Venter, Dewald South African Vehicles. A History of Innovation and Excellence. Volume: 1

Volume 69 in the "Africa @ War" series. During the Cold War, Africa became the main theater of proxy wars between East and West. Against the backdrop of the strong rise of liberation movements supported by communist Eastern Bloc states like Cuba and the Soviet Union, Southern Africa experienced one of the fiercest wars ever fought on the continent. South Africa, subject to international sanctions due to its apartheid policies, was cut off from key arms suppliers following the 1977 UN arms embargo. The country had already been militarily involved in the Angolan conflict since 1975 as part of Operation Savannah, and the need for locally adapted equipment arose even before the start of large-scale conventional operations. As the war intensified and gradually evolved into a more conventional conflict, existing equipment proved increasingly unsuitable for the hot, dry, and dusty environment and the constant threat of landmines. This accelerated ongoing research and development efforts locally, leading South African engineers and military planners to develop a number of often groundbreaking and innovative weapon systems. The result was designs for some of the most robust armored vehicles of their time worldwide, which have significantly influenced development in numerous areas to this day. Decades later, the history of some of these vehicles is still visible on many battlefields around the globe, particularly those littered with landmines and improvised explosive devices. This revised and updated edition examines the Eland, Buffel, Ratel, Casspir, G6 Rhino, Ystervark, Bateleur, and Olifant Mk.1A armored vehicles in depth. The development of each vehicle is presented through a detailed description of its key features, construction and design, equipment, capabilities, variants, and operational experience. Richly illustrated with photographs and specially prepared color profiles, this volume provides an exclusive and indispensable reference work.