South African Armoured Vehicles, Volume 1 - A History of Innovation and Excellence

Introduction

I have limited knowledge of South African armored vehicles, so I was anxious to have the opportunity to review this book.  I was not disappointed, as this book provides an introduction which frames the development of South African armor.  This is followed by an in-depth detail of eight of South Africa’s initial armored vehicles.  The author provides a history of the development, design features, variants, and operational use for each vehicle.

Title:  South African Armoured Vehicles, Volume 1 - A History of Innovation and Excellence

Author:  Dr Dewald Venter

Publisher:  Helion & Company

Price:  $29.95 USD

Format:  Soft cover, 8.25 x 11.75 inches

Page count:  84 pages

Illustrations:  Seventy-one (71) color and, three (3) black and white photographs

Tables/drawings/diagrams:  Twenty-five (25) color profiles, 19 tables, one diagram, one color and one black and white map

ISBN:  978-1-804519-92-9

What’s Between the Covers?

CONTENTS

Dedication

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Author’s Note

Acknowledgements

Foreword

Introduction: Framing South African Armour Development

1. Eland Armoured Car

2. Buffel Mine-Protected Vehicle

3. Ratel Infantry Combat Vehicle

4. Casspir Mine-Protected Vehicle

5. G6 Rhino Self-Protected Howitzer Vehicle

6. Ystervark

7. Bateleur Multiple Rocket Launcher

8. Olifant Mk1A Main Battle Tank

Bibliography

About the Author

The introduction provides a solid foundation for understanding the development of South African armor by outlining the realities of the African battlespace.  It describes an environment shaped by difficult terrain, poor roads, limited access routes, long distances, rugged landscapes, and scarce sustainment resources—conditions that made movement, combat, and logistics especially demanding.    South African armored vehicles were therefore purpose-built and reinforced to operate effectively in these conditions.

This book provides an in depth look into the Eland Armoured Car, Buffel Mine-Protected Vehicle, Ratel Infantry Combat Vehicle, Casspir Mine-Protected Vehicle, G6 Rhino Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle, Bateleur Multiple Rocket Launcher and Olifant Mk1A Main Battle Tank.  Each vehicle is presented with its development, main features, layout and design, equipment, capabilities, variants, and service life.

The following are the introductory pages from the discussion for each of the eight armored vehicles included in the book.  In addition, there is a center fold section of illustrations showing each vehicle in camouflage patterns of the unique dark brown earth, and the light stone and dark green stripes which was adopted in the 1990s and further modified in the early 2020s.

Eland Armoured Car

Buffel Mine-Protected Vehicle

Ratel Infantry Combat Vehicle

Casspir Mine-Protected Vehicle

G6 Rhino Self-Propelled Howitzer Vehicle

Ystervark

Bateleur Multiple Rocket Launcher

Olifant Mk1A Main Battle Tank

Conclusion

I’m glad I had the opportunity to review this book.  It provided me with a significant amount of information about a subject I was not familiar with.  The text is very well written, and the photographs and profiles are well worth the price of the book.  I’m looking forward to purchasing volume 2 when it’s available.

Highly Recommended for Beginner to Master Skill level modelers.

Thanks go out to Casemate Publishers for this review book.

Reviewed by Mike Petty, AZ AMPS, 2VP West Region

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