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Bateleur


Valkiri Mk II


Overview


Bateleur

Side view of Bateleur in the firing position with MAG machine gun on the roof.
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Origin
South Africa
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Entered service
Early 1990's
Status
Limited service
Development
1985 - 1989
Developer
South Africa
Production
1990 - ?
Producer
South Africa - Somchem
Number produced
16 Mk II launch vehicles
Designations
Valkiri Mk II
Bateleur (service nickname)
Afrikaans for a bird of prey
Multiple Artillery Rocket System / MARS
Notable users
South Africa

Description


Introduction

The Bateleur is a modern era multiple launch rocket system of South African origin. It was developed as a more capable successor to the original Valkiri. The Bateleur was also known as the Valkiri Mk II during its development. The upgrade focused on improved range and protection, while retaining the mobility.

Design

The Bateleur, also known as the Valkiri Mk II, is the product improved version of the original Valkiri. It is based on the SAMIL-100 truck and has been fitted with an armored and mine protected cab. Two hydraulic stabilizers are fitted at the rear and are lowered before firing. The Bateleur fires longer range 127mm rockets, but is also able to fire the original 127mm rockets.

Firepower

The Bateleur is fitted with a 40 round launcher which fires its salvos at one rocket per second. Compared to the Valkiri Mk I the launch tubes are longer. This allows it to fire longer range ammunition as well as the standard range rockets of the Mk I. The longer range rockets have a maximum range of 36 km. Standard rockets may reach up to 22 km. A 7.62mm FN MAG machine gun is fitted for self-defense.

Protection

The Bateleur has an increased protection level over the original Valkiri. The armored cab protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. A unique feature of the Bateleur is its level of mine protection, which isn't found on other multiple launch rocket system. The armored SAMIL chassis uses the proven V-shaped design developed in South Africa during the Bush War. The crew is exposed during firing and reloading.

Mobility

The SAMIL-100 6x6 truck chassis has a good mobility on paved and dirt roads. With the long distances involved in the South African Bush War wheeled vehicles were deemed preferable due to their lower fuel consumption and posing less demands on the supply train.

Users

The Bateleur was adopted by South Africa. It entered service in the early 1990's. Only 16 vehicles have been produced. Currently six vehicles are kept operational, with the others being in storage.

Media


Details


Facts Bateleur
General
Origin
South Africa
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Crew
3 (commander, driver, gunner)
Dimensions
Weight
21.5 t combat load
Length
9.3 m
Width
2.35 m
Height
3.4 m
Main armament
Type
127mm Valkiri Mk II and Mk I artillery rocket
Mount
40 tube launcher
Ammunition
40 rockets, all ready to fire
Elevation
-0 to +50°
Traverse
110°
Range
36 km for Mk II rocket
22.7 km for Mk I rocket
8 km minimum
Rate of fire
40 rocket salvo in 46 seconds
Secondary armament
Type
7.62mm MAG machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on cabin roof
Ammunition
Several hundred rounds, 100 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Chassis
Chassis type
SAMIL-100 6x6 truck
Tire size
16.00 x20 run flat tires
Automotive
Engine model
Atlantis Diesel Engines V10
Engine type
V10 diesel
Power output
315 hp at 2.500 rpm
Transmission
Automatic, 5 speed
Fuel
400 L
Mobility
Speed
93 km/h
Range
800 km at 80 km/h
Power to weight ratio
14.7 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.35 m
Wall
0.5 m
Gradient
35 %
Fording
1.2 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel, mine proof cab
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No

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