BTW, what is your opinion of the new Merkava's turred geometry and "shell trap gap?"
On first glance, I don't like it. But the Israelis are experienced and make great weapons systems, so again, I'm prepared to give them the benefit-of-the-doubt. I just can't imagine them building a sub-standard tank.
Maybe they're also producing an add-on armor package that hangs over the gap? Without more information, and being unable to see the interior construction of the turret ring area, it's unfair to make a judgement.