- Yes
- No
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 more refined “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 and subsequent Mk 1A marked a significant milestone in South Africa’s ability to produce and maintain its own armored vehicles.
The vehicle being discussed in this suggestion is the Olifant Mk 1A Track Width Mine Plow, or TWMP. Anti-tank and anti-personnel mines were a huge problem that South African forces faced in their various conflicts, with the vast majority of their wheeled vehicles specifically being designed around the threat of mines. The Olifant TWMP was their solution to this problem for their track vehicles, with one mine plow leading a convoy of following vehicles, ensuring the route was free from hazards.
In game, as seen by vehicles like the Bhisma TWMP, this modification will not massively impact performance, the only noticeable effects being a little extra armour on the lower front plate, a little extra weight, and the ability to trench. Nonetheless, its a cool visual detail, that along with the camo netting, would make an interesting squadron or premium vehicle to bolster line-ups.
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