BAe RG-35

History of BAe RG-35

The RG-35 is a relatively new wheeled armoured vehicle, first shown in 2009 by the South African Land Systems OMC, a subsidiary of British BAe Systems. Developed in 2008 as a private company, the design sought to combine the qualities of the RG-31 "Nyala" 4x4 Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) with the inherent capabilities of the Rattle 6x6 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The result is the RG-35, which continues to use angles and armour brilliantly to provide maximum mine and IED (improvised explosive device) protection on the battlefield - something the South African Army has a lot of experience with.

The RG-34 was further marketed to discerning military buyers looking for an on-budget wheeled armor solution. However, South Africa remains the only active operator of this type. BAe Systems classifies its RG-35 as an armored utility vehicle.

At the heart of the RG-35 is a high-performance, rugged armoured all-terrain vehicle in the form of MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protection), designed to provide protection for transporting personnel to and from the front or a platform to transport VIP or as required Accessories. The role of MRAP has expanded through modern combat in Afghanistan and Iraq theaters, where the danger of landmines, improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenade attacks is rife.

BAe Systems offers RG-35 products in two different 4x4 configurations - 4x4 and standard 6x6. While both designs offer excellent on- and off-road performance, the 4x4 is designed to serve as a fast reconnaissance aircraft for light combat missions.

The 6x6 configuration is the base model for direct combat in an urban environment. In any case, the protection system of the base armor can be expanded as needed, and the armament is modular in design. As such, the RG-35 can deploy a basic manned machine gun turret or a remote-controlled "tactical remote-controlled turret" with a 25mm automatic cannon and coaxial machine gun. Smoke grenade launchers are also supported, adding a basic layer of defense.

Both designs also benefit from the use of a V-shaped hull, designed to guide the blast beneath the vehicle away from the center of the vehicle, hopefully keeping its occupants inside. The standard crew consists of the driver, commander and gunner. The spacious cabin can carry an additional 13 people. Access is via two car-style doors on the front of the hull, various roof hatches on the hull and a powered rear loading ramp. The vehicle is equipped with bulletproof armored glass to protect against small arms fire, artillery jets and kinetic explosions.

The weapon station is offset to the right side of the vehicle, opposite the engine position. Passengers have access to the front cabin.

Inside, the RG-35 has acceptable ergonomics, including a steering wheel, foot pedals and a center console that includes a gear handle and various control and system buttons.

The exterior design of the RG-35 is traditional, with the cab located at the front of the fuselage. The front hull is well raked with sloping glacis panels. The passenger cabin is directly aft, and the engine is unconventionally (interestingly) on the left side of the fuselage, just behind the driver (which helps create the necessary interior volume).

The road bike is large, and in the 6x6 variant, consists of three axles, each wheel is individually suspended, providing great flexibility when driving over rough terrain. Full-size spares are mounted on the right side panel (outside) of the fuselage. Power comes from a 550hp Cummins diesel engine mated to a ZF 6HP drivetrain. Performance includes a top speed of 70 mph and a running speed of 620 mph. Since the power pack is mounted on the side of the vehicle, the system can be easily reached and replaced in just 30 minutes.

The overall length is 7.4 meters, the width is 2.5 meters, and the height is 2.7 meters - so it is suitable for Airbus A400M "Atlas" or similar transport. The total weight is 18 tons. Ground clearance is excellent, which helps keep occupants away from possible explosions beneath the vehicle.

Thanks to its simpler 4-wheel configuration, the 4x4 variant is smaller in size and looks more "sportier" than its big sister.

While the RG-35 is only in service with the South African Army as of this writing (2012), it is still participating in the Canadian Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) programme (since 2011) and possibly the UK Light Protected patrol car program. These are slightly modified in terms of the content of their respective characters.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Depends on weapon/mission requirements.

Changes