| RG-34 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | MRAP |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Production history | |
| Designer | IADSA |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems South Africa |
| Produced | 2009 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 9,500 kg |
| Length | 5,050 mm |
| Width | 2350 mm |
| Height | 2150 mm |
| Crew | 8 |
| Armor | Welded steel |
| Main armament | various |
| Engine | Fuel diesel 160 kW (215 hp) |
| Power/weight | 25.1 hp/tonne |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Fuel capacity | 156 litres |
| Operational range | 1000 km |
| Maximum speed | 105 km/h |
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. 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.
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. 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. This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.
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.
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.
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. Possibly shelved in favour of the Igirigi.
United Arab Emirates: Production rights granted.
Malaysia: Produced under license as the Deftech AV4. Two were ordered by the Royal Malaysian Police. Up to 200 were scheduled to be produced under license, although it remains unclear whether this was successful.
See also
References
- ^ "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". 4 July 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- "New model for SA armoured vehicle company". Engineeringnews.co.za. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ 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. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- DefenceWeb: BAE Systems announces RG34, 6/23/2009
- Guy Martin (2 July 2012). "Nigeria to unveil indigenous armoured personnel carrier". Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- Guy Martin (4 July 2012). "Nigeria opens ballistic armour factory; showcases first indigenous APC". Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- "Легка бронемашина Iguana FV4 - Військова панорама". wartime.org. 19 December 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ "BAE Systems Buys South African Iguana LAV. Is it the Deftech AV4 in Drag? - Malaysian Defence".
External links
- Iguana FV4 Archived 13 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine
 Armoured fighting vehicles of South Africa | |
|---|---|
| Armoured cars | |
| Infantry Fighting Vehicles | |
| Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) | |
| Artillery, transport and combat engineering | |
| Related articles | |
Categories:
- Armoured fighting vehicles of South Africa
- Armoured personnel carriers of South Africa
- BAE Systems land vehicles
- Internal security vehicles
- Wheeled amphibious armoured fighting vehicles
- Wheeled armoured fighting vehicles
- Wheeled armoured personnel carriers
- Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s
- Armoured personnel carriers of the post–Cold War period