Difference between revisions of "Olifant Mk.2"

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m (Addition of initial pro & con list)
(Ammunition: Converted to transclusion)
 
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 +
{{About
 +
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| link = Olifant Mk.1A
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=uk_olifant_mk_2
 
|code=uk_olifant_mk_2
Line 66: Line 71:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:GT-8 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M456, M111, DM63}}
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
 
|-
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
| M456 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
|-
 
| M111 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
 
|-
 
| DM63 || APFSDS || 436 || 434 || 426 || 416 || 406 || 396
 
|-
 
|}
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
|-
 
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
|-
 
| M456 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
|-
 
| M111 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
| DM63 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
<!-- '''Last updated:''' -->
+
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.40''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 116: Line 85:
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
| '''64''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| '''64''' || 60&nbsp;''(+4)'' || 55&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 47&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 33&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 14&nbsp;''(+50)'' || 7&nbsp;''(+57)'' || 5&nbsp;''(+59)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+63)'' || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Racks 6,7 and 8 are first stage ammo racks and total 13 shells.
 +
* They get filled first when loading up the tank and emptied first when firing.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 5 into rack 6, 7, and 8. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
{{main|Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|Browning MG4 (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[Browning MG4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Browning MG4]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
| Coaxial || 800 (200) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 6,750 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''
  
* M111 APFSDS is a tier 1 module, and provides a large upgrade in lethality compared to stock HEAT-FS round
+
* M111 APFSDS round is a tier 1 module, and provides a large upgrade in lethality compared to stock HEATFS round
* Mobility is satisfactory when upgraded, allowing for reliable 30km/h in cross-country performance with decent acceleration
+
* Mobility is satisfactory when upgraded, allowing for reliable 30 km/h in cross-country performance with decent acceleration
* Add-on armor provides more resistance to chemical munitions
+
* Access to laser rangefinder and 2nd generation gunner/commander thermals, allowing for quick and reliable target acquisition
* Access to laser rangefinder and Gunner/Commander thermals, allowing for quick and reliable target acquisition
+
* Has access to 105 mm DM63 APFSDS
* Access to DM63, a significantly more powerful round than the M111
 
 
* Good gun depression angle (-10°)
 
* Good gun depression angle (-10°)
 
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Poor stock mobility, sluggish acceleration
 
* Poor stock mobility, sluggish acceleration
* Default HEAT-FS round, many opponents at it's tier feature integrated composite armors or add-on E.R.A., resulting in poor lethality
+
* Struggles to keep pace with other MBTs despite its more powerful engine
* Add-on armor provides little protection against kinetic rounds, and offers inadequate defense against many chemical rounds of it's tier
+
* Default HEATFS round, many opponents at its tier feature integrated composite armour or add-on ERA., resulting in poor lethality
 +
* Add-on armour provides little protection against kinetic rounds, and offers inadequate defense against many chemical rounds of its tier
 
* Three out of four crew in a poorly armoured turret and a large driver-adjacent ammo rack result in poor survivability
 
* Three out of four crew in a poorly armoured turret and a large driver-adjacent ammo rack result in poor survivability
 
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
'''<big>Development</big>'''
+
'''Development'''
  
 
The South African Defense Force (SADF) began planning to replace the Olifant Mk1B main battle tank (MBT) in the late 1980's. Foreign designs such as the French Leclerc and British Challenger 2 were studied and it was planned that the new MBT was to have an entirely new hull from the Olifant Mk1B. But, due to a greater need of the budget for the navy and air force, a new tank was scratched from plans in 1988. Instead, an upgrade of the Olifant Mk1B would have to suffice.
 
The South African Defense Force (SADF) began planning to replace the Olifant Mk1B main battle tank (MBT) in the late 1980's. Foreign designs such as the French Leclerc and British Challenger 2 were studied and it was planned that the new MBT was to have an entirely new hull from the Olifant Mk1B. But, due to a greater need of the budget for the navy and air force, a new tank was scratched from plans in 1988. Instead, an upgrade of the Olifant Mk1B would have to suffice.
Line 173: Line 145:
 
The main areas that were upgraded on the Olifant Mk2 were the mobility, crew ergonomics, and fire control system (FCS).
 
The main areas that were upgraded on the Olifant Mk2 were the mobility, crew ergonomics, and fire control system (FCS).
  
<big>'''Design'''</big>
+
'''Design'''
  
 
'''General'''
 
'''General'''
Line 183: Line 155:
 
'''Mobility'''
 
'''Mobility'''
  
One of the Olifant Mk2's two largest improvements over the Olifant Mk1B was it's mobility. The engine was still the Continental 29 liter turbocharged air cooled engine, but it was modified to increase the horsepower output to 1,040 horsepower (an increase of 190 horsepower). The transmission of the Olifant Mk1B was retained, which had four forward and two reverse gears. The Olifant Mk2 could achieve a maximum speed of 58 kilometers per hour (the same speed as the Mk1B) but it accelerated 25% faster than the Mk1B. The improved torsion bar suspension of the Mk1B was also retained.
+
One of the Olifant Mk2's two largest improvements over the Olifant Mk1B was its mobility. The engine was still the Continental 29 liter turbocharged air cooled engine, but it was modified to increase the horsepower output to 1,040 horsepower (an increase of 190 horsepower). The transmission of the Olifant Mk1B was retained, which had four forward and two reverse gears. The Olifant Mk2 could achieve a maximum speed of 58 km/h (the same speed as the Mk1B) but it accelerated 25% faster than the Mk1B. The improved torsion bar suspension of the Mk1B was also retained.
  
The fuel capacity of the Olifant Mk2 was reduced from 1,382 liters to 1,285 liters compared to the Mk1B. Despite the reduced fuel load, the maximum range remained at approximately 360 kilometers - the same as on the Mk1B.
+
The fuel capacity of the Olifant Mk2 was reduced from 1,382 litres to 1,285 litres compared to the Mk1B. Despite the reduced fuel load, the maximum range remained at approximately 360 km - the same as on the Mk1B.
  
 
'''Armament'''
 
'''Armament'''
Line 203: Line 175:
 
'''Armour'''
 
'''Armour'''
  
The armour of the Olifant Mk2 was identical to that of the Olifant Mk1B. The base armour was the same as on the Olifant Mk1A but a layer of passive composite armour was added (spaced from the base armour) on the turret and also on the upper glacis of the hull. The hull floor was changed to a double layered design in order to better protect against mines and explosives. The armored sideskirts were also improved in regards to the Olifant Mk1A in order to increase protection against handheld anti-tank weapons such as the RPG-7.
+
The armour of the Olifant Mk2 was identical to that of the Olifant Mk1B. The base armour was the same as on the Olifant Mk1A but a layer of passive composite armour was added (spaced from the base armour) on the turret and also on the upper glacis of the hull. The hull floor was changed to a double layered design in order to better protect against mines and explosives. The armoured sideskirts were also improved in regards to the Olifant Mk1A in order to increase protection against handheld anti-tank weapons such as the RPG-7.
  
 
A fire suppression system was installed in both the crew and engine compartments for automatic extinguishing of fires. Two banks of four smoke grenades each are fitted on each side towards the rear of the turret. An engine exhaust smoke system is fitted to allow the generation of a smoke screen by injecting fuel into the engine exhaust.
 
A fire suppression system was installed in both the crew and engine compartments for automatic extinguishing of fires. Two banks of four smoke grenades each are fitted on each side towards the rear of the turret. An engine exhaust smoke system is fitted to allow the generation of a smoke screen by injecting fuel into the engine exhaust.
  
'''<big>Production and Service</big>'''
+
'''Production and Service'''
  
 
A total of 26 Olifant Mk2 tanks were built starting in 2005, entering service with the South African National Defense Forces (SANDF; replaced the SADF in 1994). Four of the Olifant Mk2 tanks were used for training as of 2018 and the other 22 were in storage. They had not yet seen combat.<ref>https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/south-africa/Olifant-mk2-main-battle-tank/</ref>
 
A total of 26 Olifant Mk2 tanks were built starting in 2005, entering service with the South African National Defense Forces (SANDF; replaced the SADF in 1994). Four of the Olifant Mk2 tanks were used for training as of 2018 and the other 22 were in storage. They had not yet seen combat.<ref>https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/south-africa/Olifant-mk2-main-battle-tank/</ref>
Line 216: Line 188:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=uk_olifant_mk_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_olifant_mk_2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos

Latest revision as of 19:43, 22 January 2023

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
This page is about the British medium tank Olifant Mk.2. For the other version, see Olifant Mk.1A.
Olifant Mk.2
uk_olifant_mk_2.png
GarageImage Olifant Mk.2.jpg
Olifant Mk.2
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:110 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Olifant Mk.2 is a rank VI British medium tank with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Ixwa Strike".

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
ESS
Creation of a smoke screen in the direction of movement of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull76 / 51 / 38
Turret152 / 89 / 20
Crew4 people
Visibility129 %

Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom
___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet
___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB65 / 24 km/h
RB and SB58 / 22 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
3 back
Weight60.5 t
Engine power
AB2 003 hp
RB and SB1 050 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB33.1 hp/t
RB and SB17.4 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 65 24 60.5 1,627 2,003 26.89 33.11
Realistic 58 22 929 1,050 15.36 17.36

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 949 → 6 235 Sl icon.png
RB4 029 → 6 361 Sl icon.png
SB5 149 → 8 130 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications184 100 Rp icon.png
305 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 240 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
ESS
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
8 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_DM33_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
470 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition64 rounds
First-order13 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 18°
Main article: GT-8 (105 mm)
105 mm GT-8 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 64 -10°/+18° ±180° Two-plane 21.4 29.6 36.0 39.8 42.4 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 13.4 15.8 19.1 21.2 22.5

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M456 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
M111 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
DM63 APFSDS 430 427 420 409 400 390
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M456 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
M111 APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DM63 APFSDS 1,455 4.4 - - - 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Olifant Mk.2
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
7th
rack empty
8th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
64 60 (+4) 55 (+9) 47 (+17) 33 (+31) 14 (+50) (+57) (+59) (+63) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 6,7 and 8 are first stage ammo racks and total 13 shells.
  • They get filled first when loading up the tank and emptied first when firing.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1 to 5 into rack 6, 7, and 8. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready rack.

Machine guns

Ammunition6 750 rounds
Belt capacity250 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate500 shots/min
7.62 mm Browning MG4
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 6,750 (250) 500 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • M111 APFSDS round is a tier 1 module, and provides a large upgrade in lethality compared to stock HEATFS round
  • Mobility is satisfactory when upgraded, allowing for reliable 30 km/h in cross-country performance with decent acceleration
  • Access to laser rangefinder and 2nd generation gunner/commander thermals, allowing for quick and reliable target acquisition
  • Has access to 105 mm DM63 APFSDS
  • Good gun depression angle (-10°)

Cons:

  • Poor stock mobility, sluggish acceleration
  • Struggles to keep pace with other MBTs despite its more powerful engine
  • Default HEATFS round, many opponents at its tier feature integrated composite armour or add-on ERA., resulting in poor lethality
  • Add-on armour provides little protection against kinetic rounds, and offers inadequate defense against many chemical rounds of its tier
  • Three out of four crew in a poorly armoured turret and a large driver-adjacent ammo rack result in poor survivability

History

Development

The South African Defense Force (SADF) began planning to replace the Olifant Mk1B main battle tank (MBT) in the late 1980's. Foreign designs such as the French Leclerc and British Challenger 2 were studied and it was planned that the new MBT was to have an entirely new hull from the Olifant Mk1B. But, due to a greater need of the budget for the navy and air force, a new tank was scratched from plans in 1988. Instead, an upgrade of the Olifant Mk1B would have to suffice.

The main areas that were upgraded on the Olifant Mk2 were the mobility, crew ergonomics, and fire control system (FCS).

Design

General

The Olifant Mk2 maintains the standard crew of four and the general layout from the preceding Olifant variants but with improvements to specific areas such as mobility and fire control system (FCS).

For increased ergonomics, two water tanks are fitted in the turret to store a total of 101 liters of water for the crew. The water tanks can be accessed from the loader and commander's stations.

Mobility

One of the Olifant Mk2's two largest improvements over the Olifant Mk1B was its mobility. The engine was still the Continental 29 liter turbocharged air cooled engine, but it was modified to increase the horsepower output to 1,040 horsepower (an increase of 190 horsepower). The transmission of the Olifant Mk1B was retained, which had four forward and two reverse gears. The Olifant Mk2 could achieve a maximum speed of 58 km/h (the same speed as the Mk1B) but it accelerated 25% faster than the Mk1B. The improved torsion bar suspension of the Mk1B was also retained.

The fuel capacity of the Olifant Mk2 was reduced from 1,382 litres to 1,285 litres compared to the Mk1B. Despite the reduced fuel load, the maximum range remained at approximately 360 km - the same as on the Mk1B.

Armament

The armament of the Olifant Mk2 was retained from the Olifant Mk1B.

The main armament of the Olifant Mk2 consisted of a 105 mm GT3B rifled gun, which was a variant of the Royal Ordnance L7 that was produced in South Africa by Lyttleton Engineering Works (LEW). The gun was fitted with a thermal sleeve as standard.

Four types of ammunition were carried for the 105 mm gun: M9210 HE, M456 HEAT, M9718 APFSDS, and white phosphorus smoke shell. A total of 64 105 mm shells were carried in the tank.

The electrical turret and gun control system fitted to the Olifant Mk2 allowed for a full 360 degree rotation of the turret in 16 seconds. The extended turret bustle at the rear of the turret helped to increase space for storage and equipment, but more importantly it balanced out the heavy armour on the frontal side of the turret. This helped to reduce strain on the turret control system.

A new fire control system (FCS) was used that included hunter-killer capability, in which the gunner and commander could each search for targets and control the turret systems. The gunner's sight was fitted with thermal imaging and the commander also received an independent thermal viewer (CITV). The gunner was provided with a targeting screen that displayed the sight image along with the data from the ballistic computer and integrated laser rangefinder, and the commander could also view the image from the gunner's sight. The FCS included an automatic tracking function in which the turret would automatically track a target selected by the gunner or commander even while on the move. The gun was fully stabilized, allowing for a good hit-on-the-move capability and the FCS allowed a high accuracy in general.

Secondary armament was provided by a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun with 6,600 rounds of ammunition carried.

Armour

The armour of the Olifant Mk2 was identical to that of the Olifant Mk1B. The base armour was the same as on the Olifant Mk1A but a layer of passive composite armour was added (spaced from the base armour) on the turret and also on the upper glacis of the hull. The hull floor was changed to a double layered design in order to better protect against mines and explosives. The armoured sideskirts were also improved in regards to the Olifant Mk1A in order to increase protection against handheld anti-tank weapons such as the RPG-7.

A fire suppression system was installed in both the crew and engine compartments for automatic extinguishing of fires. Two banks of four smoke grenades each are fitted on each side towards the rear of the turret. An engine exhaust smoke system is fitted to allow the generation of a smoke screen by injecting fuel into the engine exhaust.

Production and Service

A total of 26 Olifant Mk2 tanks were built starting in 2005, entering service with the South African National Defense Forces (SANDF; replaced the SADF in 1994). Four of the Olifant Mk2 tanks were used for training as of 2018 and the other 22 were in storage. They had not yet seen combat.[1]

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References


Britain medium tanks
Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI
Cromwell  Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3)
Cromwell derivatives  Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7
Chieftain  Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10
Challenger 1  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Challenger 2  Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night
Challenger 3  Challenger 3 TD
Australia  A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1
South Africa  Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD
India  Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP
Israel  ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Jordan  Khalid
Sweden  ▄Strv 81 (RB 52)
USA  Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"