Olifant MK2 South African MBT

[sohailbarki]

In 2003 and 2005 BAE Systems received contracts to upgrade a total of 26 South AfricanOlifant Mk.1B main battle tanks to the Olifant Mk.2 standard. The Mk.2 uses a number of components, previously developed for the TTD. First vehicles were scheduled for delivery in 2006 - 2007.

The Olifant Mk.2 MBT is better protected than the previous vehicle. It is completed with modular armor packages. Elements of such armor can be easily replaced if damaged or when more advanced armor is available. Prototype had a wedge-shaped front turret armor, similar to that of the German Leopard 2A5.

The Olifant Mk 2 tank is armed with a fully-stabilized 105-mm rifled gun. This gun is loaded manually and fires all standard NATO 105-mm ammunition. Ammunition is stored in the turret bustle, but it does not have blow off panels. It was proposed with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, but these plans were later abandoned. This MBT is undergunned by modern standards, however is is capable of disabling any encountered opposing tank in Africa.

The Olifant Mk2 has an upgraded fire control system, which tracks a moving target automatically. This MBT also received new target detection and engagement systems. Vehicle has all-weather, day and night fighting capability. This main battle tank can engage moving targets, while on the move.

Secondary armament consists two 7.62-mm machine guns. One of them is coaxially mounted with the main gun, while another is placed on top of the roof.

The Olifant Mk.2 main battle tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

Vehicle is powered by a Continental diesel engine, developing 1 040 hp, which remains unchanged from the Olifant Mk.1B, but slightly uprated. These engines were US-built and acquired from Israel. The Mk.2 uses refurbished and upgraded chassis of the Mk.1B.


http://www.military-today.com/tanks/olifant_mk2.htm

 

[sohailbarki]

 

[denel]

Good but note we abandoned heavy armour in favour of IFVs for speed and long range; hence this is seen through the development of Ratel, Rooikat etc and those are capable of taking on tanks with ratels already having done so. Tanks are completely useless in our terrain. Our doctrine completely changed in early 70s after first encounter with the cubans in Angola.

 

[sohailbarki]

Good but note we abandoned heavy armour in favour of IFVs for speed and long range; hence this is seen through the development of Ratel, Rooikat etc and those are capable of taking on tanks with ratels already having done so. Tanks are completely useless in our terrain. Our doctrine completely changed in early 70s after first encounter with the cubans in Angola.

its heavy tank 60+ tons. you should opt of AL kahlid like tanks 45-50 ton category.

 

[denel]

its heavy tank 60+ tons. you should opt of AL kahlid like tanks 45-50 ton category.

no. Our doctrine does not rely on tanks given the very long range required e.g. 1500km forward locations. Speed and range with our ratels/buffels/nyalas/casspir/rooikat cannot be matched plus all vehicles are mine proof. Maintenance of tracked vehicle is a nightmare.

remember Casspir platform is the basis for many new vehicles including maxxpro.

 

[C130]

one ugly mean looking beast. SA produces some interesting but effective weapon systems and upgrades.

 

[Penguin]

Mk2

TTD anyone?

Is this a South African T-72 upgrade?

There used to be a nice opgrade offered by South Africa for the T-72: new sight, panoramic commander sight, new barrel etc. What happened to that?

 

[Beast]

Mk2


Is this a South African T-72 upgrade?

There used to be a nice opgrade offered by South Africa for the T-72: new sight, panoramic commander sight, new barrel etc. What happened to that?

The system does not look compact and intergration properly into the turret. I guess that's the reason to be dropped.

 

[UkroTurk]

8x8 Bismarck with Olifant turret. The hugest 8x8 ever built. It weights 48-60 tons.

 

[Penguin]

The system does not look compact and intergration properly into the turret. I guess that's the reason to be dropped.

It is on, not in the turret

T-72 Main Battle Tank with ATE Upgrade, Ysterplaat Airshow, Cape Town (2006?)
This upgrade I believe is also known as LIW T-72 Tiger

http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/geotagged,ysterplaat/Interesting

ATE's success with the Mi-24 Superhind upgrade led to a day/night fire control system for the T-72 and an unmanned turret with guns and Ingwe missiles for the BMP-I.
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/AAD+2006:+relocating+the+latest+Africa+Aerospace+and+Defence+(AAD)...-a0157362963

ATE's upgrade enhances the mission envelope of the host main battle tank to 3rd generation capability. This includes full day / night combat capabilities for crew and driver, improved first round hit probability, field proven capability to engage moving targets whilst on the move, coincidence firing, muzzle reference system (MRS), and retension electro-hydraulic stabilisation.

I recall this ATE upgrade being offered Syria back in the day?

8x8 Bismarck with Olifant turret. The hugest 8x8 ever built. It weights 48-60 tons.

Only the middle pic has an Olifant turret, the other two show LIW 120mm turret , which is more like that on TTD.

Besides the ATE/LIW upgrade, there used to be a South African T-72 upgrade with new sights that were drop-in replacements, a new CFCS and a new, better quality 125mm gun barrel. Visually a very unremarkable upgrade, but a great improvement qualitatively.