RG-34

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

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.^[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 gun.^[6] This has since been replaced by a more ergonomic tactical remote turret (TRT) boasting a 25mm M242 autocannon and a co-axial 7.62mm machine gun.^[1]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

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, 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

Map with RG-34 operators in blue

Current operators

•  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

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