RG-34
| RG-34 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | MRAP |
| Place of origin |  South Africa |
| Production history | |
| Designer | IADSA |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems South Africa |
| Produced | 2009[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 9,500 kg[1] |
| Length | 5,050 mm |
| Width | 2350 mm |
| Height | 2150 mm |
| Crew | 8[1] |
| Armor | Welded steel[1] |
Main armament | various |
| Engine | Fuel diesel[1] 160 kW (215 hp)[1] |
| Power/weight | 25.1 hp/tonne |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic[1] |
| Fuel capacity | 156 litres |
Operational range | 600 km[1] |
| Maximum speed | 105 km/h[1] |
The RG-34 (formerly denoted as Iguana FV4) is a South African 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]
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.[4] The RG-34 was initially displayed with a potent weapons system for an MRAP, in the form of an oscillating turret fitted with a 90mm (3.5 in.) gun.[5] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.[1]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
- TRT-25mm Model - Current production model armed with a dual feed M242 Bushmaster autocannon and a 7.62mm machine gun mounted to the right of the main armament. The turret is provided with an advanced laser fire-control system, a colour CCD camera, as well as a thermal night camera for identifying targets at up to 7,600 metres. Total ammunition capacity is 260 rounds of 25mm and 1,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition.
- 90mm Gun Model - Fire-support and anti-tank variant. The 90mm gun is adapted from the Eland Mk7 and can fire a HEAT charge with a muzzle velocity of 760 m/s, the complete round weighing 7 kg, with an effective range of 1,500 metres. In addition, an HE shell is available. This weighs 8.66 kg complete, has a muzzle velocity of 650 m/s and a maximum range of 1,500 metres. The turret has two circular hatches which open to the rear, eight periscopes, and a prominent commander's cupola.
Operators
Malaysia: 211 variants manufactured as the DEFTECH AV4; currently being marketed to the Malaysian Army and Royal Malaysia Police.[6]
Nigeria: Manufactured for the Nigerian Armed Forces as the Proforce Pf1.[7] Possibly shelved in favour of the Igirigi.[8]
United Arab Emirates: Production rights granted.[9]
See also
External links
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "RG34 Multi Purpose Mine Protected Vehicle (MPMPV), South Africa". army-technology.com. 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ Defense Update: BAE Systems Introduces the RG-34 Light Armored Vehicle, 6/4/2009
- ^ "New model for SA armoured vehicle company". Engineeringnews.co.za. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ "BAE Systems acquires S African designed Iguana light armoured vehicle". Frontier India. 24 June 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ DefenceWeb: BAE Systems announces RG34, 6/23/2009
- ^ "Deftech seeks orders from Army and Police". The Star. 21 February 2007. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ Nigeria to unveil indigenous armoured personnel carrier
- ^ Nigeria opens ballistic armour factory; showcases first indigenous APC
- ^ "Легка бронемашина Iguana FV4 - Військова панорама". wartime.org. 19 December 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- Armoured personnel carriers of Belgium
- Armoured fighting vehicles of South Africa
- Armoured personnel carriers of South Africa
- BAE Systems land vehicles
- Command vehicles
- Fire support vehicles
- Internal security vehicles
- Wheeled amphibious armoured fighting vehicles
- Wheeled armoured fighting vehicles
- Wheeled armoured personnel carriers
- Wheeled reconnaissance vehicles