Thanks for the great post. I absolutely love these machines and has personally driven with them various times at Roodewal Bombing Range in Polokwane (South Africa) and Overberg Test Range at African's most Southern point. They are still in commission in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

We build our decision support systems into them since they are very mobile and, of course, rugged. I must admit, it is not great sitting in them for work since they are super cramped inside and get very warm in the African sun.

I've often dreamt of using them in Cape Town traffic though... just not slowing down when another slow moving vehicle pushes in front of me. I am sure I won't be able to afford the diesel though. ;)

The troops told me that these Ratels can simply drive over trenches in the ground of several meters, because of how well balanced they are! Does anyone here know the actual spec's for the clearance?