It looks like a 120mm round, also looks like it got damaged and separated. So probably unservicable. That pallet seems upside down. Maybe it fell off a truck or got dropped by the crane?
1 Like
Bkkinman, Frenchy and I were having a discussion about how the 120 rounds are stored inside the Merkava IV. There are few photos showing if they have a dedicated rack or the round cases interlock somehow to stack in the rear space. Perhaps that upside down pallet had the rounds removed from the tubes and then replaced into existing racks inside?The palletized load seems very secure even upside down so perhaps the tubes can interlock somehow?
2 Likes
The Merkava IV has separated ammo storage from the crew compartment. It will be hard to find photos of the ammo storage.
3 Likes
Nikos I appreciate the work you’ve done to investigate this, thank you. So it appears that there are built in racks that the rounds are stored in so as the pallets arrive they are taken out of their tubes and loaded into the Merkava IV until they are needed. I had read some where that the ammunition storage could be added to and taken out if more onboard troops are required but that would be difficult if these racks are built in and the rear door is so small. The new Border Models Merkava 3 has an interior that shows enclosed containment of the ammunition as well. The Merkava 1 and 2 uses 105mm rounds and the Merkava 3 and 4 use 120 mm is that correct?
Here are some rounds showing the pallets holding the tubed rounds.
Artillery for comparison.
H.P.
3 Likes
Merkava 4 have ready to fire ammo storage in the turret ( 10 rounds in two rotating magazines) , and this is separated from crew compartment. The rest of ammunition is stored like on the other Merkava variants, but in the separate ammo containers like in Mk.3.
Mk.1 and Mk.2 :
Mk.3 and Mk.4 :
4 Likes
That is Mk.4
2 Likes
Ok, now I understand how the ammo storage is set up!
2 Likes
I checked to see if any other vehicle (m113, nagmapop, nagmatruck, puma) carries the same box but it looks it is only used on the Achzarit. Maybe an auxiliary power unit or something?
I wonder if this the Achzarit is as the Puma CEV? I just received the kit and in it was a page that explains what certain features are and it says it is a HAZMAT system.
By the way has anyone seen a Puma with a doghouse during this current conflict I haven’t but would love to see just one.
2 Likes
This “Hazmat” (first time i heard that name) system is just a box contains standard Nato 100Amps batteries and greasing hand pump with some grease cans 
It also have a slave starter connector on the side.
2 Likes
HAZMAT = HAZardous MATerials
H.P.
1 Like
barthass you wouldn’t happen to have any photos to show it open or more details? Trying to nail down the Achzarit anomaly. Thanks
Only photos of open box i have are in the book from Desert Eagle “Puma heavy APC part 1”. So accordings to copywrights i can’t post it here 
By the way the box on top of the Achzarit looks like air conditioning.
If an AC box, why only on the one vehicle and not widespread? Does seem large for AC, and on the gantry behind it is the armoured cover for the air filter, also, why fit it to the engine bay?
I’ve nothing to refute that it is an AC unit, just seems odd if it is.
This is the Dohar version of the M109A2
1 Like
From combat opps but not from support roles
1 Like
