Notes: This South African tank is a rebuild of the Centurion and is used only by that country. Compared to the Centurion, the Olifant has a better suspension, increased mine protection, a more powerful engine, better armor, better night vision, better fire control, and a more effective fire suppression system.

The Olifant Mk 1 was the first version; it is merely a Centurion with a better suspension, turret drive, and night vision equipment. A hand held laser rangefinder was also provided for the commander.

The Olifant Mk 1A entered production in 1983; it is a significant upgrade to the Centurion. The original gun was replaced by a 105mm L-7 rifled gun; a bank of eight smoke grenade dischargers was installed on either side of the turret; a new, more powerful engine was installed; the night vision gear was again upgraded; and the armor was upgraded. The Laser rangefinder was incorporated into the gunner’s sight.

The Olifant Mk 1B is a new production vehicle instead of being a rebuild of existing Centurions. The suspension was upgraded by replacement of the bogie-type suspension by torsion bars. The belly armor was doubled, a concession to the large amount of mines in Angola, Namibia, and other countries bordering South Africa. The power pack has been completely replaced with an engine that is much more powerful. The armor has been thickened on the nose, glacis, turret roof, turret front, and turret sides. Side skirts have also been added. The driver’s compartment has been made roomier, with a hatch that is easier to open and a steering yoke instead of tillers. A turret bustle has been added for crew equipment. The gun has been fitted with a thermal sleeve. A ballistic computer has been added to the gunner’s sight. A searchlight is added over the main armament.

Notes: This is a further upgrade of the Olifant Mk 1B. Improvements have been made to armor sloping in the turret and hull front, and composite armor has been installed in the turret and glacis. Versions with 105mm and 120mm guns were built, with the 120mm-armed version more common. An upgraded ballistic computer has been added to the fire control system. This tank can be regarded as midway between the Olifant Mk 1B and the technology in the Tank Technology Demonstrator (TTD).