Engineering:RG-34
| RG-34 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | MRAP |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Production history | |
| Designer | IADSA |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems South Africa |
| Produced | 2009[1][unreliable source?] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 9,500 kg[1] |
| Length | 5,050 mm |
| Width | 2350 mm |
| Height | 2150 mm |
| Crew | 8[1] |
| Armour | 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 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]
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 gun.[6] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.[1]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
- 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, which 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
Current operators
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]
Malaysia: Produced under license as the Deftech AV4.[10] Two were ordered by the Royal Malaysian Police.[10] Up to 200 were scheduled to be produced under license, although it remains unclear whether this was successful.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "RG34 Multi Purpose Mine Protected Vehicle (MPMPV), South Africa". army-technology.com. 2009. http://www.army-technology.com/projects/rg34-mine-protected-vehicle/.
- ↑ "Defense Update: BAE Systems Introduces the RG-34 Light Armored Vehicle, 6/4/2009". 4 July 2009. http://defense-update.com/20090704_rg-34.html.
- ↑ "New model for SA armoured vehicle company". Engineeringnews.co.za. 7 July 2009. http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/new-model-for-sa-armoured-vehicle-company-2009-07-03/article_comments:1.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 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.
- ↑ "BAE Systems acquires S African designed Iguana light armoured vehicle". Frontier India. 24 June 2009. http://frontierindia.net/bae-systems-acquires-s-african-designed-iguana-light-armoured-vehicle.
- ↑ DefenceWeb: BAE Systems announces RG34, 6/23/2009
- ↑ Guy Martin (2 July 2012). "Nigeria to unveil indigenous armoured personnel carrier". http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26510:nigeria-to-unveil-indigenous-armoured-personnel-carrier&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105.
- ↑ Guy Martin (4 July 2012). "Nigeria opens ballistic armour factory; showcases first indigenous APC". http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26569:nigeria-opens-ballistic-armour-factory-showcases-first-indigenous-apc&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105.
- ↑ "Легка бронемашина Iguana FV4 - Військова панорама". wartime.org. 19 December 2011. http://wartime.org.ua/522-legka-bronemashina-iguana-fv4.html.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "BAE Systems Buys South African Iguana LAV. Is it the Deftech AV4 in Drag? - Malaysian Defence". https://www.malaysiandefence.com/bae-systems-buys-south-african-iguana-lav-is-it-the-deftech-av4-in-drag/.
External links
Template:Modern IFV and APCTemplate:South African AFVTemplate:MRAP vehicles
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