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]
| 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] |
| 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] |
| Maximum speed | 105 km/h[1] |
Development
editDevelopment 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 gun.[6] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.[1]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
editRG-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
edit- 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
edit
Current operators
edit
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
editReferences
edit- ^ 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". 4 July 2009. Retrieved 4 November 2014.
- ^ "New model for SA armoured vehicle company". Engineeringnews.co.za. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b "BAE Systems Buys South African Iguana LAV. Is it the Deftech AV4 in Drag? - Malaysian Defence".
External links
edit- Iguana FV4 Archived 13 July 2009 at the Wayback Machine
