Country of origin |
South Africa |
Entered service |
1989 |
Crew |
4 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
28 t |
Length (gun forward) |
8.2 m |
Hull length |
7.1
m |
Width |
2.9
m |
Height |
2.8 m |
Armament |
Main gun |
76 mm gun |
Machine guns |
2 x 7.62 mm |
Ammunition load |
Main gun |
48 rounds |
Machine guns |
3 000 rounds |
Mobility |
Engine |
diesel |
Engine power |
563 hp |
Maximum road speed |
120 km/h |
Range |
1 000 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
70% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
1 m |
Trench |
2 m |
Fording |
1.5 m |
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Development
of the Rooikat (African Lynx) tank destroyer began in South
African Republic in 1976. Production of this armored vehicle began in 1989. Around 240 of these
tank destroyers were built. These replaced the ageing Eland armored
cars in service with the South African National Defense Force (SANDF).
The main
goal was to develop a well armored wheeled vehicle, capable of
operating far away from supply bases. Its armament should be
capable of defeating tanks of all types, that were in service with
neighboring countries.
The main
role for the Rooikat tank destroyer is combat reconnaissance. Its
secondary role is combat support and anti-guerilla operations.
Vehicle was used for deep penetration missions across the border.
Front armor
of the Rooikat provides protection against 23 mm armor-piercing
rounds. All-round protection is against small-arms fire and
artillery shell splinters. Hull floor has increased protection
against mine blasts. The Rooikat tank destroyer is completed with an
NBC protection system as standard. It is also is fitted with exhaust
smoke generator and smoke grenade dischargers.
The Rooikat
is fitted with a fully-stabilized GT4 76 mm
main gun, which was developed from Italian OTO Melara naval gun.
Despite its relatively small caliber at a range of 1 500 meters this
high-velocity gun penetrates front
armor of the tanks such as M48, T-54,
T-55
and T-62,
that were most widespread in that region. The gun is loaded
manually. A total of 48 rounds of ammunition are carried for the
main gun.
Vehicle was
fitted with a modern fire control system. The Rooikat tank destroyer
has a good fire accuracy at a range of 2 000 meters in day or night
conditions and while firing on the move.
Secondary
armament consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is
mounted coaxially with the main gun and another is placed on top of
the turret roof.
Vehicle has
a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
The Rooikat
is powered by an unspecified V10 diesel engine, developing 563
horsepower. Engine is located at the rear. Its 8x8
configuration allows to maintain mobility after the loss of any
wheel. This fire support vehicle is fitted with a central tyre
inflation system. Vehicle is also equipped with run-flat inserts which allow
mobility after the loss of pressure in all wheels. This tank
destroyer is not
amphibious.
Variants
Rooikat 105 an upgunned version fitted with the GT7 105 mm high-pressure
rifled gun. This gun fires a full range of NATO 105 mm
ammunition and has a rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute. The more
powerful gun also changed overall combat capabilities of this tank
destroyer. This Rooikat was aimed primarily at the export market, as
the SANDF did not specify for a 105 mm gun. Development of the
Rooikat 105 was completed in 1994. However in the 1990s the
export market was glutted with Cold War-era AFVs and the Rooikat 105
failed to attract any customers. Only a single prototype was built.
ZA-35
prototype self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
ZA-HVM
prototype self-propelled air defense missile system.
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