RG-34

RG-34
Type MRAP
Place of origin South Africa
Production history
Designer IADSA
Manufacturer BAE Systems South Africa
Produced 2009[1]
Specifications
Weight 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
 1000 km[1]
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] 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]

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 gun.[6] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.[1]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

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". 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. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  6. ↑ DefenceWeb: BAE Systems announces RG34, 6/23/2009
  7. ↑ Guy Martin. "Nigeria to unveil indigenous armoured personnel carrier". Retrieved 4 November 2014.
  8. ↑ Guy Martin. "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. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
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