RG-35
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| RG-35 | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Type | MRAP (armored vehicle) |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Land Systems OMC |
| Designed | 2008 |
| Manufacturer | BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa |
| Produced | 2009 |
| Variants | RG-35 6x6 and 4x4 (Specifications below pertain to the 6x6 variant) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 18.13 tonnes |
| Length | 7.4 metres (24 ft) |
| Width | 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 2.7 metres (8 ft 10 in) |
| Crew | 1+15 |
Main armament | light/ medium gun turret |
| Engine | Cummins diesel 410 kilowatts (550 hp) |
| Payload capacity | 15,000 kilograms (33,000 lb) |
| Transmission | ZF 6HP |
| Ground clearance | 458 millimetres (18.0 in) |
Operational range | 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 115 kilometres per hour (71 mph) |
RG-35, is a South African mine resistant ambush protected vehicle developed by Land Systems OMC, a subsidiary of BAE Systems. The RG-35 was introduced in 2009 as a 6x6 vehicle, and a 4x4 version is also under development with the designers intending to make it a new family of vehicles. Described by BAE Systems as a "new class of vehicle" combining the capabilities of a 4x4 mine protected vehicle and a 8x8 combat vehicle, the RG-35 can be utilized in a variety of roles, including command, ambulance or recovery vehicle.
Its large payload capability allows additional armour to be added to the RG-35, which can offer protection of up to STANAG 4569 level 4. It is powered by a Cummins diesel engine, although it can also accommodate hybrid electric drive. The vehicle can be fitted with light or medium gun turrets, allowing it to be equipped with a wide range of weapons.
Land Systems OMC, a subdivision of BAE Systems in South Africa, began development of the RG-35 in early 2008 as a private venture. Based on BAE Systems' existing RG range including the RG-31 Nyala, RG-32 Scout and the RG-33, it was intended to be a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP) that could offer a high level of protection, high payload capability as well as a high level of cross-country mobility.[1] Development of the vehicle was completed in a year, and it was unveiled to the public in September 2009 at the Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition in London. BAE systems described it as a combination of a 4x4 mine protected vehicle and a 8x8 combat vehicle, calling it a groundbreaking new class of vehicle.[2] The RG-35 displayed at the DSEi was the standard 6x6 version. However, BAE Systems are also developing a 4x4 version, intending to make the RG-35 into a new family of vehicles. The 4x4 version is expected to become operational by late 2010.[3] The company has expressed confidence in obtaining orders for the RG-35, and it has been speculated that it may be submitted to the British Army's Light Protected Patrol Vehicle project[3] as well as for the South African Army's Project Sepula, which seeks to replace their Casspir and Mamba Armoured Personnel Carriers.[4]
Operational History
The RG-35 was unveiled in 2009 as a multi-purpose armoured vehicle, designed to combine the protection of a 4x4 mine-protected vehicle with the flexibility of a 6x6/8x8 fighting vehicle.[1][2]
Despite being designed to fulfil various combat roles and being considered for the South African Army's «Project Sepula» (aimed at replacing the Casspir and Mamba APCs)[5], the RG-35 has not secured any major production orders from either domestic or international customers since its introduction.[6]
The vehicle remains primarily a demonstrator and prototype. South Africa has been cited as the sole active, albeit limited, operator of the type, likely for testing and evaluation purposes.
