The project "Merkava-4 Barak". New electronics in the old building
The Israeli army is currently operating the main Tanks several types, the most recent of which is Merkava-4. Armored vehicles of this type meet current requirements, but the military wants to increase the basic characteristics of equipment and improve its combat capabilities. The task of deep modernization of the existing main tank is being solved within the framework of the Merkava-4 Barak project. This project is still in its early stages, but in the near future, the Israel Defense Forces plans to begin testing a prototype, and then to establish serial production of improved equipment.
About the new plans of the IDF in the modernization of armored vehicles became known in March last year. The Israeli press reported that the army intends to continue the development of the Merkava main tank family, and so far it is only a matter of modernizing the existing model. Development of a completely new armored vehicles is not yet proposed. It was reported that the new project will provide for a deep modernization of the newest of the serial tanks - the Merkava-4.
Actually the modernization project was called “Barak” (“Lightning”). According to some assumptions of the recent past, the project gets its name from the new fire control system. Such a choice of names for modernized tanks is a peculiar tradition of the IDF and the Mantak administration, which is responsible for the production of armored vehicles.
In March last year, some information was published about the plans of the army for future modernization. The goals and objectives of the new project were noted, and in addition, ways to solve them were given. Expected these news became a topic for discussion and even controversy.
In the middle of May last year, a conference was held in Latrun on the development of ground forces. During this event, representatives of the army revealed some information about a promising project. Official information clarified and corrected already known data. In addition, there was a new reason for discussing a promising project.
In mid-July of this year, the Israel Defense Forces disclosed new information about the planned modernization of tanks. The existing picture has been re-adjusted and seriously added. Taking into account several official and unofficial publications, you can create an acceptable picture and imagine what the Israeli army wants to receive, and what the industry will offer it. It should be noted that in the framework of the Merkava-4 Barak project, quite complex but interesting tasks were set. How to cope with them the developers of the updated tank - time will tell.
According to official data, the first experimental tank "Merkava-4 Barak" will have to go to the tests in the 2020 year. Only a few months are given for checks and fine-tuning, after which the car can be put into service. The appearance of the relevant document is scheduled for 2021 year. After this, mass production or modernization of the front-line machines should begin. The required quantity and delivery time of "Barracks" has not yet been clarified.
The project "Barak" provides for the preservation of the main elements of the design of the armored vehicle. Also remains unchanged weapons. At the same time, a certain increase in the level of protection was proposed, with a simultaneous increase in basic combat capabilities. Such tasks will be solved by installing new equipment for one purpose or another. Proposed innovations that facilitate the training of crews and operation of armored vehicles in parts.
Not so long ago, the Merkava-4 tanks began to be equipped in droves with the Meil Ruach active defense system. The task of this system is to search for arriving anti-tank ammunition with their subsequent destruction at a safe distance. Within the framework of the “Barak” project, the customer requires that the existing KAZ be upgraded. The main task of such modernization is to increase the degree of automation, including with the acquisition of new opportunities. Thus, the introduction of a new regime was discussed, in which KAZ would automatically target the gun. Thus, active defense will be able to destroy the incoming threat, and tower armament will have to amaze its source.
The project "Merkava-4 Barak" provides for the cardinal processing of electronic equipment of the tank. It is proposed to combine a fire control system, communications equipment and a combat information system in the framework of the so-called. computer tasks. This device will need to collect data from all sensors, as well as receive information from third-party sources. Using the information received, the computer will be able to take on a number of tasks and simplify the work of the crew.
According to the technical task, the computer of tasks must have elements of artificial intelligence, due to which it is proposed to perform certain functions, while assigned to the crew. Electronics will be able to receive and process incoming information, highlighting the main threats and determining their priority. The relevance of the information will also determine the order of its issuance to the commander. It is believed that this approach will reduce the load on the crew and simplify the solution of combat missions.
Lack of capacity of standard viewing devices often force the Merkava commander to pop out of his hatch, which is associated with obvious risks. The IDF no longer wants to put up with unjustified losses of this kind, and therefore the requirements for the Barak project have corresponding requirements. Through the use of new equipment, the military wants to increase the situational awareness of the crew and eliminate the need to go beyond the protected volume.
To solve this problem, it is proposed to use the IronVision survey system. This complex includes a large number of opto-electronic devices located outside the tank, and also has the necessary computing devices. The video signal from the external cameras is displayed on the helmet-mounted crew monitors. Automatic selection of the active camera depending on the position of the tanker's head will allow you to literally look through the armor. Thanks to this, tankers get the opportunity to observe in any sector, while remaining protected by armor.
The IronVision system has already been installed on several armored vehicles of the Israeli army for military tests. It is reported that the main features of this complex have been confirmed in practice, and now it is being considered in the context of the development of tank forces and a new modernization project.
Crew workstations should undergo some updating. Probably the most noticeable change will be the installation of new touch screens. Such equipment is already used on some tanks of the Merkava line, and has proven itself well. In this regard, it was decided to use the screens on future modifications, including Barak.
Due to the new equipment it is planned to simplify not only the conduct of the battle, but also the driving. According to the IDF, the Merkava-4 Barak will receive special sensory systems that will be able to explore the terrain in the immediate vicinity of the tank and find obstacles. Information about the condition of the route will be issued to the driver’s console, which can facilitate its work.
In terms of logistics, existing Israeli tanks meet modern requirements. As for the tank of the near future, in its case, some refinement is needed, aimed at improving and simplifying the service. Also due to such changes, it is planned to increase certain combat capabilities. The army wants the tank "Barak" to continue combat work on 30% longer than the existing equipment.
The project provides for measures related to the simplification of crew training. The computer of tasks will receive a separate virtual reality mode that will allow you to simulate a given environment and provide the necessary video signal or data to crew jobs. It is proposed to ensure the possibility of imitation of combat work on a particular terrain with different combat situations and established by enemy forces.
The presence of such a mode of operation allows you to abandon the individual simulators used for the training of tank crews. In fact, the tank and its crew, without leaving their hangar, will be able to work out the conduct of combat in any terrain and against any enemy. The advantages of this approach are obvious.
***
Official data on the project “Merkava-4 Barak” suggest that the upgraded tanks outwardly almost will not differ from existing armored vehicles. In addition, the characteristics of the own protection of the armored hull and turret, mobility and firepower should remain at the same level. In all these areas we are talking about the preservation of existing devices and products. In fact, the modernization will affect only active protection and on-board electronics, in a most serious way.
Apparently, the customer, represented by AOI, decided that by their firepower the existing Merkava-4 tanks meet the requirements of the times, but for the further growth of combat performance new systems of fire monitoring and control are needed. These tasks are proposed to be solved in the most interesting ways that are not yet widely spread in the world tank building.
For example, of great interest is the requirement to use a helmet mounted monitor that allows you to monitor literally through armor. Due to this, it is expected that it will be possible to get rid of the problems typical of traditional viewing instruments, as well as to ensure the desired situational awareness of the crew. At the same time, the IronVision complex can work not only as a simple means of observation, but also as an element of a fire control system that takes on the tasks of standard monitors at crew workplaces. A significant addition to all this is the ability to monitor the situation without using the open hatch. Also, IronVision can be used for preliminary rough guidance of a weapon - for this, the turret should be automatically rotated in the direction of the tankman’s gaze.
Some of the components of the future modernization of the main Merkava-4 tanks are ready and are being tested. Other products may not yet exist, but should appear in the near future. After the appearance of all the necessary developments, the Mantak administration, which is responsible for the production of armored vehicles, will be able to prepare the necessary prototypes.
At the adjacent enterprises responsible for the supply of necessary components, there is not much time left. The assembly of the first experimental tank Merkava-4 Barak is scheduled for 2020 year. At the same time it is necessary to do without significant errors and flaws, so that the finishing of the machine does not take much time. Otherwise, the Israeli army will not be able to fulfill the existing plans and put the tank into service in 2021.
***
The first serial tanks of the Barak model will appear only at the beginning of the next decade, and the massive modernization of armored vehicles for this project will begin even later. Thus, a significant number of modernized tanks will appear in parts of the AOI no earlier than the mid-twenties. By this time, new challenges and threats may appear on the battlefield, and perhaps the updated tank will be ready for them.
It is curious that while we are talking only about the deep modernization of the existing tank “Merkava-4”. The creation of the next family of armored vehicles, as far as is known, is not planned yet. At the same time, work is underway to create several new types of armored combat vehicles for various purposes. Among other things, a kind of tracked vehicle is created with a combat mass of no more than 40 tons. According to various sources, it will not belong to the class of tanks.
Reports from last year and this year show that the IDF command does not see the point in the speedy creation of a completely new tank to replace the Merkava-4, but it also considers it necessary to further develop this vehicle. The timeline for the implementation of the Barak project shows that the current and ongoing plans of command affect both the immediate and distant future. Apparently, the tanks Merkava-4 Barak will serve at least until the mid-thirties. Whether a fundamentally new tank will appear by this time is unknown. However, before looking for answers to the future questions of the IDF, it is necessary to understand the implementation of current plans.
On the materials of the sites:
http://nvo.ng.ru/
http://isroe.co.il/
http://globalsecurity.org/
http://armyrecognition.com/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
https://oleggranovsky.livejournal.com/
About the new plans of the IDF in the modernization of armored vehicles became known in March last year. The Israeli press reported that the army intends to continue the development of the Merkava main tank family, and so far it is only a matter of modernizing the existing model. Development of a completely new armored vehicles is not yet proposed. It was reported that the new project will provide for a deep modernization of the newest of the serial tanks - the Merkava-4.
Actually the modernization project was called “Barak” (“Lightning”). According to some assumptions of the recent past, the project gets its name from the new fire control system. Such a choice of names for modernized tanks is a peculiar tradition of the IDF and the Mantak administration, which is responsible for the production of armored vehicles.
In March last year, some information was published about the plans of the army for future modernization. The goals and objectives of the new project were noted, and in addition, ways to solve them were given. Expected these news became a topic for discussion and even controversy.
In the middle of May last year, a conference was held in Latrun on the development of ground forces. During this event, representatives of the army revealed some information about a promising project. Official information clarified and corrected already known data. In addition, there was a new reason for discussing a promising project.
In mid-July of this year, the Israel Defense Forces disclosed new information about the planned modernization of tanks. The existing picture has been re-adjusted and seriously added. Taking into account several official and unofficial publications, you can create an acceptable picture and imagine what the Israeli army wants to receive, and what the industry will offer it. It should be noted that in the framework of the Merkava-4 Barak project, quite complex but interesting tasks were set. How to cope with them the developers of the updated tank - time will tell.
According to official data, the first experimental tank "Merkava-4 Barak" will have to go to the tests in the 2020 year. Only a few months are given for checks and fine-tuning, after which the car can be put into service. The appearance of the relevant document is scheduled for 2021 year. After this, mass production or modernization of the front-line machines should begin. The required quantity and delivery time of "Barracks" has not yet been clarified.
The project "Barak" provides for the preservation of the main elements of the design of the armored vehicle. Also remains unchanged weapons. At the same time, a certain increase in the level of protection was proposed, with a simultaneous increase in basic combat capabilities. Such tasks will be solved by installing new equipment for one purpose or another. Proposed innovations that facilitate the training of crews and operation of armored vehicles in parts.
Not so long ago, the Merkava-4 tanks began to be equipped in droves with the Meil Ruach active defense system. The task of this system is to search for arriving anti-tank ammunition with their subsequent destruction at a safe distance. Within the framework of the “Barak” project, the customer requires that the existing KAZ be upgraded. The main task of such modernization is to increase the degree of automation, including with the acquisition of new opportunities. Thus, the introduction of a new regime was discussed, in which KAZ would automatically target the gun. Thus, active defense will be able to destroy the incoming threat, and tower armament will have to amaze its source.
The project "Merkava-4 Barak" provides for the cardinal processing of electronic equipment of the tank. It is proposed to combine a fire control system, communications equipment and a combat information system in the framework of the so-called. computer tasks. This device will need to collect data from all sensors, as well as receive information from third-party sources. Using the information received, the computer will be able to take on a number of tasks and simplify the work of the crew.
According to the technical task, the computer of tasks must have elements of artificial intelligence, due to which it is proposed to perform certain functions, while assigned to the crew. Electronics will be able to receive and process incoming information, highlighting the main threats and determining their priority. The relevance of the information will also determine the order of its issuance to the commander. It is believed that this approach will reduce the load on the crew and simplify the solution of combat missions.
Lack of capacity of standard viewing devices often force the Merkava commander to pop out of his hatch, which is associated with obvious risks. The IDF no longer wants to put up with unjustified losses of this kind, and therefore the requirements for the Barak project have corresponding requirements. Through the use of new equipment, the military wants to increase the situational awareness of the crew and eliminate the need to go beyond the protected volume.
To solve this problem, it is proposed to use the IronVision survey system. This complex includes a large number of opto-electronic devices located outside the tank, and also has the necessary computing devices. The video signal from the external cameras is displayed on the helmet-mounted crew monitors. Automatic selection of the active camera depending on the position of the tanker's head will allow you to literally look through the armor. Thanks to this, tankers get the opportunity to observe in any sector, while remaining protected by armor.
The IronVision system has already been installed on several armored vehicles of the Israeli army for military tests. It is reported that the main features of this complex have been confirmed in practice, and now it is being considered in the context of the development of tank forces and a new modernization project.
Crew workstations should undergo some updating. Probably the most noticeable change will be the installation of new touch screens. Such equipment is already used on some tanks of the Merkava line, and has proven itself well. In this regard, it was decided to use the screens on future modifications, including Barak.
Due to the new equipment it is planned to simplify not only the conduct of the battle, but also the driving. According to the IDF, the Merkava-4 Barak will receive special sensory systems that will be able to explore the terrain in the immediate vicinity of the tank and find obstacles. Information about the condition of the route will be issued to the driver’s console, which can facilitate its work.
In terms of logistics, existing Israeli tanks meet modern requirements. As for the tank of the near future, in its case, some refinement is needed, aimed at improving and simplifying the service. Also due to such changes, it is planned to increase certain combat capabilities. The army wants the tank "Barak" to continue combat work on 30% longer than the existing equipment.
The project provides for measures related to the simplification of crew training. The computer of tasks will receive a separate virtual reality mode that will allow you to simulate a given environment and provide the necessary video signal or data to crew jobs. It is proposed to ensure the possibility of imitation of combat work on a particular terrain with different combat situations and established by enemy forces.
The presence of such a mode of operation allows you to abandon the individual simulators used for the training of tank crews. In fact, the tank and its crew, without leaving their hangar, will be able to work out the conduct of combat in any terrain and against any enemy. The advantages of this approach are obvious.
***
Official data on the project “Merkava-4 Barak” suggest that the upgraded tanks outwardly almost will not differ from existing armored vehicles. In addition, the characteristics of the own protection of the armored hull and turret, mobility and firepower should remain at the same level. In all these areas we are talking about the preservation of existing devices and products. In fact, the modernization will affect only active protection and on-board electronics, in a most serious way.
Apparently, the customer, represented by AOI, decided that by their firepower the existing Merkava-4 tanks meet the requirements of the times, but for the further growth of combat performance new systems of fire monitoring and control are needed. These tasks are proposed to be solved in the most interesting ways that are not yet widely spread in the world tank building.
For example, of great interest is the requirement to use a helmet mounted monitor that allows you to monitor literally through armor. Due to this, it is expected that it will be possible to get rid of the problems typical of traditional viewing instruments, as well as to ensure the desired situational awareness of the crew. At the same time, the IronVision complex can work not only as a simple means of observation, but also as an element of a fire control system that takes on the tasks of standard monitors at crew workplaces. A significant addition to all this is the ability to monitor the situation without using the open hatch. Also, IronVision can be used for preliminary rough guidance of a weapon - for this, the turret should be automatically rotated in the direction of the tankman’s gaze.
Some of the components of the future modernization of the main Merkava-4 tanks are ready and are being tested. Other products may not yet exist, but should appear in the near future. After the appearance of all the necessary developments, the Mantak administration, which is responsible for the production of armored vehicles, will be able to prepare the necessary prototypes.
At the adjacent enterprises responsible for the supply of necessary components, there is not much time left. The assembly of the first experimental tank Merkava-4 Barak is scheduled for 2020 year. At the same time it is necessary to do without significant errors and flaws, so that the finishing of the machine does not take much time. Otherwise, the Israeli army will not be able to fulfill the existing plans and put the tank into service in 2021.
***
The first serial tanks of the Barak model will appear only at the beginning of the next decade, and the massive modernization of armored vehicles for this project will begin even later. Thus, a significant number of modernized tanks will appear in parts of the AOI no earlier than the mid-twenties. By this time, new challenges and threats may appear on the battlefield, and perhaps the updated tank will be ready for them.
It is curious that while we are talking only about the deep modernization of the existing tank “Merkava-4”. The creation of the next family of armored vehicles, as far as is known, is not planned yet. At the same time, work is underway to create several new types of armored combat vehicles for various purposes. Among other things, a kind of tracked vehicle is created with a combat mass of no more than 40 tons. According to various sources, it will not belong to the class of tanks.
Reports from last year and this year show that the IDF command does not see the point in the speedy creation of a completely new tank to replace the Merkava-4, but it also considers it necessary to further develop this vehicle. The timeline for the implementation of the Barak project shows that the current and ongoing plans of command affect both the immediate and distant future. Apparently, the tanks Merkava-4 Barak will serve at least until the mid-thirties. Whether a fundamentally new tank will appear by this time is unknown. However, before looking for answers to the future questions of the IDF, it is necessary to understand the implementation of current plans.
On the materials of the sites:
http://nvo.ng.ru/
http://isroe.co.il/
http://globalsecurity.org/
http://armyrecognition.com/
https://bmpd.livejournal.com/
https://oleggranovsky.livejournal.com/
- Ryabov Kirill
- AOI, Wikimedia Commons
Information