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Hello all.
As per a suggestion on the eGlas 35mm thread, perhaps it's a good idea to make a thread on the subject of a Ratel replacement.
The Ratel was an interesting and influential 6x6 vehicle that spawned a wide variety of versions tailored to various roles. Prototypes were produced in 1974 after design initiation in 1968. The standard 20mm Infantry Fighting Vehicle has a dual-feed cannon. This variant is joined by the 90mm fire support vehicle, 60mm mortar, turretless 81mm mortar, Ratel Command, Ratel EAOS Artillery Observation, and Ratel ZT-3 anti-tank missile versions. There were also various other prototypes and ideas tested, such as the Ratel 8x8 Logistic, Ratel Maintenance, and 120mm mortar variants amongst others.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratel_IFV
The South African Defence Force has looked at various Ratel replacement programmes over the years. Recently, 264 Finnish Patria vehicles were selected, leading to much controversy, particularly as there has been evidence (and prosecutions) of corruption surrounding overseas arms purchases.
It has been difficult to figure out in which chronological order the various indigineous South African vehicles appear, so any assistance in this regard is appreciated. Most of the vehicles appear to be 8x8, although the AC-100 and iKlwa (based on the Ratel design) were 6x6 drive. The majority of the vehicles were armed with a cannon in the 30mm to 35mm range.
Anyway, one of the vehicles was based on Rooikat components, but was naturally larger due to the need to carry troops. It appeared to mount a Ratel 20mm turret, although this may have been for trials or weight/testing purposes.
As per a suggestion on the eGlas 35mm thread, perhaps it's a good idea to make a thread on the subject of a Ratel replacement.
The Ratel was an interesting and influential 6x6 vehicle that spawned a wide variety of versions tailored to various roles. Prototypes were produced in 1974 after design initiation in 1968. The standard 20mm Infantry Fighting Vehicle has a dual-feed cannon. This variant is joined by the 90mm fire support vehicle, 60mm mortar, turretless 81mm mortar, Ratel Command, Ratel EAOS Artillery Observation, and Ratel ZT-3 anti-tank missile versions. There were also various other prototypes and ideas tested, such as the Ratel 8x8 Logistic, Ratel Maintenance, and 120mm mortar variants amongst others.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratel_IFV
The South African Defence Force has looked at various Ratel replacement programmes over the years. Recently, 264 Finnish Patria vehicles were selected, leading to much controversy, particularly as there has been evidence (and prosecutions) of corruption surrounding overseas arms purchases.
It has been difficult to figure out in which chronological order the various indigineous South African vehicles appear, so any assistance in this regard is appreciated. Most of the vehicles appear to be 8x8, although the AC-100 and iKlwa (based on the Ratel design) were 6x6 drive. The majority of the vehicles were armed with a cannon in the 30mm to 35mm range.
Anyway, one of the vehicles was based on Rooikat components, but was naturally larger due to the need to carry troops. It appeared to mount a Ratel 20mm turret, although this may have been for trials or weight/testing purposes.