Olifant Mk.1A - Revision history

U40125922: 'Radial' V12 is a nonsensical term, the AV1790 is a V-type engine

2024-07-19T13:20:01Z

'Radial' V12 is a nonsensical term, the AV1790 is a V-type engine

U9202753: Specs-Card image added

2023-06-10T05:22:29Z

Specs-Card image added

U38088265: /* Ammunition */ Converted to transclusion

2023-01-22T19:28:58Z

‎Ammunition: Converted to transclusion

U38088265 at 13:38, 15 September 2022

2022-09-15T13:38:30Z

U38088265: /* Main armament */ Updated

2022-09-15T09:01:27Z

‎Main armament: Updated

U38088265 at 22:03, 6 August 2022

2022-08-06T22:03:40Z

U38088265: Undo revision 134438 by U21348625 (talk)

2022-08-06T22:02:12Z

Undo revision 134438 by U21348625 (talk)

U21348625: Multiple inaccuracies regarding shell types, values and tank characteristics

2022-08-06T21:20:52Z

Multiple inaccuracies regarding shell types, values and tank characteristics

U44629479: Edits

2022-05-24T21:47:09Z

Edits

U37005499: /* Usage in battles */

2022-05-24T17:52:14Z

‎Usage in battles

@@ Line 161: / Line 161: @@
 '''Mobility'''
-The Horstmann suspension of the Centurion was retained on the Mk.1A, having never been changed on the Olifant Mk.1 or Mk.1A<ref name=":0" />. Propulsion was provided by a Continental 29-litre turbo charged air cooled radial V12 engine, which could produce 750 horsepower. In order to prevent the dust from the environment from interfering with the engine's operation, new dust filters were added. Additionally, a new rail system was implemented that allowed the engine to be replaced in only thirty minutes with a crane. A new transmission was fitted with two forward and one reverse gear. The Olifant Mk.1A had a horsepower to ton ratio of 13.39 hp/t and could achieve a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
+The Horstmann suspension of the Centurion was retained on the Mk.1A, having never been changed on the Olifant Mk.1 or Mk.1A<ref name=":0" />. Propulsion was provided by a Continental 29-litre turbo charged air cooled V12 engine, which could produce 750 horsepower. In order to prevent the dust from the environment from interfering with the engine's operation, new dust filters were added. Additionally, a new rail system was implemented that allowed the engine to be replaced in only thirty minutes with a crane. A new transmission was fitted with two forward and one reverse gear. The Olifant Mk.1A had a horsepower to ton ratio of 13.39 hp/t and could achieve a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
 The fuel supply was increased from 458 litres to 1,240 litres, allowing the range of the Olifant Mk.1A to increase to 350 km at the maximum (the Centurion Mk.5 could only travel 190 km maximum). The reliability and ease of maintenance took precedence on the Olifant Mk.1A, reducing the amount of maintenance that needed to be done overall.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=uk_olifant_mk_1a
-|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 }}

@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
-{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+{{:GT-3 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M152, M416, M156, M111}}
 ==== [[Ammo racks]] ====

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 The Olifant is an early South African modification of the legendary Centurion tank. The vehicle received an increase in firepower and mobility from the earlier British series, to match the needs of extended cruising capabilities and long-distance skirmishes within the dusty and heated African environment.
-Fitted with a GT-3 cannon, the Olifant should be as persuasive as most NATO counterparts, due to the GT-3 being a variant of the popular British-made Royal Ordnance L7 gun.  On the weak side, the armour layout can be described as obsolete against HEAT and APFSDS, which are quite common at Olifant's rank. This lack of armour simultaneously with a notable slow turret traverse and below average top speed, commits the Olifant to use distance, uneven grounds and marksmanship skills to endure the battles.
+Fitted with a GT-3 cannon, the Olifant should be as persuasive as most NATO counterparts, due to the GT-3 being a variant of the popular British-made Royal Ordnance L7 gun.  On the weak side, the armour layout can be described as obsolete against HEAT and APFSDS, which are quite common at Olifant's rank. This lack of armour simultaneously with a somewhat slow turret traverse and below average top speed, commits the Olifant to use distance, uneven grounds and marksmanship skills to endure the battles.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 189: / Line 189: @@
 '''Cons:'''
 * Poor stock acceleration and top speed, compared to other MBTs at the BR; even inferior to the [[Chieftain Mk 5]] when spaded
 * APFSDS is a tier 4 modification: early module research must be done with the more unreliable HEAT shells

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 |-
 ! ''Arcade''
-| rowspan="2" | 72 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 11.4 || 15.8 || 19.2 || 21.2 || 22.6 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
+| rowspan="2" | 72 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 17.1 || 23.7 || 28.8 || 31.9 || 33.9 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
 |-
 ! ''Realistic''
-| 7.1 || 8.4 || 10.2 || 11.3 || 12.0
+| 10.7 || 12.6 || 15.3 || 16.9 || 18.0
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 97: / Line 97: @@
 ! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 ! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
-! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
+! 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)
+! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 ! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 |-
 ! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 |-
-| M152 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
+| M152 || HEATFS || 1,174 || 10.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 |-
-| M156 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.1 || 4 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
+| M156 || HESH || 731 || 11.4 || 0.1 || 4 || 3,170 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 |-
-| M111 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
+| M111 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 4.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 ! Ammunition
 ! Velocity<br>(m/s)
-! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
+! Projectile<br>mass (kg)
 ! Screen radius<br>(m)
 ! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 ! Screen hold time<br>(s)
-! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
+! Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 |-
-| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
+| M416 || 732 || 11.6 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 246: / Line 246: @@
 The SADF began Operation Hooper on 2 January 1988, with F-Squadron under the command of Major Tim Rudman taking the offensive against the FAPLA 21st Brigade which was holding at the River Cuatir. During the operation, Cuban forces counterattacked in an action that resulted in the loss of several Olifant tanks; one was damaged in combat, two were detracked by anti-tank mines. The SADF mounted multiple attempts to recover the tanks but had to retreat under heavy attack by enemy guns and artillery. This left the amount of Olifants lost at three with one more damaged. Additionally, a Ratel armoured car was destroyed and four SADF soldiers were killed. The FAPLA lost 21 T-54/T-55 tanks and suffered 480 casualties.
-The two detracked tanks were never moved while the third Olifant was taken by the FAPLA. Its turret was sent to the Soviet Union while the hull remains at Menongue Airport in Angola.<ref>https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/south_africa/olifant_mk.i</ref>
+The two detracked tanks were never moved while the third Olifant was taken by the FAPLA. Its turret was sent to the Soviet Union while the hull remains at Menongue Airport in Angola<ref name=":0" />.
 === [[wt:en/news/7052-development-olifant-mk1a-the-beast-of-desert-en|Devblog]] ===

@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 ! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 |-
-|M456|| HEATFS ||420||420||420||420||420||420
+| M152 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 |-
-| M156 || HESH ||310||310||310||310||310||310
+| M156 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 |-
-| M111 || APFSDS ||390|| 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
+| M111 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 105: / Line 105: @@
 ! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 |-
-|M456|| HEATFS ||1000|| 10.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
+| M152 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 |-
-| M156 || HESH ||731|| 14.85 || 0.1 || 4 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
+| M156 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.1 || 4 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 |-
 | M111 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
@@ Line 180: / Line 180: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Strong and accurate APFSDS & HEATs; similar ballistics to guns found on [[Rooikat MTTD]] and the [[Rooikat 105]]
+* Strong and accurate APFSDS and HEATFS; similar ballistics to guns found on [[Rooikat MTTD]] and the [[Rooikat 105]]
 * Laser rangefinder and NVD for long-range/night operations + bonus of smoke screen and smoke shells
 * Excellent gun elevation and depression angles
@@ Line 199: / Line 199: @@
 <!-- ''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).'' -->
 === Predecessor: Olifant Mk.1 ===
-The Olifant Mk.1 was a South African conversion of Centurion Mk.5 and Mk.7<ref name=":0">https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/south_africa/olifant_mk.i
+The Olifant Mk.1 was a South African conversion of Centurion Mk.3s tanks to a modified standard<ref name=":0">https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/south_africa/olifant_mk.i</ref>. Conversions began in 1979 and lasted until 1984; a total of 153 Olifant Mk.1s were converted from Centurion Mk.3 tanks. Not long after the Olifant Mk.1 entered production, T-55 tanks were obtained and tested which revealed flaws in the Olifant Mk.1 by comparison. Fortunately for the SADF, an upgrade of the Olifant Mk.1 was already under development.
 === Olifant Mk.1A ===
@@ Line 214: / Line 212: @@
 '''Mobility'''
-The Horstman <ref name=":0" />suspension of the Centurion was retained on the Mk.1A, having never been changed on the Olifant Mk.1 or Mk.1A. Propulsion was provided by a Continental 29-litre turbo charged air cooled radial V12 engine, which could produce 750 horsepower. In order to prevent the dust from the environment from interfering with the engine's operation, new dust filters were added. Additionally, a new rail system was implemented that allowed the engine to be replaced in only thirty minutes with a crane. A new transmission was fitted with two forward and one reverse gear. The Olifant Mk.1A had a horsepower to ton ratio of 13.39 hp/t and could achieve a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
+The Horstmann suspension of the Centurion was retained on the Mk.1A, having never been changed on the Olifant Mk.1 or Mk.1A<ref name=":0" />. Propulsion was provided by a Continental 29-litre turbo charged air cooled radial V12 engine, which could produce 750 horsepower. In order to prevent the dust from the environment from interfering with the engine's operation, new dust filters were added. Additionally, a new rail system was implemented that allowed the engine to be replaced in only thirty minutes with a crane. A new transmission was fitted with two forward and one reverse gear. The Olifant Mk.1A had a horsepower to ton ratio of 13.39 hp/t and could achieve a maximum speed of 45 km/h.
 The fuel supply was increased from 458 litres to 1,240 litres, allowing the range of the Olifant Mk.1A to increase to 350 km at the maximum (the Centurion Mk.5 could only travel 190 km maximum). The reliability and ease of maintenance took precedence on the Olifant Mk.1A, reducing the amount of maintenance that needed to be done overall.
@@ Line 220: / Line 218: @@
 '''Armament'''
-The main armament of the Olifant Mk.1A was a 105 mm L7 or GT3B rifled cannon, which was fully stabilized. The ammunition initially consisted of the L52A3 APDS, M456 HEAT and M156 HEAT rounds. In the mid-1980s, M111 APFSDS rounds were acquired for use on the Olifant Mk.1A as the primary anti-tank ammunition. During the mid-90s South Africa acquired 2nd generation APFSDS-T round known as the M429 or locally as M2A1 Mk2 (Fin Mk2 Improved). The ammunition stowage was redesigned and as such the total amount of 105 mm ammunition was increased from 64 to 72 rounds.
+The main armament of the Olifant Mk.1A was a 105 mm L7 or GT3B rifled cannon, which was fully stabilized. The ammunition initially consisted of the L52A3 APDS, M456 HEAT and M156 HEAT rounds. In the mid-1980s, M111 APFSDS rounds were acquired for use on the Olifant Mk.1A as the primary anti-tank ammunition. The ammunition stowage was redesigned and as such the total amount of 105 mm ammunition was increased from 64 to 72 rounds.
-The turret rotation and gun elevation mechanisms were replaced with an improved electrical gun and turret drive, this allowed the turret drive to traverse the turret 360 degrees in 20 seconds<ref name=":0" />. Also, the main gun was fully stabilized. A new fire control system (FCS) was fitted. The gunner's 6x zoom sight was replaced with an Eloptro 8x zoom sight which included a laser rangefinder accurate up to 10km.
+The turret rotation and gun elevation mechanisms were replaced with an improved electrical gun and turret drive, this allowed the turret drive to traverse the turret 360 degrees in 20 seconds<ref name=":0" />. Also, the main gun was fully stabilized. A new fire control system (FCS) was fitted. The gunner's 6x zoom sight was replaced with an Eloptro 8x zoom sight which included a laser rangefinder accurate to up to 10 km<ref name=":0" />.
 Secondary armament consisted of a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a pintle-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun on the commander's cupola. At least 5,600 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition were provided.
@@ Line 228: / Line 226: @@
 '''Protection'''
-The Olifant Mk.1A retained the Centurion armor which consisted of 76 mm (2.99in) on the frontal glacis at 58 degrees, 152 mm frontal turret (6 in), 51 mm (2 in) on the sides, 40 mm (1.57 in) on top and 29 mm (1.14 in) in the rear of the tank. The armoured side skirts which are 4.5 mm (0.17in) thick were manufactured from armoured steel in South Africa and serve to detonate HEAT rounds before they reached the hull. Needless to say, the Olifant Mk.1A was incredibly vulnerable to the T-54/55 and T-62 tanks it would face in combat, and also to RPG-7 infantry anti-tank weapons. The Olifant Mk.1A had two banks of four smoke grenades each mounted on each side of the turret for a total of eight launchers.
+The Olifant Mk.1A retained the armour of the Centurion Mk 3. Needless to say, the Olifant Mk.1A was incredibly vulnerable to the T-54/55 and T-62 tanks it would face in combat, and also to RPG-7 infantry anti-tank weapons. The Olifant Mk.1A had two banks of four smoke grenades each mounted on each side of the turret for a total of eight launchers.
 '''Production and Service'''

@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 == 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).'' -->
-The Olifant Mk.1A is in most cases relegated into a support role as it lacks the armour to brawl or the mobility to flank, you should aim to get into a good position early in the game and use your better than average firepower to pick off hard targets. However, the tank can still do competently in most situations thanks to it's powerful APFSDS shell.
+The Olifant Mk.1A is relegated to a support role as it lacks the armour to brawl or the mobility to flank. Players should get into a good position early in the game and use the powerful APFSDS shell of the Olifant to pick off hard targets.
 === Pros and cons ===
@@ Line 182: / Line 182: @@
 * Strong and accurate APFSDS & HEATs; similar ballistics to guns found on [[Rooikat MTTD]] and the [[Rooikat 105]]
 * Laser rangefinder and NVD for long-range/night operations + bonus of smoke screen and smoke shells
-* Excellent gun elevation and depression angles (-10°, +20°)
+* Excellent gun elevation and depression angles
 * The machine gun area on the turret can bounce some carelessly aimed shells
 * Fuel tanks in the front and rear may protect the engine, crew and the ammo racks from HEAT shells
@@ Line 238: / Line 238: @@
 The first combat deployment of the Olifant Mk.1A was during the South African Border War which consisted of Operations Modular, Packer, and Hooper from 1987-1988. During these operations, South Africa came to the aid of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) who were at risk of destruction by the People's Armed Forces of Liberation of Angola (FAPLA), who were supported by Cuba and the Soviet Union (USSR).
-Eight brigades and an auxiliary support force of the FAPLA (along with Soviet advisors) moved from Cuito Cuanavale to attack the UNITA forces at Jamba and Mavinga. The SADF sent Olifant Mk.1 and Mk.1A tanks in two squadrons - of 11 tanks and two command tanks each - to Angola to reinforce the Ratel 90 armoured cars that made up the rest of the anti-armour materiel there. During the conflict, Olifants and Ratel 90s faced off against 150 FAPLA T-54 and T-55 main battle tanks (MBTs) in a large-scale conventional war fought at incredibly close ranges of only 50 to 150 meters.
+Eight brigades and an auxiliary support force of the FAPLA (along with Soviet advisors) moved from Cuito Cuanavale to attack the UNITA forces at Jamba and Mavinga. The SADF sent Olifant Mk.1 and Mk.1A tanks in two squadrons - of 11 tanks and two command tanks each - to Angola to reinforce the Ratel 90 armoured cars that made up the rest of the anti-armour materiel there. During the conflict, Olifants and Ratel 90s faced off against 150 FAPLA T-54 and T-55 main battle tanks (MBTs) in a large-scale conventional war fought at incredibly close ranges of only 50 to 150 m.
 The Olifant Mk.1A saw its first combat with E-Squadron during Operation Modular in 1987. During that operation the tank crews preferred to load HEAT rounds rather than APFSDS rounds because HEAT rounds are effective against light and heavy armoured targets, though they could detonate prematurely upon contact with the brush. Additionally, HEAT rounds made a more noticeable visual indication of a hit on an enemy tank, and there was also a fear that APFSDS rounds would ricochet off of trees. Due to the thick brush, tank engagements occurred at very close ranges due to reduced visibility.

@@ Line 173: / Line 173: @@
 == 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).'' -->
-''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).''
+The Olifant Mk.1A is in most cases relegated into a support role as it lacks the armour to brawl or the mobility to flank, you should aim to get into a good position early in the game and use your better than average firepower to pick off hard targets. However, the tank can still do competently in most situations thanks to it's powerful APFSDS shell.
 === Pros and cons ===
@@ Line 261: / Line 261: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_olifant_mk_1a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 279: / Line 280: @@
 ;Vehicles with similar chassis
 * [[Centurion (Family)]]
 ;Related service history
 * [[Eland 90 Mk.7]]
 * [[Ratel 90]]
@@ Line 290: / Line 293: @@
 ;Similar playstyle
 * [[M60A1 (AOS)]]
 * [[M48A2 G A2]]
@@ Line 303: / Line 307: @@
 === References ===
-<references/>
+<references />
 {{Britain medium tanks}}