War Thunder - This is why Merkava Mk.3D is the Best US Tank in 2021- Realistic Tank Battles Gameplay

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Sorry for the low quality of the video, I downloaded the match from my Facebook stream and there I don't have yet the 1080p streams available.

Merkava Mk.3D is a gift rank VII American medium tank with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB) and 10.0 (RB/SB).
The Merkava Mk.3D offers an excellent cannon and great maneuverability, along with great frontal armor protection. The front of the tank is heavily armored with angled armor plates, providing protection of over 300 mm. The only main weakness of this legendary tank is it's side and rear armor. On the sides, the NERA armor only covers the top half, above the composite screen plates. The composite screen plates can provide over 500 mm or protection. On the rear, the spaced armor only protects the crew compartments with 900 mm of air protection. Internally, the storage bins are covered in a fireproof container, with no ammunition stored in the turret. This reduces the risks of the ammunition being destroyed by a fire.

Pros:

-Has access to one of the best penetrating APFSDS round in the game.
-Has access to timed HE, which can be set to detonate at a very specific distance, for example just behind enemy ammunition panel or above a light tank completely hidden behind cover
-Timed HE round has a less sensitive detonator than normal HE-type shells, so it can overcome common obstacles such as bushes and fences.
-Great survivability, thanks to its internal layout.
-Ammo storage is wrapped in a fire proof container, preventing it from detonating in-case of a fire, inside of the tank.
-Great maneuverability, able to pivot and turn on a dime.
-Certain redundant parts of the turret can be used as extra protection against chemical ammunition, or to bait shots from impatient opponents.
-Turret armor can withstand direct hits from enemy tanks.
-Engine & external fuel tank is able to prevent APFSDS from penetrating and knocking the tank out if shot at the front, head on.

Cons:

-Only has first generation gunner & thermals optics.
-Hits to the upper half of the hull can bypass all the screens and modules and go straight for the ammo or crew as the engine is not tall enough to absorb the shot - attacks from high ground are particularly dangerous.
-Due to the placement of the external fuel tank, which is placed in front of the engine. It absorbs the kinetic force of the round - Thus gets set on fire and blocks gunner view from the front with thick smoke.
-Engine exhaust is placed on the right hand side of the tank, the exhaust gas limits the gunner view, since the gunner can only see exhaust gas when traveling.
-In night battles, exhaust gas blocks out the right hand side of the vehicle from the gunner view.
-Weak side and rear amour, well placed shot here can knock the tank out.
-Tall profile compared to other tanks in this tier.