Sho't Kal Gimel

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Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Israeli medium tank Sho't Kal Gimel. For other versions, see Sho't (Family).
Sho't Kal Gimel
il_centurion_shot_kal_gimel.png
GarageImage Sho't Kal Gimel.jpg
Sho't Kal Gimel
AB RB SB
8.7 8.7 8.7
Class:
Research:135 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:380 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Sho't Kal Gimel is a rank VI Israeli medium tank with a battle rating of 8.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Wind of Change".

A modernization of the Israeli fleet of Centurion tanks using NATO equipment, including a new 105 mm cannon, Continental engine, and ERA packs: the Sho't Kal Gimel shares similar capabilities to previous Sho't Kal series tanks with better chemical protection.

The name "Sho't Kal Gimel" can be roughly translated as Centurion tank with Continental engine (Kal) Model C (Gimel is the 3rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet). "Sho't" is the codename for Israeli Centurion tanks and literally means "Whip".

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull127 / 50 / 38
Turret152 / 89 / 89
Crew4 people
Visibility119 %

The overall appearance of the Sho't Kal Gimel is very similar to its predecessor, the Alef; but in view of the intensity of the Middle Eastern Wars, the Gimel installed the Blazer ERA covering its front and some parts of its sides, as well as an extra layer of armour plate welded on the UFP, increasing its odds to survive a hit. The IDF also installed additional machine guns, so players can tell it's a Sho't Kal Gimel right away. Although the installation of ERA helped improved its odds against HEAT shells, but later missiles or kinetic shells will easily penetrate the obsolete base armour all-around.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, turret roof)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, gun mantlet)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 76.2 + 51 mm (57°) Upper glacis
76.2 mm (46°) Lower glacis
50.8 mm (12°) 38 mm (8°) Top
20 mm (62°) Bottom
127.2 mm (33°) Front glacis
29 mm Driving compartment
29 mm Engine compartment
10 mm Engine vents
Turret 89 mm (cylindrical) Turret front
100 - 230 mm Gun mantlet
89 mm (8°) 89 mm 50.8 mm (23-33°) Outer edge
29 mm Centre
Cupola 152 mm 152 mm (cylindrical) Front half
90 mm (cylindrical) Rear half
90 mm (cylindrical) 29 mm

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, tracks, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick.
  • Side skirts are 6 mm thick
  • Blazer ERA bricks cover the upper front glacis, the gun mantlet and the turret front.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB54 / 9 km/h
RB and SB49 / 8 km/h
Number of gears6 forward
2 back
Weight54.0 t
Engine power
AB1 431 hp
RB and SB750 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB26.5 hp/t
RB and SB13.9 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 54 9 54 1,162 1,431 21.52 26.5
Realistic 49 8 663 750 12.28 13.89

The overall mobility, thanks to the new Continental AVDS-1790-2A diesel engine and Allison CD-850-6A transmission, has vastly improved from original Centurions (48 km/h vs 35 km/h forward) and oddly enough, Gimel is lighter than Alef, meaning the overall mobility is better. While it is nowhere close to Soviet or later NATO tanks in terms of power-weight ratio, it is still sufficient to keep up with the rest of the team.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 857 → 6 090 Sl icon.png
RB4 186 → 6 609 Sl icon.png
SB5 351 → 8 449 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications113 200 Rp icon.png
194 600 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 300 Ge icon.png
Crew training110 000 Sl icon.png
Experts380 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces830 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
140 / 200 / 240 % Sl icon.png
208 / 208 / 208 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement il.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods night vision device.png
NVD
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 200 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M735_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
7 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.

Main armament

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° / 18°
Main article: Sharir (105 mm)

The main gun "Sharir" (lit. "Strong") is identical to NATO's L7 105 mm guns in many aspects. In particular, the Gimel has access to APFSDS round that further enhance its odds to penetrate enemies.

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 72 -10°/+18° ±180° Two-plane 22.8 31.6 38.4 42.5 45.2 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 14.3 16.8 20.4 22.6 24.0

Ammunition

The Sho't Kal Gimel shares most of the shells from the previous Alef while also having access to APFSDS rounds.

The stock M152 HEATFS, while mostly sufficient to penetrate tanks of the era with 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.

M156 shell, aka L35, 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.

M111 APFSDS, aka DM23, is found on some other NATO vehicles and they perform identically. Being a long-rod dart, this shell can safely penetrate most tanks it might face at the rank. This will be the go-to round for the tank.

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
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%
M152 HEATFS 1,173 10.5 0.05 0.1 1,270 65° 72° 77°
M156 HESH 732 14.85 0.1 4 4,310 73° 77° 80°
M111 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 N/A N/A N/A 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 730 11.4 20 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) (+67) (+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

Ammunition1 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Ammunition1 250 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
Ammunition3 500 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min

Although a M2HB is mounted onto the tank, it was mounted on the mantlet and only serves as one of the coaxial machine guns, this hinders its capabilities to fight back against oncoming aircraft or helicopters; but in case players do need a way to fight back, there are still 2 L3A1 (M1919A3) onboard as a last-ditch option.

12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,000 (200) 577 N/A N/A
7.62 mm L3A1
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 1,250 (250) 500 N/A N/A
Pintle (loader) 1,750 (250) 500 -10°/+12° -120°/+80°
Pintle (commander) 1,750 (250) 500 -10°/+50° -80°/+120°

Usage in battles

Players of the previous Sho't Kal Alef will quickly find themselves at home since the overall handling of Gimel is very similar, if not identical to the aforementioned. Gimel has an extra layer of armour on its UFP as well as Blazer ERA on some areas of the tank; while this can help it survive full-calibre and HEAT shells, it will not survive any late Cold War-era missiles or most APFSDS. The cramped interior also means any penetrating shots will cause extensive damage to the crew and compartment. Thus, it is best to stay away from heated battlefields and never rush in Sho't Kal Gimel (its inferior speed also helps to limit this).

However, this tank does still have some advantages: it has access to APFSDS, although not having the highest penetration at its rank, it is sufficient to tear through enemy armour from a distance. It might not have the best gun optics or handling due to the obsolete nature of Centurion chassis, but it can still serve its purpose if used with caution.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extra protection on its UFP and access to ERA, enhancing some of its survivability
  • Access to APFSDS
  • Smoke shells to block enemies' sight and high smoke grenade counts
  • Sufficient rate of fire

Cons:

  • Relatively slow compared to its competitors
  • Slow gun traverse speed
  • Cramped crew and compartments
  • Rather bad gun optics

History

After the earlier modification of Sho't (Centurion in Israel service) with NATO equipment by 1974, the Gimel (C) modification of Sho't Kal installed additional machine guns, new 10-shot smoke grenade launcher on its turret sides, as well as enhanced protection with a new welded armour plate on its UFP and new Blazer ERA packs on some areas of the tank.

This variant was decommissioned alongside with its fellow Sho't Kal variants in 2007.

Media

Skins

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

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
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 · Raam Segol
  Merkava Mk.4B · Merkava Mk.4M · Merkava Mk.4 LIC