RG-33

Last updated

RG-33 (standard four wheel variant)
Permissions-Errors-Rg-33.jpg
Type Infantry mobility vehicle with MRAP capabilities
Place of origin South Africa
Service history
In service2007 present
Used by United States Army
United States Marine Corps
Croatian Army
Wars Global War on Terrorism
Production history
Designer Land Systems OMC
Manufacturer BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
Unit cost$300,000
VariantsRG-33 (4x4)
Specifications
Length22.1 feet (6,700 mm)
Width8 feet (2,400 mm)
Height9.5 feet (2,900 mm)
Crew2 + 12 crew

Armor monocoque v-hull
Main
armament
Optional armored glass turret or remote weapon station
EngineCummins 400 I6 Diesel
400hp
TransmissionAllison 3200
Suspension 4x4 Double wishbone suspension
Ground clearance14 inches (360 mm)
Maximum speed 68 miles per hour (109 km/h)
RG-33L (six wheel extended variant)
Permissions-Errors-RG-33L.jpg
Type Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle
Service history
Used by US Army
US Marines
Croatian Army
Wars Global War on Terrorism
Production history
Designer Land Systems OMC
Manufacturer BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
Unit cost$630,000
ProducedOctober 2006 (RG-33L) [1]
VariantsRG-33L (6x6)
Specifications
Length28 feet (8,500 mm)
Width8 feet (2,400 mm)
Height9.5 feet (2,900 mm)
Crew2 + 12 crew

Armor monocoque v-hull
Main
armament
Optional armored glass turret or remote weapon station
EngineCummins 400 Turbo Diesel
400hp
TransmissionAllison 3200
Suspension 6x6 Double wishbone suspension
Ground clearance14 inches (360 mm)
Fuel capacity80 gal
Maximum speed 70 miles per hour (110 km/h)

The RG-33 is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle initially designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (formerly Land Systems OMC), a South African subsidiary of BAE Systems. BAE Systems in the US extensively modified it with additional protection, new powertrain, and suspension systems. It was built in a number of locations including York, Pennsylvania. It was one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the United States MRAP program.

Contents

Overview

It is based on the RG-31, which itself is based on the Mamba APC, although it is roughly twice the weight of a RG-31. There are two variants, the standard RG-33 has four wheels and weighs 22 tons while the extended RG-33L variant has six wheels, can carry twice as many people in the back, and weighs 26 to 37 tons depending on the version.

It was selected to be the sole producer of the US Army's $2.88 billion Medium Mine Protected Vehicle program. [2] [3] The initial contract is worth $20 million. BAE representative Doug Coffey says that live-fire testing at Aberdeen, Maryland, proved the RG-33 to be the overall most survivable MRAP vehicle. [4]

The RG33 is manufactured in several configurations including the category I 4×4, category II 6×6, the heavy armored ground ambulance (HAGA) and the special operations command (SOCOM) vehicle. [5] [ unreliable source? ]

Design

It features a monocoque armoured v-hull, for maximized interior space, seats and footrests suspended from the ceiling, run-flat tires, and an optional armored glass turret (Gunner Protection Kit or GPK), for maximized visibility and protection. The monocoque hull does not extend under the engine like some other armoured vehicles. The engine compartment is a separate monocoque structure that bolts to rest of the hull. The vehicle is notable for its extensive use of TRAPP armored glass in the crew compartment. Like the Buffalo, it can be equipped with a robotic arm.

The U.S. has fielded 259 RG-33 4x4 variants in a Special Operations Command (SOCOM) configuration as shown above with remote weapon stations, two extra seats, and a rear door assist. [6] The U.S. has also fielded 16 RG-33L 6x6 variants in a Heavy Armoured Ground Ambulance (HAGA) configuration. [7]

The Pentagon has future plans to add the Crows II remote weapon station, Boomerang anti-sniper system, and the Frag Kit 6 anti-EFP armour.

Production history

Versions

Operators

Map with RG-33 operators in blue RG-33 operators.png
Map with RG-33 operators in blue

Flag of Burundi.svg  Burundi

Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia

Flag of Djibouti.svg  Djibouti

Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt

Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria

Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States

Flag of Uzbekistan.svg  Uzbekistan

See also

Related Research Articles

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