Autor fotografie: IDF, Public domain|Popisek: Merkava 4 MBT
Following the initial lessons from the ongoing war, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) plan to perform additional changes in the latest version of the Merkava 4 (Barak) Main Battle Tank (MBT).
The new version of the Israel made Merkava 4 MBT is equipped with new systems that will automatic fire against threats. According to defence sources, the Merkava 4 "Barak" (Lightning) is equipped with and improved APS system and a commander helmet that prioritizes the relevant data gathered by the tanks; own sensors and other in the battle area. The new version also has a systems that automatically fires on targets that pose danger to the tank, like units that launch anti-tank missiles.
An advanced main computer gives the tank's crew the ability to focus on the most relevant targets while sharing the data with other tanks and other units on the ground and in the air. Some of the new systems that have already been integrated into the "Barak" are based on the combat suit developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). These systems were developed for an advanced Armored Fighting Vehicle but some have been modified for the new version of the Merkava 4.
The "Iron Vision" commander helmet
The "Iron Vision" commander helmet according to sources has the capability to get a 360 degrees view and as mentioned before combat data from the tanks; own sensors and others. The sources added that the system has the ability to locate and destroy time-sensitive targets with small footprints, through quick acquisition and effective engagement of targets. Some years ago Israel Aerospace Industries has been selected by Israel’s Ministry of Defence (IMoD) as the prime contractor and integrator for developing the concept and technologies for the future Armored Fighting Vehicle for the IDF – the Carmel. Some of these new systems have been installed in the new version of the Merkava MBT.
IAI has developed and proven a combat concept in which an AFV, with closed hatches, that is operated by a two-man crew and can successfully cope with existing and future challenges on the battlefield. This solution is based on automatic and autonomous systems that complement the two-man team, and operate the central subsystems – the vehicles’ mission planning and management, situational awareness, driving and lethality. These capabilities allow the team to define, supervise and interfere only when there is a necessity or need, and enables to cover a wider area of concern while effectively meeting the challenges faced by the maneuvering forces. The system has the ability to locate and destroy time-sensitive targets with small footprints, through quick acquisition and effective engagement of targets.
Aside from IAI, Elbit systems and Rafael also proposed their concepts that were also tested. The competition was part of an across the table effort to shape the future ground battle ground. This sought after technologies can be summed up in one sentence – give our combat vehicles capabilities that serve the new concept of fast moving ground forces equipped with multi sensors, multi weapon systems to achieve control of the battle ground quickly and decisively. The development of the systems that will turn each combat vehicle into a real "war machine".
Protection from snipers and anti-tank missiles
The operational integrations will include the "cockpit" systems that have been developed by IAI and additional weapon systems like the Rafael "spike" anti-tank missiles and the company's automatic weapon stations. The Israeli defence ministry is trying to bring the U.S and Indian Army to become partners on the program. It can be said that the prototypes that were unveiled were based on the lessons of the Second Lebanon War and carry many very advanced systems. The main idea is to enable the two men crew to operate along the battle from inside the protected vehicle, to protect themselves in urban warfare especially from snipers and anti-tank missiles. The operation will be based on the array of sensors that the vehicle will carry.
An optional third team member will be capable of operating robotic ground vehicles in areas with very high degree of danger even to armored vehicles. The plan is to build an Hybrid vehicle, equipped with diesel and electric motors at the same time. Electric propulsion will allow for quieter short-distance travel, but is essential as a new source of power for a new weapon that may be integrated into the project: high-intensity laser. The prototypes presented by the industries differ slightly in the nature of their operation.
Each industry was asked to develop its own technological concept that would transform and upgrade the interior part of the IDF’s combat vehicles to an advanced cockpit, like the ones used in fighter aircraft. The challenge: proving the feasibility of two soldiers conducting closed hatch operations and integrating technological capabilities that would enhance mission efficiency for the IDF’s maneuvering forces. The proposed suits made by the three companies have been installed on M-113 APC's that are used for demonstration.
The advanced cockpit concept
The advanced cockpit integrates autonomous capabilities (maneuvering, detecting targets, defence, etc.). In addition, the combat soldier enjoys multi-sensor fusion and 360-degree surround vision, high connectivity, and situational awareness. Ultimately, the soldiers are only required to make decisions that the mechanism cannot (yet) make by itself. The industries took the challenge head on, employing experts in the field and introducing advanced technological infrastructure in the process. Each industry tested its solution throughout a period of a week, within a series of complex operational scenarios. A team of experts from the ministry of defence and the IDF evaluated the three concepts in accordance with predetermined criteria. The technological platforms proposed for the future AFV, employ a combination of advanced sensors, VR and AR mechanisms, AI technology to process information, and more.
IAI presented a platform based on the company’s family of autonomous systems and robotic tools, which are currently in wide operational use in Israel and around the world. The Carmel platform proposed by IAI, combines a panoramic display, individual control screens, and a control stick similar to a gaming console or “Xbox Joystick”. The autonomous capabilities in the combat vehicle are operated by a central, autonomous system, which integrates the various components in the platform and assists the human operator in processing information, focusing on critical threats, and making effective real-time decisions. The platform is based on AI technology to detect threats, enabling effective target engagement and weapon system management as well as autonomous driving in various terrains.
According to IAI the technologies package offered by the company is aimed mainly on supplying the two mem crew with the best situational awareness "And after that is achieved to choose the best weapon to kill it. You can see the commander of the ground vehicles as a safety button. The system can shoot automatically but for now the human in the vehicle will have to release the safety button" a company official said. So, some of these technologies have been already installed in latest version of the Merkava. Now as mentioned before, based on initial lessons from the ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon, additional changes are expected to be made in the Merkava that is heavily used in both fronts.
By ARIE EGOZI