Denel Olifant (Elephant)

The Story of Denel Olifant (The Elephant)

The South African "Olifant" became a development of the original Centurion (MBT) main battle tank during the British Cold War. South Africa was one of the many first buyers of British good design, buying Centurion Mk. 3 models from 1953, which were eventually brought to the Mk. 5 standard and supplemented by purchasing vehicles from other countries (including India and Jordan) to reduce own inventory. However, the arms embargo on the country in the 1970s eventually forced the passage of various internal programs to make the country more self-sufficient in the defense industry.

So far, the Centurion's combat effectiveness has shown its old age, and the modernization construction is proceeding in an orderly manner.

Early work on upgrading the Centurion led to the "Skokiaan" project in the early 1970s, which introduced an all-new 810 hp V12 petrol engine into the design. The 1974 "Semel" version then became the Centurion Mk 5A model with an 810-horsepower engine and a three-speed semi-automatic transmission system. It wasn't until 1976 that newer "Olifant" models came online, starting with the Mk 1, these models were equipped with a 750 hp engine, sight support, improved turret controls and the original Centurion 20-pounder main gun.

The Olifant Mk 1A appeared in 1985 and included an image enhancement system (for the gunner) and a laser rangefinder (handheld). In 1991, when the Olifant Mk 1B arrived, it changed from the original bogie wheel unit to a torsion bar suspension system, the hull was lengthened, the armor protection was improved, the digital fire control system (FCS) (for fire in progress), laser measurement distance meter, improved night combat capability and a 950 hp Continental diesel engine.

Denel then released its Pilot Olifant Mk 2 with a new turret, FCS and a fully stabilized 105mm rifled or 120mm smoothbore gun (the latter option has been discontinued). Like other MBTs of this type, Olifant's chassis is used to develop minesweepers, armoured rescue vehicles (ARVs) and tracked transport vehicles with vehicle support bridges (VLB).

In 2003, BAe Systems received an order to upgrade 26 Olifant Mk 1B production models in stock to Mk 2 standard. These are powered by a 1,040-horsepower Continental diesel engine. They have a completely modern look, with overhanging rear turrets and thermowells on the main guns. The side skirts have a serrated design.

Smoke grenade launchers were installed in two rows of four launchers at the ends of the turret side walls.

The car had a crew of four - driver (in the hull), commander, gunner and loader - in line with other Western designs. The system is also equipped with a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and an optional 7.62mm machine gun on top of the turret for localized air defense.

The vehicle carries 68 x 105mm rounds as well as 5,000 x 7.62mm rounds and 8 smoke grenade launchers.

The 60-ton Ollivant is considered the most advanced main battle tank on the African continent in its refined final form. The vehicle was used in combat missions in Angola, but its true battlefield potential has yet to be realized. It is not exported.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

68x105mm projectile.

5,000x7.62mm ammo.

8 x Smoke Grenade.

Changes