- Yes
- No
Introduction
The Rooikat is a South African armoured reconnaissance vehicle developed in the 1970s and 80s to replace the aging Eland armoured cars. Development commenced around 1976, with prototypes delivered for testing in 1979. The initial design featured an 8×8 configuration and was equipped with a turret mounting a 77mm Mk2 gun taken from retired Comet tanks. Emphasis was placed on firepower, protection, and mobility, aiming to fulfill roles such as reconnaissance, anti-armour, and infantry support.
In 1987, the final prototype of the Rooikat 76 was ready, and it was accepted into service in 1989. This variant was equipped with a 76mm high-velocity naval cannon. Approximately 240 units were built, with about 30 remaining in service with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The Rooikat 76 was well-regarded for exceptional mobility and good armament, and was exceptionally ahead of its time when compared to contemporary armoured cars.
Following its production, the Rooikat was used to test a variety of turrets, for both domestic and export use. These include 20mm autocannon turrets, 35mm IFV turrets, and ATGM turrets. The variant discussed in this suggestion is the Rooikat equipped with the Denel LCT-30/ZT3 turret, requiring a rather strange looking adaptor for the turret ring.
The LCT-30 turret is fairly common without the ATGM launchers, equipping vehicles such as the South African Badger, but it is fairly unique to see it with the ATGMs alongside the 30mm autocannon. The only other notable vehicles equipped with this configuration of the turret are the Malaysian Gempita AFVs.
Specifications
Images
Spoiler
LCT-30/ZT3 turret equipping a Malaysian Gempita AFV. Note the distinct shape of the ATGM tubes and breech.
Sources
Spoiler
Surviving The Ride, Steve Camp & Helmoed Romer Heitman, 2014
