Syrian [[T-72A]]s and a variety of other threats, it was obvious that the first iteration of the design was not suitable for the changing combat environment of the 1980s Middle East. In particular, it was found to be lacking in close-quarters and urban combat against asymmetric threats - primarily guerilla infantry using unguided rocket launchers. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The second generation of the Merkava was already under development when the First Lebanon War broke out, but benefited greatly from lessons learned during combat. Over the 6 years in which the Merkava Mk.2 was in production, several important changes were made to compensate for the Mk.1's deficiencies. The Merkava Mk.2D represents the final variant of this generation of Merkava tanks, including all of those modifications. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Firstly, a very familiar feature of all modern Merkava tanks was added to the first Mk.2: the ''Hairs of Shulamit'', a line of heavy iron spheres dangling on chains around the rear rim of the turret. This simple device helps deflect incoming rounds away from the vulnerable turret ring, and increases the chance of prematurely detonating HEAT rockets and missiles. This feature proved to be so successful and cost-efficient that it was retroactively added to all Mk.1 variants as well. | ||
+ | [[File:IDF Forces Merkava2D Around Gaza Strip.jpg|x250px|right|thumb|none|A Merkava Mk.2D in a staging area during Operation "Pillar of Defense".]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | Another major improvement was made to the fire control system, whose computer was updated to take many additional factors into consideration, such as air temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. This significantly improved the accuracy of the tank's 105 mm cannon, allowing it to reliably outperform the T-72 at long-range combat. The computer was also taught to handle a variety of new shells made available for the Mk.2, and to be able to record its ballistic calculations in order to gradually improve accuracy over time for the specific cannon it was controlling. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Mk.2's powertrain also saw several improvements, the most major of which was an upgraded transmission that could pivot the tank in-place - a feature sorely required for manoeuvres in dense urban terrain. The Mk.2's engine itself was also slightly more powerful than the Mk.1's. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Other features included thermal optics, additional top armour, and finally (unique to the Mk.2D) a modular armour system allowing damaged segments to be quickly replaced after a battle. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Mk.2 continued to serve until as late as 2016. As of 2021, some Merkava Mk.2 hulls are being converted into heavily-armoured APCs, primarily to serve as Command and Control vehicles known as ''Ofek'' ("Horizon"). | ||
== 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.'' --> | ||
− | + | ||
+ | ;Skins | ||
+ | |||
+ | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_merkava_mk_2d Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ;Videos | ||
+ | {{Youtube-gallery|H8j8FwuPoOs|'''Premium Vehicles: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''|Szjj7F1iHL4|'''The Shooting Range #291''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}} | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Line 199: | Line 215: | ||
* ''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.'' --> | ||
− | |||
− | * | + | * [[Merkava (Family)]] |
− | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
Line 208: | Line 222: | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
− | |||
− | * | + | * [[wt:en/news/7483-development-shop-israeli-ground-forces-cbt-early-access-packs-en|[Devblog] Israeli Ground Forces CBT Early Access Packs!]] |
− | |||
+ | {{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}} | ||
{{Israel medium tanks}} | {{Israel medium tanks}} | ||
{{Israel premium ground vehicles}} | {{Israel premium ground vehicles}} |
Latest revision as of 19:16, 3 September 2024
This page is about the Israeli medium tank Merkava Mk.2D. For other versions, see Merkava (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Merkava Mk.2D was the final variant of the Merkava Mk.2. It was equipped with the latest add-on modular composite armour for the hull and turret, quite similar to that of the Merkava Mk.4 variant. Damaged armour could be easily swapped out for new modules even while in combat, while new module upgrades could also be added without requiring significant changes to the tank's fundamental structure.
Introduced in Update "Winged Lions", the Merkava Mk.2D is the most advanced derivative of the Merkava Mk.2. With turret protection comparable to the Merkava Mk.4 variant, the Merkava Mk.2D will undoubtedly shine in the hands of any competent player. In rocky terrain, players will have little issue adopting a hull-down position and making the best use of the tank's low silhouette and fully protected turret to lock down areas of the battlefield against adversaries.
General info
Survivability and armour
The Merkava Mk.2D has a complex armour array, with the composite screens and interior armour plates giving the tank a more imposing armour profile than the first glance would suggest.
The tank is rather resistant against chemical tank shells like high-explosive and HEAT shells thanks to the composite screen present on the hull and turret. The composite screen on the sides are even enough for these kinds of threats. However, some higher-performing missiles can still cleave through this armour like butter, so beware of tanks that can fire missiles from a long distance.
Though only a portion of the Merkava Mk.2D's front armour is covered in composite screen, the iconic Merkava engine placement enables the non-composite areas of the hull front to still be survivable against incoming shells. If the penetrating shell cannot penetrate through the engine and its two armour plated fire walls, then the crew interior can survive against a frontal penetration.
Despite all this elaborate protection against some chemical shells, the Merkava Mk.2D's protection against kinetic shells is pretty poor except for the turret front due to its awkward geometry. However, as most enemies the Merkava Mk.2D faces have access to rather high-end kinetic APFSDS shells, this makes the Merkava Mk.2D rather vulnerable to most battlefield threats a player will face in a match.
Armour type:
- Cast homogeneous armour (Hull front, Turret, Gun mantlet)
- Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
- Composite screen (Extra laid on Hull front/sides and Turret front/sides)
Armour | Front (Slope angle) | Sides | Rear | Roof |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hull | 20-60* mm (22-88°) Front glacis 50-90 mm (30-57°) Lower glacis |
30-50* mm (12-13°) | 30‡ mm (12-44°) | 30 mm (81-90°) |
Turret | 30-65*‡ mm (0-78°) Turret front 100 mm (0-83°) Gun mantlet |
30-65*‡ mm (0-61°) | 65‡ mm (0-70°) | 30 mm (86-90°) |
Cupola | 30 mm (0-32°) | 30 mm (0-33°) | 30 mm (0-33°) | 30 mm |
Composite screen | * - Presence of composite screen. | |||
Spaced armour | ‡ - Presence of spaced armour. |
Notes:
- Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick.
- Turret front has 100 mm CHA plate behind the base armour.
- Turret sides and rear consists of spaced armour with the base cast armour and a 45 mm plate behind them.
- Engine is surrounded by RHA plates ranging from 10-35 mm in thickness.
- Hull rear consists of spaced armour with two 30 mm RHA plates.
- Belly armour is 30 mm thick in RHA.
- Ammo rack bundles are surrounded by a 5 or 10 mm thick RHA armour.
Mobility
Comparing the top speeds of contemporary main battle tanks to the Merkava Mk.2D, the Merkava Mk.2D is on the slower side. The only other main battle tank the Merkava Mk.2D will beat in a straight line race is the M60 Patton tanks.
Acceleration is quick in the first 20 km/h speed in gear 1-3, though it starts slowing down when reaching gear 4-5 at around 30-40 km/h. As such, the Merkava Mk.2D can make some quick moves if starting from a stop, but it will still take a while to build up the necessary speed to cross through the open in a timely manner.
When moving at high speed, the Merkava Mk.2D's could have enough momentum to turn the entire tank in a near 180 degree. This does allow the Merkava to quickly orient itself if attacked while it was moving at high speed towards an objective. However, doing this will bleed most, if not all, of the Merkava Mk.2D's speed and so it would be best not to do turn so hard when there is a need to keep moving into a cover.
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 | 60 | 26 | 60 | 3 | 1,492 | 1,717 | 24.87 | 27.25 |
Realistic | 54 | 24 | 852 | 900 | 14.2 | 14.29 |
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Main armament
105 mm Sharir | Turret rotation speed (°/s) | Reloading rate (seconds) | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mode | Capacity | Vertical | Horizontal | Stabilizer | Stock | Upgraded | Full | Expert | Aced | Stock | Full | Expert | Aced |
Arcade | 54 | -8°/+20° | ±180° | Two-plane | 38.1 | 52.7 | 64.0 | 70.8 | 75.3 | 8.71 | 7.70 | 7.10 | 6.70 |
Realistic | 23.8 | 28.0 | 34.0 | 37.6 | 40.0 |
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 | ||
M152 | HEATFS | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 |
M156 | HESH | 127 | 127 | 127 | 127 | 127 | 127 |
M111 | APFSDS | 337 | 335 | 330 | 322 | 314 | 306 |
M413 | APFSDS | 408 | 405 | 398 | 389 | 379 | 370 |
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% | ||||||||||
M152 | HEATFS | 1,174 | 10.5 | 0.05 | 0.1 | 1.27 | 65° | 72° | 77° | |||
M156 | HESH | 731 | 11.4 | 0.1 | 4 | 3.17 | 73° | 77° | 80° | |||
M111 | APFSDS | 1,455 | 4.2 | - | - | - | 78° | 80° | 81° | |||
M413 | APFSDS | 1,455 | 3.79 | - | - | - | 78° | 80° | 81° |
Smoke shell characteristics | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ammunition | Velocity (m/s) |
Projectile mass (kg) |
Screen radius (m) |
Screen deploy time (s) |
Screen hold time (s) |
Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g) |
M416 | 732 | 11.6 | 20 | 5 | 25 | 50 |
Ammo racks
Full ammo |
1st rack empty |
2nd rack empty |
3rd rack empty |
Visual discrepancy |
---|---|---|---|---|
54 | 31 (+23) | 7 (+47) | 1 (+53) | No |
Notes:
- Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
- Rack 3 is a first stage ammo rack. It totals 6 shells and gets filled first when loading up the tank.
- This rack is also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 3 - 1 - 2.
- Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 and 2 into rack 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
Machine guns
12.7 mm M2HB | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
Coaxial | 1,000 (200) | 577 | N/A | N/A |
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Mount | Capacity (Belt) | Fire rate | Vertical | Horizontal |
Coaxial | 6,000 (200) | 600 | N/A | N/A |
Pintle | 1,800 (200) | 600 | -5°/+50° | -60°/+120° |
Pintle | 1,800 (200) | 600 | -5°/+50° | -120°/+60° |
Usage in battles
Aside from the additional composite screens on the hull and turret, the Merkava Mk.2D does not differ so greatly compared to the Merkava Mk.2B. The Merkava Mk.2D continues to carry its quirk of possesses a front engine module. This should be taken into consideration when using the Merkava Mk.2D because most hits to the front will inevitably damage the engine and/or cause a fire, which will immobilize the tank. An immobilized tank is open to follow-up shots and so a Merkava that survives the first shot and gets stuck is still open to follow-up shots that will destroy it. Deploying smoke after a damaging hit from the front should be a survival instinct when playing this tank to provide that much extra cover and time needed to repair the tank's mobility to reverse away to cover.
These issues of being hit and easily immobilized means the Merkava Mk.2D player should be encouraged to work with teammates. Since players are now able to help each other assist with repair, having an ally nearby able to provide aid will be important to getting the Merkava moving again as fast as possible. Deploying smoke after you get hit can also give allies that needed concealment to get in close and provide the necessary repair or fire extinguishing aid without getting shot at.
Due to the vulnerability of the hull front, but rather strong turret front geometry, the Merkava Mk.2D should try to fight the enemy in positions where only the turret is exposed. Areas on the battlefield for this to be done are relatively rare and will require a lot of situational awareness and map familiarization to find the right locations. However, if done, the Merkava Mk.2D can place itself and bounce many incoming shells that hit a turret part the wrong way. Doing this from a far distance is also possible with the use of the laser rangefinder to quickly range the target and have the distance automatically calculated into the reticle for a quick hit.
If it is a must for the Merkava Mk.2D to lead an attack right into an enemy objective, careful on how the front armour is exposed when advancing. If turning a corner, try to turn right into it rather than left. If turning right and an enemy attacks around the corner, they will hit your engine and, if lucky, the driver might survive. This is important because if the Merkava is immobile in a way where the front is hanging out the corner but the Merkava's turret cannot aim at the enemy, the enemy can just snipe away at the driver's position until the Merkava Mk.2D is fully knocked out. However, turning from the engine side might give that extra chance of the driver surviving, prolonging the Merkava Mk.2D's survival for either a lucky break or an ally coming to assist.
However, if the Merkava Mk.2D is aware that the player across the corner fires only HE or HEAT shells, take great confidence turning left around the corner as the composite screen on the hull sides and driver front are highly likely to be able to resist against those kinds of shots. The only big concern is if a HE shell explodes and goes down the Merkava Mk.2D roof, or if the tracks get destroyed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective protection against chemical shells
- Plethora of smoke launchers
- Effective firepower with APFSDS and laser rangefinder / warning system
- Thermal imaging systems for gunner
- The placement of the engine at the front of the vehicle allows for it to occasionally it to soak up some hits and protect the crew, allowing you to return fire even if you are immobilised
Cons:
- Relatively low mobility
- Below average gun elevation angles
- Large ammunition racks in the rear of the vehicle
- Unreliable armour against APFSDS
History
Merkava Mk.1 tanks served in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) from 1979 as the primary Israeli MBT. Not long after its introduction into service, this tank was sent to lead the way during the First Lebanon War of 1982. Despite proving itself under fire against Syrian T-72As and a variety of other threats, it was obvious that the first iteration of the design was not suitable for the changing combat environment of the 1980s Middle East. In particular, it was found to be lacking in close-quarters and urban combat against asymmetric threats - primarily guerilla infantry using unguided rocket launchers.
The second generation of the Merkava was already under development when the First Lebanon War broke out, but benefited greatly from lessons learned during combat. Over the 6 years in which the Merkava Mk.2 was in production, several important changes were made to compensate for the Mk.1's deficiencies. The Merkava Mk.2D represents the final variant of this generation of Merkava tanks, including all of those modifications.
Firstly, a very familiar feature of all modern Merkava tanks was added to the first Mk.2: the Hairs of Shulamit, a line of heavy iron spheres dangling on chains around the rear rim of the turret. This simple device helps deflect incoming rounds away from the vulnerable turret ring, and increases the chance of prematurely detonating HEAT rockets and missiles. This feature proved to be so successful and cost-efficient that it was retroactively added to all Mk.1 variants as well.
Another major improvement was made to the fire control system, whose computer was updated to take many additional factors into consideration, such as air temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. This significantly improved the accuracy of the tank's 105 mm cannon, allowing it to reliably outperform the T-72 at long-range combat. The computer was also taught to handle a variety of new shells made available for the Mk.2, and to be able to record its ballistic calculations in order to gradually improve accuracy over time for the specific cannon it was controlling.
The Mk.2's powertrain also saw several improvements, the most major of which was an upgraded transmission that could pivot the tank in-place - a feature sorely required for manoeuvres in dense urban terrain. The Mk.2's engine itself was also slightly more powerful than the Mk.1's.
Other features included thermal optics, additional top armour, and finally (unique to the Mk.2D) a modular armour system allowing damaged segments to be quickly replaced after a battle.
The Mk.2 continued to serve until as late as 2016. As of 2021, some Merkava Mk.2 hulls are being converted into heavily-armoured APCs, primarily to serve as Command and Control vehicles known as Ofek ("Horizon").
Media
- Skins
- Videos
See also
External links
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