SA Armour Museum
Olifant Mk1A Main battle Tank
Crew: 4
Combat Mass: 56 t
Armament: 105mm GT3B semi-automatic quick-firing gun (L7; 1 × 7.62mm co-axial Browning MG; 1 x 7.62mm turret Browning MG
Engine: Continental 29-litre turbo-charged air-cooled V12 diesel engine produces 750hp @2400rpm.
Transmission: Semi-automatic transmission system with two forward (low and high range) and one reverse gear
Suspension: Torsion bar suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers
Fording: Without preparation: 1.2 meters
Speed:45 km/h on-road and 30 km/h over terrain
Operating Range: Road 350km; Cross Country 240 km
Development history
The Olifant Mk1A is a South African main battle tank (MBT) that represents an extensive upgrade of the British Centurion tank. The development of the Olifant series began in the 1970s as South Africa sought to modernize its aging Centurion fleet to meet the demands of contemporary warfare and to address the specific needs of the South African Defence Force (SADF).
The Olifant Mk1A was the first major production model of the Olifant series, introduced in the late 1970s. The upgrade program focused on enhancing the firepower, mobility, and protection of the original Centurion tank. The Olifant Mk1A was fitted with a 105 mm L7 rifled gun, a proven and widely used tank gun capable of engaging a variety of targets with high accuracy. The secondary armament consisted of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 7.62 mm Browning machine gun for anti-aircraft and anti-infantry roles.
Powered by a Continental AVDS-1790-2A V12 diesel engine producing 750 horsepower, the Olifant Mk1A could achieve a top road speed of 45 km/h and a cross-country speed of 30 km/h. The tank's torsion bar suspension with hydraulic shock absorbers provided good mobility and a smooth ride over rough terrain, essential for operations in the varied landscapes of southern Africa.
The Olifant Mk1A played a key role in South Africa's border wars during the 1980s, particularly in Angola, where its improved firepower, protection, and mobility proved valuable in combat against well-armed opponents. The Olifant Mk1A's success on the battlefield led to further upgrades and the development of the subsequent Olifant Mk1B and Mk2 variants.