The 'Olifant' Series of Main Battle Tanks Overview - SOUTH AFRICAN ARMOR

The South African Olifant Medium Tank was developed and produced by Vickers OMC, formerly Reumech OMC of South Africa, development started in 1976 and the Mk 1 entered service with the SAAC in the late 70’s. It had better suspension, turret drive, and night vision equipment. The commander had a hand held laser rangefinder.
The South African Olifant Medium Tank Mk 1A entered production in 1983 and entered service in 1985. The main gun was replaced with the 105mm L-7 rifled gun, eight smoke grenade dischargers was installed on either side of the turret. A new engine was installed and the armour was upgraded. The Laser rangefinder was incorporated into the gunner’s sight and the night vision equipment was upgraded.
The South African Olifant Medium Tank Mk 1B new production vehicle instead of up-grading existing Centurions. Development started on the Mk 1B in 1983 and entered production in 1991.
The 105mm L7 rifled cannon main gun on the Mark 1B is fitted with a thermal sleeve and carries 68 rounds of ammunition. The tank is also fitted with a 7.62 mm general purpose co-axial machine gun and a 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun. The driver’s station is equipped with a day and night sight and the gunner’s station is fitted with day and night sights and an integrated laser rangefinder.
Due to the high number of mines deployed in neighbouring African countries, its belly armour was doubled and new side skirts added. The glacis plate and nose of the hull have been upgraded with the addition of passive armour and the turret has been fitted with stand-off armour. The vehicle can generate a smoke screen by injecting fuel on the engines hot exhaust and a fire suppression system was added to the crew fighting compartment.
It has a new V-12 air-cooled turbo diesel power pack, generating 900bhp and new torsion bar suspension. It has a top road speed of 58kp/h with an operational range of 350km and can ford water to a depth of 1.5 metres, negotiate gradients and slopes of 60% and vertical obstacles up to 1m.
A computerised fire control system was added and a search light over the main gun. In October 2003 Alvis OMC was awarded a contract for the upgrade of a number of Olifant Mk 1B MBT’s. It includes up-grades in the power pack, fire control and training systems.
The Mk 2 is an up-armoured and fire control equipment turret which can be fitted with a 120mm smoothbore cannon on the Mk 1B chassis.
CHECK OUT THIS BOOK! South African Armoured Fighting Vehicles: A History of Innovation and Excellence, 1960-2020
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#olifant #tanks #military

[@oriontheraptor8119]

I bless the tanks down in Africa

[@ThatGuy-a48]

Dowwwwn in africccaaa

[@davynhainstock7503]

There's nothing more an armored vehicle could ever dooOo

[@grandmii2459]

Gonna take some time to shoot the things we never haaaaaad

[@Chilly_Billy]

I like these comments, in Toto.

[@davynhainstock7503]

Boy she's sitting there idling for you dudu dundu du du dumb du

[@estianburger8842]

South African here, waited for this video for so long

[@nightcore9304]

Is it really worth it to have a tank if this shitty country cant even get basic training down

[@nightcore9304]

@ADN 20 years ago ya

[@colonelstriker2519]

You guys have some seriously underrated designs

[@nightcore9304]

@@colonelstriker2519 g6 comes to mind

[@Polaris1374]

Same here

[@cousinjack2841]

As a Brit living in SA since 1975, I have to say that the achievements of the South African arms industry / SADF during the dark days of border war /sanctions and beyond were bloody impressive. What they managed to do with very limited resources was way above and beyond, goes to show that with the right attitude and dedication you might not be able to 'make a silk purse out of a pig's ear,' but you can get bloody close to it.

[@trevorhart545]

I think a very nice summation, thank you.

[@tituspullo9210]

Thank you for your kind words Cousin Jack 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@cousinjack2841]

@@tituspullo9210 You are most welcome.

[@cousinjack2841]

@@bellotacositacandy I am aware; I have lived in South Africa for 45 years. What is your point?

[@cousinjack2841]

@@bellotacositacandy Yes; a large immigrant population, of which I am one. Due to sanctions, and a lack of resources as a result, what a small portion of the South African population managed to achieve was exceptional, which was my point. It is a country which has a small part of the population in a first world environment and a large part in a third world environment. That was true back in the day and remains true.

[@napoleonibonaparte7198]

Last time I was this late was when South Africa had nukes for deterrence.

[@mrsamuel5572]

I'm getting the metal gear solid flashback for some reason

[@StephFourie21]

Fokken sad

[@6uiti]

We probably would of created fusion 20 years ago but stuff happened

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

Yeah they dismantled their nuclear Arsenal before South Africa was given over to Black rule.

[@b.elzebub9252]

@@VictorianTimeTraveler I don't want to get too political, but.. Probably not a bad move considering the state of their government at the moment.

[@ovk-ih1zp]

Even an "Obsolete" Tank is a "Giant Metal Monster", UTTERLY terrifying & demoralizing to the side WITHOUT an Armored Answer.

[@joshuadickinson4614]

I've heard a quote to this effect. It goes something along the lines of- "if all you have is a rifle, the differance between an Abrams and a sherman is largely academic"

[@irishboer7124]

The enemy were armed and supported by the Soviet Union.

[@joshuadickinson4614]

@@irishboer7124 I wasn't refering to this specific case. I know they didn't just have rifles.

[@joshuadickinson4614]

hell the t62 was specifically mentioned in the video.

[@ovk-ih1zp]

@@joshuadickinson4614 Yes, the SADF ran into soviet armor, but not very much of it in any of their conflicts. The reason they were able to get away with using lighter wheeled units like the Rooikat & the Ratel was they were primarily being used against foot mobile infantry that occasionally had light armor like a BMP-1 or a BTR-152 as support. Cuba didn't bring in Heavy Armor until 1976 & even them the primary armor units were PT-76's & BMP's. Only a handful of T-54/55's & T-62's were ever used & mostly by Cuba Troops. Yes Cuba left those tanks in theater, but have you seen any photos of these tanks in the last decade? I'm not sure since the collapse of the USSR in 1989 they have received ANY spare parts & almost all maintenance has been barely trained locals, the threat of T-72's was real, but I have yet to see any evidence that ANY were ever delivered. The SADF, IF the Cubans weren't involved, dealt with infantry or Irregular formations 85% to 90% of the time, which is why the SADF Armored Corps is PRIMARILY wheeled for logistical & budgetary reasons. Does the SADF Need SOME Heavy Armor? YES, their less than friendly neighbors do have some armor that is a threat, if it's a T-55/62, a Rooikat is at a severe disadvantage, but a large portion of the boarder nations Armor is either LIGHT Armor or T-34/85's where an up to date RooiKat probably has an advantage over their opponents. South Africa operates the largest Armor formation in Southern Africa & quite possibly of any nation south of the Sahara. It's not like if Mexico had a communist revolution in 1982 & the Soviet "Cuba" division & a half dozen Guards Mechanized Brigades were rushed to Mexico to prop up the new "People's" administration, the SADF's adversaries just don't have that much heavy armor.

[@darkblood626]

That's a nice looking tank. The South Africans have good taste.

[@bailliedapooch4609]

Are you also south African

[@aquilatempestate9527]

Very different country now. Violent shithole.

[@plated3390]

@@aquilatempestate9527 Rhodesians never die!

[@aquilatempestate9527]

@@plated3390 Salute brother.

[@groofromtheup5719]

@@aquilatempestate9527 I'm not sure how the could have ended Apartheid without the "violent shithole" outcome.

[@empire-classfirenationbatt2691]

YESSSSSS!!!! HE FINALLY DID IT!! Where are my South Africans at!? This is cause for celebrations mense💪🏽let it also be known that prototypes of the MK 1B were created with a turret similar to the Leopard 2A5 (with those arrow shaped armour sheets) called the MK 1B Optimum. Additionally there is a 120mm smoothbore gun and an upgraded turret similar to the Leopard 2A4 known as the TTD, however we have no use for those upgrades just yet.

[@krimm1450]

Gotta Represent my bru!

[@mohammedallah8083]

Impressed

[@moraybotha3649]

Ayo in here

[@moraybotha3649]

Isja ons se tanks is gevaarlik

[@FullcircleZA]

Awe’s

[@jamessutton7335]

As a South African 🇿🇦, this is very interesting and informative. Thanks mate, your pronunciation of the Afrikaans terms can also be applauded.

[@ymishaus2266]

14:36 "the Fire Control System allows the gunner and commander to target anime"

[@freshfrozen3035]

They must hate anime

[@soto1649]

Thanks i miss heari that word lel

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

Armored support is great when You have to put down hordes of disgusting neko-girls.

[@cuhgaming4943]

@@VictorianTimeTraveler Dear God I want to ram all those annoying anime girls in a Leopard 2

[@samhansen9771]

An honorable pursuit kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGbVXnSvibWBaa8

[@peridoodle2644]

Mr. Frodo, look! It's an Olifant!

[@michaeloosthuizen2383]

Tolkien was a South African after all...

[@carlos-ju7ce]

@@michaeloosthuizen2383 - that he was, all the way from Bloem...

[@djmars1983]

@@michaeloosthuizen2383 I didn't know JRR Tolkien was South African

[@jeffyoung1349]

Thank you 🙏 for this video, I worked in Seattle with a former Australian ODF , he moved his family to South Africa 🇿🇦, after opening his own machine shop, decided to rejoin the SAF as a mechanic, no one at work could understand him, with my international experience, I quickly be came a translator, he was one of the best machinists I had encountered in a long time

[@marksgopane9396]

What machine shop company name did he open

[@wolfboi8785]

I gotta love the olifant because my favorite tank is the Centurion, and this is basically just the ultimate in modernization projects of that vehicle :)

[@DavidLee-df888]

I too love anything Centurion related. But can you imagine if once again the Israelis helped out... a Shot/Olifant hybrid, that would rule the African continent lol

[@chef3997]

@@DavidLee-df888 Or a Shot with a Magach 7C~ish armor package with Olifant internals.

[@demun6065]

@@DavidLee-df888 I forget which variant it was, maybe the Olifant MK1b, which *was* basically built upon the Shot. Also going off memory here, but the idea to replace the Olifant engines came from Israel.

[@johanvanzyl8479]

My Father joined the SA Army Pantzer corps at age 17 after WW11. He was part of the crew that demonstrated the Centurion when ii first arrived in SA. He was one of few to demonstrate what he explained as "the stabiliser" keeping aim on target whilst moving. In the 70's he was RSM of 61 BWP the military base that supported Littelton Engineering Works responsible for all the conversions leading up to the Olifant. All I knew at the time (school boy) was that they were converting to an automatic gearbox. I served in the infantry what a mistake. Pantzer corps in SA was a competent outfit with mature leadership. Thanks for including SA in your repertoir.

[@para-tanker]

Your skills as an infantryman are usefull as tanker, i've been with mechanised infantry, Air assault and the para's before joining the "pantzers". And everything usefull i addopt. Like deployment experience you wouldnt get with the tanks. De groeten uit Nederland

[@johanvanzyl8479]

@@para-tanker Thankyou for the response Demian. Soos jy kan aflei van my naam en van is ek 3/4 Nederlands die ander 1/4 is Frans (Thirion). Wish I could be in Holland for Christmas. Voorspoed en goeie wense vir 2021.

[@para-tanker]

@@johanvanzyl8479 ik begrijp redelijk veel van het Afrkaans, geen probleem. Je wilt naar Nederland komen?

[@JB_Shryke]

Now if only we can get Nicholas" The Chieftain" Moran to come to South Africa and do a series of "Inside the Hatch" that would be fantastic

[@patriotenfield3276]

www.primeportal.net/tanks/jacques_pienaar/olifant_mk2/ Here Your Wish Is Granted.

[@mr.gunzaku437]

He's white, they hate him. They hate all whites. He'd be a corpse nothing flat just walking down the street in most neighborhoods.

[@misterlime2.030]

Yes yes

[@halzan7467]

Mr. Gunzaku I was about to say that’s racist but I remembered the disbanding of the SDF Edit: SADF

[@sorincaladera936]

@@mr.gunzaku437 You're totally right. South Africa showed the world they're hatred for those who made this all possible in the first place. Britain Germany and France should have protected their brothers

[@user-fm9if5nq5j]

I served in the SADF during Operation Moduler Southern Angola in 1987. I drove a Ratel 90 for Anti Tank Platoon 72 4SAI/ 62 Mech Combat Charlie. Ops Moduler was the first tank on tank conflict in Africa since WW2. We were fighting T54/55s primarily crewed by Cubans with Soviet advisors. The arms embargo against South Africa was the best thing to happen. My personal weapon was the R4, a South African made Israeli Galil 5.56.

[@bacon6524]

The last vehicles SANDF spent money on was BMWs for generals

[@marvinharms1891]

You so so wrong. It's Mercedes-Benz!

[@aaronlopez3585]

When you have a need but lack the funds to address it you have to get creative and stretch every buck into two. Wow! great job gentleman.🇿🇦

[@Sajuuk]

We lack the funds because corruption is rife. Most government officials engage in the gravy train to some degree. Not sure what we'll do when we can't afford petrol anymore though 😒

[@demun6065]

@@Sajuuk I think he was talking in past tense...

[@stevemcdonald44]

On a side note the Saffa's 155mm gun is an absolute beast. You're all more than welcome in Australia

[@hfdgamingftw3615]

I'm Romanian, and I wish so much for a video on our main battle tank, the TR-85(and its variants). Respect from Romania!

[@HanSolo__]

Greatings from Poland! Love the TR-85 M1

[@tamaslapsanszki8744]

Romanian here. I'd quote General "Mad Dog" Mattis, but I'd rather not use profane language. TR85 is a T-55 with an extra roadwheel and some POS romanian built components, like the engine, FCS etc Basically a discount T-55 with worse-than-made-in-china equipment. Maybe TR85M1 is worth a few minutes (along with DMT85M1) because the modernisation was done to NATO standards at the behest of Clinton, but the other post-1945 AFVs aren't worth even a mention. I'd argue that it would have been better to just buy Leopard 1s instead of modernizing TR85s to the M1 model. We use the Ghepard SPAAG anyway, so there would have been commonality and easier maintenance

[@HanSolo__]

@@tamaslapsanszki8744 I used to think that TR-85M1 uses engine of almost identical construction to the MTU 830 used in Leopard 1. To be honest Leopard could be a better base for modernisation since it is just a well made tank. But as Canadion Leopard C2 Mexas shows, it is a fuckin expensive thing to do. Just like Romania, Poland went for local modernization of the old Soviet design. In 1991 there were 3 designed versions of what will become the PT-91 Twardy tank. The country budget was so short on money that they picked 1st the cheapest version for production. To buy Leopards at that time - out of anybodys imagination. Such high was the cost of any single German AFV. Later on PT-91M Pandekar was made for Malaysia (3rd version pricy but very effective) and Polish PT-91 got partaly upgraded to mix of 2nd design version and few parts of the 3rd. Not sure about Romanian terrain demanding tank tactics, but Im sure it is far from the Polish one. If you take a look on my coutry geographic profile you will see its is a HUGE tank battlefield. Its a fucking flat pan with 1 mid size river in the middle of it. Poland for the first time since WWII has less than 1000 MBTs in service. It sounds crazy but its way too low if 330 of this bulk are shitty old T-72M1. Barely redone in 2019 The recent works were: the main tank overhaul and replacing int. and ext. digitalized communication systems. They set modern thermal sights for gunner and commander+more modern ammo (on the way) and thats it. Maybe 2 batalions will get the active multispectral camo cover. But its more likely to see this on the recently revised (nice and neat top notch thermal cameras/sight with pan. displays and FCS modernized a bit) PT-91.

[@tamaslapsanszki8744]

@@HanSolo__ The prime mover is a reverse engineered MTU 800hp diesel engine similar to Leo1, but with local technology, so highly unreliable. The same unreliability and lack of practicality plagued every important component, for isntance the FCS. The M1 modernization somewhat alleviated the poor quality of the locally built components by modernizing the tank with foreign components (thanks capitalism). Currently the max power is 860 hp, for a weight of 50t, max speed 60 km/h on road, but with a piss poor hp/t ratio. Although the tank is longer than a T-55 and has a custom built turret, it still has the same issues with crew comfort. The turret is so cramped that the recommended max height of the crew is 1.68 m. The typical jingoistic attitude is that TR85M1 is the best of the best, built by local people, a marvel of the engineering and manufacturing industry blah blah blah. The truth is it's a modernized T-55 that relies on the assistance of a US Army or Marine armored unit to be effective, and the undivided support of half the Romanian Airforce. The 100 mm APFSDS rounds do not have the punching power to actually be a threat in an armored engagement, and the armor is barely passable for 1960s standards, not even worth discussing in the 21st century. Also, given Romania's geography which has mountain ranges, hilly terrains and large plains, 20ish TR85M1s are not enough to pose any threat. I am not an expert, all I have said is my opinion based on the facts that I was able to research in romanian articles

[@HanSolo__]

@@tamaslapsanszki8744 Thanks 😉 I dont think T-55 had any bad armor in the 60s even for the 70s standards it was quie effective. The 100mm gun is the other thing. Yet APFSDS to my knowledge are a fairly fresh when it comes to design. Sure the 100mm gun with its WWII roots is not anything special but here it simmilar case - the Polish 2A46 125mm gun in T-72M1 is still waiting for any decent ammo. Polish made T-72M1 always worekd poorly (not reliable) compared to Soviet T-72B or T-80. Not to mention the protection. PT-91 came to address just that problem. But before current refinement and modifications it was more cramped tha regular T-72. It still kinda is but also fits modern targeting standards (huner-killer mode capable) Latest news showed possibility of cooperative modernization of the Korean K2 Black Panther to European demanding field - what in short is more room over crew heads, more armor and some more armor on top. All covered with Active Protection System (hard-kill) simmilar technolody to the one used in Israeli Trophy sustem. Its called K2PL program. Lighter K2 IMO looks like solid bet for Romania if MOD would try looking for modern MBT made to suit simmilar terrain conditions.

[@andrewbolton1732]

Better late than never, and bloody glad to see it

[@Karan-zg9bm]

"" THE SAFE WORD IS "POLICE BRUTALITY" ""

[@mrcarcrash886]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5WuoX-Dj9x7hK8

[@gingergorilla695]

I've been waiting since the Rooikat, and I'm very happy I held out

[@Kurt_Knispel1072]

Glad to see that people are noticing more and more how wonderful our countries tanks are. I am from South Africa.

[@frankbrune3101]

It's amazing to see what south africa accomplished with its limited resources and the other restrictions during the development

[@armandlubbe4935]

Yes!! Finally more vehicles of my homeland, keep it coming, thanks for the overview

[@anthonyhayes1267]

The extent of the modifications bring to mind the Italian dreadnoughts that were upgraded to the point of basically being new ships.

[@armablign]

I remember months ago (maybe years) when you said you'd love to cover more South African Vehicles (When talking about the Rooikat), so I am really grateful for you covering 2 more in the recent months (The G6 and this also). So I just want to say Thank you very much for covering these vehicles, not only because they are super insightful and interesting, but it also brings us (South Africans) into the spotlight which we really do appreciate ❤️ Thank you for all the covering of our land and air vehicles so far! I really look forward to more content if you have any planned for the future! Keep up the great work man c:

[@Peizxcv]

Really impressive what SA did on their own

[@EricTheActor805]

They didn't It's a centurion

[@russellmcphee72]

This was awesome. Now you got the info for the G6 Rhino. Go South Africa.

[@patriotenfield3276]

Also Ratel IFV

[@FortuneZer0]

Strange way to write Suid Afrika.

[@_Matsimus_]

@@patriotenfield3276 already done it bud

[@russellmcphee72]

@@_Matsimus_ I believe you were maybe thinking of the Rooikat. There is nothing on your channel on the Ratel. If so..

[@zulumafoo3471]

Just a correction, the Leclerc doesn't have the "amx 56" designation. Leclerc ist not made by amx, it's made by GIAT. Other than that great video

[@orangecat3021]

TIL

[@no_comms_no_bombs]

Hasn't GIAT gone bankrupt? I heard Nexter took over

[@NoBrainSilent]

@@no_comms_no_bombs Nexter, Giat, Safran, everything is part of a huge (partly) state-owned conglomerate in France. Does not really matter who goes under and who flourishes, technologies and facilities are simply rebranded because of some finance or marketing plan.

[@petesheppard1709]

I've always been fascinated at how much mileage the S Africans were able to get out of otherwise outdated equipment! With well-trained crews and units, Olifants could probably far more modern tanks a run for their money!

[@frenchfry9370]

Yep, though it's a shame that our current military lacks the experience, cohesion and competence to make that happen, Long gone are the days when we had 1 of the strongest and most respected militaries in the world, replaced now by idiots who only got in because the bar was lowered and too fat to even fit in the vehicles. smh

[@petesheppard1709]

@@frenchfry9370 An ongoing battle in the US, and one we are losing at the moment...

[@bravolima7394]

@@frenchfry9370 Our SANDF is bankrupt according to articles on ENCA, Business Tech etc. Perpetual stealing tends to have that unexpected effect

[@Anderson21G]

Proving the capability of the Centurion decades after its conception it also done well in the first Gulf War, was one of the only tanks capable if traversing a dune because its transmission wasn't a computer the US loved the Cent AVRE for that reason and to see it still getting use in another adaption speaks volumes for British engineering tying in with your comments about the Challenger 2 in you last video about our engineering capability the Centurion should be the example they follow imo

[@iyaayas200]

one of your best videos yet. Love to see more in this series!!

[@vossierebel]

Thanks! Enjoyed that - yep, I'm ex SAAF - flight engineer who did a fair share of operational duty - was part of one ops when the 80's variant was up there - making loads of holes in USSR produced vehicles!

[@ZANDF]

We at ZANDF recommend Dewald's book 100% Greetings from South Africa.

[@colinm2056]

Which book is this?

[@Militaryheritage]

@@colinm2056 the book in the video. www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/south-african-armoured-vehicles-a-history-of-innovation-and-excellence.php?sid=d8c4ca6ee825cb6671b177c92d90fcc0

[@jaredweldrick185]

Thanks man from South Africa and love armoured vehicles!

[@jaredkruger9750]

Wait a minute....

[@gooner72]

It's rare to see a South African armoured fighting vehicles on here (well, anywhere actually) so yeah..... it's pretty cool. Brilliant idea for the water storage, for obvious reasons, but I reckon it'll be hot when you try and drink it through. Great work mate, enjoyed the video.🇬🇧🇿🇦✌✌

[@frednel4326]

Well actualy the water is really cool and refreshing surprisingly, I'm an ex ratel gunner from 1979 and 13 yrs onwards and the ratel and buffel also had water storage under there hulls with little press button taps on the sides lmao..it helped take allotta impact in a landmine hit and made for a awesome always at hand water supply for all who needed a refill haha..the water stayed good for verry long periods of time too because the vehicle is always on the move and shaking the water up, I've spent many cool evenings after a hot day next to my ratel shaving and washing myself using that water while in the bush hehe..verry handy that option was indeed 😉👍..peace ✌

[@Avgeek-]

I've waited for this olifant video for a while now, but the wait was so woth it. Dr Dewald did a great job with his new book. Just knew I had to get it since their is not alot of information availbale when it comes to SA armour. Tanks again Matt for showcasing SA armour.

[@geraldcamp7258]

I was trained in the Mk 1 in 1984/85. Fantastic experience as I was always interested in tanks as a kid. Any target up to 1200m was a gauranteed hit with the APDS round. The operational area would usually be close quarters and the biggest threat where RPGs, nit enemy vehicles. I understood that there was very close cooperation between Israel and RSA . One example was the development of the aircooled engine. I think I still have the training manuals😀.

[@ceoofzimbabwe5936]

I'm an Afrikaans speaker and the way you say Afrikaans word are quite funny 🤣🤣 I've been waiting for this for so long

[@_Matsimus_]

lol I’m sorry 😞

[@ceoofzimbabwe5936]

@@_Matsimus_ no complaints bro just keep the vids coming 😁 Ps i know it's not really your type of content but my father was a romeo mike (specialforce unit from 101) and he would probably shed some light on south African tactics if you'd be interested

[@kingsman3087]

afrikaanse is riool

[@innouniversedoineedthis]

Dit was egter 'n goeie drie

[@arya31ful]

Vanilla Centurion still looks rather modern to me, but the Olifant looks like an faux Abrams made from a Centurion.

[@Bakotcha]

Im impressed more by the fact that this vehicle is built from an aging beast of its time, just impresive.

[@clippedwings225]

Fuck yeah! Always love learning about South African weapons.

[@matthew1070]

I have been waiting for this for a while. Thank you.

[@wardaddynorth9791]

Thank you sooo much for this video Matsimus!!! 🥳

[@hendrikmontini864]

THANKS MATT! BEEN ASKING FOR IT FOR A WHILE . GREAT VIDEO .

[@LoneWulfHunter]

Finally Mat! I've been waiting for this as i am a fan of the Centurion line of evolution. Even went down the British tech tree in World Of Tanks just for the Centurions!

[@Skreezilla]

British: "But can the water be heated? We may have a deal South Africa"

[@sexysilversurfer]

How else can you have cups of tea whilst on patrol!

[@dannyarcher6163]

When our army was still worth something.

[@thetad1242]

Terrorising the likes of us

[@ramsfan1st43]

@@thetad1242 quickly: what's 1776 minus 1652? The answer is 124. The immigrant beat the local by 124 years. And they said time travel was impossible? Hah! Us Africans are the pioneers of time travel. Back To The Future stole it from us (those pesky Yanks again.)... 🤣🤣

[@smithyboi5338]

Finally a channel hat covers the olifants... I’ve been waiting forever

[@dougwayne4548]

Never heard of this one. Awesome vid!

[@teresaloader7344]

Thanks a lot for making more vids of South Africa. We don’t get a lot credit for are country. And as a South African I I will tell you people what really is going on in South Africa

[@RaderGH]

Have yet to watch it but I am pleased you made this video. Many thanks from South Africa.

[@deathfromabove6821]

If you are wondering why we don't have funds for anything, it is due to the amount of corruption within our country

[@aquilatempestate9527]

New sort of people running things... who could see this coming? Truly surprising.

[@entity6609]

@@aquilatempestate9527 don't really know much about South Africa. What happened

[@marnojones9820]

@@entity6609 where do we start, leads down to one simple thing... Greed at the cost of the people

[@tankieflanker4119]

As much as the Olifant looks sexy, it also looks incredibly bare bones, it doesn't seem to have an machine guns or sensor equipment on the turret.

[@plated3390]

@@entity6609 they wanted independence, they got it, then fucked up there own homelands

[@pierevojzola9737]

Good one Mat, nice bit of innovation by SA, just watch the dropping of the very important “U” in Armour! Harera

[@BD90..]

Ah finally a tank I was waiting for. Thanks Mat

[@dafonsecaaugustojose4423]

The effort and dedication you put in your work is immaculate, keep it up bro!! I like your topics and non biased on point info

[@Dandroid_1]

I have a soft spot for these, It really goes to show that even now, the Centurion is still a tank to be respected, a tank conceptualised in 1943, being able to potentially hold it's ground against tanks like the T-72m, is absolutely insane imo, granted the Olifant has certainly had more than a few upgrades, it's still that old design at it's core. A part of me kinda wants to see an Olifant mk3, pushing the Centurion to match M1A2s, perhaps even the Challenger, as some sort of franken-tank.

[@rusty_sniper4992]

I've been waiting for this!!!

[@justryan6480]

It's so depressing seeing all this amazing gear and knowing that the "soldiers" don't even know how to use the stuff...

[@yousuck785why]

Oh?

[@mybru1]

its a shame that people think this little of our military everyone gets judged by the actions of a few individuals and suddenly everyone is an idiotic incapable fool if you want to blame someone for the rapid decline of the military blame the government that keeps slashing the defense budget by a few billion each year the troops are trying to make do with what they have and it ain't a lot

[@justryan6480]

@@mybru1 I live in SA and i've seen the dumb shit out military does... Sure we had that cool 200 SANDF vs 3000 Rebels back in 2013/2014 but other than that the SANDF is bad... SA people need to start opening their eyes and see what our military is, instead of defending them the whole time.

[@mybru1]

@@justryan6480 everyone is entitled to their opinions you have yours I have mine

[@yousuck785why]

@@mybru1 you speak well. Thank you. Though I hope your country will be able to move through and come out okay :)

[@angrywehraboosnoises8016]

Everybody gangsta untill tall boi comes around the corner

[@ITSJustAGame-ro5ut]

😂😂😂😂

[@monolithza7159]

What does this mean?

[@angrywehraboosnoises8016]

@@monolithza7159 i don't know

[@FatCatGotHot]

Yes! I was waiting for this one!!!

[@jadenpiercey1549]

ive also waited so long for this vid

[@hendrikbootha7285]

Dankie

[@AndreasdeV308]

Thanks Matt, massive Like.

[@Real_Claudy_Focan]

Overall, like Israel, very "tailor made" vehicles, fitting SA needs for armor for their type of conflicts on their terrain with their tactics ! Very well done SA !

[@jmakminhas]

I'd recommend doing a video about that Owen's tank from New Zealand

[@draconisthewyvern3664]

@Jim lastname the semple tank was an emergency production that used sheet metal and a tractor chasis because for some reason new zealand thought tanks were silly and not adept machines of war. than shat themselves seeing the germans and the ever growing threat of japan. new zealand didnt have the production lines for tanks though back then, at least not proper production lines. so something is better than nothing.

[@AlistairAi]

@Jim lastname why you gotta know that?

[@AlistairAi]

@Jim lastname no, but asking where someone is from is 1) kinda creepy and 2) also I don't see how their answer would change anything or why you need to know that

[@draconisthewyvern3664]

@Jim lastname ill humor you, even though i don’t know why you wanna know, somewhere in the usa

[@andreasleonardo6793]

Too nice video showing characters and historic steps of production of olifant tank ..of South Africa republic...nice video thanks

[@pietpompies8677]

My grandpa was in the 1st Special service battalion (if I remember correctly) he worked with the Olifants during the border war. Pretty interesting stories came from that

[@tonyaughney8945]

1SSB was a Pantserkar unit equipped with the Ratel 90, not Olifant.

[@braaipappa3926]

Great video

[@Rooikat]

In South Africa we do not refer to the suffix letter after the mark number as Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc but simply as A, B, C. I really enjoyed the video, even saw some of my own photos in it. To help with your pronounciation of Dr. Venter's surname say the "V" as a "f". In Afrikaans the letter "V" is pronounced as a "f".

[@kaiserofneemania7246]

Hehe. I'm south african and I quiet happy that you did a video about the olifant :3

[@albertlouw2520]

Please do a video on G5 and G6 artillery systems of South Africa also

[@kennethbedwell5188]

I remember these rumbling down the streets of our town in the 80’s.

[@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623]

I find this tank to be visually pleasing.

[@heavyassaultcollectables1731]

Beautiful, just Beautiful!!!!!!

[@ger13nunyah56]

Awesome mate

[@psykology9299]

The other reason we havent worked on our tank division much is because we have the Rooikat 105, its better suited to the engagements in the african terrain, and BAE have also been working on new hulls for the Ratel now named the Iklwa (a Zulu short spear)

[@suiker1421]

Best video I've seen about this tank👌

[@robchilders]

I love how the crew at the beginning are doing the "Queen Elizabeth" wave. Actually snorted when I noticed.

[@tonydefresnaye7027]

I most certainly am going to pick up some flak for this remark but...........I can't help feeling the days of the MBT are numbered especially in the Southern African bush where you can do so much more with so much less. During the Angolan war (Battle of Cuito) Ratel 90 ICV's knocked out more Soviet tanks than the Olifant MBTs. One particular Ratel Z3 prototype with Anti-Tank missiles (Major Nortman) despatched 2 Soviet tanks, damaged a 3rd and destroyed a few light support vehicles! Tanks are expensive, their deployment costly. They are thirsty and require huge logistics and support to keep them in the field and they make very pretty nice big fat targets for enemy aircraft that don't miss!! Detractors please note. I say obsolete in the Southern African battle space which is my reference. I don't know about the rolling hills and lush valley's of Europe. This part of the world is very hard on all vehicle types - breakdowns / maintenance especially tracked vehicles which is why S. Africa has a preference for fast moving, hard hitting wheeled light armour (your Rooikat video refers - fast in the bush, shoots APDSFS, HEAT HESH) kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3e8q6RrjNBlqKs . There is a trade-off with less armoured protection but I will take it.

[@828enigma6]

Good presentation.

[@pauldbeer]

Thanks Matsimus, good info there! Well put together. Old Centurions made new (Ha-haa)

[@richardcharay7788]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@notyermama1597]

WELCOME BACK!!!

[@thomasborgsmidt9801]

It seems like a sensible solution. Especially, as they used the double hull to introduce torsion bar suspension. Then we know where some of the extra space given by a modern diesel comes from. When you have small use of a tank and hostile nations that really has problems with paying off even russian tanks - then..... Personally I have for quite some time had the notion, that Denmark should keep some of the old Leo 1's and use them as BTN - reserve - but that again depends on terrain. But they would be nice to have in the event of a hostile river crossing at an unexpected place. You could argue the 105 mm. L7 is a bit of a bebe-gun compared to the chimnys the russian tank have. But the South Africans have sensible notion, that if you can hit a square foot at 2000 yard - well they you are good to go. And in Europe the distances will - in practicable terms be a about half of that. But with the present unpleasantries going on it seem likely that the Russians have other worries than invading their neighbours.

[@carelschlesinger1276]

That accuracy would be hard to beat, smaller round in the right placement will still devastating!

[@Sturminfantrist]

Olifant a heavy modified old (Centurion) tank, reminds me of Denmarks modified M-41 dk

[@stephanl1983]

Didn't Taiwan also still use the M41?

[@Sturminfantrist]

@@stephanl1983 yes i think Chile too but the danish version is out of service since late 90s

[@KalFulsom]

Just bought a 1/35 scale model of it. It looks better than its specs and the camo is fantastic.

[@johanboshoff5554]

Scale modeler here. Who makes this model?

[@Militaryheritage]

@@johanboshoff5554 kontak Aviation Shop in Krugersdorp

[@MrBlonde294]

interesting to know that the olifant wasn't the backbone of the SADF during the border conflicts it was their APCs and IFVs like the Ratel 90 they fight against Angolan and Cuban T 55, later the Ratel added a ATGM ZT3 ingwe and destroyed several T 55

[@bankerduck4925]

I must say. "Olifant" is an amazing name for a tank series. Like the big fuckers from Lord Of The Rings. The Easterlings used them, I think.

[@diymicha4905]

Yeah! I was waiting the whole video for this scene at 17:08 where the gun slams on its max and min positions. Hilarious. thanks.

[@dannyzero692]

This is probably the most modernized Centurion ever, it's not going to compete against modern MBT but for South Africa's neighbor this thing is truly beyond impressive compared to the old lightly modernized T-55 from the same period.

[@stevenalexander8735]

We use to be a force to be reckoned with back in the days (61MACH)

[@G_Flash84625]

More videos on South African equipment please

[@G_Flash84625]

@Robert Brown already seen those videos by Forgotten Weapons, praise be to Gun Jesus

[@frednel4326]

I'm an ex ratel gunner from 1979 onwards and I think a mbt for our country is a thing of the past..now if we wanna fight a tank we use things like ratel 90 and missile version or rooikat..but even a ratel 20 can stop a tank with some skill..tanks are not invincible and are too costly to get to and maintain on the battlefield whereas wheeled armored vehicles are a lot faster with equal or better hitting power and way cheaper to maintain at the cost of less Armour ofcourse, and they can get to the battlefield quickly on there own steam with good range, if a track breaks on that mbt is going nowhere in a hurry but a wheeled vehicle just keeps on rolling forward even if all its wheels are punctured or a few blown off lol..meaning u will still get home after a days battle most the time even with battle damage 😉👍..peace ✌

[@carelschlesinger1276]

Ive heard that the Ratels destroyed a couple of russian tanks in angola, not 100% sure how they did that. What I do know is that the only thing that damaged the Ratels where anti aircraft guns.

[@frednel4326]

Sorry verry late but yes there are ratels mounted with rocket systems and they can pretty much total the toughest tanks out there, then there's the Ratel 90 that can also easly destroy a tank and that is its purpose, the 20 mm can also destroy a tank if aiming between the hull and turret where the slew ring works and if using HE rounds causes the ammo in the tank to ignite and KABOOM as we now see alot in Ukrain, Russian tanks love ejecting there turrets lol, when one comes across a enemy tank then it must be taken out with whatever is at hand at that time and so it was known to be able to kill a Russian tank though I've never had the opportunity and have never myself been confronted by a tank 😉👍

[@petero7937]

@@carelschlesinger1276 Yup the Ratel ZT3 and the Ratel 90 knocked out T55 and even T62s

[@assualtcrab]

Great stuff as always Matsimus! Always happy to see more South African stuff, I know its been awhile but I wanted to know if you were still planning to cover the G6 Rhino mobile howitzer? If you aren't able to find enough video footage and documents to cover the G6 in a video may I recommend the Ratel IFV or Casspir APC instead.

[@bravolima7394]

There are quite a few youtube pieces covering the G5 as well as the G6, as well as the Casspir :) Just check

[@fr0stbyt322]

Looking forward to seeing more countries build their own defense vehicles in the future.

[@charlycrawley]

Loving the dude doing the Queen wave on top… Legend!

[@jacksonteller1337]

Olifant is one of the Dutch words that ended up in Afrikaner. It is a very cool vehicle.

[@davideb.4290]

"in Africa, it gets quite warm" Lol

[@VictorianTimeTraveler]

I really like the look of this tank.

[@jantschierschky3461]

SA is mainly loam and clay, sand some coastal areas. Namibia however lots of sand on the west side