War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Merkava Mk.4B

2023-02-08T08:12:13Z

U91572841: Fixed some discrepancies in my writing.

{{About
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Merkava (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=il_merkava_mk_4b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

The Merkava is not a small tank by any metric, being very wide and tall. This makes you a big target for enemies.

The Merkava is strongly protected against HEAT with up to 800-1,200 mm of protection on the turret front, and the UFP having enough protection with its NERA and engine and transmission blocks to stop a Kornet in its tracks.

However, KE protection may be somewhat lacking with average KE protection on the turret front averaging about 450-550mm of KE protection on the turret front and about 350-450mm of protection on the UFP (engine and transmission protection included) which for top tier is not quite adequate.

The Merkava also features a unique armour layout being the only tank aside from the Strv 122B PLSS to fit NERA not only on front and side of the turret, but also the front and side of the hull too. it is also the only tank to fit NERA on its roof which historically was to defend from roof fired RPGs.

All in all, the Merkava's armour is somewhat lacking in some areas but can more then compensate in others.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (74°) ''Upper plate'' 50 mm (39-58°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50 mm ''Top'' 50 mm ''Bottom'' || 30 mm (1-45°) || 30 mm
|-
| Turret || 40-230 mm (9-62°) ''Turret front'' 197 mm (1°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 38 mm (17°) || 20 mm (1°) || 25-45 mm
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Composite armour !! Frontal effective protection !! Sides
|-
| Hull || '''Upper glacis:''' 300-450 mm ''Kinetic'' / 1,050-1,300 mm ''Chemical'' (engine block included) '''Lower glacis:''' 180-330 mm ''Kinetic'' / 250-400 mm ''Chemical'' (engine block included) || '''Side:''' 50-228 mm ''Kinetic'' / 320-475 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|Turret || '''Turret cheeks:''' 380-620 mm ''Kinetic'' / 920-1,100 mm ''Chemical'' '''Turret sides''' 240-410 mm ''Kinetic'' / 600-1,120 mm ''Chemical''
|
|}
'''Notes:'''



=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}The mobility of the Merkava is about average for an MBT, easily keeping pass with other MBT's thanks to its improved engine over the Merkava Mk.3.

The Merkava may feel quite snappy at low speeds due to its high torque and good gear ratios, it also has neutral steering which makes urban combat much easier.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|IMI MG251 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[IMI MG251 (120 mm)|120 mm IMI MG251]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''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
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.2 || 23.8 || 28.9 || 32.0 || 34.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:IMI MG251 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M325, M339, M322, M338}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''46''' || 30 ''(+16)'' || 13 ''(+33)'' || 11 ''(+35)'' || 1 ''(+45)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,800 (200) || 600 || -5°/+50° || -60°/+120°
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Merkava Merkava performs amazingly at range and can still hold its own in a brawl. It plays somewhat similarly to previous Merkavas requiring a more laid back approach in order to well.

The Merkava can perform somewhat well in urban combat thanks to its great reaction speed and decent mobility forwards and backwards. However, keep in mind other tanks such as the T-72B3 and T-80BVM will easily outclass you in a brawl so pick your targets wisely.

The Merkava has arguably some of the best optics for an MBT in-game due to the commanders sight being very high up and with great zoom at 14x max, and great thermals. this will allow you to play as a sniper on long range maps, being able to acquire and pick off targets with ease as you can play ridges and hills to your advantage.

Also make sure to keep close attention to your Laser Warning System (LWS) and the direction it is alerting you to. As this will alert you of drones, helicopters and tanks, therefore giving you time to throw smoke and take cover from an ATGM or find the direction of a tank lasing you so you can return fire. A good way to tell if its a either a tank or a helicopter/drone locking you is that helicopter and drone locks will always continuously lock you whereas a tank may only give a short 1-2 seconds alert.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has access to 2nd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander
* Excellent mobility, even in reverse
* Great and competitive ammo selection
* LWS gives great protection against tanks, helicopters, and drones alike

'''Cons:'''

* Very vulnerable to most attacks due to a noticeable lack of composite armour or ERA
* Slower reload speed than its NATO counterparts
* Quite big and can be a more appealing target then other tanks

== 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).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_merkava_mk_4b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Merkava (Family)]]
** [[Merkava Mk.4M]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7607-development-merkava-mk-4b-mk-4m-the-chariots-of-modern-warfare-en|[Devblog] Merkava Mk.4B & Mk.4M: The chariots of modern warfare]]

{{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}}
{{Israel medium tanks}}

Merkava Mk.4B

2023-02-06T02:37:01Z

U91572841: Added more to tank history and playstyle

{{About
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Merkava (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=il_merkava_mk_4b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

The Merkava 's armour is VERY strongly protected against HEAT with up to 800-1200mm of protection on the turret front, and the UFP having enough protection with its NERA and engine + transmission to stop a Kornet in its tracks.

However, KE protection may be somewhat lacking with average KE protection on the turret front averaging about 450-550mm of KE protection on the turret front and about 350-450mm of protection on the UFP (engine and transmission protection included) which for top tier is not quite adequate.

The Merkava also features a unique armour layout being the only tank aside from the Strv 122B PLSS to fit NERA not only on front and side of the turret, but also the front and side of the hull too. it is also the only tank to fit NERA on its roof which historically was to defend from roof fired RPG's.

In all the Merkava's armour is somewhat lacking in some areas but can more then compensate in others.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (74°) ''Upper plate''
50 mm (39-58°) ''Lower glacis''
| 50 mm ''Top'' 50 mm ''Bottom'' || 30 mm (1-45°) || 30 mm
|-
| Turret || 40-230 mm (9-62°) ''Turret front'' 197 mm (1°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 38 mm (17°) || 20 mm (1°) || 25-45 mm
|-
| Cupola || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''
{| class="wikitable"
!Composite armour
!Frontal effective protection
!Sides
|-
|Hull
|'''Upper'''
Kinetic: 300-450 mm

Chemical: 1050-1300 mm

(''engine block included'')

'''Lower'''

Kinetic: 180-330 mm

Chemical: 250-400 mm

(''engine block included'')

'''Side'''

Kinetic: 50-228 mm

Chemical: 320-475 mm
|
|-
|Turret
|'''Turret Cheeks'''
Kinetic: 380-620 mm

Chemical: 920-1100 mm

'''Turret Sides'''

Kinetic: 240-410 mm

Chemical: 600-1120 mm
|
|}


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}The mobility of the Merkava is about average for an MBT, easily keeping pass with other MBT's thanks to its improved engine over the Merkava Mk.3.

The Merkava may feel quite snappy at low speeds due to its high torque and good gear ratios, it also has neutral steering which makes urban combat much easier.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|IMI MG251 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[IMI MG251 (120 mm)|120 mm IMI MG251]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''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
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.2 || 23.8 || 28.9 || 32.0 || 34.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:IMI MG251 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M325, M339, M322, M338}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''46''' || 30 ''(+16)'' || 13 ''(+33)'' || 11 ''(+35)'' || 1 ''(+45)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,800 (200) || 600 || -5°/+50° || -60°/+120°
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Merkava plays somewhat similarly to previous Merkava's requiring a more laid back approach in order to well. The Merkava performs amazingly at range and can still hold its own in a brawl.

The Merkava however is not a small tank by any metric, being very wide, and tall, making you an big target for enemies.

The Merkava in more urban combat can perform somewhat well thanks to its great reaction speed and decent mobility forwards and backwards, however keep in mind other tanks such as the T-72B3 and T-80BVM will easily outclass you in a brawl so pick your targets wisely.

The Merkava has arguably some of the best optics for an MBT in-game due to the commanders sight being very high up and with great zoom at 14x max, and great thermals. this will allow you to play as sniper on long range maps with ease as you can play ridges and hills to your advantage.

Also make sure to keep close attention to your Laser Warning System (LWS) and the direction it is alerting you to. As this will alert you of drones and helicopters and tanks, therefore giving you time to throw smoke and take cover from an ATGM or find the direction of a tank lasing you so you can return fire. A good way to tell if its a either a tank or a helicopter/drone locking you is that helicopter and drone locks will always continuously lock you whereas a tank may only give a short 1-2 second alert.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has access to 2nd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander
* Excellent mobility, even in reverse
* Great and competitive ammo selection
* LWS gives great protection against tanks, helicopters, and drones alike

'''Cons:'''

* Very vulnerable to most attacks due to a noticeable lack of composite armour or ERA
* Slower reload speed than its NATO counterparts
* Quite big and can be a more appealing target then other tanks

== History ==

The Merkava 4 main battle tank entered full production in 2001 and began operational training with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) in July 2003. The first battalion of Merkava Mk 4 tanks entered service with the Israel Defence Forces in 2004.

The Ministry of Defence plans to manufacture between 50 and 70 Merkava Mk.4 tanks a year and up to 400 tanks may be manufactured in total, although budgetary constraints put these numbers in doubt. The Merkava 4 has been extensively improved including new armour protection and gun and electronics systems.

Merkava Mk.4 is slightly larger than the Merkava Mk.3, which has been in service with the IDF since 1990. The Merkava 3 is offered for export by SIBAT based in Tel Aviv.

The Merkava 4 is not offered for export but the systems and components are exported. In July 2018, the IDF unveiled the Merkava Mk. 4 Barak, the latest version of the Merkava 4 tank.

The new tank is a smart tank equipped with advanced features such as artificial intelligence, upgraded sensors, and virtual reality (VR) capabilities. A new helmet, known as Iron View, allows soldiers to see outside the combat tank, while a smart mission computer onboard the tank will manage its activities.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_merkava_mk_4b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Merkava (Family)]]
** [[Merkava Mk.4M]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7607-development-merkava-mk-4b-mk-4m-the-chariots-of-modern-warfare-en|[Devblog] Merkava Mk.4B & Mk.4M: The chariots of modern warfare]]

{{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}}
{{Israel medium tanks}}

Merkava Mk.4B

2023-02-05T08:24:11Z

U91572841: Added much more info to the Merkava Mk.4B, W.I.P

{{About
| about = Israeli medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Merkava (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=il_merkava_mk_4b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Israeli medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

The Merkava 's armour is VERY strongly protected against HEAT with up to 800-1200mm of protection on the turret front, and the UFP having enough protection with its NERA and engine + transmission to stop a Kornet in its tracks.

However, KE protection may be somewhat lacking with average KE protection on the turret front averaging about 450-550mm of KE protection on the turret front and about 350-450mm of protection on the UFP (engine and transmission protection included) which for top tier is not quite adequate.

The Merkava also features a unique armour layout being the only tank aside from the Strv 122B PLSS to fit NERA not only on front and side of the turret, but also the front and side of the hull too. it is also the only tank to fit NERA on its roof which historically was to defend from roof fired RPG's.

In all the Merkava's armour is somewhat lacking in some areas but can more then compensate in others.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 50 mm (74°) ''Upper plate''
50 mm (39-58°) ''Lower glacis''
| 50 mm ''Top'' 50 mm ''Bottom'' || 30 mm (1-45°) || 30 mm
|-
| Turret || 40-230 mm (9-62°) ''Turret front'' 197 mm (1°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 38 mm (17°) || 20 mm (1°) || 25-45 mm
|-
| Cupola || N/A || N/A || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''
{| class="wikitable"
!Composite armour
!Frontal effective protection
!Sides
|-
|Hull
|'''Upper'''
Kinetic: 300-450 mm

Chemical: 1050-1300 mm

(''engine block included'')

'''Lower'''

Kinetic: 180-330 mm

Chemical: 250-400 mm

(''engine block included'')

'''Side'''

Kinetic: 50-228 mm

Chemical: 320-475 mm
|
|-
|Turret
|'''Turret Cheeks'''
Kinetic: 380-620 mm

Chemical: 920-1100 mm

'''Turret Sides'''

Kinetic: 240-410 mm

Chemical: 600-1120 mm
|
|}


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}The mobility of the Merkava is about average for an MBT, easily keeping pass with other MBT's thanks to its improved engine over the Merkava Mk.3.

The Merkava may feel quite snappy at low speeds due to its high torque and good gear ratios, it also has neutral steering which makes urban combat much easier.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|IMI MG251 (120 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[IMI MG251 (120 mm)|120 mm IMI MG251]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''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
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 20.2 || 23.8 || 28.9 || 32.0 || 34.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:IMI MG251 (120 mm)/Ammunition|M325, M339, M322, M338}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''46''' || 30 ''(+16)'' || 13 ''(+33)'' || 11 ''(+35)'' || 1 ''(+45)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|4}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (200) || 577 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,800 (200) || 600 || -5°/+50° || -60°/+120°
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Merkava plays somewhat similarly to previous Merkava's requiring a more laid back approach in order to well. it is also not advisable to brawl in the Merkava as its sub par armour at close range may let you down, and you will be easily outclassed by soviet MBT's.

The Merkava however plays amazingly as a sniper mainly thanks to its amazing optics and somewhat decent armour at long range,

=== 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".''

'''Pros:'''

* Has access to 2nd generation thermals for both the gunner and commander
* Excellent mobility, even in reverse
* Great and competitive ammo selection

'''Cons:'''

* Very vulnerable to most attacks due to a noticeable lack of composite armour or ERA
* Slower reload speed than its NATO counterparts

== 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).''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=il_merkava_mk_4b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Merkava (Family)]]
** [[Merkava Mk.4M]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7607-development-merkava-mk-4b-mk-4m-the-chariots-of-modern-warfare-en|[Devblog] Merkava Mk.4B & Mk.4M: The chariots of modern warfare]]

{{TankManufacturer Israeli Ordnance Corps}}
{{Israel medium tanks}}

FAB-5000 (5,000 kg)

2021-04-14T08:21:35Z

U91572841: The History of the FAB 5000 (credit wikipedia

{{DISPLAYTITLE:5,000 kg FAB-5000 bomb}}
== Description ==

[[File:FAB 5000.png|left|thumb|420px|Side view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' bomb.]]
{{break}}
The FAB-5000 is a Soviet high explosive (HE) bomb. It was the largest bomb of the Soviet arsenal during WW2.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|pe-8_m82}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass'''
| 5,080 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass'''
| 3,361 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type'''
| TGA-16
|-
| '''TNT equivalent'''
| 5,041.5 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration'''
| 350 mm
|-
| '''Destruction radius'''
| 105 m
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius'''
| 370 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

With a huge destruction radius of 105 m, nothing that stands near the FAB-5000 is likely to survive. Simply aiming the bomb near a capture zone will guarantee destruction of anything inside of it (this also applies to teammates so be careful!). The fragment dispersion is very effective even past 200 m thanks to almost 2 tons of steel surrounding the TGA-16 explosive filler, more than enough to kill lightly armoured vehicles such as SPGs and SPAA or at least damaging crew. It is important to set a fuse of at least a couple of seconds or to bomb from high altitudes as any planes near the bomb are likely to take critical damage.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

No other bomb in-game compares to the destructive power of the FAB-5000. The nearest counterpart is the Soviet [[FAB-3000M-46 (3,000 kg)|FAB-3000M-46]] used by the Tu-4, Tu-14 and IL-28.

== Usage in battles ==

The FAB-5000 is commonly used for destroying airfields in Air battles, however this requires other bombers in the team to take out bases first. Since the Pe-8 can only carry a single bomb it would be a waste to just use it on a single base.

The FAB-5000 shows its strength best in Ground battles where it is commonly referred to as the "Nuke" due to its large explosive mass. The Pe-8 is easy to shoot down when at low altitude as it is a heavy strategic bomber, and it's safer to bomb from high altitudes where the Pe-8 is far enough away to not be damaged by the bomb's splash damage, even without a fuse. The easiest targets to aim for are capture points as these are the most important areas for tanks to be inside, unfortunately for the tanks by being near the capture point they are very visible from above. Once there are multiple tanks inside of the capture point, the FAB-5000 is the perfect weapon for taking them all out in a single strike as the explosive mass is enough to kill everything inside of it. Meanwhile, the Pe-8 can stay at high altitudes where it is safe from enemy fighters.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Massive explosive mass means precision is not needed
* 105 m lethal radius
* Fragment dispersion radius is large enough to kill un-armoured targets from way beyond the lethal range for armoured targets
* Even the fastest vehicles don't have time to get away from the explosion once the bomb lands

'''Cons:'''

* Due to the bomb being so heavy the Pe-8 carrying it is unable to accelerate to high speeds or climb very high
* The Pe-8 is vulnerable to SPAA
* Low altitude bombing is almost impossible due to the explosion being enough to kill the Pe-8 if it is too close.
* Due to being restricted to high altitude bombing enemies have to stay in the same place for a long time
* The FAB-5000 can be shot down by planes and tanks leading to the bomb to explode mid-air
* Without proper communication, teammates are at high risk of being killed by the bomb

== History ==

Historically the FAB-5000 was developed to target infrastructure like bridges and factories.

The first combat use of the FAB-5000 took place on the night of 28 April 1943, when coastal fortifications at Königsberg were hit. The Pe-8 bomber that released the bomb from an altitude of 5,800 m was shaken by the shockwave of the explosion. On 19 July 1943, during the battle of Kursk, two Pe-8 dropped two bombs on a railroad yard near Orel, ripping apart a 100 m section of the railway and obliterating dozens of railcars and German military vehicles. Railroads and fuel depots had already been hit around Orel with one bomb on 4 June and with two bombs on 3 July. Two attacks were carried out on advancing German troops on 12 July, but further tactical use was suspended to avoid the risk of friendly fire. Soviet sources also claim that two buildings occupied by the Gestapo and the Belarusian Auxiliary Police were demolished by two FAB-5000 bombs at the city of Mogilev, Belarus, apparently on 26 May 1943. On 7 February 1944, another two FAB-5000 bombs were dropped on Helsinki, in the course of the 1944 Great Raids. Soviet sources claim that railway workshops and a cable factory were destroyed. A couple of days later, two more bombs fell on Finland's capital. The last FAB-5000 was dropped on the railway station of Brailiv , Ukraine, on 9 March 1944, during the Soviet offensive on Kamenets-Podolsky pocket, halting all railroad traffic for several days.

the warhead was filled with 3200 kg (7055 lb) of an explosive mixture of TNT, RDX, and aluminium powder. The number of fuses ensured that the force of the blast would disperse laterally, which increases the damage in areas such as industrial compounds and military facilities. In order to load the device, the bomber's bay doors had to remain half-open. The tests, however, were successful. Two bombs were dropped, one from an altitude of 4,000 m and the other from 3,300 m. The first bomb fell in open ground, leaving a crater 6 metres (20 ft) in diameter and 3 metres (9.8 ft) in depth. Grass in a radius of 150 m was charred. The second bomb landed in the woods, and left a crater of 8 metres (26 ft) in diameter and 3 metres (9.8 ft) in depth. Some 600 trees were torn out within a 70 m radius, while 30 percent of the trees within 135 m also fell down. Later tests produced craters up to 20 metres (66 ft) in diameter and 9 metres (30 ft) in depth. The project was brought to the assembly line and the bomb was hastily put in service on 15 February 1943. By the end of the war, 98 FAB-5000s had been delivered to the Soviet Air Forces, all of them produced in 1943.

== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[SC1800B (1,800 kg)]]
* [[FAB-3000M-46 (3,000 kg)]]
* [[H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II (4,000 lb)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:FAB-5000|[Wikipedia] FAB-5000]]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

SD10C (10 kg)

2021-03-18T20:16:53Z

U91572841: pros and cons, description and CHANGE THE HE PENETRATION VALUE

{{DISPLAYTITLE:10 kg SD10C bomb}}
== Description ==

[[File:SD10C.jpg|left|thumb]]
{{break}}
The SD10C was a German anti-personnel bomb, mainly used as a sub-munition in cluster bombs.

The grooves seen on the bomb's body ensured good fragmentation, similar to the Mk 2 "pineapple" hand grenade of the US.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|he51b_2w}}
* {{Specs-Link|he51c1}}
* {{Specs-Link|he51c1_late}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Bomb characteristics
|-
| '''Mass'''
| 10 kg
|-
| '''Explosive mass'''
| 0.75 kg
|-
| '''Explosive type'''
| TNT
|-
| '''TNT equivalent'''
| 0.75 kg
|-
| '''HE max penetration'''
| 11 mm
|-
| '''Destruction radius'''
| N/A
|-
| '''Fragment dispersion radius'''
| 16 m
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

This bomb has an explosive power comparable to that of a 3 inch/76mm HE shell. Its penetration of 11 mm of steel is somewhat not true as it is possible to kill targets with a direct hit to the roof or sides if you are lucky

=== Comparison with analogues ===
The only weapon(s) that can be can be comparable with this bomb is the AO-25M-1 (25kg) or a 75mm or above HE shell

== Usage in battles ==
this bomb would be almost useless if it was not mounted on a Bi-plane (He 51 C-1), as this gives you you the maneuverability to score direct hits on targets. It is most effective to either go into a 90 degree dive onto a tank and drop 2-3 bombs on their roof or do a flyover on a tank and drop 3-6 bombs.(Make sure to use a fuse of 0.5-1 second!) Also you will find it is more then adequate to deal with enemy planes with its maneuverability, although its 7.62mm guns are just ok and useless against bombers and it is very fragile

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Light and easy for new players to learn how to use ground attack weapons.
* A direct hit on most light to medium tanks should destroy the tank
* Great maneuverability to deal with single with planes or avoid AA fire

'''Cons:'''

* Bombs require some skill to score consistent direct hits on tanks

== History ==
''Cannot find any decent infomation on history''

== Media ==

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/LRG/sd10c.htm <nowiki>[warbirdsresourcegroup.org]</nowiki> SD 10C Antipersonnel Bomb]

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]