Difference between revisions of "Sho't Kal Alef"

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{{About
 +
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Sho't (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=il_centurion_shot_kal_alef
 
|code=il_centurion_shot_kal_alef
Line 6: Line 11:
 
== 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 rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
The '''Sho't Kal Alef''' was the first serial modernisation of the [[Sho't]]. After the Six-Day War in 1967, it became clear that the basic version of the [[Sho't]] had become seriously outdated, as its 20-pounder gun, antiquated fire control system (FCS), and weak, fuel-hungry engine could not provide sufficient firepower, good mobility, and reliability for the vehicle. A decision was made in 1969 to upgrade all existing Sho't tanks to the Sho't Kal level - with a new American 105 mm M68 gun, a more powerful diesel engine and transmission, a new FCS, and a modified commander's cupola. As early as 1970, the first modernised prototypes entered service with the IDF (Israel Defence Forces). The tanks were first used during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, after which they underwent further modifications, primarily concerning armour protection.
 +
 
 +
The Sho't Kal Alef was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]]. Players familiar with the British [[Centurion Mk 10]] or Swedish [[Strv 101]] will immediately the similar improvement in mobility, made possible by the installation of a new Continental AVDS-1790-2A engine. Also, thanks to the installation of the American M68 gun, the Sho't Kal Alef has access to a new set of ammunition, including a more powerful HEATFS shell and previously unavailable HESH shell. However, as the hull is still inherited from the [[Centurion Mk.5/1|Centurion Mk.5]], its overall protection is inferior to competitors - even APCR and solid-shot rounds can pose a significant threat to the vehicle.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 12: Line 19:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''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.''
+
At longer ranges, the Alef looks exactly like a Centurion Mk 10 where its 105 mm gun gives it away; but upon closer inspection to the Alef, it is in fact a Centurion Mk 5 with additional headlights and no weld-on applique armour on its UFP, meaning the overall protection is exactly the same as the pre-Mk 10 series of Centurion tanks. Most shells at the battle rating are lethal to its survival as 76.2 mm of armour at 58° cannot really withstand Cold War or late WWII shells, and due to the fact that Centurions have a cramped interior space, penetrating shots are very likely to knock out most of the crew or in some cases detonate all ammunition on board.
  
−
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
+
'''Armour type:'''
−
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)
+
 
−
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) -->
+
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
 +
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
!Armour!!Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
|Hull||76.2 mm (58°) ''Front glacis''<br>76.2 mm (47-48°) ''Lower glacis''
 +
|50.8 (12°) + 6 mm||38 mm (8-12°)||29 mm<br>8-14 mm ''Engine deck''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
|Turret||152 mm (6-27°) ''Turret front''<br>152 mm ''Gun mantlet''
 +
|89 mm (5-12°)||89 mm (1-18°)||50.8 mm ''Border of turret''<br>29 mm ''Center of turret''
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
+
|Cupola||152 mm|| colspan="2" |90 mm||29 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 36: Line 46:
 
{{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.'' -->
−
''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=1,162|rbMinHp=663}}
 +
 
 +
The Sho't Kal has an upgraded powerplant to the Continental AVDS-1790-2A diesel engine and Allison CD-850-6A transmission, giving it vastly improved mobility over previous Centurion models and pushing it up to 48 km/h. While the engine pack doesn't give the Alef a better power-weight ratio than foes like [[Leopard 1]] or [[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54s]], it will allow the Sho't Kal to keep up with most of its NATO contemporaries.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 49: Line 60:
 
<!-- ''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|M68 (105 mm)}}
 
{{main|M68 (105 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: <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.''
 
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 72 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 72 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.0 || 26.4 || 32.0 || 35.4 || 37.6 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 11.9 || 14.0 || 17.0 || 18.8 || 20.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
The stock '''M728 APDS''' is more than enough to gun down late war tanks and early Cold War medium tanks. However, when facing late German or Soviet heavy tanks, the penetration of the M728 is in fact lower than British/German L28A1/DM13, so either hit the enemy from the sides or aim for weak spots to make sure they don't have the chance to send a shot at you.
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
+
 
−
|-
+
The '''M393A2 HESH''' is identical to other 105 mm HESH rounds, having high explosive content to knock out vehicles right away with overpressure while the overall performance of the shell is mixed, not to mention its slow and high-arcing ballistics; so either take this shell for detonating lighter vehicles or sniping stationary targets that expose their vulnerable spots. A solid hit is very likely to send enemies straight back to the hanger.
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
+
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
+
The '''M456 HEATFS''', while mostly sufficient to penetrate even heavy tanks of the era with relative ease, will have a hard time penetrating tanks with composite armour like [[T-55AMD-1]] or ERA like [[T-69 II G]]. It is still sufficient to knock out lighter vehicles with overpressure damage.
−
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
+
 
−
|-
+
{{:M68 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M728, M393A2, M456, M416}}
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M728 || APDS || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| M393A2 || HESH || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
| M456 || HEATFS || __ || __ || __ || __ || __ || __
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| 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%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M728 || APDS || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M393A2 || HESH || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M456 || HEATFS || ___ || _.__ || __ || _._ || ___ || __° || __° || __°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M416 || ___ || ____ || __ || __ || __ || ___
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_Sho't_Kal_Dalet_(Great_Britain).png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the [[Sho't Kal Dalet]] (identical)]]
−
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.17.0.42''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 133: Line 98:
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''72''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''72''' || 68&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 63&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 33&nbsp;''(+39)'' || 25&nbsp;''(+47)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+60)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+67)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+71)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
Since the Sho't Kal can carry more shells than the original [[Sho't]], this will further increase the risk of ammunition cook-off; so it is advised to only bring at most 25 shells to clear out most of the ammo racks.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 
<!-- ''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|L3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|L3A1 (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.''
 
  
 
{| 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
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Pintle || 2,000 (250) || 500 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
−
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
+
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
This upgrade for the fleet of Centurions only changed the machine guns into the ones in NATO service, so only 2 L3A1 (M1919A3) are available which is harmless to armoured vehicles but not to exposed crews; they can also be used as last-ditch options to gun down strafing aircraft but the odds of success are minimal.
  
 
== 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).''
+
Sho't Kal Alef feels like a Centurion Mk 10 or its Swedish cousin Strv 101 with its 105 mm gun; for the players who are already familiar to previous Centurions, they will find themselves at home very quickly as the handling of the Alef is very similar, if not better thanks to the new powerplants during the upgrade, making it feel like a hybrid of [[Magach 1]] and [[Sho't]]. The overall playstyle is similar to other Centurions as well: providing volleys of fire with its accurate gun and sufficient speed to keep up with allies which might not have stabilizers. If players do not feel confident in its protection, staying behind heavy tanks and providing supporting fire is also viable as the enemies will likely be concentrated on the "breakthrough tank" instead of its supporting vehicles.
 +
 
 +
Players do have to keep in mind that, despite the upgraded gun, the armour itself is identical to earlier Centurions with only 3 inches (or 76.2 mm) of RHA protecting the vehicle. This means that players should be extra careful on where to go and try not to expose the hull to enemies, as it can be penetrated with ease with kinetic shells or HEATFS of the era. It also only has an L3A1 as its anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the commander side of the turret, so be extra careful of aircraft as this machine gun poses little threat to them.
  
 
=== 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Higher mobility to Sho't thanks to the new powerplant
 +
* Powerful 105 mm gun
 +
* Night-battle capable thanks to NVD
 +
* Fully-stabilized gun
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Retains the same protection of Sho't (or pre-Mk 9 Centurion tanks)
 +
* Cramped interior space and ammunition placement
 +
* Relatively slow in terms of a medium tank
 +
* No HMGs for gunning down light vehicles or aircraft
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 177: Line 155:
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
Images<!-- ''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.''
+
 
 +
[[File:Valley of Tears.png|left|thumb]]
 +
 
 +
;
 +
;
 +
;
 +
;
 +
;
 +
;
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_centurion_shot_kal_alef Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 184: Line 173:
 
* ''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:''
+
* [[Sho't (Family)]]
−
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 193: Line 180:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}}
 
{{Israel medium tanks}}
 
{{Israel medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 11:07, 25 August 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Israeli medium tank Sho't Kal Alef. For other versions, see Sho't (Family).
Sho't Kal Alef
il_centurion_shot_kal_alef.png
GarageImage Sho't Kal Alef.jpg
Sho't Kal Alef
Israel flag.png Israel
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.0 8.0 8.0
Class:
Research:105 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:300 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Sho't Kal Alef was the first serial modernisation of the Sho't. After the Six-Day War in 1967, it became clear that the basic version of the Sho't had become seriously outdated, as its 20-pounder gun, antiquated fire control system (FCS), and weak, fuel-hungry engine could not provide sufficient firepower, good mobility, and reliability for the vehicle. A decision was made in 1969 to upgrade all existing Sho't tanks to the Sho't Kal level - with a new American 105 mm M68 gun, a more powerful diesel engine and transmission, a new FCS, and a modified commander's cupola. As early as 1970, the first modernised prototypes entered service with the IDF (Israel Defence Forces). The tanks were first used during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, after which they underwent further modifications, primarily concerning armour protection.

The Sho't Kal Alef was introduced in Update "Wind of Change". Players familiar with the British Centurion Mk 10 or Swedish Strv 101 will immediately the similar improvement in mobility, made possible by the installation of a new Continental AVDS-1790-2A engine. Also, thanks to the installation of the American M68 gun, the Sho't Kal Alef has access to a new set of ammunition, including a more powerful HEATFS shell and previously unavailable HESH shell. However, as the hull is still inherited from the Centurion Mk.5, its overall protection is inferior to competitors - even APCR and solid-shot rounds can pose a significant threat to the vehicle.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 50 / 38
Turret152 / 89 / 89
Crew4 people
Visibility119 %

At longer ranges, the Alef looks exactly like a Centurion Mk 10 where its 105 mm gun gives it away; but upon closer inspection to the Alef, it is in fact a Centurion Mk 5 with additional headlights and no weld-on applique armour on its UFP, meaning the overall protection is exactly the same as the pre-Mk 10 series of Centurion tanks. Most shells at the battle rating are lethal to its survival as 76.2 mm of armour at 58° cannot really withstand Cold War or late WWII shells, and due to the fact that Centurions have a cramped interior space, penetrating shots are very likely to knock out most of the crew or in some cases detonate all ammunition on board.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 76.2 mm (58°) Front glacis
76.2 mm (47-48°) Lower glacis 		50.8 (12°) + 6 mm 38 mm (8-12°) 29 mm
8-14 mm Engine deck
Turret 152 mm (6-27°) Turret front
152 mm Gun mantlet 		89 mm (5-12°) 89 mm (1-18°) 50.8 mm Border of turret
29 mm Center of turret
Cupola 152 mm 90 mm 29 mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB53 / 13 km/h
RB and SB48 / 12 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight51.8 t
Engine power
AB1 431 hp
RB and SB750 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB27.6 hp/t
RB and SB14.5 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 53 13 51.8 1,162 1,431 22.43 27.63
Realistic 48 12 663 750 12.8 14.48

The Sho't Kal has an upgraded powerplant to the Continental AVDS-1790-2A diesel engine and Allison CD-850-6A transmission, giving it vastly improved mobility over previous Centurion models and pushing it up to 48 km/h. While the engine pack doesn't give the Alef a better power-weight ratio than foes like Leopard 1 or T-54s, it will allow the Sho't Kal to keep up with most of its NATO contemporaries.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 385 → 5 643 Sl icon.png
RB4 847 → 6 238 Sl icon.png
SB6 637 → 8 541 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications87 700 Rp icon.png
147 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 190 / 230 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
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Transmission
Research:
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Cost:
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Engine
Research:
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Cost:
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Improved Parts
Research:
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Cost:
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Improved FPE
Research:
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Cost:
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Crew Replenishment
Research:
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Cost:
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Horizontal Drive
Research:
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Cost:
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Adjustment of Fire
Research:
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Cost:
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105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Elevation Mechanism
Research:
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Cost:
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105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Artillery Support
Research:
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Cost:
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105mm_usa_HEAT_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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Armaments

Main armament

105 mm M68 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition72 rounds
First-order11 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: M68 (105 mm)
105 mm M68 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 72 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 19.0 26.4 32.0 35.4 37.6 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 11.9 14.0 17.0 18.8 20.0

Ammunition

The stock M728 APDS is more than enough to gun down late war tanks and early Cold War medium tanks. However, when facing late German or Soviet heavy tanks, the penetration of the M728 is in fact lower than British/German L28A1/DM13, so either hit the enemy from the sides or aim for weak spots to make sure they don't have the chance to send a shot at you.

The M393A2 HESH is identical to other 105 mm HESH rounds, having high explosive content to knock out vehicles right away with overpressure while the overall performance of the shell is mixed, not to mention its slow and high-arcing ballistics; so either take this shell for detonating lighter vehicles or sniping stationary targets that expose their vulnerable spots. A solid hit is very likely to send enemies straight back to the hanger.

The M456 HEATFS, while mostly sufficient to penetrate even heavy tanks of the era with relative ease, will have a hard time penetrating tanks with composite armour like T-55AMD-1 or ERA like T-69 II G. It is still sufficient to knock out lighter vehicles with overpressure damage.

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
M728 APDS 265 263 252 240 228 216
M393A2 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
M456 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
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%
M728 APDS 1,426 4.53 - - - 75° 78° 80°
M393A2 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
M456 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
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 16 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Sho't Kal Dalet (identical)
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
72 68 (+4) 63 (+9) 33 (+39) 25 (+47) 12 (+60) 5 (+67) 1 (+71) No

Since the Sho't Kal can carry more shells than the original Sho't, this will further increase the risk of ammunition cook-off; so it is advised to only bring at most 25 shells to clear out most of the ammo racks.

Machine guns

7.62 mm L3A1 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition3 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm L3A1 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: L3A1 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm L3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 2,000 (250) 500 -10°/+50° ±180°
Coaxial 3,000 (250) 500 N/A N/A

This upgrade for the fleet of Centurions only changed the machine guns into the ones in NATO service, so only 2 L3A1 (M1919A3) are available which is harmless to armoured vehicles but not to exposed crews; they can also be used as last-ditch options to gun down strafing aircraft but the odds of success are minimal.

Usage in battles

Sho't Kal Alef feels like a Centurion Mk 10 or its Swedish cousin Strv 101 with its 105 mm gun; for the players who are already familiar to previous Centurions, they will find themselves at home very quickly as the handling of the Alef is very similar, if not better thanks to the new powerplants during the upgrade, making it feel like a hybrid of Magach 1 and Sho't. The overall playstyle is similar to other Centurions as well: providing volleys of fire with its accurate gun and sufficient speed to keep up with allies which might not have stabilizers. If players do not feel confident in its protection, staying behind heavy tanks and providing supporting fire is also viable as the enemies will likely be concentrated on the "breakthrough tank" instead of its supporting vehicles.

Players do have to keep in mind that, despite the upgraded gun, the armour itself is identical to earlier Centurions with only 3 inches (or 76.2 mm) of RHA protecting the vehicle. This means that players should be extra careful on where to go and try not to expose the hull to enemies, as it can be penetrated with ease with kinetic shells or HEATFS of the era. It also only has an L3A1 as its anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the commander side of the turret, so be extra careful of aircraft as this machine gun poses little threat to them.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Higher mobility to Sho't thanks to the new powerplant
  • Powerful 105 mm gun
  • Night-battle capable thanks to NVD
  • Fully-stabilized gun

Cons:

  • Retains the same protection of Sho't (or pre-Mk 9 Centurion tanks)
  • Cramped interior space and ammunition placement
  • Relatively slow in terms of a medium tank
  • No HMGs for gunning down light vehicles or aircraft

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

Images

Valley of Tears.png
Skins

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Israeli Ordnance Corps (חיל החימוש)
Medium Tanks  M-51 · M-51 (W)
MBTs 
Magach  Magach 1 · Magach 2 · Magach 3 · Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · Magach 5
  Magach 6 · Magach 6A · Magach 6B · Magach 6C · Magach 6R · Magach 6M · Gal Batash
Sho't  Sho't · Sho't Kal Alef · Sho't Kal Gimel · Sho't Kal Dalet · ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Tiran  Tiran 4 · Tiran 4S
Merkava  ▃Merkava Mk.1 · Merkava Mk.1B · Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · Merkava Mk.2D
  Merkava Mk.3B · Merkava Mk.3C · ▃Merkava Mk.3D · Merkava Mk.4B · Merkava Mk.4M
Tank destroyers  Zachlam Tager
See Also  Chrysler Defense · Department of Tank Design · Morozov Design Bureau

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

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