RG-33
Encyclopedia
The RG-33 is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle initially designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
(formerly Land Systems OMC) a South Africa
n subsidiary of BAE Systems
. BAE Systems in the US extensively modified it with additional protection, new power train and suspension systems. It was built in a number of locations including York, Pennsylvania
, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq
under the MRAP program
.
, which itself is based on the Mamba APC
, although it is roughly twice the weight of an RG-31. There are two variants, the standard RG-33 has four wheels and weighs 22 tons while the extended RG-33L variant has six wheels, can carry twice as many people in the back, and weighs 26 to 37 tons depending on the version.
It was selected to be the sole producer of the US Army's $2.88 billion Medium Mine Protected Vehicle
program. The initial contract is worth $20 million. BAE representative Doug Coffey says that live-fire testing at Aberdeen, Maryland
, proved the RG-33 to be the overall most survivable MRAP vehicle.
The RG33 is manufactured in several configurations including the category I 4×4, category II 6×6, the heavy armored ground ambulance (HAGA) and the special operations command (SOCOM) vehicle.
armored v-hull
, for maximized interior space, seats and footrests suspended from the ceiling, run-flat tires, and an optional armored glass
turret
(Gunner Protection Kit or GPK), for maximized visibility and protection. The monocoque hull does not extend under the engine like some other armored vehicles. Like the ATF Dingo
, the RG-33 uses a Unimog
chassis. Unlike the Dingo, the hull and chassis are combined into one unit to provide less space for expansion gases to form. The vehicle is notable for its extensive use of TRAPP armored glass in the crew compartment. Like the Buffalo
, it can be equipped with a robotic arm.
The U.S. has fielded 259 RG-33 4x4 variants in a Special Operations Command (SOCOM
) configuration as shown above with remote weapon stations, two extra seats, and a rear door assist. The U.S. has also fielded 16 RG-33L 6x6 variants in a Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance
(HAGA) configuration.
The Pentagon has future plans to add the Crows II
remote weapon station, Raytheon Quick Kill active anti-RPG system, Boomerang
anti-sniper
system, and the Frag Kit 6
anti-EFP
armor.
BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa is a South African defence company and a subsidiary of BAE Systems Land Systems, itself part of BAE Systems Land and Armaments...
(formerly Land Systems OMC) a South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
n subsidiary of BAE Systems
BAE Systems
BAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, security and aerospace company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, that has global interests, particularly in North America through its subsidiary BAE Systems Inc. BAE is among the world's largest military contractors; in 2009 it was the...
. BAE Systems in the US extensively modified it with additional protection, new power train and suspension systems. It was built in a number of locations including York, Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
York, known as the White Rose City , is a city located in York County, Pennsylvania, United States which is in the South Central region of the state. The population within the city limits was 43,718 at the 2010 census, which was a 7.0% increase from the 2000 count of 40,862...
, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq
Iraq
Iraq ; officially the Republic of Iraq is a country in Western Asia spanning most of the northwestern end of the Zagros mountain range, the eastern part of the Syrian Desert and the northern part of the Arabian Desert....
under the MRAP program
MRAP (armored vehicle)
A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected is a family of armored fighting vehicles design led by the United States Marine Corps in use by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces with the goal of surviving IED attacks and ambushes - prompted by US deaths in Iraq...
.
Overview
It is based on the RG-31RG-31
The RG-31 Nyala is a 4×4 multi-purpose mine-protected armoured personnel carrier manufactured in South Africa by Land Systems OMC, a division of BAE Systems. It is based on the Mamba APC of TFM Industries...
, which itself is based on the Mamba APC
Mamba APC
The Mamba is a South African armoured personnel carrier that offers protection against small arms fire and land mines. The vehicle, which uses a Unimog chassis and is powered by a Mercedes Benz engine, is suited for rough terrain and can carry up to 10 passengers plus the driver...
, although it is roughly twice the weight of an RG-31. There are two variants, the standard RG-33 has four wheels and weighs 22 tons while the extended RG-33L variant has six wheels, can carry twice as many people in the back, and weighs 26 to 37 tons depending on the version.
It was selected to be the sole producer of the US Army's $2.88 billion Medium Mine Protected Vehicle
Medium Mine Protected Vehicle
The Medium Mine Protected Vehicle is a class of armored vehicles currently being procured by the US Army, similar to the MRAP program, which is currently being pursued by the US Army as well as the US Marine Corps...
program. The initial contract is worth $20 million. BAE representative Doug Coffey says that live-fire testing at Aberdeen, Maryland
Aberdeen Proving Ground
Aberdeen Proving Ground is a United States Army facility located near Aberdeen, Maryland, . Part of the facility is a census-designated place , which had a population of 3,116 at the 2000 census.- History :...
, proved the RG-33 to be the overall most survivable MRAP vehicle.
The RG33 is manufactured in several configurations including the category I 4×4, category II 6×6, the heavy armored ground ambulance (HAGA) and the special operations command (SOCOM) vehicle.
Design
It features a monocoqueMonocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
armored v-hull
V-hull
The V-hull is a type of vehicle armor design used on wheeled armored personnel carriers , infantry mobility vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles...
, for maximized interior space, seats and footrests suspended from the ceiling, run-flat tires, and an optional armored glass
Bulletproof glass
Bulletproof glass is a type of strong but optically transparent material that is particularly resistant to being penetrated when struck by bullets, but is not completely impenetrable. It is usually made from a combination of two or more types of glass, one hard and one soft...
turret
Gun turret
A gun turret is a weapon mount that protects the crew or mechanism of a projectile-firing weapon and at the same time lets the weapon be aimed and fired in many directions.The turret is also a rotating weapon platform...
(Gunner Protection Kit or GPK), for maximized visibility and protection. The monocoque hull does not extend under the engine like some other armored vehicles. Like the ATF Dingo
ATF Dingo
The ATF Dingo is a German heavily armored military infantry mobility vehicle based on a Unimog chassis with a V-hull design, produced by the company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann . It is designed to withstand land mines, rifle fire, artillery fragments and NBC-threats. ATF stands for...
, the RG-33 uses a Unimog
Unimog
Unimog is a range of multi-purpose auto four wheel drive medium trucks produced by Mercedes-Benz, a division of Daimler AG. The name Unimog is pronounced in German and is an acronym for the German "UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät", Gerät being the German word for machine or device...
chassis. Unlike the Dingo, the hull and chassis are combined into one unit to provide less space for expansion gases to form. The vehicle is notable for its extensive use of TRAPP armored glass in the crew compartment. Like the Buffalo
Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)
The Buffalo mine protected vehicle is a wheeled armored vehicle built by Force Protection Inc. It was designed based on the successful South African Casspir mine-protected vehicle. While the Casspir is a four wheeled vehicle, the Buffalo has six wheels. Buffalo is also fitted with a large...
, it can be equipped with a robotic arm.
The U.S. has fielded 259 RG-33 4x4 variants in a Special Operations Command (SOCOM
United States Special Operations Command
The United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
) configuration as shown above with remote weapon stations, two extra seats, and a rear door assist. The U.S. has also fielded 16 RG-33L 6x6 variants in a Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance
Ambulance
An ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also provide out of hospital medical care to the patient...
(HAGA) configuration.
The Pentagon has future plans to add the Crows II
Common Remotely Operated Weapon System
The Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station program, is a remote weapon station that provides the operator with the ability to acquire and engage targets while inside a vehicle, protected by its armor...
remote weapon station, Raytheon Quick Kill active anti-RPG system, Boomerang
Boomerang (mobile shooter detection system)
Boomerang is a gunfire locator developed by DARPA and BBN Technologies primarily for use against snipers on mobile vehicles such as the Humvee, Stryker, and MRAP combat vehicles. There were future plans to integrate it into the Land Warrior system....
anti-sniper
Sniper
A sniper is a marksman who shoots targets from concealed positions or distances exceeding the capabilities of regular personnel. Snipers typically have specialized training and distinct high-precision rifles....
system, and the Frag Kit 6
Frag kit 6
Frag Kit 6 is a vehicular armor upgrade kit developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory to defeat explosively formed projectiles , a type of improvised explosive device . It is designed to be added on armored vehicles such as the MRAP and unarmored Humvee...
anti-EFP
Explosively Formed Penetrator
An explosively formed penetrator , also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at standoff distances...
armor.
Production history
- On 26 January 2007, four (2 of each variant) RG-33s were delivered to the United States Marine CorpsUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
for testing. - On 14 February, an order for 15 MRAP Cat 1 RG-33s and 75 MRAP Cat 2 RG-33Ls was placed under an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite QuantityIDIQIDIQ is a contracting acronym meaning Indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity. This is a type of contract that provides for an indefinite quantity of supplies or services during a fixed period of time...
contract. - On 28 June, BAE received a $235.8M order for 16 RG-33 Cat 1 patrol vehicles, 239 RG-33L Cat 2 vehicles, 170 RG-33 Cat 1 variants for the United States Special Operations CommandUnited States Special Operations CommandThe United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
, out of their total allotment of 333 vehicles, and 16 RG-33L Cat 2 AmbulanceAmbulanceAn ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also provide out of hospital medical care to the patient...
variants, which are the first vehicles in the competition specifically listed for the ambulance role. The vehicle can be mission configured for a number of roles including Infantry Carrier, Ambulance, Command and Control, ConvoyConvoyA convoy is a group of vehicles, typically motor vehicles or ships, traveling together for mutual support and protection. Often, a convoy is organized with armed defensive support, though it may also be used in a non-military sense, for example when driving through remote areas.-Age of Sail:Naval...
Escort and Explosive Ordnance Disposal. On 18/Oct, an additional order for 600 MRAPS was received, involving 399 RGL-33L Cat 2, 112 RGL-33L Cat 2 AmbulanceAmbulanceAn ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also provide out of hospital medical care to the patient...
variants and 89 RG-33 SOCOM for 322 Million dollars. On Dec/18/07 a further order for 600 RG-33L Cat 2 was awarded to BAE Systems, for 645 Million dollars. To date, this gives a total of 1,735 RG-33 vehicles being ordered by the US Military. - RG-33 (4×4)
- RG-33L (6×6)
Operators
- Marine CorpsUnited States Marine CorpsThe United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
- United States ArmyUnited States ArmyThe United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, United States Special Operations CommandUnited States Special Operations CommandThe United States Special Operations Command is the Unified Combatant Command charged with overseeing the various Special Operations Commands of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps of the United States Armed Forces. The command is part of the Department of Defense...
See also
- MRAPMRAP (armored vehicle)A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected is a family of armored fighting vehicles design led by the United States Marine Corps in use by the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Forces with the goal of surviving IED attacks and ambushes - prompted by US deaths in Iraq...
- U.S. Marine Corps Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Program - Medium Mine Protected VehicleMedium Mine Protected VehicleThe Medium Mine Protected Vehicle is a class of armored vehicles currently being procured by the US Army, similar to the MRAP program, which is currently being pursued by the US Army as well as the US Marine Corps...
- The U.S. Army Equivalent to the MRAP Program - List of AFVs
- Nexter AravisNexter AravisThe Aravis is a 4x4, mine-resistant, ambush protected vehicle developed and built by Nexter. An order for 15 Aravis vehicles was placed by the Délégation Générale pour l'Armement in April 2009 for use by the French Army as a reconnaissance and escort vehicle for engineer units...
- BuffelBuffelThe Buffel is a mine-protected APC used by the South African Army during the South African Border War. The Buffel was also used as an armoured fighting vehicle and proved itself in this role...
- CasspirCasspirThe Casspir is a landmine-protected personnel carrier that has been in use in South Africa for over 20 years. It is a four wheeled armoured vehicle, used for transport of troops. It can hold a crew of two, plus 12 additional soldiers and associated gear. The Casspir was unique in design when...
- Mamba APCMamba APCThe Mamba is a South African armoured personnel carrier that offers protection against small arms fire and land mines. The vehicle, which uses a Unimog chassis and is powered by a Mercedes Benz engine, is suited for rough terrain and can carry up to 10 passengers plus the driver...
- RCV-9RCV-9The RCV-9 is a light armoured vehicle manufactured by Land Systems OMC of South Africa.-Production history:It was developed in 1986 as a private venture by Sandock-Austral as an internal security vehicle for protecting high risk areas such as airports...
- RG-12RG-12The RG-12 is a multi-purpose public order vehicle with anti-personnel mine, grenade, fire bomb and small arms fire protection that is manufactured by Land Systems OMC of South Africa, with over 700 being in service globally in more than eight countries.Originally designed as a police public order...
- RG-19RG-19The RG-19 Caddie is a prototype Armoured Personnel carrier manufactured by TFM of South Africa. The company was later taken over by Reunert Defence OMC.-Production history:...
- RG-31RG-31The RG-31 Nyala is a 4×4 multi-purpose mine-protected armoured personnel carrier manufactured in South Africa by Land Systems OMC, a division of BAE Systems. It is based on the Mamba APC of TFM Industries...
- RG-32RG-32The RG-32 Scout is a family of mine-resistant 4x4 light armoured vehicles made by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa in South Africa. It is based on the RG-31, which is already deployed worldwide with peace-keeping, security and combat forces. The combat weight of the vehicle is about 7,300kg...
- RG-34RG-34RG-34, also known as Iguana FV4, is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle designed by IADSA.The Iguana was developed by IADSA, under contract from Sabiex in Belgium. In June 2009, BAE Land Systems obtained the rights to develop and manufacture the vehicle.As with all modern South-African military...
- RG-35RG-35RG-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...
- Pindad PanserPindad PanserThe Anoa is a 6x6 armoured personnel carrier developed by PT Pindad of Indonesia. The vehicle is named after the Anoa, which is a type of buffalo indigenous to Indonesia...
- ANOA 6X6 APS - Matador (Mine Protected Vehicle)Matador (Mine Protected Vehicle)The Matador is an armoured personnel carrier and mine-protected vehicle that is produced by Paramount Group in South Africa. The vehicle was displayed for the first time in 2007, during the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi...
External links
- http://www.baesystemspresskit.com/ausa2007/RG_33_Series.cfm (membership required to access/view)
- Deagel.com: RG-33
- Army Technology: RG33 Mine-Resistant Ambush Vehicle (MRAP)