EQUIPMENT

Ratel 90

Ratel 90

Crew: 3 + 6 infantry (fewer if used in fire support role
Main Armament: 1 × 90mm low pressure gun
Secondary Armament:

  • 1 × 7.62mm co-axial MG
  • 1 × 7.62mm GPMG in AA mount on rear of vehicle
  • 1 × 7.62mm GPMG on commander’s cupola
  • 4 × 81mm smoke grenade launchers

Ammunition:

  • 72 90mm bombs stored in the turret and hull
  • 6000 rounds 7.62mm

Combat Mass: 19ton
Hull length: 7.21m
Width: 2.7m
Height: 2.915m
Engine: 12 litre six cylinder in line turbo diesel
Power output: 230kW
Fuel: 480 litres
Road Speed: 105km/h
Off Road Speed: 30km/h
Road Range: 1000km
Off Road Range: 600km
Gradient: 27º
Step: 0.6m
Trench: 1.15m
Ford: 1.2m

Description

20, but mounts a low velocity 90 mm gun, identical to the Eland 90. Further changes involve the reworking of the roof lining and a reduction of the troop compartment roof hatches from four to two. It carries one less passenger in order to make room for more ammunition for its main gun with the installation of extra ammunition racks. The Ratel 90 serves as a fire support vehicle used to knock out strong points and, while not originally designed for the anti-tank role. Mechanised Infantry Groups fielding Ratel 90s achieved success by skilfully outmaneuvering the newer Soviet tanks which required multiple hits with 90 mm HEAT rounds from their 90 mm guns, often at point-blank range at vulnerable points (engine vents, turret rings) in order to disable them.