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RG-33
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The RG-33 is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (formerly Land Systems OMC) a South African subsidiary of BAE Systems and built in York, Pennsylvania, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the MRAP program. It is based on the RG-31, 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 14 tons while the extended RG-33L variant has six wheels, can carry twice as many people in the back, and weighs 24 tons.
It was selected to be the sole producer of the US Army's $2.88 billion Medium Mine Protected Vehicle program.
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The RG-33 is a mine-resistant light armored vehicle designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (formerly Land Systems OMC) a South African subsidiary of BAE Systems and built in York, Pennsylvania, USA. It is one of several vehicles being fielded by the US Armed Forces in Iraq under the MRAP program. It is based on the RG-31, 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 14 tons while the extended RG-33L variant has six wheels, can carry twice as many people in the back, and weighs 24 tons.
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.
Design
It features a monocoque armored v-hull, for maximized interior space, seats and footrests suspended from the ceiling, run-flat tires, and a 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 gasses 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.
Production history
- On 26 January, 2007, four (2 of each variant) RG-33s were delivered to the United States Marine Corps 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 Quantity 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 Command, out of their total allotment of 333 vehicles, and 16 RG-33L Cat 2 Ambulance 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, Convoy 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 Ambulance 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.
Operators
See also
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