RG-34

Last updated

RG-34
RG34-ligte pantservoertuig, b, Waterkloof Lugmagbasis.jpg
Type MRAP
Place of origin South Africa
Production history
DesignerIADSA
Manufacturer BAE Systems South Africa
Produced2009 [1] [ unreliable source? ]
Specifications
Mass9,500 kg [1]
Length5,050 mm
Width2350 mm
Height2150 mm
Crew8 [1]
Armor Welded steel [1]
Main
armament
various
EngineFuel diesel [1]
160 kW (215 hp) [1]
Power/weight25.1 hp/tonne
Transmission5-speed automatic [1]
Fuel capacity156 litres
Operational
range
1000 km [1]
Maximum speed 105 km/h [1]

The RG-34 (formerly denoted as Iguana FV4) is a South African Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP). Specially designed to be mine-resistant, it has been produced in multiple variants, equipped for troop or cargo transport, command, and fire support. [2] [3] Originally showcased with a wide turret ring and a 90mm rifled cannon, the RG-34 was one of the first MRAPs configured to carry a large gun system. [4]

Contents

Development

Development of the Iguana was initiated under contract by Industrial & Automotive South Africa (IADSA) for a Belgian firm, Sabiex; the first prototype being completed in early 2002. By June 2009, BAE Land Systems had obtained necessary rights to develop and manufacture the vehicle. [5] The RG-34 was initially displayed with a potent weapons system for an MRAP, in the form of an overlarge turret fitted with a 90mm (3.5 in.) gun. [6] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun. [1]

Design

RG-34's cross-country performance is attributed to its unique suspension, a multi-link hydro-pneumatic structure mounted on a very rigid chassis. This affords optimal performance on road surfaces, a superior turning radius, and clearance over rugged terrain. When deployed in the reconnaissance role long-range fuel tanks give the vehicle an extended operating range of 1,000 kilometres. [1]

The hull of the RG-34 is of welded steel construction. Despite the weight restrictions imposed on wheeled platforms, all-around armour protection is reasonable against 7.62mm AP rounds at 30 metres, air burst fragments, and anti-tank mines. [1]

Variants

Operators

Map with RG-34 operators in blue RG-34 operators.png
Map with RG-34 operators in blue

Current operators

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "RG34 Multi Purpose Mine Protected Vehicle (MPMPV), South Africa". army-technology.com. 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  2. ↑ "Defense Update: BAE Systems Introduces the RG-34 Light Armored Vehicle, 6/4/2009". 4 July 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  3. ↑ "New model for SA armoured vehicle company". Engineeringnews.co.za. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  4. 1 2 Camp, Steve; Helmoed-Römer, Heitman (November 2014). Surviving the Ride: A pictorial history of South African Manufactured Mine-Protected vehicles. Pinetown: 30 Degrees South. p. 241. ISBN   978-1928211-17-4.
  5. ↑ "BAE Systems acquires S African designed Iguana light armoured vehicle". Frontier India. 24 June 2009. Archived from the original on 28 June 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  6. ↑ DefenceWeb: BAE Systems announces RG34, 6/23/2009
  7. ↑ Guy Martin (2 July 2012). "Nigeria to unveil indigenous armoured personnel carrier" . Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  8. ↑ Guy Martin (4 July 2012). "Nigeria opens ballistic armour factory; showcases first indigenous APC" . Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  9. ↑ "Легка бронемашина Iguana FV4 - Військова панорама". wartime.org. 19 December 2011. Archived from the original on 7 January 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  10. 1 2 "BAE Systems Buys South African Iguana LAV. Is it the Deftech AV4 in Drag? - Malaysian Defence".

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