BAE Systems launches new RG vehicle

RG21 - BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa

17 September 2014 by defenceWeb

BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa launched the latest addition to its RG series of mine protected vehicles, the RG21, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2014 exhibition today.

The company said the vehicle is based on a commercial vehicle, which has been evaluated and customised with the support and experience of Iveco Defence Vehicles, “resulting in a cost-effective vehicle with enhanced maintainability and reliability.”

The RG21 can be configured for many roles and is available in left or right hand variants. The vehicle provides users with a modular interior layout due to the interchangeable mounting rail system. The RG21 is blast protected and can withstand a 21 kg explosive blast under any wheel and 14 kg under the hull.

BAE Systems said the RG21 was designed for cost, manufacturability, and supportability using off-the-shelf components such as the drivetrain, running gear, dashboard and electronics. The vehicle, which can be air transported in a C-130 Hercules, can be configured for various weapons systems such as a manual turret, remote turret, smoke launchers, cupola or seated one man turret.

The vehicle is powered by a 5.88 litre diesel engine developing 240 hp and giving a top speed of 110 km/h. It can seat up to 12 in armoured personnel carrier configuration but is also available in ambulance and command variants. Total payload is 5 200 kg, giving a combat mass of 13 800 kg.

“Protecting soldiers is the top priority for any force and doing so cost effectively provides a great benefit to our customers,” said Johan Steyn, managing director of Land Systems South Africa at BAE Systems. “The design concept used means this new vehicle can be manufactured and supported by local partners in any country.”