Faction: SADF / SANDF
“Ratel” The African Badger

The Ratel 90 is a fire support variant of South Africa’s iconic Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed in the 1970s for ra

Faction: SADF / SANDF
“Ratel” The African Badger

The Ratel 90 is a fire support variant of South Africa’s iconic Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), developed in the 1970s for rapid mechanized warfare in southern Africa. Built on a 6×6 wheeled chassis derived from a modified MAN truck, it mounts a turret identical to the Eland 90 armored car, armed with a powerful 90mm rifled low-pressure gun capable of firing high-explosive, armor-piercing, and canister rounds up to 4 km. Accommodating a crew of three plus six infantry, it provides direct fire support against APCs, light IFVs, and fortifications. With 8-12mm steel armor protecting against small arms and shrapnel, a top speed of 110 km/h, and exceptional cross-country mobility, the Ratel 90 excelled in flanking maneuvers during the South African Border War, emphasizing speed over heavy protection.

A. General
Origin:South Africa
Type: Infantry fighting vehicle
Crew: 3+6 (commander, driver, gunner + 6 troops)

B. Dimensions
Weight: 19 t
Length: 7.2 m
Width: 2.5 m
Height: 2.8 m

C. Chassis
Chassis type: 6×6 Wheeled
Configuration: Rear engine, front crew compartment

D. Automotive
Engine: Büssing D 3256 BTXF diesel
Power: 282 hp
Transmission: ZF 6-speed manual
Fuel Capacity: 500 L

E. Mobility
Speed: 105 km/h
Range: 1,000 km

F. Protection
Armor type: Welded steel hull
Smoke system: 2× 4-barrel launchers

G. Main Armament
Type: 90 mm GT-2 low-pressure gun
Mount: Turret-mounted
Ammunition: 48 rounds

H. Secondary Armament
Type: 7.62 mm MG4
Mount: Coaxial and commander’s pintle mount
Ammunition: 3,800 rounds