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We were honored to host the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Defence at OTT Solutions during AAD2024!
This visit provided a remarkable opportunity to showcase cutting-edge advancements in defense technology and foster discussions on the future of defense innovation.
🇿🇦 Stay tuned for more updates from #AAD2024 and our ongoing commitment to shaping the defense landscape!
#DefenceInnovation #OTTSolutions #AAD2024
Our Managing Director, Mr André Olivier, were honoured to welcome the State President, Minister of Defense, Deputy Minister, the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of the South African National Defense Force to our stand.
This moment reflects our dedication to delivering cutting-edge innovation and technology solutions to national defense and we are proud to play a role in the future of South Africa’s defense industry.
At OTT Group of Companies, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of military vehicle innovation. As exhibitors at the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibitions, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to developing cutting-edge defense solutions that meet the demands of modern military forces. Our presence at both AAD 2022 and AAD 2024 has been a testament to our leadership in this field, showcasing vehicles that push the boundaries of performance, protection, and precision.
At AAD 2022, OTT Group showcased the Puma M36 Mk6 450 T-Rex, and at AAD 2024, we will again demonstrate our commitment to leading-edge military technology with the the LM17
Our products reflect the innovation, quality, and reliability that OTT is known for across the defense sector.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to developing advanced military solutions that meet the needs of our clients and the demands of modern warfare. Our focus on excellence ensures that OTT will continue to lead the way in defense technology for years to come.
Stay connected with OTT Group as we continue to drive the future of military mobility and defense solutions.
The key focus of Phase 3 in the Ratel SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) was the significant upgrade in firepower. The turret was modernized with commercial robotic gun drives, while the original ring gear and mechanical gearboxes were retained, helping control costs. This fully electric turret is now operated via an intuitive "cow horns" control system, allowing the gunner to steer while monitoring a new digital display linked to a slave-mounted gunner’s sight.
To maintain cost efficiency and crew familiarity, the original French 20mm F2 M693 automatic cannon (manufactured under license as the Denel GI-2) was retained. This decision also ensured continued use of affordable, existing ammunition stocks.
Gunners operating the upgraded Ratel benefit from several advancements, including a laser rangefinder, day and uncooled thermal night sights, and a digital camera system for easy bore-sighting. Live firing trials during the 2023 Vuk’uhlome exercise demonstrated a dramatic improvement in both accuracy and first-round hit probability, with six experienced gunners from 8 SAI successfully training on the system in just 30 minutes.
Additionally, an optional fully stabilized Commander’s panoramic sight is available, complete with a laser rangefinder and thermal night vision, providing full Hunter-Killer capabilities in all weather conditions, day or night.
The driver is not left out of the upgrades either, receiving a pull-down screen with a Thermal Imaging Night Driving System (TINDs), enabling full blackout operations for the entire crew. These upgrades ensure that the Ratel SLEP is fully equipped for night operations, enhancing the vehicle's overall combat effectiveness.