RG-34
{{short description|Light tactical military vehicle}}
{{Use South African English|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name= RG-34
| image= RG34-ligte pantservoertuig, b, Waterkloof Lugmagbasis.jpg
| image_size = 260
|caption=
|origin= South Africa
|type= MRAP
|is_vehicle=yes
|service=
|used_by=
|wars=
|designer= IADSA
|design_date=
|manufacturer= BAE Systems South Africa
|unit_cost=
|production_date= 2009{{cite web|url=http://www.army-technology.com/projects/rg34-mine-protected-vehicle/|title=RG34 Multi Purpose Mine Protected Vehicle (MPMPV), South Africa|publisher=army-technology.com |date=2009 |access-date=14 November 2013}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}}
|number=
|variants=
|length= 5,050 mm
|part_length=
|width= 2350 mm
|height= 2150 mm
|diameter=
|primary_armament= various
|secondary_armament=
|engine_power= 160 kW (215 hp)
|transmission= 5-speed automatic
|payload_capacity=
|fuel_capacity= 156 litres
|pw_ratio= 25.1 hp/tonne
|suspension=
|clearance=
|guidance=
}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://defense-update.com/20090704_rg-34.html|title=Defense Update: BAE Systems Introduces the RG-34 Light Armored Vehicle, 6/4/2009|access-date=4 November 2014|date=4 July 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/new-model-for-sa-armoured-vehicle-company-2009-07-03/article_comments:1 |title=New model for SA armoured vehicle company |publisher=Engineeringnews.co.za |date=7 July 2009 |access-date=14 November 2013}} 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.{{cite book|last1=Camp|first1=Steve|last2=Helmoed-Römer|first2=Heitman|title=Surviving the Ride: A pictorial history of South African Manufactured Mine-Protected vehicles|date=November 2014|page=241|publisher=30 Degrees South|location=Pinetown|isbn=978-1928211-17-4}}
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.{{cite web|url=http://frontierindia.net/bae-systems-acquires-s-african-designed-iguana-light-armoured-vehicle |title=BAE Systems acquires S African designed Iguana light armoured vehicle|publisher=Frontier India |date=24 June 2009 |access-date=14 November 2013}} 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.[http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2606&Itemid=362 DefenceWeb: BAE Systems announces RG34, 6/23/2009] 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=
- {{flag|Nigeria}}: Manufactured for the Nigerian Armed Forces as the Proforce Pf1.{{cite web|url=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|title=Nigeria to unveil indigenous armoured personnel carrier|author=Guy Martin|access-date=4 November 2014|date=2 July 2012}} Possibly shelved in favour of the Igirigi.{{cite web|url=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|title=Nigeria opens ballistic armour factory; showcases first indigenous APC|author=Guy Martin|access-date=4 November 2014|date=4 July 2012}}
- {{flag|United Arab Emirates}}: Production rights granted.{{cite web|url=http://wartime.org.ua/522-legka-bronemashina-iguana-fv4.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107190246/http://wartime.org.ua/522-legka-bronemashina-iguana-fv4.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=7 January 2012 |title=Легка бронемашина Iguana FV4 - Військова панорама |publisher=wartime.org |date=19 December 2011 |access-date=14 November 2013}}
- {{flag|Malaysia}}: Produced under license as the Deftech AV4.{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/bae-systems-buys-south-african-iguana-lav-is-it-the-deftech-av4-in-drag/|title=BAE Systems Buys South African Iguana LAV. Is it the Deftech AV4 in Drag? - Malaysian Defence}} 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
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.sabiex.com/iguana/design.html Iguana FV4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713093549/http://www.sabiex.com/iguana/design.html |date=13 July 2009 }}
{{Modern IFV and APC}}{{South African AFV}}{{MRAP vehicles}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{commons category|RG-34}}
Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of South Africa
Category:Armoured personnel carriers of South Africa
Category:BAE Systems land vehicles
Category:Internal security vehicles
Category:Wheeled amphibious armoured fighting vehicles
Category:Wheeled armoured fighting vehicles
Category:Wheeled armoured personnel carriers
Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s
Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the post–Cold War period