Ratel IFV The Ratel is an Infantry Fighting Vehicle ( IFV ) , the South African National Defence and the battalions of mechanized infantry force , and its name is derived from an African animal known in English as the Honey Badger ( Ratel ) , Which has a reputation as a fierce fighter . Description . The Ratel wheeled IFV is named after the honey badger , noted for its toughness when fighting many would consider the Ratel IFV to be well named . It first appeared in 1974 , when sanctions were at their height , having been totally developed within South Africa . This armored vehicle was manufactured by Sandock - Austral . Production commenced in 1978 and final deliveries were made during 1987 . A number of Ratels were exported . It is estimated that a total of 1 500 of these wheeled IFVs were produced . All models of the Ratel have a 6x6 drive configuration with the long armored steel hull being specially contoured underneath to minimize land mine damage , if necessary the Ratel can travel with two wheels missing . In the SANDF the use of wheeled armored vehicles has always been an advantage . For decades South Africa was involved in conflicts where their forces had to travel great distances with a little logistical support . The Ratel ' s wheeled configuration was perfect for prolonged journeys . The main variant is the Ratel 20 , armed with a French GIAT 20 - mm cannon in a two - man turret , plus three 7 . 62 - mm MGs , one coaxial one over the turret and one on a pintle mounting over a hatch in the rear hull roof . The 20 - mm cannon has an effective range of 1500 m and can engage light armored vehicles . This baseline version is used as a troop transport . Firing ports and vision devices are provided for most occupants of the crew compartment which is entered through side doors or another at the rear . Front armor of the Ratel provides protection against 12 . 7 - mm rounds . All - round protection is against 7 . 62 - mm ammunition . Vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine , developing 282 hp . Engine is located at the rear . Vehicle has a cross - country performance similar to that of the tracked vehicles . This infantry fighting vehicle is not amphibious . Almost any Ratel can be rapidly converted into a light ARV by adding a small jib crane to the hull rear . A fire support variant , the Ratel 90 , is virtually identical to the Ratel 20 apart from the turret mounting a 90 - mm gun and one passenger less to make room for the bulkier ammunition . It is fitted with a complete turret of the Eland armored car . There is also a Ratel 60 with a 60 - mm breech - loading mortar in the turret An anti - tank Ratel ZT3 has a special turret with a bank of three Swift ATGWs over the roof . These is a special command version with a turret with a 12 . 7 - mm MG in a mantlet while an 81 - mm mortar carrier does not have a turret at all ; the traversable mortar fires through open roof hatches . One of the latest variants in the so - called Enhanced Artillery Observation System ( EAOS ) on which a raised superstructure behind the drivers position and a special lifting mast carrying a multi - sensor head for target detection and data transmission to a central control post . The iKlwa prototype armored personnel carrier is a further development of Ratel