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In addition
to the machine guns, all weapons and sensors are linked to the
Battle Management System (BMS) and
can thus be operated and monitored from any crew station, providing
flexibility through crew task assignments.
The tank is
equipped with dual range thermal imaging optics to cover both 3-5
micron and 8-12 micron channels in order to provide improved
performance and redundancy under all visibility conditions, day and
night. The imagery resolution and performance of the tanks optronics
matches the most sophisticated systems currently in service, offering
exceptionally clear visibility under all weather conditions. Further
enhancements of the optronic capability include an improved target
tracker that is designed to effectively combat low-flying helicopters,
as well as image processing software that can detect human ground
activity. The tank is also equipped fixed video cameras covering the
rear and sides of the vehicle.
The tank is
designed as a net-centric system with four redundant networks, which
use standard TCP/IP Ethernet protocol. The network is managed by
dedicated servers for the turret and hull. It also has a digitally
controlled power distribution system for the turret and all weapon and
observation systems. The crewmembers use common workstations, which
connect to the tank’s ‘intranet’, to operate and display specific
information.
In a typical
situation, the tank commander views BMS, his independent sight display
and monitors the gunner's view. The gunner monitors his sight display,
orientation, and target data. The loader monitors ammunition count,
communications and perimeter views, and the driver monitors engine
controls, thermal forward view and rear camera. All crewmembers can
view emergency information, such as threat indications, fire alerts
etc., and share resources such as communications, video etc.
According to
Lt. Colonel Nissim Nissim, Systems manager at the Merkava Program
Office, These networks were recently enhanced with external wireless
connectivity, enabling the latest Merkava 4 tanks to share sensor
data, situational displays and other information with nearby tanks or
other units. He told Defense Update that the current Merkava was
designed with sufficient power, processing, communications and
interfaces to enable future growth, including adding crewmembers,
sensors and processors. |
