Faction: SADF / SANDF
“Olifant” The African Elephant

The Olifant Mk1, South Africa’s first indigenous main battle tank, entered service in 1979 as a comprehensive upgrade of the Bri

Faction: SADF / SANDF
“Olifant” The African Elephant

The Olifant Mk1, South Africa’s first indigenous main battle tank, entered service in 1979 as a comprehensive upgrade of the British Centurion to counter Soviet armor during the Border War. Built on the Centurion Mk3 hull, it features a locally produced GT-7 105mm rifled gun firing APFSDS, HESH, and HEAT rounds up to 2 km, with 64 rounds stored. Powered by a Continental AVDS-1790-2A V12 diesel engine delivering 750 hp, it achieves 45 km/h on roads and 30 km/h cross-country, with a 500 km range. Torsion bar suspension with hydraulic dampers enhances mobility over African terrain. Crewed by four under 50-120mm steel armor (resisting 14.5mm AP), it includes a 7.62mm coaxial MG, roof AA MG, and NBC protection. About 200 produced by Olifant Manufacturing Company amid sanctions, it formed the SADF’s armored spearhead in Operations Askari and Moduler, proving reliable in Angola’s harsh conditions.

A. General
Origin: South Africa
Type: Main Battle Tank
Crew: 4

B. Dimensions
Weight: 58 t
Length: 9.83 m (gun forward)
Width: 3.38 m (with side plates)
Height: 2.94 m

C. Chassis
Chassis type: Centurion-derived hull
Configuration: Turreted, rear engine

D. Automotive
Engine: Rolls-Royce Meteor 4B V12 petrol, 650 hp
Power: 650 hp
Transmission: 5-speed Merritt-Brown Z51R Mk. F
Fuel Capacity: 1,240 L

E. Mobility
Speed: 34.6 km/h (Mk.1)
Range: 500 km

F. Protection
Armor type: Steel (Centurion-derived, upgraded)
Smoke system: Engine-exhaust smoke provision / fire suppression fitted

G. Main Armament
Type: Ordnance QF 20-pounder (84 mm)
Mount: Turret-mounted
Ammunition: Stored onboard (tank rounds)

H. Secondary Armament
Type: .30 cal / 7.62 mm coaxial MG
Mount: Coaxial (and pintle as fitted)
Ammunition: Stored onboard (machine gun rounds)