Description:
The Ratel is a wheeled infantry combat vehicle (ICV) developed to meet the requirements of the South African Army in the late 1970s. The first prototype rolled out in 1976 followed by the first production vehicle one year later. Compared to other wheeled ICVs in the 1970s/1980s, the Ratel features longer range, high mobility, improved armor protection and outstanding firepower. It has been combat proven by the South African Army in Angola and Namibia and was exported to Morocco, Ghana and Jordan.
The Ratel basic version is equipped with a 20mm cannon and two 7.62mm machine guns. However, the Ratel can be equipped with a 60mm mortar or a 90mm gun as main armament. The South African Army also deployed a workshop variant. All versions are powered by a D3256 BTXF diesel engine developing 282-hp and providing a top speed on road of 105 kph. The 19-ton vehicle can transport up to 7 fully equipped troops and has a crew of four men.
The South African Army current plan call for the replacement of Ratel by the more capable Patria AMV 8x8 armored vehicle before 2020. The go head decision was taken in May 2007 with Denel Land Systems acting as the prime contractor for the new ICV.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 4, Troops 7
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 20 mm
Dimensions: Height 2.9 m, Length 7.2 m, Width 2.5 m
Weights: Max Weight 19 t
Performance: Max Range 1,000 km (540 nm), Top Speed 105 kph (65 mph)
Ghana
Jordan
Morocco
Rwanda / 35 
South Africa