Centurion Tanks of The IDF Volume Three

Dear Reader,
This book is the result of several years of extensive research in an effOlt to

provide you with unique and unpublished infonnation and photographs.
This research also led to the production of the Centurion Shot Kal Alef
model kit by AFV Club that you can now enjoy building. The search for
new and interesting material has delayed the publication of this book sev
eral times, but I hope you will agree that it was worth the wait.
This book is the first in a scheduled series of books on Centurion tanks
and their derivatives in the Israeli Defense Force's service. This volume
deals primarily with the initial Shot Kal Alef tank project. Other parts will
follow detailing with the earlier and later types of Centurions in IOF ser
vice. Each book will also contain dozens of unpublished photos and addi
tional unique information on each of these variants. As a modeler myself,
I have made every effort to present those details that are very important
to modelers. In this book that amounts to 290+ photos, including combat
photos, crew, close-up and walk-around photos , 25 scale drawings, and
finally, 9 beautiful profiles with different markings. Some photos that I
found some years ago have since found their way to the Internet before I
was ab le to print this book, and , therefore, may look similar.
Producing a book such as this is an expensive undertaking, even more
so when you spare no expense to ensure that the quality is unmatched
and that truly unique information is secured for publication. It is only by
modelers and enthusiasts purchasing these books that we will be able to
continue this series.
I encourage people with additional information, photos, ideas or other
suggestions to write me about future titles dealing with the IDF almored
forces.
PUBLICATIONS
Credits:
Text and research: Robert Manasherob
Scale drawin gs: The Greatest and dearest - my friend.
Color profiles: Arkadiusz Wrobel
Cover and book design: Robert Manasherob and John Heck
Layout: Robelt Manasherob
English proof reading: Paul Robelts
Enjoy!
Robert Manasherob
SabIngaManin'" Publications
First published in 2009 by: SabIngaManin

ISBN: 978-0-9841437-0-2
This book is dedicated to my parents

Acknowledgements:
In the preparation of this book I received the generous assistance and ad
vice from many IOF veterans. I would like to thank the following people
who helped me to produce this magical book: special thanks to Major
General (Ret.) Chaim Erez , head ofYad La'Shiryon - the Armored Corps
Memorial Site and Museum at Latrun; Brigadier General (Ret.) Menashe
Inbar, Director General of the Association; Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Da
.vid Galam, the site manager; and to Dvori Borger, head of the Informa
tion and Reference Center at Latrnn.
Thanks to Shirley Reuvenny, Goel Amir and Doron Avi-Ad for their~ig
nificant help.
.-~ ,Shalom
and
." Shushana 'Manasherov , "
Any person tliat recognizes himself, his comrades or family meinbers ill
the photo$ in this book is requested to.write the Author atsabingamarnn@
yahoo.collI ~.
.
Endless thanks to Tzvika Golan and his staff at IDF Spokesman.

Special thanks to the head of the Museum Batey ha-OsefTel Aviv Jaffa,
and to Michael Mass and Nissim Tzukduian for their friendship.
Last but not least, a special thanks to my wife Dana and my kids Sabina,
Inga and Martin for their unique support.
Photo Credits:
Israel Government Press Office, Robert Manasherob Collection, Bamah
ane, Yosi Shofet, Eli Nagar, Keren Hayesod Archives , Meir Arnon, Keren
Kaimet Archives, Tsah;tl Archives, Yosef Sinay, IOF Spokesman, Moshe
Bar, Maariv Archives, Haarets Archives, Yoel Granot, and several private
anonymous photo collectors .
;,p:.,
Any person that has "additional informtiiion or photos on Israeli tanks

or any type of information dealing with other IDF anilored vehicles is
encouraged to contact the Author at sabingamartin@y(lhoo.cOIil.
-.,
All rights reserved . No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored

ih a retrieval system, be transmitted in any form or "by any means , elec
tronic, electrical, chemical, mechanical , optical, photocopying, record
ing or .otherwise, w~thout the prior written permission of the copyright
owner.
All enquiries should be addressed to the Publisher.
. Copyright 2009 SablngaMartinRobert Manasherob
t the end of the 1950's, the IDF was finally able to buy
several Mark 5 Centurion tanks from England. This
initial order of tanks started the flow that eventually
grew to more than a thousand Centurions. After operat
ing their Centurions for several years, including a lead
ing role in the 1967 Six Day War, the Israeli Armored Corps had
di scovered many limitations in their vehicles. The problems were
at every level of tank operation and led to many crew members
feeling that the tank 's performance and ability to fight suffered,
feelings shared by high ranking armor corps officers and staff.
Some of the problems were initially addressed during the Centu
rion's early years of service by a host of minor, temporary and fre
quently inadequate modifications to some of the tanks. Amongst
these early modifications, at least two significant upgrades were
also completed in that period: the inclusion of the external rear
hull fuel tank and the use of the British L7 105mm gun on some
of the Centurions (for complete details on the early years of the
Centurion in IDF service, see the first two parts of this series).
The main problem with the Centurion in IDF service was its
petrol-fueled Meteor engine. This engine's problems included a
short service life, a lack of power resulting in a low power-to
weight ratio , the use of an extremely flammable fuel and its high
petrol consumption rate , which resulted in an inadequate opera
tional range. Solving the Centurion's problems required extensive
research in order to analyze the tank and its associated systems.
The end result was a program that would convert the Centurion
or, as it known in Israel , "Shot" ("Whip" in Hebrew) , into an ad
vanced tank with greater firepower and range, and with increased
operational comfort for its crew and easier maintenance by its me
A
.
" )
chanics and ordnance staff.

This significant program was given to a special team within the
Ordnance Corps. Lead by a very talented Army engineer, Colonel
Israel Tilan, the head of the Tank Branch of the Ordnance Corps ,
the team al so included Majors Ben-Zion Ben-Bassat, Moshe
Keidar and Arieh Ramon along with IDF civilian employee Uri
Yachin. In retrospect, it can be said that the Ordnance Corps met
its goals and even exceeded many expectations. Their achieve
ment was publicly honored in 1970 when the team was awarded
the prestigious Israel Defense Prize for this project. It should be
noted that a few years later Israel Tilan, having been promoted to
Colo~el, was also very actively involved in the development of the
Merkava tank alongside General Israel Tal.
As mentioned above, the plimary problem with the Centurion
was the ageing Meteor Mark 4B, a 650hp water-cooled, gasoline
fuelled engine and a suitable replacement was needed immediate
ly. The team searched the world market for a more modern engine
better suited to the needs of the IDF.
The new engine had to meet the following requirements:
I . Due to the urgency of the program, the new engine needed
to be in production and available for immediate delivery and
not in development
2. The engine needed to be diesel fueled, because the fuel is less
flammable and such engines have greater fuel efficiency
3. The engine's purchase must come with no political compli
cations or restrictions
4. The new engine must be similar in size to the Meteor engine
to fit within the existing CentUlion engine compal1ment
.4 Centuri{)n Mark 5, with the original 20 pounder gun and some millor Israeli modifications, illlDF service during the Six Day War.
Centurion Tanks of the IOF
5. The engine must be affordable, since the plan was to convert

more than 1000 tanks over several years and the budget was
limited
6 . The new engine must provide the specified power, speed and
range performance
7 . Ease of maintenance was very important, especially in the
field and under combat conditions with limited technical
staff
8. The new engine must be more reliable than the Meteor easier
to change out under field conditions with a limited number
of mechanics
9. Local industry must participate in production or maintenance
of the new engine
The plan was to start full production of the Shot Kal conversion at
the beginning of 1968, but the project was postponed because of
technical and bureaucratic problems and then delayed again due to
the onset of the Six Day War. Although the war resulted in great
victory for Israel over the 3 strongest enemy Arab states, Egypt,
Syria and Jordan, the program continued to be delayed after the war
because the Ordnance Corps was fully engaged with higher prior
ity tasks. Returning the IDF Armor Corps to full combat readiness
was at the top of that list, so no space or manpower was available
to convert Centurions. When the Ordnance Corps was eventually
ready to restmt the project, the conversion program was further
delayed by the reinstatement of the unofficial American weapons
embargo that had been in place against Israel since 1948. Although
the embargo had been weakening since the beginning of 1964, it
was more strictly reinstated for several months after the war.
Long experience with the embargo had produced Israeli search
and purchase teams that knew just how and where to buy weap
ons while under the sanctions and the first rule was; don't waste
time trying to go through the United States government, the best
bet was to approach American producers directly to examine their
products. The head of the Ordnance Corps and the main driving
force behind the project, Colonel Amos Horev, visited different
companies in the United States to investigate ordering engines . To

start the process he presented them with the specification docu
ments that outlined the IDF performance requirements for the new
engines. After the first screening of potential candidates, several
engines were acquired and tested but only three of them met most
of the critelia; the Cummins diesel engine that was then being used
to modernize the IDF's M50 and M51 Sherman tanks, Teledyne
Continental's AVDS-1790-2A air cooled diesel engine and a water
cooled GM diesel engine that was being used at that time to up
grade Italian tanks. After additional trails that including building
two prototypes powered by Cummins and Continental engines, the
team selected the Teledyne Continental diesel engine. Producing
750 hp, it met most of the criteria, and performed the best in the
test program. Although it was the most expensive choice, it had an
additional and very significant advantage over others contenders,
it was the same engine used in the newest tank in IDF arsenal ,
the M48A3, allowing standardization with that growing fleet of
tanks. In addition, there were plans to upgrade older M48Al and
M48A2C tanks with the Continental engine.
With the limited budgets and manpower of the IDF, standardiza
tion was a huge advantage because it significantly reduced logisti
cal issues like the stocking of replacement parts, as well easing the
training of the technical staff and mechanics.
The adoption of a diesel engine and especially the Continental die
sel had many advantages over the gasoline-fed Meteor engine:
1. Diesel engines are more durable, need less maintenance and
have a longer time between overhauls
2. Diesels are more fuel efficient, significantly increasing the
Centurion's range
3. The increased power of the Continental engine significantly
increased the power-to-weight ratio of the Centurion and it
would no longer be considered underpowered
4. The increase in power resulted in a significant increase in
road speed to 45 krnlh and in off-road speed to 17 km/h
5. The higher power-to-weight ratio also allowed the CentUlion
A Centurion illlDF
service during the Six
Day WG/; up-gunned
with the British lOS1Il1tI
gUll, alld havillg the
additional rear-hull fuel
tank and other minor
Israeli modifications
added.
Centurion Tanks of the IDF
climb 60 degree slopes

6. The diesel engine had a significantly lower risk of fire during
refueling operations or during engine warm-up
...I . The lower flammability of diesel fuel compared to gasoline
meant that vehicle combat survivability was significantly en
hanced after hits to the engine or fuel compartments
8. It was possible to change Continental engines in the field in
less than 2 hours compared to the 20 hours required for the
Meteor engine
9. Tank operations were less expensive due to the lower cost of
diesel compared to gasoline
10. Fuel handling logistics were safer and easier with diesel
compared to gasoline
11. Finally, because it was air cooled, the Continental engine did
away with the Meteor's liquid cooling system also eliminat
ing the problems associated with radiators and leaking fluid
lines
12. Combined, these advantages of the Continental engine over
the older Meteor greatly increased the operability and the
survivability of the Centurion and its crewmembers during
the battles to come
problematic clutch especially while trying to negotiate the rocky

ground of the Golan Heights or during combat operations. The
most logical solution was to use the same transmission that was
paired to the Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-2A in the IDF's
M48A3 tanks and so the Allison CD-850-6 automatic transmis
sion was chosen to replace the Centurion's original Meritt-Brown
gearbox.
After the conversions, the life of the IDF's Centurion drivers
changed completely and it was as if they were suddenly driv
ing American civilian automobiles after having struggled with a
British heavy track from the 1940s. Not only did the choice of
the Allison transmission increase standardization in the logisti
cal train, but the standardization of driver and mechanic training
across several vehicle types increased manpower flexibility and
reduced overall operating costs even further. Finally, and perhaps
most importantly, the reduced workload that the new transmission
imposed on the driver meant reduced fatigue, a key factor in the
middle of demanding battle situations.
In addition to changing the engine, the air filtration system was
changed to handle the harsh, dusty conditions of the Negev and Si
nai deserts. The design team continued to standardize on M48 sys
tems and chose the Donaldson box air filters to be installed on the
Replacing the engine was only the first step in modernizing the
fenders on either side of the hull, similar to their installation on the
Centurion. A further problem was the Meritt-Brown Z5IR gear
M48A3. The system was hermetically sealed to prevent damage

box. Many IDF Centurion drivers complained about its poor per
by the heavy dust in these harsh environments. Testing confirmed

formance. It was very tiring for the driver to have to be continu
that the new filters were more durable than the older British sys
ously changing through the gear train working the transmission's
tem . Even though the power pack and filter systems were an exist-
Ii
~
~
--.
-
tc
,:0
;c
e-
The beginning of the Shot Kat conversion process. As call be seell from this photo, the whole tank was completely dismantled until only the shell ofthe empty hull
remailled. All the componellts were reassembled only after a complete overall of the automotive alld mechnnical systems alld after the ullique modifications of the
Shot Kal Alef were incorporated. Note the rectangular and circular shapes cut out of the upper rear hull with a torch . These would allow the external Donaldson
airjilter pipes to ellter to the engine compartment andjr01l1 there to the fighting compartment, as well. Also note the shape of the armored extension that was added
/0 the rear hull to make room for the illstallatioll of the large rear fuel tank. Note the way the upper deck is attached to the rear turret rillg area .
In another building at the Tel Ha Shomer factory, more Centurions hulls get their rear extension pllls the modifications needed for the installation of the Conti
nental AVDS-1790-2AC VJ2 diesel engine. Parallel to the Shot Kal conversion line was the line where early M48AI (many captured /rom Jordan) and M48A2C
tanks were being converted to M48A3 configuration using the same diesel engine. Note the prominent chalk markings 011 the rear armor plate that show the new
positions for the various fittings, like the rear-hull infantry phone, cable locker and stretcher holder.
Several completely dismantled hulls at different stages in the conversion line, thejiJ"St vehicles in the row have already galien their engine deck cover and louvers.
The bogies and their old wheels remain attached to the hull to enable the hulls to be moved inside the factory. The wheels will be the last part to be replaced.
A Shot KaL hull Oil the

rotaling fixtllre that
allowed quick and
easy access for the
welders to all areas of
the hull. This photo
allows us to see the
changes to the bot/olll
of the hull includillg
closing alld relocating
of some of the origi
lIal draill plugs and
access openings. Most
of them are fuel and
oil tank drains as well
as gearbox alld clutch
drains. At the front,
the driver's compart
ment drain can be
seen . Note that there
is 110 escape hatch in
the floor of the hull,
unlike the Sherman
or many other WWII
tanks. The original
registration nll1nbel~
814356, is painted in
white on the glacis
plale. You can also see
how the new Louver
doors are secured
with chains and hooks
during the rotatioll
process.
This fixture was
a solo initiative by
Captain and engineer
Max Bar-Lev who
designed and built it
fro/ll scratch using
scrap metal parIs. It
allowed the hulls to
be rotated 10 ease the
welders' access to the
hulls and sped lip the
hull welding process.
1Cl.
::)F
~ enturion
Tanks of the IOF
The rebuilt tanks either got totally /lew fenders and stowage bills or refurbished ones as can be seen in this photo. The rebuild of the fighting compartment
followed. Since the supply of the engines was slow, al1d repeatedly deli/yed, they were installed ill the filial assembly stages.
An overhead view of the Centuriol1 Shot Kal Alef modification line at the Israeli Ordnance Corps workshop oJ Tel Ha Shomer. The long factory floor space is
divided and the work is dOl1e il1 parallel Oil more tha/110 hulls and twice ofthat /lumber oftllrl'ets at the same time. Each hull is marked with white /lumbers, 52
and 53 in this frame as well with the original registration nllmbers.
~J g and proven system, there was still a need for many changes to
:hc power pack so it would fit within the existing Centurion engine
.:o mpartment. More than 300 changes were made in collaboration
'\-ith the Teledyne engineers in the USA after a Centurion tank was
,:u t apart and a full-scale engine compartment was specially built
::nd supplied to the factory from Israel to allow exact placement of
:hc new power pack components.
.--\fter months creating the modifications to the Centurion and
1. - er more than two years of planning and the preparation of more
:: .an a thousand blueprints, it was time to fit the new power pack
into a tank in Israel. Everything fit perfectly, but when it came
:ime to put the transmission into first gear, it was discovered that
-::'' ' c system wanted to go in reverse! The cause of the problem was
.uickly discovered, it turned out that the orientation of the engine
in the new power pack was rotated 180 to the original Meteor
-:"ngine, the implications of which were not appreciated before the
-:"mbauassing final integration tests. Major Tillan immediately
'ook full responsibility for this embarrassing mistake and, together
',,'ith Colonel Amos Horev, the head of Ordnance Corps, quickly
developed the simple solution of adding an additional idler gear

to reverse the shaft rotation. This was another example of Major
Tillan 's fine leadership, instead of blaming others or making ex
cuses, he took the responsibility onto himself as the head of the
project.
In total , more than 2000 new parts were incorporated in the Shot
Kal conversion, starting from simple bolts and finishing with the
new engine. Half of the parts were produced or bought from local
suppliers, and gave additional confidence to the Israeli military ve
hicle industry in their now-proven ability to cast armor and produce
other complicated parts. The rest ofthe parts were ordered from the
US , and were mainly the components related to the engine, gear
box and filters. The orders were placed with the US-based factories
in the form of upgrade kits for the engines and gear boxes, and
they were similar to kits that were used in the programs to upgrade
the earlier M48 tanks like M48Al and M48A2C to the M48A3
standard in USA as well as Israel. The Shot Kal program provided
impOltant experience that , in the end , helped make possible the first
Israeli designed and produced main battle tank, the Merkava.
In this photo we can see that tanks 011 the conversion line are in a more
ranced state because they all have had the additiollal fuel tanks and the Ilew
Engille decks installed. III addition, installation of the fenders, hull stowage
. ins, hulljenJ' call rack and the spare track brackets is complete as well. The
,crollt ofeach hull is marked lVith smalllVhite seriaillumber, Ilumber 7 on the
T hicle infrollt and number 40 in the Ilext tank. These numbers indicate that
:hese tanks are amongst the first batch of vehicles cOllverted.
An overhead view of the Centurion tlllTet COli version line, Note the different
colors of the tun'ets, some of them in Israeli sand grey while others are in green
or are camouflaged. This indicates that they callie from different countries, like
Great Britain or The Netherlands, as well as being dralVnfrom previolls Israeli
service,
t:: =
~ enturion
Tanks of the IOF
Centurion turrets, in this case Mark 5s equipped with both 20 pdr barrel types, being prepared for modification to take the new 105 111m gun. Note the large, open,
left-side stowage bin exposing the internal arrallgemellt and supporting rib. Note also the difference ill the turret casting IIltl1lbers. You can also see the different
styles offixtures used to support the turrets during the remanufacturing process. One is circular and the second was based 011 obsolete Sherman bogies and moved
on Sherman tracks laid on the floor. These fixtures allowed the turrets to be moved out of the building when more space was needed.
::'inally, after all of the long period of planning and preparations,

- in itial order for hundreds of power packs was released. Because
~ budget was very tight there was constant pressure on the pro
;=-:lm management to avoid orders of any unnecessary parts that
,-")u ld not be used in the Shot Kal modification program, however,
-- _ .-\merican companies that were involved in the project insisted
~:! : [he Israelis purchase entire upgrade kits and not separate com
Ihe parts that 10 be used in the turret and hull conversion have been placed
;he floor ofthe hanger as part of an exhibition for high ranking officers,
_ .ernment members, as well for the family members of the workers. Some of
!' components, like the Donaldson airfilters and their piping, are vel)' inter
eng since they (Ire showlI disassembled. Also of interest is the new frollt hull
! /a llk thal replaced the crew's internal waleI' tank. The fuel lank assembly
included an ammunition rack for 29 main gell1 rounds. Amongst the turret
ponents you call see the rackforfour ready rOllnds and bracket for the .30
. machine gun ammunition boxes.
u=:=
: sr .t urion Tanks of the IOF
ponents as replacement parts. This forced the Israeli s to purchase

many pmts that were unnecessary for the Shot Kal conversion,
increasing program costs. In addition, several American bureau
cracy issues arose regarding export licenses and other paperwork
which delayed the shipments of engines and other upgrade kits
that had not only been ordered but, in some cases, had already
been completed.
The significant delays in the shipment of the engines resulted
in heavy pressure by the Israeli Army authorities on the project
managers to start the conversion line immediately at any cost and
even to consider installing other engines in the initial first batch of
tanks. It was a logical demand on their part as Israel was facing the
prospect of significant combat. In order to maintain Israel's new
and longer borders which resulted from the Six Day War, and to
support what would become the Attrition War against Egypt across
the banks of Suez Canal, modern tanks were urgently needed.
At the beginning of the program one of the main specifications
when the team was looking for a suitable engine was "a source
with no political complications or restrictions" . Israeli representa
tives notified the heads of the American corporations of the change
in attitude of the IDF Chief of Staff and other high ranking IDF of
ficers towards the purchase the engines in USA due to the continu
ing bureaucracy issues . This intervention was the key to loosening
the noose of Government red tape as the US corporations reacted
sharply to the potential that such a large order would go to another
country. Finally Israeli perseverance and bluster were successful
in not only loosening the tangle of paperwork, but also in allowing
the Israelis to purchase just the parts they needed without buying
full upgrade kits. This not only saved money on the program and
expedited delivery, but bureaucracy and embm'go problems were
greatly reduced because now the Israelis were buying replacement
pmts and not full kits, which were considered "new technology" .
As a result of all the delays , the conversion production line only
officially started in the first weeks of 1970, around two years later
than planned and, even then, the initial work on the tanks did not
include the power packs. Just as Israel was stmting the Shot Kal
conversion program, it was also nmning a parallel program to up
grade their early M48 versions to the new M48A3 configuration .
The huge numbers of engines needed for the Shot Kal project cre
ated engine availability problems when the conversion line finally
started. It was hard for the American factories to produce so many
engines in so short a time especially when these engines were also
needed for the production of new American M48A3 tanks as well
as for replacements for the operational battalions in Europe and in
Vietnam.
As with the previous Sherman MSO and MSI projects, the origi
nal Centurion tanks were stripped down to the hull shell which
was then modified and extended to allow addition of another ex
ternal fuel tank to the rear of the hull.
The remainder of the tank was rebuilt incorporating many new
palts that were more efficient, modem and also more economical
than the original parts. These modifications were the result of the
lessons learned since the introduction of the Centurion into service
in the IDF: countless lessons learned from practice driUs, combat
incidents, and , of course, lessons from the Six Day War itself, in
which the Centurion had mainly participated in the Central and
South Commands and been the spearhead of the Israeli armored
brigades. In addition, many modifications originated from re
quests from the ordinary crewmen who operated the tanks as well
9
The Continental AVDS-1790-2AC VI2 diesel engine surrounded by the three new engine compartment fuel tanks. Note the shape of the hvo tanks that were
installed on either side of the engine and how their design closely fits the space that is available between the engine and the wall of the engine compartment.
Because of their shape they also used as a passive cooling system for the air-cooled engine. Building these tanks was vel)' labor intensive because of the intricate
cutting alld welding that lVas involved.
10
massive engine deck cover and the gear box rear louvers placed on the shopfloor infrollt of the ContinentaIAVDS-1790-2AC V12 diesel engine alld the three
main fuel tanks. Note the attachment points to the main hull engine compartment on each side of the engine deck . Also note that the rear edge ofthe left-hand
r has two lumdles where the right-hand louver has only one.
pry modified Shot Kal engine bay. Since the new engine and its cooling system were taller than the original Meteor engine, it not wouldjit within the height
original engine compartment. The air cooling requirements and the increased engine height required elevation of the engine installation and the new, higher
corer of the Shot Kat. The new desiglliooked velY similar to the deck cover of the M48 series umks thai used same COlltinentalAVDS-1790-2AC V12 engine.
-: ning for the air filters tubes call be seen on the hull sides as well 011 the engillejirewall. Note that the whole hull engine compartments as well as the
g and driver compartment have been painted a glossy white color. Also note the new engine Sllpports all the hullfloor and some of the new drain plugs.
:: IG =
=-=-
~Jion Tanks of the IOF
11
Thefollowing two photos show some of the changes from the original Centllrion Mark 5 to the new Shot Kal Alef as a reslllt of the conversioll process. all this page.
all ex-Netherlands tank, one of many that was purchased at very attractive prices and directly pul illto the modification lilies . The end result ofthe conversion was
the Shot Kal Alef that can be seen in the photo 011 the next page. Note that the markillgs 011 the front lower hull plate from the previous army have been painted Ollt.
as from the wishes of their commanding officers and the techni

cal support teams. The fighting compartment was totally changed
in addition to the work being done in the engine compaltment.
A British tank that had been designed to WW II specifications to
fight against the Germans, was totally transformed into a tank suit
able for Israeli operations in the Middle East, fighting against Arab
forces equipped with the most modern Russian heavy armor. One
of the key desires of the Shot Kal design team was to increase the
vehicle's combat range. As mentioned earlier, the use of a new
diesel engine produced significant increases in fuel efficiency, but
this was not seen as sufficient for the new vehicle. The design team
used every method to add fuel capacity. In the Shot Kal Alef they
created a new multi shape central fuel cells that used every avail
able volume in the engine compartment. Although complicated
and time-consuming to manufacture it added much-needed addi
tionalliters of fuel and, due to its innovative design, also helped to
passively cool the air-cooled engine. As mentioned above, one of
the modifications to the Centurion hulls was the addition of a new
fuel tank to the rear plate similar to those installed by the IDF on
early Centurions in the mid-1960s. Even these new fuel tanks were
not seen as being sufficient and the design team also eliminated the
crew's water tank, located beside the driver and exchanged it for a
fuel tank . Putting a fuel tank (even if it was for diesel fuel) in the
front of the tank, in a most exposed and vulnerable area alongside
with the driver, was a risky matter, however, every possible liter
of fuel was essential for successful operation of the Centurion in
the Middle East Zone, and this large tank significantly added to the
Shot Kal's increased range. While it might seem odd to eliminate a
water tank in a desert area, this water tank was not used by Israeli
crews as in the hot climate the water spoiled quickly and the tank
itself was very difficult to clean. Israeli crews much preferred to
12
use plastic jen'y cans and, thus, the internal tank was expendable.
All together these changes almost doubled the range of the Shot
Kal over that of the Meteor-powered Centillion. The size of the
new power pack was too large to be installed in the existing Cen
turion engine compartment, especially the beight. Efficient instal
lation of the engine with all the additional elements like its cooling
system required elevation of the engine deck plus the installation
of the engine at an inclination of almost 4 degrees. In general, the
front section of the new engine deck resembles that of the M48A3
with a set of louvers on the sides similar to M48 family while
a new set of five long louvers were added above the transmis
sion compartment to deflect the cooling air and the engine exhaust
upwards. This was in contrast to the M48A3 where the cooling
air and exhaust were released though louvers in the rear engine
compartment doors . These were found to be a weak point if the
tank was hit from behind and also produced a higher infra red
signature from the rear quarter. By comparison, because the Shot
Kal's cooling air was mixed with the hot engine exhaust gas, and
both of them were deflected upwards, a significant reduction of the
tank's infra-red signature was achieved. There were two problems
with the higher engine deck on the Shot Kat. The first was that it
limited the depression of the main gun over the rear and the sec
ond was the increased risk that when the tun'et was traversed to
the rear the gun would hit the deck. To prevent damage to the gun
or deck, a special device was developed to automatically elevate
the gun when it reached the sides of the engine deck. In addition,
on each side of the engine deck special hard rubber bumpers were
installed to prevent damage in case this new elevation mechanism
failed. The Shot Kal conversion also included the replacement of
the original 20 pdr gun with the excellent British 105mm L7 gun,
named Shrir (Muscle) by the Israelis, that was being produced unCenturion Tanks of the IDF
.=.::
more easily visible external changes between the two t<Inks include: the new 105 ml/l gun replacing the old 20 pdr gUll, two spare tracks holders instead of aile,
---ioll of the driver's stowage bill all the glacis, the Ilew head light system, a /lew malltlet covel~ /lew extemalfo'e extillguisher pull handles ill the center of the
_-=-1S alld the bracket for a square biscuit box.
:"le
~n-
3te
o n,
:::-: license in Israel. As the same modification had already been

:::e:-:-ormed prior to the Six Day War, this part of the program was
~i ",htforward but additional enhancements were included in the
- - "l: Kal program. This time the entire fighting compartment was
0'l..' 3nged to enhance combat efficiency. The number of rounds
__-TIed was increased to 72 , the number of ready rounds was in
__:-3Sed, ammunition stowage was better protected and better
_--:-3nged, eliminating the need to rotate the turret to access the
: o\\'ed ammunition. The next major area to be upgraded in the
'::-:O{ Kal program was the vehicle control systems. The original
o-lever system was replaced by a modem single handle that re
-=-- :cd the turning radius to 13 meters from 40. This simple modi
- _-3tion made a significant improvement to the driver's ability to
: ,: > ;ltrol the tank through difficult terrain such as the slopes of the
- ...lan Heights and the soft sand dunes of Sinai. Many times in the
~....s: Centurions had lost control through a combination of diffic ult
..'::'":";-'w g. awkward gear changing and very weak brake drums. In
: i -ular, the dry drum type brakes of the Centurion were prone
_ o\-erheating after only a short period of use, greatly reducing
-=.-:-i r braking efficiency. Knowing that the increased weight of the
- ::ot Kal conversion would only exacerbate thi s problem, the Cen
::....-io o's braking system was repl aced with an advanced oil cooled
- - system.
.ere
ism
: of
.0l n ,
r 'Jn
o
JF
-:.zd itional improvements and modifications included in the Shot

,2., \\-ere:
A new, modem fire control system
Modern fire extinguisher systems with larger capacity were
-= =,turion Tanks of the IDF
installed, the one in the fighting compartment set for im

mediate response and the one in the engine compartment
incorporating a delay so that it would activate only after
the cooling fans stopped to prevent dispersal of the powder.
The external fire extinguisher pull handles were relocated
in the center of the glacis plate
3. The main head lights were changed for American M48 style
headlight assemblies
4. Rear light assemblies were fitted to the rear sides of the
tank
5. Additional double stowage boxes were added on the right
rear fender
6. All the communication equipment including the radios and
intercoms were replaced with American types
7. A new electrical system
8. The commanders .50 caliber machine gun was replaced by
.30 caliber machine gun to more effectively deal with en
emy anti-tank teams and infantry
9. A large stowage basket was built on the rear of the tUITet
that significantly increased the stowage volume
10. The main gun locker position was changed and moved to
the right rear side of the engine deck
11. Many tanks got a new, accordion style, mantlet cover
12. The loader's seat was modified to rotate with the turret
There were other minor modifications that had been introduced in
previous IDF Centurion improvement programs and these were
also added to Shot Kal tanks. These changes included:
13
LL
All drawings are 1/35 scale and reduced to 80%
(J)
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+-'
a
(f)
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o
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10
Figure 1.
The side views of Shot Kal Alef
based onan original Mark 5 Cen
turion tank with all of the new
modifications, includillg new ell
gille deck alld extended rear huil,
new air filters, turret basket alld
accordion-style mantlet cover.
Note that the armored skirts are
missing. Also note the 30 cal. ma
chine gUll mounted Oil the old 50
cal. machille gun pilltle.
o;;t
. . fro nt and rear views of Shot Kal Alef.
--
=~_ io n
Tanks of the IOF
15
The first unit to get the new Shot Kal Aleftanks was the Regular Army's 188th Brigade located at the Ramat Ha Golan (Gola.n Heights). Here, we can see the new
Shot Kal Alef tanks of the brigade on exercise in 1970 on the Golan Heights. This tank carries the .30 cal. machine gun alld search light. Note the way the cables
are stored on the left side of the tank and the empty folding stretcher bracket. The camollflage lIet is stored in the new large rear turret basket. The tactical markings
are painted 011 the infalltry telephone box 011 the rear hllll plate, alld 011 a piece of call vas or tarp attached to the ilia in search light storage box on the left rear of the
turret alld hung over the side of the large turret stowage box 011 the right side of the tank. Note the Shermall-based SP heavy mortar vehicle ahead of the Shot Kal.
16
"Ilgs
-- lite
U .
'lore tanks of the I881h Brigade moving over the Golan Heights in197I. The top tank is equipped with.50 cal. machine gun on the mantlet in addition to the
cal. machine gun over the front of the commander's vision cupola. Obviously this use of a heavy machine gun Oil the main gllllmalltiet was already ill lise Oil
g aeli tanks the early 1970s alld did Ilot start ill the 1980s asfrequelltly stated. Note the M38 recoil jeep, M38 commandjeep and halftrack waiting 011 the side of
.;ie dusty road, eating a lot of dust .
_~
::enturion Tanks of the IDF
17
Tallks ofthe I88th Bri

gade, also equipped with
a .50 cal. machille gUll
011 the Ilumtlet, travelling
the same dusty road. This
time the camoujiage lIet
is stored 011 the top of
the turret stowage boxes.
Note the American style
helmets 011 the tnllk ere w
and the large goggles to
their protect eyes from th~
heavy dust.
18
A bracket for two spare track links on the glacis plate

.-\n external bracket for the square biscuit box was added on
he left upper side of the glacis plate above the headlight
.-\ bracket for a 20 liter plastic jerry can was added on the
right forward fender
.-\ similar jerry can bracket was added on the rear of the
turret wall
Early tanks that lacked the frontal applique armor plate had
trris plate added;
.-\n external infantry telephone was added to the rear hull
plate
.-\ storage box for the main search light was added on the
left rear side of the turret wall
The cable drum on the rear of the turret was eliminated
n
-~
tel
rhe
CTcwmember that was affected most by all the changes in the

: .al program was the dri ver. His life became easier with the
utomatic gearbox that eliminated the constant gear shift
_ 2nd he no longer had to have a "heavy leg" to be able de
_ : he stiff clutch that was now deleted . Together with the new
:: powerful and more responsive engine it was a new era for
.:!.:i \ers. The highly responsive steering system and stronger
~s completed the whole package. The Israelis had recognized
_:-.:.Jes earlier the importance of keeping the driver as fresh as
_,ible especially during the pressure of combat because fresh
- <' ~s resulted in belter overall tank performance during long en
_ :~;:n cnts. As mentioned earlier, when the Centurion first entered
-.J:' service it was given the Hebrew name, Shot (Whip). The im
cd Centurion with its new diesel engine was renamed by the
- --:-o[ and Ordnance Corps as the "Shot Kal", the new Hebrew
~ "Kal" having two meanings . First, Kal is the Hebrew letter
~::-sp o nding to the first and last letters of the Continental engine.
_.:md . in Hebrew "kal" means "easy" and every Centurion crew
_Id agree that after the upgrade the life of the crews became
:: Ka l- easy.
-=r.::re were some minor differences between the different batch
es that were converted, for example some Shot Kal tanks left the
production lines with the smoke grenade discharger brackets still
fitted on each side of the turret, while in most of them, this fea
ture was removed, it having been decided that it was no longer
necessary to mask tanks in battle using smoke. Later, in the Yom
Kippur war, their absence was very much regretted, and it took an
additional decade before Shot Kal tanks were re-equipped with
modern smoke grenade dischargers .
The original plan for the developme nt program for the Shot Kal
project involved a number of designftest iterati ons prior to the cre
ation of the final conversion production line:
1.. A prototype was built and tested with further changes being
incorporated as a result of the tests.
2. The modified prototype was then put through operational
tests, with further changes occurring due to this round of
tests.
3 . These changes were incorporated into a single pre-produc
tion vehicle and then into a small batch of five production
prototype tanks .
4. After all three previous stages were complete, the Shot
Kal was declared ready for production and the conver
sion lines were established. The iterations in the program
plan were supposed to happen in sequence, the next stage
starting after the prev ious stage had been completed , how
ever the tight program schedule frequently forced the de
velopment team to take calcul ated risks. Many times, the
team had to make decisions based on reduced periods of
testing , phase was complete. In addition , due to the pres
sure from the IDF staff office to start the conversion line
as soon as possible , work on the first tanks to be convert
ed started before all of the final planning was concluded.
The first converted tanks were completed even before the proto
type finished all of it tests in the development program. As might
be expected, this haste made significant waste as the detail designs
A photo oj the rear oj
the turret oj another
Shot Kat AleJ tank ojthe
188th brigade. Note the
interesting 2 AleJ (2A)
marking. The varia
tion oj the letter AleJ is
unique. Also /lote the
small cOlllmander's
search light that was
installed Oil the cupola
.50 cal. machine gun
mount.
_ :JF
:urion Tanks of the IDF
19
were repeatedly changed as a result of the ongoing prototype test

program which, in turn, seriously compromised the flow of tanks
from the modification shops. In the first year of operation, the con
version line produced almost 200 Shot Kal Alef tanks. This signifi
cant achievement was the result of the dedication of several hun
dred workers including regular service and reserve soldiers as well
as the civilian workers in several factories. They gave the program
their all to close the gap caused by all the program delays detailed
above. An example of this dedication to the program was Captain
and engineer Max Bar-Lev who developed several techniques and
fittings that helped to speed up the work on the tanks in the con
version line. On his own he designed and built a rotating jig out of
scrap metal parts. This allowed the tank hulls to be rotated to ease
the work of the welders, thus speeding up the work. In addition,
he developed special flexible templates that could be easily used
inside the tanks' fighting and engine compartments to mark the
attachment points of the different brackets and accessories, which
also greatly reduced the time it took to complete a conversion.
The first unit to get the new Shot Kal Alef tanks was the regu
lar army's 188th brigade, located on the Ramat Ha Golan (Golan
Heights). This brigade, with its two armored battalions, was the
principle force that secured the northern borders of Israel in the
1970s. Upon receiving their first Shot Kals, the units of the brigade
immediately started intensive drills to practice with the new tanks.
The Shot Kal program was very secret for the first few years and
was only revealed to the public in J 973 when it was shown for the
first time in the 25th anniversary of Independence Day parade in
Jerusalem. By the end of 1972 more than 700 Centurion tanks had
been convelted to the Shot Kal Alef configuration with an average
of 250 tanks each year, 50 tanks more than in the first year. By the
time of the Yom Kippur war in 1973, more than half of Israel's
Centurions had been modified into Shot Kals with delivery prior
ity going to the regular army battalions that were located on the
borders with the Syria and Egypt. As mentioned above, the Golan
Heights were defended by the 188th Armoured or Barak Brigade,
while the famous 7th Armoured Brigade - Sheva, was located in
the Negev area in the Israel's south.

Over the years hundreds of Centurion tanks had been bought.
mainly from England, as the relations with the UK warmed up in
the late fifties. Later, the British even agreed to sell Israel their
next main tank, the Chieftain, and Israeli teams were heavily in
volved in its development. Many lessons that had been learned
from Centurion operations with the IDF as well from the Six Day
War were incorporated in its design. Two early prototype tanks
were even sent to Israel before the war for extensive development
testing in Israeli field conditions. But as in the case of the French
Mirage 5 that had also been developed according Israeli specifi
cations and from the operational lessons from the IDF's Mirage
3Cs: the sale was prevented after the Six Day War when Arab
states used heavy diplomatic pressure and threatened the Western
governments with economic sanctions. This situation proved to
the Israeli decision makers that Israel could only trust and depend
on herself. The green light they gave to start the Shot Kal project
proved to be a critical factor and helped save the Israeli armor
force in the Yom Kippur war. The outcome of this war would
have been totally different without 700+ Shot Kal tanks in the
front lines where they spearheaded every battle against the mod
ern Arab T-62 and T-55 tanks. In the end, as was the case with
the Mirage 5, it turned out that a product that had been devel
oped with significant Israeli technical input and experience was
supplied to an Arab state when Chieftain tanks were supplied to
Israel's enemies.
To keep the conversion line running in full speed almost 300
tanks were needed per year. Many more Centurions were bought
from England when they started to replacing their main battle
tanks with the more powelful Chieftain. At that time, the Nether
lands also started to convert their tank fleet to more a more modern
tank, the German Leopard I. Many Centurions from both nations
were bought at scrap metal prices by Israel and send directly to the
Shot Kal Alef conversion line. In addition, several dozen Centu
rions captured in the Six Day War were also fed into the Shot Kal
conversion line.
The Shot Kal modification program was top secret for several years and the tank was only shown to the pllblicforfirst tillle ill 1973, when it took part in the 25th
Anniversary of lndependence parade in Je/"llsalelll, lsrael's capitol.
20
T""'
Figure 3.
Side view of the 188th Brigade
Shot Kal Alef tank equipped with
a 50 cal. machine gun localed on
the previous searchlight bracket
on top of the mantlet. Note that the
30 cal. machine gun is on a lower
mounting pintle than shown in
Figllre4.
Figure 4.
The side views of a Shot Kal Alef
that retained its smoke grenade
launcher bracket on each side of
the turret. The Luna L-2 infrared
searchlight on the top of the
mantlet was taken from captured
enemy tanks alld moullted 011
the original Israeli searchlight
LL
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15
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,
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bracke(, TIl i.,' lallI, is s(ill/ill"d willi

,Itt' ol'l):i"o/ sl\,li' IIlflllllf'l rOI""',
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There will be complete book dealing with IDF Shot Kal tanks
in action so, the next section is plimarily of 7th Brigade vehicles
taken on the Golan Heights during the last days of the 1973 war
and during the following cease-fire. The 7th Brigade was locat
ed in the south of Israel but a few weeks before the Yom Kip
pur War, officers of the IDF's North Command recognized Syrian
army movements as being potentially dangerous. The IDF Chief
of Staff didn't want to take a risk and ordered the deployment of

the brigade to the north to reinforce the only regular tank unit i[
the north, the 188th "Barak" (Lightning) Brigade . The crews oftht'
brigade arrived in the north without their tanks and drew Shot Ka:
tanks from the reserve tank battalion's emergency depot. As can
be seen from the photos in the next pages most of these Shot Ka:
Alef's were based on Mark 3 Centurions .
The same Shot KalAleftank marked as 3 Alef(3A) seellfrom both sides as it moves 10 afiJ"ing position on the Golall Heights ill the 1973 Yom Kippllr War. Note
that at that lillie the Israeli 30 cal. ammullitioll was still sllpplied ill fabric belts as opposed to Ihe more modem disilltegrating melnllinks. This was done to prevellt
loose the links from possibly jammillg the mallY tl/.rret mechanisms. Note that the malltiet cover is missing, lost during the heavy fightillg. Modelers can, therefore,
build all IDF Shot Kat Alef WithOllt a mantiet cover. Note the knocked Ollt Syrian BRDM ill the foregroulld (llice diorama idea).
22
C')
FigureS.
The side views of Shot Kal Alef
based on a Mark 3 Centurion
eqllipped with 30 cal. machine
gun on the existing .50 cal.
machine gun mounting. Note
the missing mantlet cover,
the arrangement of the fOllr
towing cables and the com
mander's small setlrchlight.
I)
LL
Q)
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4-'
o
(f)
.::s:.
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o
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ii'
I I
1.-1
II
JII
1:1
Figure 6.
Top,front and rear views of the Shot Kal
Alefill Figure 5. III the rear view you can
see how the folding stretcher was stowed.
24
. - lank with its turret turned to port, registration number 814155, watching for any enemy movement. This tank started the war as tactical number 3 Alef
call be seell 011 the lower right comer of the rear plate, but challged position ill the battalion to become 1 Beth (1B) as carl be seenjrom the tactical mark
ihe CUll vas altached to the rear of the stowage basket. Note that its crew was able to acquire army mattresses ill addition to standard issue the sleeping bags.
!'m are tied 011 the top of right-hand turret stowage box to be llsed 011 those nights thai the Syriall artillery was not active. When there was artillery, the crew
.nd the night in their tank protectedfrom the heavy shelling.
--
-.-J3.
_
r Shot Kal 011 overwatch duty. The commallder is ready with his 30 cal. machine gun while the main gun is depressed as a precaution. The dismollnted
.umber is busy with the ordillary tasks of life ill a tallk 1Il1it. This tank, like all of the previous ones, lacks its armored skirt plates.
=-= _ on Tanks of the IOF
25
--.
-- - - - -- -
y,...
'-.
It appears that the war is over. A crew member of Shot Kat number 814770 finishes clealling his tank and it appears he's quite the worker. Not only has he broughr
a cOlltainer of black paint and has already painted the spare tracks, the tow hooks,Jrontfenders reinforcements, but he is now working all the tip of the 105mm
gUll. It is evident that many other parts of the tank have gotten a fresh coat ofIDF Salld Grey before the fiJ1U1 touches of black. Note that the crew member is wear
ing hisfire resistant, cloth overall; it's a slInny day outside, he can work without a heavy coat.
Other crews pe/form routin.e maintenance all their Shot Kat tanks. Again, it is a sunllY day and, as all this actioll take place at a rear base located ill the southern
part of the Golall Heights, it is 1I0t as cold as on the front lille higher 011 the Golan Heights or ill those enclaves captured by IDF forces inside Syrian territory. Note
that the elltire left front fender is missing. The registration number of the tallk is 815149.
26
For this unit the war

certainly seems to have
elided. The whole crew is
working on their tank alld
getting them back to full
combat readiness. One crew
member is organizing the
tow cables while allother
is at the front of the tallk
painting the spare tracks
with glossy black paillt and
the other two are touching
lip the turret paint where
lIeeded.
Another crew ofa Shot Kal

Alef, lacticalmarking 1Beth
(lB),jillish somejillal
cosmetic touches. The tanks
werejirst washed and then,
as this photo sho ws, areas
of damaged paillt were re
painted by the crew inlDF
Sand Grey. One soldier is
pouring out the grey paillt
from the larger bucket into
smaller cans that are //lore
easily handled. Other crew
members ofthe unit are
working on their M 113 ill
the backgrollnd.
~=
~:-..J rion
Tanks of the IOF
27
This Shot Kal Alef, tactical marking "2",

was based on a Mark 3 Centurion hull as
call be determined from the early types of
hull stowage bins. The visible crew member
has made himself comfortable by using the
shape of the ope lied commander's hatch
as a reclining chair. Note the early type of
searchlight widely used 011 the IDF's Sher
man tanks and the electrical cable that COIl
nected the light to the power source. This
lank also has a turret registration IlUmber
on the lower right-hand side. The white,
four-digit number, 6457, has been applied
to a black rectallgle and comes after the He
brew prefix letters of Tsadic and Reish that
are the first two letters of the Hebrew word
"Tsareah", which means "tunet".
This photo is unl/sualforthe IDF in that

this Shot Kal is travelling with its turret
traversed to the rear. The tank has a
registration number, 815140, but no tactical
markings Oil the turret and it is shown
arriving at a rear base from the front lines.
That the commander is vel)' happy can be
seen from his smiling face. The sun is so
strong that the driver has a problem seeing
forward even though he wears sllnglasses
and is usillg his left hand to shade his eyes.
Note the lack of hull skirt plates and that
the stowage basket is full with various crew
stowage that includes blankets, water jeri)'
cans,food boxes and combat rations. The
crew are all wearing American style tank
helmets.
28
(J)
Figure 7.
The side views of a Shot
Kal Alef based on all early
Mark 3 Centurion hull.
This can be identified
by the early style of hull
stowage bins. Note the
ea,.~v type (~r \'('{//'chli~hI
LL
Q)
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flfld .\'/jil',i"J:JI!o(( ,\',
1
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.\
~
I M~ _ W ~ _~ _ ~ J ~~ ~_~_.w_w __ ._
f1
Figure 8.
Top,jront and rear views oj a Mark 3-based Shot Kal AleJ.
30
'ful photo of a Shot Kal Alef 011 the Golan Heights. This tank still had the smoke discharger brackets on the turret sides, complete with their electrical
. It was unfortunate that, long before the Yom Kippur War, the IDF deleted the smoke grenade capability during the design of the Shot Kal Alef conversion
;hough many tanks, like this one, retained theftttings.ln combat there were m<JI1Y occasions when a smoke screen could have saved Israeli tanks from hits by
. rank-killer teams armed with AT-3 Saggers and other anti-tank missiles. Givell that it was known both that Arab armies were armillg with sigllificant num
.-U"GMs (allti-tank guided missiles) and that smoke screens were all effective maskillg technique agaillstATGM teams, the deletion ofthe Centurion's smoke
- . ity is possibly the most serious design error made by the Shot Kal's engineering team.
_ ,lie later stages of the Yom Kippur WO/~ Israeli tank crews had come to appreciate the effectiveness of the Syr;<ln and Egyptian nightfightillg systems. Having
d significallt numbers of enemy T-55162 tanks, the Israeli engineering teams trallsfened a lIumber ofthese illfrared systems and their Luna L-2 infrared
_ 1ights to their OWII Shot Kaltanks. Note the wood box that contailled small arm ammullition and the sleeping bags on the sides of the turret. Note also the .30
- chine gun filled to the gun mount previollsly used by the 50 cal. machine gun .
. o;p of the Luna L-2 infrared searchlight shows how it was attached to the Shot Kal Alefs Oligillal searchlight bracket. Note that the crew member wears an
7 / type helmet that was widely used by the IDF's tank crews in the 1973 war.
'ion Tanks of the IOF
31
In the middle of a rocky la va field on the Golall Heights, a platoon of Shot Kal Alefs and their exhausted young crews take a break from serving their beasts. The
two Shot Kal tanks ill this frame make an interesting pair, one equipped with a Western searchlight covered and protected by wooden box whiTe the secolld has a
Russian Lana L-2 infrared searchlight taken few days previously from a captured Syrian tallk. Both tanks started with Cellturion Mk. 3 turrets with the gUl/ner
periscope on the roof of the turret. Note the additional applique armor 01/ the glacis plate of the tank that was common to many of the early Mark 3 tanks that were
later upgraded in the Shot Kal program.
After almost three straight weeks ofintensive combat the tanks were in rough shape as there had been liule time for normal maintenance. Despite their exhaustioll
and sleepless nights the crews completed their chores with 110 complaints as they IUlve learned the hard way that in combat a well maintained machine can mean th e
difference betwem the life and death.
32
dose-lip ofthe Shot Kal tank from the previous photo that was equipped with a Russian-made Luna L-2 infrared projector taken from captured Syrian T-55 and
wnks.Again the crew is very busy with routine maintenance of the tank; one ofthem is busy cleaning the machine gun while two others are greasing the
d s.
Shot Kat tank takes cover near walls made ji-om lava rocks. lis tactical marking, number 2, has been painted on canvas attached to one side of the stowage
and with the Hebrew letter "Daled" (D) on the other side . Note the open front hull stowage box and the mattresses on the engine deck. The different tools 011
:m d reveal that this tallk is also in the middle of maintenance by its crew .
.Jion Tanks of the IOF
33
The crew of Shot Kal2 Alef (2A) work Oil their beast. One of them is working 0/1. the 30 cal. machine gUll while two others are using the large grease gUll to
lubricate all the grease nipples Oil the tank, even they can hardly be foulld through all the thick mud. The fourth crew member seems to be taking a break, taking
a drag from his cheap army cigarette.
34
During the hard days of constant fighting, each

tank crew had to organize for themselves as
much spare equipment, warm clothes alld other
stowage as possible. The large turret stowage
basket was a great help dealing with all the
extra stowage that men in combat accumulnte.
Here, the crew of tank number 1 has an extra
radio, coats,jerry calis alld other items that can
be seen as the crew try to impose some order Oil
the mess. This photo provides a good view of
the foldillg stretcher and how it is secured ill its
bracket. This is another tallk that has installed
a captured, Russian-made Luna L-2 infrared
search light. After two weeks of cOllstant combat
with no chalice to clean up, the crew are all
filthy from the mild, oil and soot.
This short break from the battle is being
used by the crew to catch up 011 some of the
never-elldillg list of regular maintenallce
alld housecleaning tasks that plague AFV
crewmen. Constant combat hasn't made the list
allY shorter and every pause was used to keep
the tanks as combat ready as possible. Crew
members that might have resisted doillg these
chores in peacetime, pelform them witilout
complaillt ill wartime as they have all/earned
how criticaimailltellance is to not ollly winnil/g
battles, but their own survival.
_ .Jion Tanks of the IOF
35
More and more tanks returned to their permanent bases in the days after the end of the wali illcluding this Shot Kal, tactical marking I and registratioll number
814120. Once again the crews immediaJely start to work on the tanks. The crew member 011 the twnt is holding brush and a can of IDF grey paint and is touchil1g
up the damaged areas Oil the turret. Note the civilian transistor radio on top ofthe .30 cal. machine gUll. It not only provided mllsic to help with the hard work, bur
it was also the only way to listen to the news and get sOllie information on what was happelling after having been isolaiedfor almost 3 weeks.
36
Centurion Tanks of the ID=
~N
LW
L(J'l
L~
LO)
L-..,J
Leo
L(O
_ - t urion Tanks of the IOF
37
Figure 10.
Top,Jrollt and rear views of a Shot Kale Alef
based on Centurion Mk . 3 hull with side skirt
armor plates.
38
-. Shot Kal is almost ready for the cOlllmander's inspection; olle ofthe crew members is using a large brush to clean the last dusty areas. Note that this tank has
last 3 digits of the regis/ration /lumber painted on the top of each side skilt plate .
crew members are working Oil their tank while one is taking a break. This Shot Kal, registrationnlllnber814292, is vel)' interesting because it is carryillg the
. almarking oftwo different tanks. It has a combination of chevrons that are possible ollly in war; two skirt plates can)' chevrons pointing ill different direc
. This means that the tank's crew installed any skirt plate that was available even its belonged to a tank from anotherformation.
='=-'1turion Tanks of the IOF
39
This Shot Kal belonged to Avigdor Kahalani, the commander of the 77th (Oz or "Courage"), Battalioll of the 7th Brigade durillg the Yom Kippur War ill 1973.
Kahalani's Shot Kal tank was based Oil the Mark 3 Centurion with late hull stowage boxes and with its frontal arlllor upgraded with additional applique armor
plate welded over the glacis. Note the bralld new accordion style malltlet cover that was illstalled after the previous cover and the maill gun'sfullle extractor were
heavily damaged by Syrian artillery afew days before this photo was taken. As the tallks were brought back from thefrollt lines they were immediately returned
to full combat readiness by peIformillg all the mailltenance that had been neglected or postponed because heavy combat, lack of spares and other higher priority
tasks. All the road wheels were exchanged/or lIew olles evell though some are still ill good shape.
40
IIi stands in his commander's cupola, his face covered with three weeks worth of beard. This tank has severalullique features suitable to its use by the bat
cOlllmander. These include a special map board in front of the cupola which had 2 s11lalllights so that maps can be read at flight without exposing the tank to
.' fire, There was also an external cOlllmullication box that allowed the commander to spend more time with his head outside the tank while still being able to
unicate with the rest of the crew members or other tanks in the battalion.
:e the many shrapnel strikes on the tank and its stowage boxes from three week's exposure to the heavy SYliall artillery fire. The Uzi submachine gun is ill its
I and the sleeping bags are tied down on the top of the turret stowage box. To the light ill the picture, Gidoll, one of Khalani's crew, cal! be seel! as he climbs
flI rret, he is wear a light jacket mainly used by Air Force personnel.
=--:-.Jrion Tanks of the IOF
41
Avigdor Kahalalli's tank agaill, photographedfrom the right rear. 011 the right side of the storage basket is all additional smail PRe77 radio secured in a special
bracket. Note the way the sleeping bags are secured Oil the main storage bin ofthe turret. Oil this tank the 50 caimachillegull moullt is used, illstead, to hold the
small commander's search light. Shot Kal tanks was changed the commander's machine gem to a 30 cal. machine gUll because its higher rate offire was more
efficient in dealing with the enemy illfalltry and soft skins vehicles. The gun is located on the left side of the coml1ulIlder's cupola towards to center of the turret.
42
Front and left side of Kahalani's tank.

The tank got a Ilew fume extractor alld
mantiet cover after the original ones
were destroyed by Syrian artillery shell
fragmentsfew days before they were
withdrawn from combat. The 77th bat
talion remained ready for immediate ac
tion, but the Syrian and Egyptian forces
were, by this time, ill general retreat.
In the north Israeli artillery shells were
falling 011 the outskirts ofthe Syrinn
capital,Damasclls.ln the south, Israeli
tanks were 101 kmfrom Cairo and there
were virtually no Egyptiall army IInits
left to protect the capital. Syria alld
Egypt begged to their greatest supporte/~
the Soviet Unioll, toforce a cease fire 011
Israel and the war ended with the Arab
aggressors ill general retreat alld IDF
forces ill Africa.
The rear of Kahalalli's tallk. Note that

the registration number is painted ollly
011 the left side fender and that the tacti
calmarkings are on the rear infantry
telephone box and on both sides of the
turret basket. Note the folding stretcher
and the four towing cables secured ill
their brackets.
-=.enturion Tanks of the IDF
43
LL
Q)
..c
4-'
15
(j)
..:,(
~
C
o
c
::J
C
4-'
Q)
o
I
10
Figure 11.
The side views of Kaha/ani's
Shot Kal Alef based on a Mark
3 Centurion with late hull
stowage boxes and with the
frontal armor upgraded wilh
additional applique armor
welded over the glacis plate .
Note the special map board
and lights in front of the cu
pola and the additional PRC77
radio secured ill its special
bracket on the right side ofthe
stowage basket.
~
~
Figu,.e 12.
The tOp,frOllt alld ,.ea,. views ofKahalalli'S Shot Kal Alef.
:::::enturion Tanks of the IDF
45
During the war ill the nOl1h, many tank crews

removed the armored side skirts and preferred
to fight without them. The main reason for this
was that the wet winter of 1973 created a lot of
heavy mud in the Golan Heights and the skirt
plates would aI/ow the thick mud to pack the
sllspension, making life even harderfor the
crew. In addition, of course, ill cOlllbal. and 1111
derfire any suspension problems couid be fixed
faster without the skilt plates in place. Whell
the first cease fire was announced, orders were
givell by the battalion commanders to replace
the plates. Many crews couid not find their
skirt plates (or any skirt plaiesfor that matter)
because they had been left in various places
all over the Golan Heights when the crews had
removed them during their short rest periods
betweel! battles. Lucky crews that found plates
could identify their own if the had managed to
mark them. The last 3 digits ofthe tank's reg
istralion number lind, sometimes, the Hebrew
letter "Shill" would be painted in white on one
comer of the skirt plates. "Shin is the first letter
in the word "Sheva", "seven" in Hebrew, stood
for 7th Brigade, alld in this case also for the
77th Battalion.
While the crews marked the plates to prevent
other crews f/'OIII stealillg thelll, the large white
numbers also made the tanks more easily visible
from a distance and made them easier targets.
Fearing the combat might break out again,
Lieutellant Colonel Kahalalli, the battalion
commander, ordered that the numbers be
painted out. Fighting withoul the armored skirts
when the enemy has a large arsenal oj anti-tank
missiles would normally be too dangerous, bllt,
luckily for the Shot Kat crews in the north,
the Syrians were not able to use their ATGMs
vel)' well. In addition, the numbers ojATGMs
deployed in the north was substantially less than
those deployed in the south by the Egyptians
Uor more details see Volume 4 of this work) .
46
-'lore tallks of the 7th Brigade lIIoving into the Nafach base. As they drive past the large workshop buildillg, battles scars call be seen 01/ nearly all of them. In many
cases, paint was knocked off and their stowage boxes were holed by the heavy Syrian shelling. Tank 506 has its full tank complement of side plates while the crew
of lank 881 was only able to find the left rear plate. You can see other Shot KaT tanks and a Rio recovery track in the background.
:::;enturion Tanks of the IDF
47
The end of Octobe/~ 1973, in the Golan Heights was Olle of the coldest ever reported. This crew member of Kahalani's tank is wearing the heavy army coat that called
a "Duboll". This lIickname mealls "teddy bear" ill Hebrew because the bulky coat made them feel like pudgy bears. This photo shows that the battalion commander's
Shot Kal has gottell a new Xenon search light, showlI covered by canvas to protect it from the heavy rain. Note the heavy oil stains in the lowerfrollt hull plil1e.
48
To deal with. the harsh weather all the Golan Heights, this crew member has managed to acquire a balaclava.
Lt. Colonel Kahalani's tank after the crew reattached the armored skirts. As mention before, the colonel's crew have marked the last three digits of the tank's regis
tration Ilumbeli 152, and the leiter "shill" on each plate. At this stage it lacks not only the search lightfotllld ill earlier photos, bllt also its commander. Lt. Colollel
Kahalalli was on a short leave after the war was over because ollly then was he told by his Brigade Comlllandeli Colonel Yanosh Ben-Gal, that his brothel' Emanuel
had beell killed several days earlielifighting the Egyptialls ill the south as a Pat/all tank crew member.
49
Tanks of the 7th Brigade after the W{U was over, parked in a row awaiting the possible resllmption of hostilitiRS over repeated violations of the fragile cease fire by
the Syrians. Some of the crew members take a smoke break. Note that ill the lower photo, the right tank has lost its spare track brackets, alld both of the tanks are
missillg their spare tracks, Ilsed during the heavy fightillg 011 the Golan Heights.
50
The Centurion Shot l(al Alefil1 the Latrllll Museum. Since all early Shot Kal Alefs were upgraded at sOllie time or another to more modem stalldards, including
the addition of reactive armor ill the 1980s, it is hard to find a Shot Kal Alef that remains ill its original configuration . On this Shot Kal Alef we call see some of the
//lore modem modifications like the brackets for the reactive armor on the front of the turret front, the Urda.n copula, the additiollal .30 cal. machine gun on the
loaders side, the new searchlight bracket, the spare track bracket moved from the front plate to the rear plate alld other small modifications that will be discllssed in
next volume of this series.
51
The Centurion Shot Kal Alef in the UtJl'lIn Museum. Sillce all early Shot Kat Alefs were upgraded at sOllie time or allother to more modern standards, including
the addition of reactive armor in the 1980s, it is hard to filld a Shot Kal Alefthat remains ill its original COllfiguration. On this Shot Kal Alefwe call see some of the
more modem modijicatiolls like the brackets for the reactive armor Oil the frollt of the turret frollt, the Urdan copula, the additional 30 cal. machine gun on tlte
loaders side, the lIew searchlight bracket, the spare track bracket moved from the front plate to the rear plate and other slIUlllmodijications that will be discussed ill
lIext volume of this series.
51
The front and rear view of left side of the Latru.n Museum's Shot Kal Alef.
52
Centurion Tan ks of the IOF
The top view of both sides ofthe Latrull Museum's Shot KaiAlef. Note that this Shot Kaltank was originally based Oil a Mark 3 Celllurioll.
53
Close lip on the Shot Kat Alef

engine deck. Note the extra
height ofthe lIew engine deck
that limits depression of the
main gun over the rear area .
To prevent the gUll to hit th e
deck a special alltomatic devise
was developed 10 elevate allto
matically the glln when it reach
the sides of the engine deck .
54
The differellt portions of the

engine deck and the gear
box venti/<ltion/ollvers. Nole
the similarity 10 the M48
Pattoll's engille deck . Also
note the five long louvered
doors above the transmission
compartment which deflect
the cooling air as well the
engine exhaust upwards .
The weld beads in the middle
of the louver doors were
made by the museum staff to
prevellt visitors from open
ing them, they were not pres
ent Oil Shol Kals ill service.
..-,\~
4
'I
55
Ellgille deck details. Note the Hebrew leller "Daled" (D) Oil the armollredjiller cap. This is the jirstleller ill the Hebrew lVord ((Delek" which meallS "fllel". The
additiollaljerry call holder on the right reaJ-jellder alld the position of the foldillg stretcller are both post-war modijicaJions. Early Shot Kals had only 2 jerry can
holders, one 011 the ji'ollt right fender and the second on the rear plate of the tUlTet, il1side the basket. The original position of the folding stretcher was on the up
per left rear hull plate.
Note also that the Shot Kal Alef gun travel lock position has been changed and is 1I0W located 011 the right rear comer of the engine deck alld not on the left as ill
the original Centurion.
56
Close lip of olle of the rear deck

louvers ill raised position shows
its intemal structure. I call tell
YOIl that they are vel)' heavy.
Close up of the special hard rub

ber bumpers that were attached
011 each side of the ellgille deck
alld lIsed to prevellt damage
to the maill gUll ill case thaI
the gUll failed to automatically
elevate whell traversed over the
ellgine deck. Olle of them has a
special cut out to allow the main
gUll to clear the bumper whell
secured ill the travel lock.
57
Close lip on several other small louvers alld handles that can be seen all the engine deck. Note the locking handles for the long, louvered doors. The metal registra
tionnumbers on the plate, or the second style made by directly welding the numbers all the armor, were added to the tanks only after the 1973 war. This was a result
of a hard lesson learned during the war that it was almost impossible to identify totally burned out tanks once the painted registration numbers bumed and disap
peared. Metal registration numbers should not be presellt on models of earlier Shot Kal Alef tallks or all those dU/illg the 1973 Yom Kippur war.
58
Details of the smoke

hand grenade bracket
from variolls Shot Kal
tanks. It allows carriage
of two smoke grenades
that are handily located
just to the rear of the
commallder's cllPola.
Note the strips that
secure the grenaoes
in the bracket. These
were 1I0t as effective as
the original twelve
htbe smoke grenade
launchers that had been
located ill either side of
the turret. Those cOllld
be activated from within
the tallk without expos
ing allY crew members
to enemy fire.
59
Close up from different angles of the DOIUlldson air filters that were installed on the fenders on either side of the hull. The system was totally hermetically sealed to
prevent damage by the heavy dust in Israel's harsh southern deselt areas. Note that they are installed on special brackets and not directly to the side fenders. These
platforms were connected to the supporting ribs of the fenders to better carry their weight without damaging the thin fenders.
60
More details of the Donaldson air jilters. You cafl see how the outlet pipe from thejilter penetrates the hull side flear the eflgine compartmeflt.
61
Close lipS of the hull stowage

boxes including the original
olle alld the new special
double box 10caLed 011 the
right rear fender that was
introduced 011 the Shot Kal
Alef COli version lille. Note
the variolls tools alld their
brackets, as well the small fire
extillguisher.
62
Close-ups of the different types of brackets used to secure the fOllr towing cables.
The main ane/wring point was on the left side fender ill front of the Donaldson air
filter. The other end was secllred to the towing pilltle in the middle of the lower rear
huU plate. In the middle the cables were secured by threading them through all opell
"C" type clip. The anchor post on the fender Ilsed a removable disk to keep the cable
loops from coming loose. This disk was secured by a coller pill that was, itself, at
lae/led to the disk by a fine chain.
63
Close lip on the extended rear hI/II plate of the Shot Kal which was added to lengthen the power pack
compartment to allow the new Teledyne Continental AVDS-1790-2A air cooled diesel engine alld the
Allison CD-850-6 automatic trallsmission to be fitted as well as for the installation of the new rear fllel
tank. As mentioned earlie/~ these photos are of a later version ofthe Shot Kal which had several additions
IIOt presellt 011 the illitial Shot Kal Aleftanks. These additions include the spare track brackets 011 the rear
plate, the first aid box and the pintle-type towing hook.
64
Details of new, extended rear hull. YOII can clearly see the new transmission access covers and pillS the other items that hove been added to the bol/om and rear
faces of the extended hull. Note how thejillal drive is welded to the rear hull overhang.
65
Details ofthe sides ofthe extended hull. Note the way the rearfender is Sllpported from underneath. You call also see the thick weld bead that marks where the exten
sion was added; the weld lille is partly covered by the fender's illtemal bend.
66
More details of the extended hull. The /lew towing rings brackets are connected to the rear hull plates with massive weld beads.
67
Rear light details. A close look will reveal there are two styles of brush protective guards, one afull cylillder and the other style a partial cylinder. YOIl call also
see the electrical jllllction box and the electrical cable leading into the back of the light as well as how all the parts are attached to the hull side. III additioll to the
lights, there are also reflectors at the far outside comers of tile rear faces of the fenders.
68
Close-lip ofthe rear infanhy

phone box. Note the spring
althe bollom ofthe box and
the circlllar hole in the cover
that allows soldiers 011 the
ground to see the orallge lens
thal covers the pholle's light
bulb evell when the lid is
closed. Whell the crew needs
to coltlm ullicate with those
011 the ground, the light is
lit. With the hole in the cover
soldiers could see the light
withollt needing to keep the
box open all the time. The
light is protected by a sheet
metal guard. The phone box
is mOllnted Oil posts that
leave a space between it alld
the rearhllll plate.
69
Some hull glacis details including

how the applique glacis arlllor was
attached, how the electrical cables
enter the hull alld the armored cap
for the /lew front hull fuel tallk.
Thefuel caps have the Hebrew
letter "Daled" (D) that is thefirst
letter in Hebrew wordforfuel,
"Delek". On this vehicle the metal
registration IIl1l1/bers are part ofa
separate plate and were added to
the tanks ollly after the 1973 war.
Remembe/~ don't apply on allY
model that represents all earlier
Shot Kal Alef tank or aile during
the 1973 Yom Kippur War.
--
... .
70
Close up of the driver's

two hatch doors and
s urrolllidi ng details.
This is the bracket fo,.

the squa,.e biscuit box
that was added on the
upper left side of the
glacis plate above the
headlight on early Shot
Kal Alef tallks alld was
late,. moved to the top of
the left fellde,. as shown
in this photos.
New extemalfi,.e extinguishe,. pull

halldles were located on the cellter
of the glacis plate .
~.
~~,.~.~
..
.
\'
.ll
71
The large basket that was added to

the rear of the turret for the crew's
persollal stowage and other vehicle
equipmellt. Note the way that the tu
bular basket frame was attached to the
turret. The boltom part ofthe frame
was illserted ill to speciJlI rails that
were welded to the turret, while the
upper part ofthe basket fram e was ill
serted illto larger diameter hollow tube
that theu welded to the turret. This
provided a flexible yet cOllstrailled
moulltillg that elimillated the dJllllage
alld weld breakage tlw1 had happelled
ill the past whell heavy brackets or
frames were welded directly to the
72
III atiditiolltojintjerry call bracket 011 the lightfrOllt

fender, a secolld jerry call bracket was welded to the rear
face of the turiet. A storage box for the maill search light
was added to the left ofthe basket. There was a differellce
in how the bracket was attached depelldillg on whether
the illitial Celltlllion was a M k. 3 or a Mk.5. If the tanks
was origillally a Mk . 3 the rear turret access hatch was
welded shut alld the jerry call holder bracket was welded
over it. The metal strip shown here seclllillg the plastic
jerry call was added by museum personal to prevent the
callfrom being removed and call be ignored. III reality, the
jerry calls were secured by straps that were attached to the
tie dowlI point 011 the turret alld thell to the middle of the
bracket itself.
73
An additional antenna
mount that was aMed to
Shot Kal Alef tanks 011 the
right rearface turret after
the 1973 war. The two
metal tubes were llsed to
hold signal flags .
Various brackets andfeatures of the Shot Kal

Alef turret including crew external small arms
stowage brackets, the searchlight bracket stand
and afire extinguisher ill its bracket.
74
Close up oil/he l05mm

gUll, its bore evacuator and
the lIew accordion-style
mantlet cover that was fU'st
illtraduced Oil the Shot Kal
modification line.
75
-..J
(j)
Shot Kal Alef tank from the 188th Brigade located at the Ramat
Ha Golan on exercise in 1970. The tank marked with Hebrew let
ter Gimel (C) on a piece of tarp attached to the main search light
storage box on the left rear of the turret and hung over the side
of the large turret stowage box on the right side of the tank. Note
the Brigade and Battalion tactical markings painted on the infantry
telephone box and the Hebrew letter Gimel (C) in black on the rear
hull plate. The registration number is 814236.
oCD
::J
r+
cS"
::J
::J
-;,
r+
:r
CD
o11
Shot Kal Alef tank from the 188th Bri

gade on exercise on the Golan Heights
in 1971. The tank marked as 17 Gimel
(C) and equipped with .50 cal. machine
gun on the mantlet in addition to the
.30 cal. machine gun over the front of
the commander's vision cupola. The
tank changes its color after heavy ex
posure to the red brown volcanic dust
in Golan Heights.
oCD
::J
C
.-+
-;
o
::J
::J
7\
(fJ
.-+
::J"
CD
is
11
A Shot Kal tank from the first battalion of the 7th brigade. The tank
marked as 3 Alef (3A), as can be seen on the lower right corner of
the rear plate, but changed position in the battalion to become 1
Gimel (1 C) as can be seen from the temporarily tactical markings
on the canvas attached to the rear of the stowage basket. Note
the Brigade and Battalion tactical markings painted on the infantry
telephone. The registration number is 814155.
--A ~..o beJ;:J.r
--J
--J
A Shot Kal tank from the second

battalion of the 7th brigade. The
tank marked as 11 Gimel (e) This
tank still had the smoke discharger
brackets on the turret sides, com
plete with their electrical cables.
Note the ex Syrian T-55/62 Luna L-2
infrared searchlight attached to the
Shot Kal Alefs original searchlight
bracket. Note the Brigade and Bat
talion tactical markings painted on
the infantry telephone.
-...J
<Xl
Shot Kal Alef based on Mark 5 original

Centurion tank with registration
number 814292 . This tank marking
composition is interesting because it
is carrying the tactical marking of two
different tanks. It has a combination of
chevrons that are possible only in war;
two skirt plates carry chevrons point
ing in different directions represent
tanks of 2nd and 3rd companies. Note
the Brigade and Battalion tactical
markings painted on the front fender
made of white circle with number 1,
CD
C
...,
0'
:J
rol
:J
Gf
8,
.-+
:J"
CD
Shot Kal Alef tank marked as 3

Alef (3A) on the Golan Heights in
the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The
markings are free hand painted,
thus unique in their shape, Note
that the mantlet cover is missing,
lost during the hea vy fighting and
exposing the black color at the
base of the gun.
o
'1l
CD
:J
....
C
,
(5
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~
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T
(fJ
S,
....
:r
CD
o
11
--A.I~""bcJ ::;--:
The Shot Kal Alef of Lt Colonel Avigdor Kahalani, the commander of the 77th Oz (Courage) Battalion of the 7th Brigade
during the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Heavily damage canvas with 10 Gimel (C) marking is attached to the right side of the
rear basket. Note the Brigade and Battalion tactical markings painted on the front fender and on the rear infantry telephone.
The registration number is 815152. Note the 2 white color rings over the main gun barrel also represent the position of the
battalion its brigade. In this case, a tank with 2 barrel rings belongs to the 2nd battalion of its brigade. Note also the battle
damage from enemy fire to the turret and hull stowage boxes. Kahalani's Shot Kal tank was based on the Mark 3 Centurion
with late hull stowage boxes and with its frontal armor upgraded with additional applique armor plate welded over the glacis.
Note also on the right side of the storage basket the additional PRCll radio, secured in a special bracket.
-..-J
CD
OJ
The Shot Kal Alef of Lt. Colonel Avigdor Kahalani, the commander of the
77th Oz (Courage) Battalion of the 7th Brigade during the Yom Kippur
War in 1973 after the crew reattached the armored skirts to the tank at
the end of the war. The last 3 digits of the tank's registration number
(152) and the Hebrew letter "Shin" free hand painted in white on the skirt
plates. "Shin" is the first letter in the word "Sheva", or seven in Hebrew,
stood for 7th Brigade, and in this case also for the 77th Battalion.
o<D
Shot Kal Alef with tactical marking 1

from 1st company and registration
number 814120. The free hand white
number 1 painted on the rear plate as
well. Note that this tank has the last 3
digits of the registration number (120)
painted in red on the top of each side
skirt plate. Also note that that one of the
wheels was replaced with brand new
green color wheel.
;;l.
(5
:::J
:::J
A
(j)
.....
::r
<D
(5
11
--N.
~..obo) ':J~
Camouflage and Markings of early Shot Kal AlefTanks
Camouflage
Brigade and Battalion markings
The early Shot Kal Alef tanks were painted in Israeli Sand Grey. The
color was lighter than the current Israeli Sand Grey as used on the
modern Merkava tanks. The color varied somewhat from tank to tank
as it was mixed to different recipes or even mixed with other colors,
like white. The majority of tanks had a matte finish but there were tanks
with a semi matte finish. The harsh desert condit ions of Southern Israel ,
including severe UV exposure from the sun , large temperature difference
between day and ni ght, and ubiquitous sand and dust, quickly caused the
paint to fade, scuff and look shabby. Usually tanks were not re-painted
on a regular basis which created large variations in vehicle colors after
just a short time in the field. When tanks were chosen to participate in
official parades, like the Independence Day parade, they were re-painted
with fresh Sand Grey color and their tactical markings were over paint
ed. When the tanks were modified, up-graded or after a major overhaul
they were also given a fresh coat of paint.
For Brigade and Battalion markings different geometrical shapes with

numbers inside were used and these were painted on the left front fender
and on the rear infantry telephone box or below it on the rear hull plate.
The number inside the geometrical shape represented the number of the
battalion in the parental bIigade. In addition, white color rings over the
main gun barrel also represent the position of the battalion its brigade.
For example, a ta nk with 3 barrel rings belongs to the 3rd battalion of its
brigade.
Registration numbers
For security reasons there will be no discussion of brigade tactical

markin gs, names or special marking co mbinations that have not been of
ficially published. Since the basic markings system as well the markings
of the 7th and 188th brigades are well known and published by official
IDF sources they will be shown in this work.
Shot Kal Alef tanks carry registration numbers in similar to those of

other tanks in the early 1970s. The hull numbers were located mainly on
the front lower plate and on one, or both, rear fender sections. The white
numbers , with a prefix of the Hebrew letter "Tzadic", the first letter of
Tzhaal (IDF) , to the right side, were painted on a black rectangle. Some
of the numbers were without the prefix letter.
There was a variation of the style of the numbers that were used; some
of the tanks had rounded, stencil style numbers while some had a more
square style. During the war some tanks had their registration numbers
painted by freehand. The first three digits of the serial registration num
bers of early Shot Kal Alef tanks that can be seen in this book are mainly
in the series 814XXX , 815XXX and 817XXX.
Company Markings
Air Recognition markings
The Shot Kal Alef tanks were marked with a tactical marking system
that was introduced for the first time in 1958 and based on using the
chevron to represent the company number. They were painted in white
on the skirt plates (usually on the first or the middle plate). A Company
used a chevron pointing down , for B Company, the chevron pointed
forward, for C Company it pointed up and in 0 Company it pointed to
the rear. Most of the chevrons were painted using templates but some
were also painted free hand. They were either all white or white outlined
in black. In addition, a cluster of markings in white, or white outlined in
black, representing the company and platoon information was painted on
the right front fender and sometimes on the lower right comer of the rear
hull plate. For these markings, the company number is represented by
horizontal parallel lines and not a chevron. The number of lines repre
sents the number of the company.
During the 1973 Yom Kippur War campaign air recognition markings
were attached to the tanks, these included orange and yellow plastic
banners.
Tactical Markings
Platoon Markings
In each company the platoons were numbered 1 through 3. While in
each platoon the individual tanks were marked with a combination of the
platoon number (1,2, or 3) and aHebrew letters, Alef (A), Beth (B) and
Gimel (C). Tanks with numbers and no letters would be the company
commanders' tanks. Thi s numbers and letters were painted on square
pieces of canvas or tarpaulin that were attached to the rear sides of the
turrets, on the right side of the basket and on the left on the main search
light storage box. Many times they also attached on each side of the tur
ret storage boxes. There was a large variation on the fonts of the letters
and numbers and while some of them were professionally painted at the
battalion level using template, many were painted freehand by the crew
members.
During the war, as tanks changed crews and positions within units
they get new tactical numbers that differed from those painted on their
rear plates and front fenders before the war. In addition, as tanks were
hit, recovered and repaired under field conditions they were retumed
to the field as fast as possible. Many times they were given to different
units and never returned to th eir original unit, their tactical marking soon
stopped being relevant and many tanks can be seen with markings of
two different units.
Other markings
I) Since the late 1950s, the turrets of IDF tanks were assigned their o\\n
registration numbers . The numbers were applied on a black rectangle
and come after a prefix of the Hebrew letters "Tsadic" and "Reish" that
are the first two letters of the Hebrew word "Tsareah", which means
turret.
2) As mentioned earlier, several tanks of the 77th battalion of the 7th
brigade had large white numbers on their plates that represented the last
3 digits of the tank's registration number. In addition, occasionally the
Hebrew letter "S hin" , the first letter in the word "S heva" ("seven" , in
Hebrew), was added to the numbers. It stood for the 7th Brigade. and , in
this case, also for the 77th Battalion .
3) Some tanks had the last 3 digits of the tank's registration number
painted on the top of each skirt plate in small red numbers.
4) Some tanks had a while line painted along the top surface of th e entire
length of the main gun to help the commander to roughly lay the main
gun at night.
5) Other tanks had a white line in front of the commander hatch on the
turret roof that performed a similar role to the line on the top of the main
gun.
About the Author

Robert Manasherob is 46 years old, married to Dana andfather of
Sabina,lnga and Martin. He is an officer in the IDF (Res). He is
a modeler of armor and aircraft (mainly Israeli and WWll German)
Robert holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology.
" " ' ;:"- -~- '

'-- J~
-'~-~

Centurion Tanks of The IDF Volume Three

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Centurion Tanks of The IDF Volume Three

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Dear Reader,

This book is the result of several years of extensive research in an effOlt to

First published in 2009 by: SabIngaManin

This book is dedicated to my parents

Endless thanks to Tzvika Golan and his staff at IDF Spokesman.

Any person that has "additional informtiiion or photos on Israeli tanks

All rights reserved . No part of this publication maybe reproduced, stored

chanics and ordnance staff.

Centurion Tanks of the IOF

5. The engine must be affordable, since the plan was to convert

companies in the United States to investigate ordering engines . To