Rooikat

   Development of the Rooikat (African Lynx) tank destroyer began in South African Republic in 1976. It replaced the ageing Eland armored car in service with the South African National Defense Force. Production of this armored vehicle began in 1989. Around 240 of these tank destroyers were built.

   The main objective was to develop a well armored vehicle, capable of operating far away from supply bases. It's 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. It's 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 it's relatively small caliber this gun penetrates front armor of the most widespread tanks of that region (M-48, T-54, T-55 and T-62) at a range of 1 500 meters.

   Vehicle is 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. This fire support vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. It's 8x8 configuration allows to maintain mobility after the loss of any wheel. 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.