Ratel history

Chapter XX Development The first preliminary study wrt and infantry combat vehicle of the SA Infantry Corps was initiated

by Maj Gen J.R. Dutton in 1970. The report titled “Preliminary Investigation: Infantry Combat Vehicle for the SA Army” was submitted and approved by the SA Army.

The first user requirement was found in Appendix B to a letter dated 11 march 1971. It seems as if the user requirement was amended a number of times by that date. In this letter to the Director planning Brig J. Fourie the author Brig Van Noorden stated clearly that the primary role of the Mechanised Infantry Battalions would be support to the Armour.

Priorities for the proposed new ICV were determined by the Director Infantry and was set as follows: Cross country ability.

b.

Protection.

c.

Main armament.

d.

Robustness.

e.

Stability.

f.

DRA FT

a.

De-bussing ability.

Further important abilities were: a. b. c. d. e.

Anti-Aircraft capabilities.

Silhouette.

All round view by driver, commander and crew members.

Passenger comfort.

Radius of action.

The first three vehicles were evaluated as Operation Button under the command of Brig T. van Dyk the Director Technical Services assisted by Col J.T. (Sarge) Nell the 2IC of 16 Mechanised Brigade – Citizen Force. The evaluation took place during 1972 with the first three vehicles being: a.

Unimog UR 416. Manufactured by Rheinstahl Sonderfertigung in Germany and imported by United Car and Diesel Distributors Ltd (distributors of Daimler Benz products in the RSA). The vehicle was basically a Mercedes Benz Unimog with an armoured body fitted to the chassis. For the evaluation purposes it went under the code name of “Boggelbees”.

Unimog UR 416 or “Boggelbees”

b.

Panhard M3. This vehicle was imported by Sandock-Austral (situated in Boksburg) from France. This Company had ties with Panhard by means of the Panhard (Eand) armoured car, it was obvious that commonality of parts played a role. For the evaluation purposes it went under the code name of “Bosbok”.

c.

DRA FT

Panhard M3 or “Bosbok”

Panhard M3 Onsbok. This was basically a M3 which had its centrally mounted engine removed and a General Motors petrol engine mounted in the rear of the vehicle. Given the code name of Onsbok which is derived from Our Buck (Onsbok) and Their Buck being the French M3.

Panhard M3 or “Onsbok”

d.

Panhard M4. This veicle imported from France had a hydroneumatic suspension and was amphibious. During a crossing of the Vaal river as one of its tests, it sank and had to be recovered. For the evaluation purposes it went under the code name of “Klonkie”.

Panhard M4

Panhard M6. This vehicle was imported from France by Sandrock-Austral. It was a 6X6 vehicle which was also still in the development phase in France. With the failure of the hydroneumatic suspension upon delivery, it was never tested but sent back to France.

f.

DRA FT

e.

Berliet VXB. This vehicle was imported from France by Sandrock-Austral. The hull of the VXB (4X 4) APC is made of all-welded steel armour. The driver is seated at the front of the hull on the left side with the commander to his right. In front of the driver and commander is a large windscreen which, when in action, is covered by a two-piece armoured screen hinged at the top. There is an entry door in each side of the hull, the upper part of which opens downwards on the outside, and a third door at the rear of the hull on the right side. During tests at Elandfontein Test track a torsion bar failed and the vehicle was sent back to France. For the evaluation purposes it went under the code name of “Boesman”. This vehicle lent many of its features to the Ratel.

Berliet VBX or “Boesman”

g.

Saracen FV603. This was used as the control test as these vehicles were already being used by the SADF.

a.

Springfield Bussing. (R99988) Early in 1972 Lt Gen W.P. Louw, Chief of the Army, indicated that another vehicle from Springfield Bussing, manufacturers of railway busses would also be considered. This vehicle was much larger than the other contenders and was called the “Buffel”.

Springfield Bussing or “Buffel”

DRA FT

Evaluation of the vehicles was scheduled for 25 September 1972 under the operational name of “TARTAR” and actually took place on 25 Sep to 18 Oct 72. On arrival of the vehicles at Technical Services Training Centre for the tests, the M6 was losing hydraulic fluid to such an extent that it was withdrawn from the test and sent back to Sandrock-Austral and returned to France never being officially tested.

After being extensively tested which included some driving in the Namib Desert dunes, the vehicles were returned to TS Training Centre and Brig van Dyk phoned the Chief of the Army. He then announced that the vehicle that had satisfied most of the requirements was the Man-Bűssing (6X6) “Buffel”. This sounded the end of the Saracen as APC in the SADF and started the extensive development of the Buffel which was later to be called the Ratel.

A later comer to the testing was the Brazilian Engisa (6X6). This vehicle was tested at the vehicle testing facilities at Elandsfontein. It was soon apparent that it would not satisfy the Armies requirements and the test was terminated.

Using the “Buffel” as a model the first Ratel was developed. The vehicle as known as “Ratel SS”.

The SS being an acronym for “Sagter Staal – Mild Steel”. This vehicle was the test bed for the production model and many more modifications were made and testing done to it before production could begin.

The final user evaluation phase of the new Ratel was followed by the industrialization, phasing in, training and eventually operational deployment of the vehicle known today as the Ratel.

Production It can be confusing when trying to figure out the “who-is-who” in the Defence Industry. As background to the manufacture of Ratel by Sandock-Austral who became Reumech OMC, which in turned was purchased by Vickers Defence Systems of the UK and became Vickers OMC. Vickers Defence Systems was in turn purchased by Alvis and Vickers OMC then became Alvis OMC. In late 2004 Alvis PLC was taken over by BAE Systems and Alvis OMC was renamed BAE Systems Land Systems OMC. The first prototype of the Ratel was completed in July 1974, followed by four preproduction vehicles, the first completed in 1976. The first production models were designated the Mk 1 and were followed in 1979 by the Mk 2, final deliveries of which were made in early 1987. The differences are mainly the result of operational experience in Namibia and long-range penetration raids into Angola. Most of the modifications were subsequently retrofitted to earlier vehicles when they returned for overhaul.

The Ratel Mk 3 upgrading program commenced in 1985 and mainly included the following modifications to the vehicle: ?

Improved cooling system

?

Improved bush protection

?

Automatic cocking system for the 20 mm G12 cannon built by Denel Land Systems

?

Smaller functional modifications to the vehicle

The South African National Defence Force had a total of 1,243 Ratel vehicles in service, plus an additional 53 in the Swift anti-tank missile vehicle configuration. This model is only in service in South Africa.

The Future - Poject Hoefyster (Ratel II or Badger) Project “Hoefyster” (Horseshoe) was registered as a project in 1997. It called for a replacement of the Ratel ICV for the SA Army.

DRA FT

Early reports speculated that the MOWAG Piranha IV was a possible candidate, as Reumech OMC had just been bought by Vickers Defence Systems – a British concern – that had licensing rights to the Piranha IV. Counter speculation at the time favoured the Piranha III, currently in use by the US Army as the Stryker armoured personnel carrier (APC).

Ratel 2, Badger or “Hoefyster”

Denel Land Systems and Armscor are to deliver 264 Badger ICV’s which will have a 70% local content and be one of Denel’s largest contracts to date. Five variants of the combat vehicle will be required, i.e. Command, Mortar, Missile, Section and Fire Support vehicles. Whilst DLS has already started work on the weapons systems, including an indigenous 30mm cannon and a sophisticated mortar to be integrated in the turret, Denel Munitions will supply the ammunition and mortar bombs.

Ratel Types Standard 20mm Infantry Section Vehicle The standard combat vehicle of the mechanised infantry battalions, the Ratel-2O is armed with a dual-feed 20 mm cannon and a co-axial 7,62 mm machine gun in a two-man turret, and a 7.62 mm machine gun in an anti-aircraft ring mounting at the rear of the vehicle.

The 20 mm cannon was chosen as the most suitable weapon for this vehicle because its HE round, although powerful, does not preclude really close support fire. Firing ports and vision blocks in the huIl sides allow the infantrymen to fire their personal weapons from behind armour protection. Six of the nine infantrymen sit back to back in the main troop compartment, and another two in front of the tail gunner' in the tunnel. The section leader sits to the left of the turret, where he can communicate with both commander and driver and has a clear view through the driver's windows.

Two large side doors operated by compressed air allow rapid movement into or out of the vehicle and, by opening forwards, give some protection to the debussing infantry. There is also a rear door, and five roof hatches which can be locked in the vertical position to protect troops fighting from this vehicle und.er conditions in which the “buttoned-up' state would be too vulnerable. All seats are fitted with harnesses to reduce the danger of injury in rough terrain and in the event of a mine detonation.

In operations the Ratel has proved to be a very useful ICV with a good blend of fire power, protection and mobility, coupled with sufficient comfort to allow the mobility to be exploited. weapons for close-in protection. The infantry section leader sits on the left of the tunnel where he can see through the driver's windows, in-close contact with the vehicle crew, and as the first out of the vehicle is best able to sum up the situation and deploy his men. The driver sits in the front centre of the vehicle and the tail gunner at the rear of the tunnel next to the engine. Full harnesses are provided both for comfort during rapid cross-country movement and for safety should a mine be detonated. Despite the weight restrictions imposed by the choice of wheels rather than tracks, armour protection is reasonable providing all round protection against 7,62 mm armour-piercing ammunition, medium artillery shell fragments and anti-personnel mines, and against 12,7mn ammunition over the frontal arc. The driver's armour-glass windows can be protected by armour shutters which are operated by a single lever'

DRA FT

The Ratel also offers a good measure of protection against anti-tank mines and in general is quickly and easily repaired after a mine blast. Access to the vehicle is by large, pneumatically operated doors in the hull sid.es, a small rear door, four outward opening batches above the troop compartment and one over the forward end of the tunnel leading past the engine to the rear door.

Another hatch is fitted in the rear machine-gun mount. AII hatcb.es can be locked in the vertical position, providing some protection when the troops are operating 'head out'' The Ratel has proven very popular in the Army' performing well on operations, demonstrating great reliability and also offering a reasonably comfortable ride over most terrain.

Standard 20mm Infantry Section Vehicle

Ratel 90mm Fire Support The Ratel-90 is a fire-support and anti-tank vehicle derived from the Ratel-2O for service with the anti-tank platoons of the mechanised infantry battalions. In 61 Mechanised Infantry Battalion Group it functioned as an armoured car in place of the Eland-9O, which cannot always keep up with the Ratels in cross-country movement. It can also be employed as an ICV, although its 90 mm ammunition load will then be rather less. Modifying the Ratel to take the new EIand-9O turret resulted in a changed roof line, with only two hatches above the main troop compartment.

Inside the troop compartment the seating has been partly replaced by additional ammunition racks. This is reversible at unit level, allowing the vehicle to be configured virtually on a case-bycase basis. A 12,7 mm machine gun can be mounted above the 90 mm for training purposes. The Ratel-9O has performed very successfully in the anti-tank and 'bunker-busting' roles during

Ratel 90mm Fire Support

DRA FT

operations against Swapo base areas. It has dealt effectively with T-54l55 series MBTs among other targets, although operating offensively against tanks does require careful tactical handling to compensate for the Ratels height and thin armoured skin.

Ratel 60mm Command

The Ratel-6O is an ICV derived from the basic Ratel-2O by fitting the turret of the E1and-6o. It was developed for service with the support troops of the armoured car squadrons but is now also employed in some roles by the mechanised infantry battalions.

Ratel 60mm Command

Ratel 12,7mm Command The Ratel Command differs from the Ratel-ZO in that it has a new turret armed with 12,7 mm and 7,62 mm machine guns, and in its internal arrangements. The new turret is roomier than the 20 mm turret and offers better visibility for the second crew member. The internal fittings include map tables and communications equipment optimised to suit the role of the particular vehicle. A typical equipment fit would include three radios, a tape recorder with a time injection facility, a commercial receiver and cassette recorder, and a public address system. A pneumatic antenna mast supplements the whip antennas. All Command Ratels are fitted with air-conditioning systems to cope with the additional heat generated by their equipment. As well as being used in various command roles in battalion and formation headquarters, the Ratel Command is employed as an artillery command vehicle.

Ratel 12,7mm Command

Ratel 81mm Mortar

DRA FT

The Ratel-81 is essentially a turretless Ratel fitted with an 81 mm mortar in the fighting compartment and with a new commander's cupola between this and the driver. The mortar is mounted on a turntable with full 360" traverse. The Ratel-81 allows the mortar teams to move in and out of action far more quickly than was possible with ground-fired mortars. It also gives them a good measure of protection, although in action this is still somewhat limited by the need to open the top of the fighting compartment to fire the mortar. When necessary the mortar can be dismounted and used from the ground.

Ratel 81mm Mortar

Ratel Armoured Repair Vehicle This is simply a Ratel 20 with a fixed lifting jib made up of four tubular steel posts mounted on the rear hull with a block and tackle arrangement to raise and carry damaged vehicles such as the Ratel.

A wide range of spare parts and repair equipment is carried inside the vehicle and in a wire mesh stowage box on the front of the hull. An air compressor is carried, as are spare wheels.

No picture available for this vehicle.

Ratel ZT-3 Anti Tank Missile Vehicle This was first used in Angola in 1988 and is a Ratel (6X6) hull fitted with a new two-man turret on top of which is mounted a bank of three Denel Aerospace Systems Swift (ZT-3) laser commandguided ATGWs with an additional 12 missiles being carried inside for manual reloading. The turret also has a 7.62 mm machine gun and two banks of smoke grenade launchers, one on either side, that fire to the front of the vehicle.

This type is only used by the South African National Defence Force and a total of 53 Swift tank destroyers were supplied. Less than this quantity remain in service as some of these systems, less the turret, were supplied to Jordan.

This type will be eventually replaced by a version of the Bagder MCV with four long range ATGW in the ready to launch position.

DRA FT

Ratel ZT-3 Anti Tank Missile Vehicle

Enhanced Artillery Observation System (EAOS)

This vehicle forms a key part of the AS-2000 artillery engagement system. Other elements of the system include a portable target acquisition system for dismounted artillery observers, a target acquisition RPV, data links between these systems and regimental and battery fire-control posts, ballistic software that runs on IBM-compatible PCs, a gun management system, a muzzle velocity

Enhanced Artillery Observation System (EAOS)

analyser, a meteorological system and a rugged computer and data communication system.

This is a rebuild of an existing Ratel with its turret removed and a raised superstructure added to the rear of the driver's position. Pivoted either side of the hull is a hydraulically operated mast on top of which is a multi-sensor head which contains a day/night observation payload consisting of a threein-one video camera for daytime acquisition, a long-range zoom and FLIR TV cueing, an Eloptrodeveloped FLIR and an Eloptro LH-31 laser range-finder with a video channel. This system provides accurate daytime observation to 20 km and night observation to 3.5 km.

Onboard systems include an integrated vehicle navigation system and accurate pointing control. A computer automatically adds new targets to the database and maintains the target lists, fire plans and the observation post log. Data communications to the battery fire-control centre are provided.

The vehicle has a five-man crew consisting of the forward observation officer, technical assistant, two signallers and a driver.

Ratel 120 mm Mortar Carrier Shown for the first time in 1994 was the prototype of a Ratel fitted with a 120 mm mortar system.

Mounted in the rear of the Ratel is a Denel Land Systems 120 mm muzzle-loaded mortar which is used in conjunction with a computer weapon aiming system.

DRA FT

This uses data (type of mortar bomb, charge, environmental conditions and target location) in conjunction with a land navigation system to enable targets to be rapidly engaged. The 120 mm mortar is mounted on a turntable that can be traversed through 360째 and is laid onto the target automatically.

The Ratel 120 mm self-propelled mortar carrier can carry a total of 46 mortar bombs with the normal load consisting of 28 standard and 18 rocket-assisted 120 mm mortar bombs. Firing with charge 9, a maximum range of over 9,000 m can be achieved, while with the rocket-assisted projectile using charge 10 a range of over 12,000 m is possible.

As of late 2007, there were no plans for this 120 mm mortar carrier to enter production or service.

Ratel (8X8) Logistic Support Vehicle

The eight-wheeled 'Ratel Log' is an armoured logistic support vehicle developed specifically to support mechanised infantry and armoured car units. The SA Army has, however, decided not to deploy such a specialised vehicle, preferring to use the cheaper and simpler Kwevoel, basically a SAMIL truck. In its basic configuration the Ratel Log can carry all the stores needed by a mechanised infantry platoon operating for a week under normal conditions, or up to two weeks over ranges of around 2,000 km under low-intensity conditions. The payload of ten tons would normally consist of six containers, three spare wheels and a small generator on its Load bed, and 5OO liters of fresh water and 2,OOO liters of diesel in hull tanks.

A prototype of the Ratel 8X8 logistic support vehicle was built and tested but it was not placed into production.

Ratel (8X8) Logistic Support Vehicle

Ratel IFV for Jordan A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in February 2007 between the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) of Jordan and Armscor Business, acting on behalf of the South African government.

Under this, Jordan will take delivery of an undisclosed quantity of ex South African Ratel (6 x 6) infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) which are now surplus to requirements.

These are expected to be reconfigured by KADDB before being delivered to the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF). During an exhibition held in Amman, Jordan, in April 2004, a Ratel was shown fitted with the complete turret of the Ukrainian BTR-94 (8 Ă— 8) armoured personnel carrier. This turret is armed with twin 23 mm AZP-23-2 cannon and a 7.62 mm PKT machine gun with turret traverse and weapon elevation being powered with manual backup. According to the United Nations Jordan has passed a total of 50 of these BTR-94 APC to Iraq.

DRA FT

Under an earlier deal between South Africa and Jordan, the latter took delivery of a total of 341 Ratel IFV and variants were delivered between 2003 and 2004.

Ratel IFV for Jordan with twin 23 mm AZP-23-2 cannon

BAE Systems Land Systems OMC upgraded Ratel In September 2006, BAE Systems Land Systems OMC unveiled a new upgrade for the Ratel (6X6) IFV called Iklwa (named after the Zulu short stabbing spear).

Upgraded Ratel (6X6) IFV called Iklwa