saumurs merkava

photos of saumurs Merkava 1 "click on photo"

dennis

 

Thanks for sharing Dennis.
Great shots.
Yup, I've a Merkava in my model-collection. One of my favorite contemporary designs... and unique for an MBT with the ability to transport troops.
And that "chain-mail" on the rear of the turret bustle?
Oooooh. Ahhhhh.

Tim

 

Merkava 1 at saumur

I'm almost positive the chain and balls were made of plastic

Dennis

 

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old question from an old thread , what are those danggly bits for ?
it's got to be something linked ( pun ) to civilian control ( euphemism )

the folder read empty ?!
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Merkava 1 at saumur

jeager, sorry about album disappearing it was webshots fault, have now re posted all the photos, I thought the balls and chain was to deflect small arms firing as its above entrance to the tank

Dennis

 

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Got it , excellent !! . as for the balls and chains , they are located to " protect " the overhang at the back , a few month ago ,I got on the tsahal web site and asked but never got an answers ,
I'm thinking maybe to stop someone from jamming the turret with a metal wedge ??? ( guessing really )

the gills on the sides of the chassis at the front looks like they are air intake ?? if so it would be the place with the least dust , and a really massive amount of basket storage space !!


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IIRC the balls & chains are a defence against RPG-type rounds.

 

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Ricky , I can live with that explonation , but why only at the back of the turret ?? ,
This thing bug me , I've got the vision of an aussie bush hat with the dangling balls


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jeag:
My understanding is these chains are only at the back of the turret because of the shot-trap resulting from the design of the bustle and rear-deck.
It appears an RPG or main-gun round would be deflected down into the crew/troop compartment, or enter the turret itself.
Still, the arrangement results in a nice piece of jewelry.

Tim

 

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Ok , i'll go with this , others modern tanks ( except the hypothetical black eagle ) do not have much of a bustle , so would not need to copy this very decorative item .



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