Adraste

Anyone wants laser system for the ground forces?
 
 

Ok since i developed some kind of an obsession for counting pixels i had to make an estimation for the Merkava 4 UFP thickness. Of course the results are just estimates because angle of the image and all that.

 

 
 
I have to say that the results are very close to what @Mighty_Zuk came up with many many pages ago. 

EDIT: as an added comment, given these numbers i don't think that we should consider Merkava 4 UFP as "thin" compared to other MBTs. 600-650mm LOS is thicker than UFP of soviet made MBTs such as T-80 and T-90. Now, how this physical thickness translates into protection effectiveness is another issue entirely. 

https://elbitsystems.com/pr-new/israeli-ministry-of-defense-selects-elbit-systems-iron-fist-light-decoupled-active-protection-system-for-the-eitan-afv/
 
Israeli Ministry of Defense Selects Elbit Systems’ Iron Fist Light Decoupled Active Protection System for the Eitan AFV

During discussion of ATGMs on otvaga forum members went intoa field of types of guidance/homing system on modern ATGMs like Spike and MMP. Both of them have 2 channel imaging system (visible light/TV and IR), but their exact implementation is different.

   Spike ER2 have 2 visible optics lenses for thermal imager and visible light camera build into single unit. in such set up TV camera may see things a bit different thanks to different shape/angle of transparent nose in front of it compared to what thermal imager can see. 
 
   French MMP have different execution of their sensor

 
 
   Their optics assembly is 2 sided, each side is occupied by one channel - TV and thermal imager on the other side. Here is TV camera visible on MMP:

 
   So it is possible that Spike ER2 can switch channels mid flight, while MMP probably would have problems with losing target during rotation of their optics array assembly to 2nd channel, especially moving target.
 
   Some videos of MMP firing using TV or thermal optics. 
 
 

Pre-serial production variant.

 
Prototype:

 
Noticeable differences:
Lower (fog?) lights are protected. Storage boxes on the sides appear to be somewhat extended downwards, with the central one being significantly enlarged. UFP has a little bump in the middle. Rear sponsons were somewhat changed. Smoke grenade launchers were removed. New commander's cupola? Sides are now protruding outwards, due to the installation of the new armor modules. New tires and wheel design. Different headlights.  
 

if you really know what is is, you are MOST DEFINITELY not supposed to write a post about it!

A few pics from the recent flare-up
 

 
 

A few pics from the recent flare-up
 

 
 

A few pics from the recent flare-up
 

 
 

A few pics from the recent flare-up
 

 
 

A few pics from the recent flare-up
 

 
 

The following news should warm the hearts of every IDF armor's enthusiasts:
 
According to the latest bulletin of the DSGA Agency, the US has approved Namer engine sale to Israel, 270 "APC-MT883" without transmission for $238 million. 
https://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/israel-namer-armored-personnel-carrier-apc-mt883-power-packs-less-transmissions
 
If the DSCA is correct (and I bet they are) , that would mean the Namer will benefit from the same powerpack as the Merkava MK4. The smaller and more powerful MTU engine will allow the Namer to keep the pace with the Merkava mk4 and could possibly lengthen the crew compartment to allow more available seats for the dismounted infantrymen from 9 to 10-12?
 
PS: Jane's is also reporting the news
 

Going to the 24/7 supermarket in Israel be like :
 

The ATK 50mm gun as shown in the Griffin demonstrator would be a more promising fit for the Carmel even if it means slightly lenghting the turret to accomodate the bigger ammos. The Carmel deserves a next-gen gun.

May be usefull:
English version FragOut! whit my article Javelin vs Spike:
 
https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1064315-frag-out-magazine-22/0?
 
page 48.
 

The tank upgrade rotations are one battalion per year. There are typically 3 battalions per traditional brigade (armored, pre-BCT), so it's a 3 year process (won't withdraw from the Merkava 4M production though), and it should initiate once the trials for the system are done and it's cleared for production.
 
Now, in February this year an experimental tank was shown with the system, along with an official statement that the process should take 3 years. Since the last enlistment cycle of the year is in November, I assume we should see the first battalion operational with the tank around January-February 2019.

From the document attached below (it is from Italian DoD) it seems that an IVECO engine could  be used on the Eitan.  Any information ? thanks
 
https://www.difesa.it/SGD-DNA/Staff/DT/TERRARM/AvvisoPN/Documents/2018/15_avviso_istallazione_Power_Pack.pdf
 
 
Google translantion:
 
Ministry of Defence
GENERAL SECRETARIAT OF DEFENSE AND NATIONAL ARMAMENT DIRECTION
TERRESTRIAL ARMAMENT DIRECTION
III DEPARTMENT - 7TH DIVISION
Address: Via di Centocelle, 301 -00175 Rome
NOTICE OF NEGOTIATED PROCEDURE
WITHOUT PREVIOUS PUBLICATION OF THE NOTICE OF COMPETITION
 
This Direction is planning the procurement engineering study for the installation and
the integration of a "POWER-PACK" (engine and gearbox) on the Israeli EITAN 8X8 vehicle in the field
of ITA-ISR Cooperation armored vehicles - Project Arrangement 1 (PA1).
The Management intends to adopt a negotiated procedure without prior publication of the call for tender with the
IVECO Defense Vehicles company as the holder of the POWER-PACK design Authority.
The use of the negotiated procedure is therefore justified pursuant to art. 18 paragraph 2d) of Legislative Decree 208/11
for reasons relating to the protection of exclusive rights.
Any information on the funding may be requested from the Public Relations Office - Via
di Centocelle, 301 - 00175 Rome - from 08.30 to 14.00 (Monday to Friday) tel. 06.46913.3102
- 06.46913.3103 - email: vdturp@terrarm.difesa.it - Code of Practice __________________.
THE DIRECTOR
(Ten Gen. Francesco CASTRATARO)
 

Some Spike ER2 Porn. You can see the range in the middle at the bottom of the screen. It crossed the 10km range mark on multiple occasion
 
 

Credits @ Zachi Evenor