IDF Shot Kal Alef (1973)
In 1958 the Israeli were equipped with aging rearmed M50-51 Shermans and light AMX-13s but lacked modern MBTs. They turned to the British Government for the session of second-hand Centurion Mark III and Mark Vs, about 390 in total. However quite quickly they were modified locally to local specs, earning the title “Sho’t”. The Sh’ot Kal (which stands for “Continental” simplified in “Cal”) can be distinguished easily by its raised rear deck, so to accommodate a bigger, more efficient American diesel engine. Indeed, they all have a new Continental diesel engine coupled with an Allison transmission. This also in turn helped commonality with the M48/M60s fleet and maintenance. Most importantly gun was replaced with 105mm L7 one, a new turret rotating mechanism was fitted, a new gun stabilizer, the fire control system as a whole was locally modernized, the sights also (new IR sights), the glacis armor and turret front were thickened by add-on layers. Ultimately a roomier ammunition layout was used to increase ammo storage. An extra turret basket was added on the back and new smoke discharges were also added to the turret later protected by armored covers