General Overview of the Rooikat 105

The Rooikat 105 is a wheeled armored reconnaissance and combat vehicle developed by South Africa. This vehicle was originally designed for high-mobility reconnaissance operations, and its 105 version is equipped with a 105mm GT7 anti-tank gun capable of firing various NATO 105mm ammunition. The project was completed in 1994 and presented to the South African National Defence Force, but they preferred the base model (Rooikat 76), and the 105 version remained a prototype.

Development History

The Rooikat was developed in the late 1980s to replace the old AML-90 vehicle in the South African army. This vehicle was part of South Africa’s efforts during the Cold War to build indigenous military equipment, especially given international sanctions. The 105 version is an upgrade from the original 76mm model, with its gun upgraded to a 105mm rifled gun to provide more firepower against armored targets. Development was carried out by companies such as Denel, focusing on high mobility, adequate protection, and combat capabilities.

Key Features

• Design and Mobility: It has eight wheels (8x8) that enable fast movement on roads (up to 1000 km range) and off-road (500 km). Its fuel capacity is 540 liters, and it can be combat-ready within 24 hours after deployment. The total weight is about 28.5 tons, with a diesel engine producing 567 horsepower, providing a power-to-weight ratio of about 19.9 hp/ton. This design allows a maximum speed of 120 km/h on roads and excellent mobility in rough terrain.
• Armor and Protection: The armor is made of steel alloy resistant to 23mm armor-piercing rounds in the front arc. It is also equipped with protective systems such as smoke launchers and smoke generators for concealment.
• Armament: The main 105mm gun with a 51-caliber thermal sleeve and larger fume extractor, enabling a rate of fire up to 6 rounds per minute with practice. Ammunition capacity is 32 rounds, with 16 in first-order. It is also equipped with advanced sighting systems such as thermal sights for day and night operations.
• Applications: Primarily designed for combat reconnaissance, patrolling, search and destroy operations, not direct combat like heavy tanks. Secondary roles include combat operations, infantry support, and even anti-helicopter. This vehicle is ideal for African
  environments with vast terrains and the need for rapid mobility.
  

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................. rooikat chilling under tree..................

The Rooikat 105 represents advanced South African military technology, and although not mass-produced, its concept has influenced the development of modern wheeled armored vehicles.

Wheeled Equivalents in Various Countries

• M1128 Stryker (United States)
• ZTL-11 (China)
• Type-16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle (Japan)
• Centauro (Italy)
• AMX-10 RC (France)
• Vextra 105 (France)
  

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