The Olifant Mk 1A then appeared in 1985 and included an image-intensifier system (for the gunner) as well as a laser range-finder (hand-held) among her qualities. It was not until 1976 that the newer "Olifant" models came online and this beginning with the Mk 1 and these were completed with a 750 horsepower engine, vision equipment support, upgraded turret controlling, and the original Centurion 20-pounder main gun. The "Semel" version of 1974 then followed as Centurion Mk 5A models with the 810hp engine and a three-speed semi-automatic transmission system. By this time, the Centurion battle force was showing its age and a modernization was in order.Įarly work on an evolved Centurion produced the "Skokiaan" project of the early 1970s which introduced an all-new V12 gasoline-fueled engine of 810 horsepower to the design. However, a 1970s arms embargo on the country eventually forced various internal programs to be enacted to make the nation more self-sufficient in its own arms industry capacity. These were eventually brought up to the Mk.5 standard and joined by purchases of the vehicle from other nations (including India and Jordan) looking to reduce their own stocks. South Africa was one of the many original purchasers of the excellent British design and took on Centurion Mk.3 models beginning in 1953. The South African "Olifant" became a further evolution of the original British Cold War-era Centurion Main Battle Tank (MBT).
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