RG-34

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]

RG-34
TypeMRAP
Place of originSouth Africa
Production history
DesignerIADSA
ManufacturerBAE Systems South Africa
Produced2009[1]
Specifications
Mass9,500 kg[1]
Length5,050 mm
Width2350 mm
Height2150 mm
Crew8[1]
ArmorWelded 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]

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 gun.[6] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.[1]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. 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
Map with RG-34 operators in blue

Current operators

Failed bids
  •  Malaysia: One locally manufactured prototype unveiled in 2006. At least 200 vehicles planned to made under licence but the procurement program was cancelled.[4][10]

See also

References
  1. "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. 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 (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. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  10. https://www.malaysiandefence.com/bae-systems-buys-south-african-iguana-lav-is-it-the-deftech-av4-in-drag/

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