RG-34

RG-34
Type	MRAP
Place of origin	South Africa
Production history
Designer	IADSA
Manufacturer	BAE Systems South Africa
Produced	2009[1]
Specifications
Weight	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]
Speed	105 km/h[1]

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]

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.^[4] 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 gun.^[5] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.^[1]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

•  Nigeria: Manufactured for the Nigerian Armed Forces as the Proforce Pf1.^[6] Possibly shelved in favour of the Igirigi.^[7]
•  United Arab Emirates: Production rights granted.^[8]

See also

• RG-12
• RG-31
• RG-32
• RG-33
• RG-35

External links

• Iguana FV4

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". Retrieved 4 November 2014.
3. "New model for SA armoured vehicle company". Engineeringnews.co.za. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
4. "BAE Systems acquires S African designed Iguana light armoured vehicle". Frontier India. 24 June 2009. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
5. DefenceWeb: BAE Systems announces RG34, 6/23/2009
6. Guy Martin. "Nigeria to unveil indigenous armoured personnel carrier". Retrieved 4 November 2014.
7. Guy Martin. "Nigeria opens ballistic armour factory; showcases first indigenous APC". Retrieved 4 November 2014.
8. "Легка бронемашина Iguana FV4 - Військова панорама". wartime.org. 19 December 2011. Retrieved 14 November 2013.