- Yes
- No
Not to be confused with the Olifant Mk1A that is currently in game.
Introduction
South Africa first acquired the Centurion tank in 1953, purchasing Mk 3 and Mk 5 models directly from the United Kingdom. By 1957, the Centurion had become the country’s primary MBT, with a total of 250 variants entering service. However, as South Africa faced increasing diplomatic isolation due to its apartheid policies, the British government began to refuse arms exports on the ground of growing discontent with supporting the South African government. Therefore, in the 1960s, Centurion Mk 5s were procured from India and Jordan to supplement its existing fleet, which was running low on spare parts. Many Centurions ended up being Mark 3/5 hybrids, with the turret of a British Centurion being fitted on the hull of an Indian/Jordanian Centurion. By 1970, the United Nations imposed an increasingly restrictive arms embargo, cutting South Africa off from further purchases and forcing a shift towards self-reliance in domestic arms production.
The Centurion was not without its flaws, with the Meteor engine struggling with the heat and dust of the desert, and the 20pdr beginning to show its age. Recognising the need to modernise its Centurion fleet, the South African Defence Force (SADF) initiated its first major upgrade programs in the early 1970s. The initial attempt, known as the “Skokiaan” project in 1972, saw nine Centurions re-equipped with a powerful 810-horsepower V12 gasoline engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. While this prototype program was short-lived, it led to the “Semel” upgrade in 1974. A total of 35 Centurions were converted into Semel tanks. However, as conflicts in Namibia and Angola intensified during the Border Wars, it became clear that a more extensive modifications were necessary in order to keep the Centurion relevant.
In 1976, South Africa launched its most ambitious tank development project so far, leading to the creation of the Olifant. Developed by the Olifant Manufacturing Company (OMC), later known as Reumech OMC, the Olifant Mk 1 was an extensively upgraded Centurion featuring a 750-horsepower Teledyne AVDS-1790-2A diesel engine, improved FCS, and active night vision equipment. The project was heavily influenced by Israel’s Sho’t program. Entering service in 1978, the Olifant Mk 1 marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s ability to produce and maintain its own armored vehicles.
The key difference to the Olifant Mk 1A, already in game, is that the Mk 1 retains the 20pdr cannon, instead of the 105mm, but still gains the advanced FCS and laser rangefinder. This makes it a fairly unique vehicle, combining modern gun-laying with a pretty antique cannon.
Specifications
Spoiler
Dimensions (hull) (l-w-h): 7.56m (24.8ft)– 3.39m (11.12ft)– 2.94m (9.64ft)
Total weight, battle ready: 56 Tons
Crew: 4
Propulsion: Continental 29 litre turbo-charged air-cooled V12 diesel engine produces 750hp @ 2400rpm. (13.39 hp/t).
Suspension: Six Horstmann suspension units (three per side)
Top speed road / off-road: 45 kph (28 mph) / 30 kph (18.6 mph)
Range road / off-road: >350km (217 miles) / 240km (149 miles)
Main armament (see notes): 20pdr (84mm) QF cannon
Secondary armament: 1 × 7.62mm co-axial M-1919A4
Armour:
76mm (2.99in) glacis @ 58 degrees
152mm (6in) turret
51mm (2in) sides
40mm (1.57in) top
31mm (1.22in) rear
Images
Spoiler
Images of the Mk 1 are extremely rare owing to the limited production run and swift replacement by the Mk 1A. The key features to look for are the 20pdr cannon, but only 2x4 sets of smoke grenades, instead of 2x6 seen on earlier South African Centurions. If anyone has anymore images I’d love to see them!
Sources