Olifant Mk.1B

   The Olifant Mk.1B (Elephant) is an upgraded variant of the Olifant Mk.1A tank. The Mk.1B was developed as an interim solution. It entered service with South African National Defense Forces in 1991. About 44 vehicles were upgraded to the Mk.1B standard.

   The Olifant Mk.1B main battle tank has a number of armor improvements over its predecessor. Passive armor has been added to the glacis plate and nose of the hull. Turret has been fitted with stand-off composite armor. Protection against mines has been improved by adding double floor. New side skirts were fitted. This main battle tank was also fitted with an automatic fire suppression system.

   The Olifant Mk.1B MBT is armed with the British L7 105 mm rifled gun. This gun is compatible with all standard NATO 105 mm munitions. A total of 68 rounds for the main gun are carried inside the vehicle. This main battle tank was also fitted with new fire control system.

   Secondary armament consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is mounted coaxially with the main gun, while the other one is placed on top of the roof.

   The Olifant Mk.1B tank has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.

   Vehicle is powered by a Continental turbocharged diesel engine, developing 950 horsepower. These US-built engines were acquired from Israel. Range was increased by installing diesel engine and additional fuel tanks. It is worth mentioning that the Olifant Mk.1A was completed with a petrol engine. Suspension on the Mk.1B was improved. Furthermore this variant has better power-to-weight ration than its predecessor.

Variants

   Olifant Mk.2 is a further upgrade of the Mk.1B, fitted with new target detection and engagement system. Engine was uprated to 1 040 hp.