Difference between revisions of "Merkava Mk.3D (USA)"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Added About template)
(From Devblog:)
(7 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 5: Line 5:
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Merkava (Family)
 
| link = Merkava (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
Line 18: Line 18:
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.''
 
  
'''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) -->
+
* Cast homogeneous armour (Hull, turret)
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Sides)
 +
* Composite screens* (Turret front, hull front left, sideskirts)
 +
** with NERA elements**
  
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
Line 28: Line 30:
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Hull || 50 mm || 50 mm ''Top'' <br> ___ mm ''Bottom'' || 30 mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Hull || 60** mm (78-90°), 60 mm (66-73°) (+ 30* mm (74°) ''left'') ''Upper glacis'' <br> 90 mm (36°), 50 mm (59°) + 20 mm (60°) ''Lower glacis''  || 50 mm (12°) + 15 mm || 30 mm (0-39°) || 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || 170 mm + 40* mm (0-68°) ''Turret cheeks'' <br> 30-400 mm (0-78°) + 100 mm ''Gun mantlet'' <br> 40 mm (68-81°) + 50* mm (78°) ''Upper'' || 60 mm + 5 mm (0-60°)  || 40 mm || 40 mm ''Front'' <br> 20 mm ''Rear''
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Roof
 
|-
 
|-
| Turret || 65 - ___ mm ''Turret front'' <br> ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 65 - ___ mm || 65 - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
+
| Cupola || 30 mm
 
|-
 
|-
| Cupola || 30 mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || 30 mm
+
! Effective protection !! Front
 +
|-
 +
| Turret || '''Turret front:'''<br>200 mm ''Kinetic'' <br> 1,500 mm ''Chemical''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of -->
+
'''Notes:'''
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. -->
+
 
 +
* Tracks are 30 mm thick
 +
* Road wheels are 20 mm thick
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
Line 58: Line 68:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
| 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" |8.71|| rowspan="2" |7.70|| rowspan="2" |7.10|| rowspan="2" |6.70
+
| 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" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
|20.2||23.8||28.9||32.0||34.0
+
| 20.2 || 23.8 || 28.9 || 32.0 || 34.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 106: Line 116:
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
'''Last updated: 1.101.0.109'''
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.0.109''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 150: Line 160:
 
| Coaxial || 5,950 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
| Coaxial || 5,950 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
| Commander's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || __° || __°
+
| Commander's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || -5°/+50° || -60°/+120°
 
|-
 
|-
| Loader's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || __° || __°
+
| Loader's cupola || 1,750 (200) || 600 || -5°/+50° || ±120°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 159: Line 169:
 
<!-- ''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 Merkava Mk.3D offers an excellent cannon and great manoeuvrability, along with great frontal armour protection. The front of the tank is heavily armoured with angled armour plates, providing protection of over 300 mm. The only main weakness of this legendary tank is it's side and rear armour. On the sides, the NERA armour only covers the top half, above the composite screen plates.  
+
The Merkava Mk.3D offers an excellent cannon and great manoeuvrability, along with great frontal armour protection. The front of the tank is heavily armoured with angled armour plates, providing protection of over 300 mm. The only main weakness of this legendary tank is it's side and rear armour. On the sides, the NERA armour only covers the top half, above the composite screen plates.
The composite screen plates can provide over 500 mm or protection. On the rear, the spaced armour only protects the crew compartments with 900 mm of air protection. Internally, the storage bins are covered in a fireproof container, with no ammunition stored in the turret. This reduces the risks of the ammunition being destroyed by a fire.  
+
The composite screen plates can provide over 500 mm or protection. On the rear, the spaced armour only protects the crew compartments with 900 mm of air protection. Internally, the storage bins are covered in a fireproof container, with no ammunition stored in the turret. This reduces the risks of the ammunition being destroyed by a fire.
  
===How to combat enemy tanks===  
+
===How to combat enemy tanks===
  
Using the '''M325 HEATFS''' Round: is a '''H'''igh '''E'''xplosive '''A'''nti '''T'''ank '''F'''in '''S'''tabilised round, with a velocity of 1,078 meters per seconds, with a war head mass of 15.81 Kg. This round provides a maximum penetration of 480 mm at all ranges. To get the best from this round, you must aim for weakly armoured places on the enemy tank, generally the weakest places are the sides and rear of the enemy tank. At rank seven, most MBT's are heavily armoured with ERA plates which can defeat  these types of rounds, with ease. However, it does not mean these rounds are usless, in-fact they are very good, instead of being able to single shot an enemy tank, it only requires an additional reload or two. The first shot, will most likely knock off and destroy the ERA plate. The second shot, will penetrate and knock the tank out.          
+
Using the '''M325 HEATFS''' Round: is a '''H'''igh '''E'''xplosive '''A'''nti '''T'''ank '''F'''in '''S'''tabilised round, with a velocity of 1,078 meters per seconds, with a war head mass of 15.81 Kg. This round provides a maximum penetration of 480 mm at all ranges. To get the best from this round, you must aim for weakly armoured places on the enemy tank, generally the weakest places are the sides and rear of the enemy tank. At rank seven, most MBT's are heavily armoured with ERA plates which can defeat  these types of rounds, with ease. However, it does not mean these rounds are usless, in-fact they are very good, instead of being able to single shot an enemy tank, it only requires an additional reload or two. The first shot, will most likely knock off and destroy the ERA plate. The second shot, will penetrate and knock the tank out.
 +
 
 +
Using the '''M339: HE-TF''' Round: is a '''H'''igh '''E'''xplosive '''T'''imed '''F'''used round, with a velocity of 900 meters per seconds, with a war head mass of 17 Kg. The maximum Penetration of the round is 65 mm, which is more than enough to penetrate the roofs of the enemy tanks, at rank seven. This round allows you to knockout targets which are hiding behind rocks, vehicles, houses and other objects. The round works by recording the distance to the target then denoting on them. To get the best out of this round fire above the target, allowing it to explode thus the enemy tank gets knocked out by being penetrated by the roof.
  
Using the '''M339: HE-TF''' Round: is a '''H'''igh '''E'''xplosive '''T'''imed '''F'''used round, with a velocity of 900 meters per seconds, with a war head mass of 17 Kg. The maximum Penetration of the round is 65 mm, which is more than enough to penetrate the roofs of the enemy tanks, at rank seven. This round allows you to knockout targets which are hiding behind rocks, vehicles, houses and other objects. The round works by recording the distance to the target then denoting on them. To get the best out of this round fire above the target, allowing it to explode thus the enemy tank gets knocked out by being penetrated by the roof.   
 
 
 
Using the '''M399: APFSDS''' Round: is one of the best rounds in the game it provides up to 625 mm of penetration. It is able to virtually penetrate almost any armour in the game at incredible lengths, at close range it is able to make the enemy tanker, go, pop.
 
Using the '''M399: APFSDS''' Round: is one of the best rounds in the game it provides up to 625 mm of penetration. It is able to virtually penetrate almost any armour in the game at incredible lengths, at close range it is able to make the enemy tanker, go, pop.
  
 
===How to combat enemy helicopters===
 
===How to combat enemy helicopters===
The Merkava Mk.3D has four machine guns, one 12.7 mm mounted on the cannon, with an additional 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on each of the Commander's & Loader's cupola's and finally a coaxial 7.62 mm.  The Merkava Mk.3D, is able to handle airborne threats extremally well, with it's LWS/LR system it alerts you to when someone is locking on with a laser range finder, which are installed in most if not all high ranking helicopters.  
+
The Merkava Mk.3D has four machine guns, one 12.7 mm mounted on the cannon, with an additional 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on each of the Commander's & Loader's cupola's and finally a coaxial 7.62 mm.  The Merkava Mk.3D, is able to handle airborne threats extremally well, with it's LWS/LR system it alerts you to when someone is locking on with a laser range finder, which are installed in most if not all high ranking helicopters.
When a notification pops up, switch to gunner sight and enable the thermal sight, look around in the sky and you will see brightly lit dot - if it flying away from you ignore it. If it is coming closer, keep an eye on it and wait until it is close enough for you to engage it.  
+
When a notification pops up, switch to gunner sight and enable the thermal sight, look around in the sky and you will see brightly lit dot - if it flying away from you ignore it. If it is coming closer, keep an eye on it and wait until it is close enough for you to engage it.
  
 
However, if it has fired it's ATGM's pop smoke and retreat behind an object, until it's missile has blown up. Then locate it and fire the four machine guns, it will be able to bring it down. Or a using the M332 or M325 round a single hit in the fuselage will knock it out.
 
However, if it has fired it's ATGM's pop smoke and retreat behind an object, until it's missile has blown up. Then locate it and fire the four machine guns, it will be able to bring it down. Or a using the M332 or M325 round a single hit in the fuselage will knock it out.
Line 179: Line 189:
 
=====Capitalising on urban maps and environments:=====
 
=====Capitalising on urban maps and environments:=====
  
When engaged in combat on a map which features an urban close range environment, the Merkava Mk.3D provides great threat to any enemy tanker. The  manoeuvrability, is one of the best in the game, it is able to pivot on the spot and change course. If that is due to a sudden appearance of enemy tank which has appeared or if the strategic interest has changed, the MK.3D is able to handle it. To get the best out of the Mk.3D, either flank around the urban parts of the map or stay & utilise the compact urban environment.  
+
When engaged in combat on a map which features an urban close range environment, the Merkava Mk.3D provides great threat to any enemy tanker. The  manoeuvrability, is one of the best in the game, it is able to pivot on the spot and change course. If that is due to a sudden appearance of enemy tank which has appeared or if the strategic interest has changed, the MK.3D is able to handle it. To get the best out of the Mk.3D, either flank around the urban parts of the map or stay & utilise the compact urban environment.
  
 
To utilise the compact urban environment, stay close to buildings, use the buildings to your advantage. Using the buildings will allow you to dominate the battle zone, it's 120mm cannon is able to destroy enemy tanks with ease, especially at close ranges.  It is important not to stay in the middle the roads or open areas which offers no concealment. The Merkava Mk.3D, is a tall tank, it is taller than the '''''[[M1_Abrams_(Family)|M1 Abrams family of tanks]]''''' This means, you can be seen and shot at by the enemy team, it is not a sleek low profile tank like the '''''[[HSTV-L|HSTV-L.]]'''''
 
To utilise the compact urban environment, stay close to buildings, use the buildings to your advantage. Using the buildings will allow you to dominate the battle zone, it's 120mm cannon is able to destroy enemy tanks with ease, especially at close ranges.  It is important not to stay in the middle the roads or open areas which offers no concealment. The Merkava Mk.3D, is a tall tank, it is taller than the '''''[[M1_Abrams_(Family)|M1 Abrams family of tanks]]''''' This means, you can be seen and shot at by the enemy team, it is not a sleek low profile tank like the '''''[[HSTV-L|HSTV-L.]]'''''
  
=====Capitalising on rural maps and rural terrain:=====  
+
=====Capitalising on rural maps and rural terrain:=====
  
To capitalise on rural maps head into the forest, and stay in the forest it's important not to leave the forest or rural terrain like this. This type of terrain offers great protection and makes the Merkava Mk.3D almost invisible to the enemy. The thermal profile is reduced by the vegetation, which blocks the heat signature. It's very important to use the correct camouflage, which helps to make you harder to detect.
+
To capitalise on rural maps head into the forest, and stay in the forest it's important not to leave the forest or rural terrain like this. This type of terrain offers great protection and makes the Merkava Mk.3D almost invisible to the enemy. The thermal profile is reduced by the vegetation, which blocks the heat signature. It's very important to use the correct camouflage, which helps to make you harder to detect.
  
The Merkava Mk.3D 120 mm gun is able to snipe the enemy tanks from far and wide. to win do not keep firing from one spot, after every shot move to another location using the rural vegetation to make you stealthy and remain unseen. The MK.3D has a thermal sight, that allows you to find the enemy tanks in situations like this.  The gunner sight also provides a zoom of 6 to 12x allowing for pin-point shots combined with the M322 round - makes for one of the most lethal tanks in the game.  
+
The Merkava Mk.3D 120 mm gun is able to snipe the enemy tanks from far and wide. to win do not keep firing from one spot, after every shot move to another location using the rural vegetation to make you stealthy and remain unseen. The MK.3D has a thermal sight, that allows you to find the enemy tanks in situations like this.  The gunner sight also provides a zoom of 6 to 12x allowing for pin-point shots combined with the M322 round - makes for one of the most lethal tanks in the game.
  
=====Night Battles:=====  
+
=====Night Battles:=====
  
 
Do not expose the right hand side of the tank, due to the exhaust gas which will make it impossible for you to locate and knockout enemy tankers with the thermal sight. Instead, keep the left hand side of the tank exposed towards the enemy frontline. It's also as important keep an eye out for air threats such as '''''[[Ka-52]]''''', '''''[[Mi-28N]]''''', '''''[[EC-665_Tiger_UHT|EC-665 Tiger UHT]]''''', '''''[[AH-64D]]''''' and other helicopters.
 
Do not expose the right hand side of the tank, due to the exhaust gas which will make it impossible for you to locate and knockout enemy tankers with the thermal sight. Instead, keep the left hand side of the tank exposed towards the enemy frontline. It's also as important keep an eye out for air threats such as '''''[[Ka-52]]''''', '''''[[Mi-28N]]''''', '''''[[EC-665_Tiger_UHT|EC-665 Tiger UHT]]''''', '''''[[AH-64D]]''''' and other helicopters.
Line 233: Line 243:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
A tip for grinding it:  
+
A tip for grinding it:
  
Unlock parts first, horizontal drive, FPE, Adjustment of fire then M322. Everything after these can be unlocked after.  
+
Unlock parts first, horizontal drive, FPE, Adjustment of fire then M322. Everything after these can be unlocked after.
  
The M322 round offers up to 625 mm of penetration, it is able to penetrate most tanks at distance with ease allowing for other parts to be unlocked faster.
+
The M322 round offers up to 625 mm of penetration, it is able to penetrate most tanks at distance with ease allowing for other parts to be unlocked faster.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 244: Line 254:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Has access to one of the best penetrating APFSDS round in the game.  
+
* Has access to one of the best penetrating APFSDS round in the game.
 
* Has access to timed HE, which can be set to detonate at a very specific distance, for example just behind enemy ammunition panel or above a light tank completely hidden behind cover
 
* Has access to timed HE, which can be set to detonate at a very specific distance, for example just behind enemy ammunition panel or above a light tank completely hidden behind cover
 
*Timed HE round has a less sensitive detonator than normal HE-type shells, so it can overcome common obstacles such as bushes and fences.
 
*Timed HE round has a less sensitive detonator than normal HE-type shells, so it can overcome common obstacles such as bushes and fences.
 
* Great survivability, thanks to its internal layout.
 
* Great survivability, thanks to its internal layout.
* Ammo storage is wrapped in a fire proof container, preventing it from denotating in-case of a fire, inside of the tank.  
+
* Ammo storage is wrapped in a fire proof container, preventing it from denotating in-case of a fire, inside of the tank.
* Great manoeuvrability, able to pivot and turn on a dime.  
+
* Great manoeuvrability, able to pivot and turn on a dime.
 
* Certain redundant parts of the turret can be used as extra protection against chemical ammunition, or to bait shots from impatient opponents.
 
* Certain redundant parts of the turret can be used as extra protection against chemical ammunition, or to bait shots from impatient opponents.
* Turret armour can withstand direct hits from enemy tanks.  
+
* Turret armour can withstand direct hits from enemy tanks.
 
* Engine & external fuel tank is able to prevent APFSDS from penetrating and knocking the tank out if shot at the front, head on.
 
* Engine & external fuel tank is able to prevent APFSDS from penetrating and knocking the tank out if shot at the front, head on.
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Only has generation one gunner & thermals optics.
+
* Only has first generation gunner & thermals optics.
* Hits to the upper half of hull can bypass all the screens and modules and go straight for the ammo or crew as the engine is not tall enough to absorb the shot - attacks from high ground are particularly dangerous.  
+
* Hits to the upper half of the hull can bypass all the screens and modules and go straight for the ammo or crew as the engine is not tall enough to absorb the shot - attacks from high ground are particularly dangerous.
*Due to the placement of the external fuel tank, which is placed in front of the engine. It absorbs the kinetic force of the round - Thus gets set on fire and blocks gunner view from the front with thick smoke.  
+
*Due to the placement of the external fuel tank, which is placed in front of the engine. It absorbs the kinetic force of the round - Thus gets set on fire and blocks gunner view from the front with thick smoke.
* Engine exhaust is placed on the right hand side of the tank, the exhaust gas limits the gunner view, since the gunner can only see exhaust gas when traveling.  
+
* Engine exhaust is placed on the right hand side of the tank, the exhaust gas limits the gunner view, since the gunner can only see exhaust gas when traveling.
* Night battles, exhaust gas blocks out the right hand side of the vehicle from the gunner view.    
+
* In night battles, exhaust gas blocks out the right hand side of the vehicle from the gunner view.
* Weak side and rear amour, well placed shot here can knock the tank out.
+
* Weak side and rear amour, well placed shot here can knock the tank out.
 
* Tall profile compared to other tanks in this tier.
 
* Tall profile compared to other tanks in this tier.
  
 
== 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).''
+
 
 +
The Merkava Mk.3 was an improved model of the Merkava Mk.2 that was introduced in 1989 for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). It featured improvements in firepower, mobility, and electronics. It was in production from 1989 to 2003 and remains the most numerous tank in service with the IDF.
 +
 
 +
One of the most major changes was the change to the main armament. The 105 mm gun of the Mk.2 was replaced by a 120 mm gun produced by Israeli Military Industries (IMI) in Israel. The engine was also replaced by a more powerful 1,200 hp diesel engine. The turret was also heavily modified to allow target tracking independent of the hull's movements. Additionally, a two-way phone was added for communication between the tank crew and friendly infantry, the ammunition stowage was redesigned for more safety, and laser designators were added. The weight was increased to 65 tons, but the more powerful engine increased the maximum speed to 60 kph.
 +
 
 +
The Merkava Mk.3 Baz was an improved model that was introduced in 1995. It featured a nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) protection system, an air-conditioning unit, and an upgraded fire control system (FCS).
 +
 
 +
The Merkava Mk.3D was a further improvement that added modular composite armor on both the chassis and turret, visually most notable on the turret.
 +
 
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/6877-development-crafting-event-strategist-merkava-mk-3d-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
Immediately after production of the Merkava Mk.2 began in 1983, Israeli engineers began working on the new Mk.3 version of the MBT. The Merkava Mk.3 introduced significant improvements over preceding variants in almost all aspects. Primarily however, the focus of the upgrades was centered around improving protection - by adding additional armor to the hull - as well as mounting the newly developed IMI MG251 120 mm smoothbore cannon, purpose-built for the new modification of the Merkava, in order to increase firepower.
 +
 
 +
Production of the Merkava Mk.3 began in the late 1980s, with the first vehicles reaching troops in December 1989. The Merkava Mk.3 remained in production until 2003 by which time around 650 vehicles were built. Thus, the Merkava Mk.3 belongs to the spearhead of Israel's armored units in the present day.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 294: Line 315:
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
 
  
 
* [[wikipedia:Merkava#Merkava_Mark_III|[Wikipedia] Merkava Mark III]]
 
* [[wikipedia:Merkava#Merkava_Mark_III|[Wikipedia] Merkava Mark III]]
 +
* [[wt:/en/news/6877-development-crafting-event-strategist-merkava-mk-3d-en|[Devblog] Crafting event "Strategist": Merkava Mk.3D]]
  
 
{{USA medium tanks}}
 
{{USA medium tanks}}

Revision as of 07:17, 17 November 2020

▃Merkava Mk.3D
us_merkava_mk_3d.png
▃Merkava Mk.3D
AB RB SB
11.0 11.0 11.0
Class:
Show in game
MARKET
This page is about the American medium tank Merkava Mk.3D (USA). For other versions, see Merkava (Family).

Description

GarageImage Merkava Mk.3D (USA).jpg


The ▃Merkava Siman 3 Dor Dalet is a gift rank VII American medium tank with a battle rating of 11.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update "Raining Fire" as a reward for the 2020 Wargame "Strategist" event.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armour type:

  • Cast homogeneous armour (Hull, turret)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Sides)
  • Composite screens* (Turret front, hull front left, sideskirts)
    • with NERA elements**
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 60** mm (78-90°), 60 mm (66-73°) (+ 30* mm (74°) left) Upper glacis
90 mm (36°), 50 mm (59°) + 20 mm (60°) Lower glacis
50 mm (12°) + 15 mm 30 mm (0-39°) 20 mm
Turret 170 mm + 40* mm (0-68°) Turret cheeks
30-400 mm (0-78°) + 100 mm Gun mantlet
40 mm (68-81°) + 50* mm (78°) Upper
60 mm + 5 mm (0-60°) 40 mm 40 mm Front
20 mm Rear
Armour Roof
Cupola 30 mm
Effective protection Front
Turret Turret front:
200 mm Kinetic
1,500 mm Chemical

Notes:

  • Tracks are 30 mm thick
  • Road wheels are 20 mm thick

Mobility

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 67 29 65 1,860 2,290 28.62 35.23
Realistic 60 26 1,061 1,200 16.32 18.46

Armaments

Main armament

Main article: IMI MG251 (120 mm)
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 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
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 625 622 613 601 588 575
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M325 HEATFS 1,078 15.81 0.05 1 2,360 65° 72° 77°
M339 HE-TF 900 17 1.5 3 3,660 79° 80° 81°
M322 APFSDS 1,705 4.3 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Merkava Mk.3D (USA)
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
46 45 (+1) 43 (+3) 42 (+4) (+40) (+45) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Rack n°5 is a ready rack containing 5 shells.
  • This rack gets filled first when loading up the tank and is also emptied first.
  • The depletion order at full capacity is: 5 - 1 - 2 up to 4.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 4 into rack 5. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  • The double rack n°4 depletes row by row from top to bottom (starting with the right rack).

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 900 (200) 577 N/A N/A
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 5,950 (200) 600 N/A N/A
Commander's cupola 1,750 (200) 600 -5°/+50° -60°/+120°
Loader's cupola 1,750 (200) 600 -5°/+50° ±120°

Usage in battles

The Merkava Mk.3D offers an excellent cannon and great manoeuvrability, along with great frontal armour protection. The front of the tank is heavily armoured with angled armour plates, providing protection of over 300 mm. The only main weakness of this legendary tank is it's side and rear armour. On the sides, the NERA armour only covers the top half, above the composite screen plates. The composite screen plates can provide over 500 mm or protection. On the rear, the spaced armour only protects the crew compartments with 900 mm of air protection. Internally, the storage bins are covered in a fireproof container, with no ammunition stored in the turret. This reduces the risks of the ammunition being destroyed by a fire.

How to combat enemy tanks

Using the M325 HEATFS Round: is a High Explosive Anti Tank Fin Stabilised round, with a velocity of 1,078 meters per seconds, with a war head mass of 15.81 Kg. This round provides a maximum penetration of 480 mm at all ranges. To get the best from this round, you must aim for weakly armoured places on the enemy tank, generally the weakest places are the sides and rear of the enemy tank. At rank seven, most MBT's are heavily armoured with ERA plates which can defeat these types of rounds, with ease. However, it does not mean these rounds are usless, in-fact they are very good, instead of being able to single shot an enemy tank, it only requires an additional reload or two. The first shot, will most likely knock off and destroy the ERA plate. The second shot, will penetrate and knock the tank out.

Using the M339: HE-TF Round: is a High Explosive Timed Fused round, with a velocity of 900 meters per seconds, with a war head mass of 17 Kg. The maximum Penetration of the round is 65 mm, which is more than enough to penetrate the roofs of the enemy tanks, at rank seven. This round allows you to knockout targets which are hiding behind rocks, vehicles, houses and other objects. The round works by recording the distance to the target then denoting on them. To get the best out of this round fire above the target, allowing it to explode thus the enemy tank gets knocked out by being penetrated by the roof.

Using the M399: APFSDS Round: is one of the best rounds in the game it provides up to 625 mm of penetration. It is able to virtually penetrate almost any armour in the game at incredible lengths, at close range it is able to make the enemy tanker, go, pop.

How to combat enemy helicopters

The Merkava Mk.3D has four machine guns, one 12.7 mm mounted on the cannon, with an additional 7.62 mm machine gun mounted on each of the Commander's & Loader's cupola's and finally a coaxial 7.62 mm. The Merkava Mk.3D, is able to handle airborne threats extremally well, with it's LWS/LR system it alerts you to when someone is locking on with a laser range finder, which are installed in most if not all high ranking helicopters. When a notification pops up, switch to gunner sight and enable the thermal sight, look around in the sky and you will see brightly lit dot - if it flying away from you ignore it. If it is coming closer, keep an eye on it and wait until it is close enough for you to engage it.

However, if it has fired it's ATGM's pop smoke and retreat behind an object, until it's missile has blown up. Then locate it and fire the four machine guns, it will be able to bring it down. Or a using the M332 or M325 round a single hit in the fuselage will knock it out.

Capitalising on the terrain and environments

Capitalising on urban maps and environments:

When engaged in combat on a map which features an urban close range environment, the Merkava Mk.3D provides great threat to any enemy tanker. The manoeuvrability, is one of the best in the game, it is able to pivot on the spot and change course. If that is due to a sudden appearance of enemy tank which has appeared or if the strategic interest has changed, the MK.3D is able to handle it. To get the best out of the Mk.3D, either flank around the urban parts of the map or stay & utilise the compact urban environment.

To utilise the compact urban environment, stay close to buildings, use the buildings to your advantage. Using the buildings will allow you to dominate the battle zone, it's 120mm cannon is able to destroy enemy tanks with ease, especially at close ranges. It is important not to stay in the middle the roads or open areas which offers no concealment. The Merkava Mk.3D, is a tall tank, it is taller than the M1 Abrams family of tanks This means, you can be seen and shot at by the enemy team, it is not a sleek low profile tank like the HSTV-L.

Capitalising on rural maps and rural terrain:

To capitalise on rural maps head into the forest, and stay in the forest it's important not to leave the forest or rural terrain like this. This type of terrain offers great protection and makes the Merkava Mk.3D almost invisible to the enemy. The thermal profile is reduced by the vegetation, which blocks the heat signature. It's very important to use the correct camouflage, which helps to make you harder to detect.

The Merkava Mk.3D 120 mm gun is able to snipe the enemy tanks from far and wide. to win do not keep firing from one spot, after every shot move to another location using the rural vegetation to make you stealthy and remain unseen. The MK.3D has a thermal sight, that allows you to find the enemy tanks in situations like this. The gunner sight also provides a zoom of 6 to 12x allowing for pin-point shots combined with the M322 round - makes for one of the most lethal tanks in the game.

Night Battles:

Do not expose the right hand side of the tank, due to the exhaust gas which will make it impossible for you to locate and knockout enemy tankers with the thermal sight. Instead, keep the left hand side of the tank exposed towards the enemy frontline. It's also as important keep an eye out for air threats such as Ka-52, Mi-28N, EC-665 Tiger UHT, AH-64D and other helicopters.

Modules

Tier Mobility Protection Firepower
I Tracks Parts Horizontal Drive
II Suspension Brake System FPE Adjustment of Fire LWS/LR
III Filters Crew Replenishment Elevation Mechanism M322
IV Transmission Engine ESS Smoke grenade Artillery Support NVD

A tip for grinding it:

Unlock parts first, horizontal drive, FPE, Adjustment of fire then M322. Everything after these can be unlocked after.

The M322 round offers up to 625 mm of penetration, it is able to penetrate most tanks at distance with ease allowing for other parts to be unlocked faster.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Has access to one of the best penetrating APFSDS round in the game.
  • Has access to timed HE, which can be set to detonate at a very specific distance, for example just behind enemy ammunition panel or above a light tank completely hidden behind cover
  • Timed HE round has a less sensitive detonator than normal HE-type shells, so it can overcome common obstacles such as bushes and fences.
  • Great survivability, thanks to its internal layout.
  • Ammo storage is wrapped in a fire proof container, preventing it from denotating in-case of a fire, inside of the tank.
  • Great manoeuvrability, able to pivot and turn on a dime.
  • Certain redundant parts of the turret can be used as extra protection against chemical ammunition, or to bait shots from impatient opponents.
  • Turret armour can withstand direct hits from enemy tanks.
  • Engine & external fuel tank is able to prevent APFSDS from penetrating and knocking the tank out if shot at the front, head on.

Cons:

  • Only has first generation gunner & thermals optics.
  • Hits to the upper half of the hull can bypass all the screens and modules and go straight for the ammo or crew as the engine is not tall enough to absorb the shot - attacks from high ground are particularly dangerous.
  • Due to the placement of the external fuel tank, which is placed in front of the engine. It absorbs the kinetic force of the round - Thus gets set on fire and blocks gunner view from the front with thick smoke.
  • Engine exhaust is placed on the right hand side of the tank, the exhaust gas limits the gunner view, since the gunner can only see exhaust gas when traveling.
  • In night battles, exhaust gas blocks out the right hand side of the vehicle from the gunner view.
  • Weak side and rear amour, well placed shot here can knock the tank out.
  • Tall profile compared to other tanks in this tier.

History

The Merkava Mk.3 was an improved model of the Merkava Mk.2 that was introduced in 1989 for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). It featured improvements in firepower, mobility, and electronics. It was in production from 1989 to 2003 and remains the most numerous tank in service with the IDF.

One of the most major changes was the change to the main armament. The 105 mm gun of the Mk.2 was replaced by a 120 mm gun produced by Israeli Military Industries (IMI) in Israel. The engine was also replaced by a more powerful 1,200 hp diesel engine. The turret was also heavily modified to allow target tracking independent of the hull's movements. Additionally, a two-way phone was added for communication between the tank crew and friendly infantry, the ammunition stowage was redesigned for more safety, and laser designators were added. The weight was increased to 65 tons, but the more powerful engine increased the maximum speed to 60 kph.

The Merkava Mk.3 Baz was an improved model that was introduced in 1995. It featured a nuclear, biological, chemical (NBC) protection system, an air-conditioning unit, and an upgraded fire control system (FCS).

The Merkava Mk.3D was a further improvement that added modular composite armor on both the chassis and turret, visually most notable on the turret.

Devblog

Immediately after production of the Merkava Mk.2 began in 1983, Israeli engineers began working on the new Mk.3 version of the MBT. The Merkava Mk.3 introduced significant improvements over preceding variants in almost all aspects. Primarily however, the focus of the upgrades was centered around improving protection - by adding additional armor to the hull - as well as mounting the newly developed IMI MG251 120 mm smoothbore cannon, purpose-built for the new modification of the Merkava, in order to increase firepower.

Production of the Merkava Mk.3 began in the late 1980s, with the first vehicles reaching troops in December 1989. The Merkava Mk.3 remained in production until 2003 by which time around 650 vehicles were built. Thus, the Merkava Mk.3 belongs to the spearhead of Israel's armored units in the present day.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

External links


USA medium tanks
M2  M2
M3  M3 Lee · ▃Grant I
M4  M4 · Calliope · M4A1 · M4A1 (76) W · M4A2 · M4A2 (76) W · M4A3 (105) · M4A3 (76) W · M4/T26
M26 Pershing  T20 · T25 · M26 · M26 T99 · M26E1
M46/47/48 Patton  M46 · M46 "Tiger" · M47 · M48A1 · T54E1 · T54E2
M60  M60 · M60A1 (AOS) · M60A1 RISE (P) · M60A2 · M60A3 TTS · M728 CEV · 120S
MBT-70  MBT-70 · XM803
M1 Abrams  XM1 (Chrysler) · XM1 (GM)
  M1 Abrams · M1 KVT · IPM1
  M1A1 · M1A1 HC · M1A1 Click-Bait
  M1A2 Abrams · M1A2 SEP · M1A2 SEP V2
Other  T95E1
Australia  M1A1 AIM
Canada  M4A5
Israel  ▃Magach 3 (ERA) · ▃Merkava Mk.1 · ▃Merkava Mk.2B · ▃Merkava Mk.3D
Turkey  M60 AMBT