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RG-33

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RG-33 (standard four wheel variant)
File:Rg-33.jpg
Service history
Used byUSMC US Army
WarsIraq war
Production history
DesignerLand Systems OMC
ManufacturerBAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
Unit cost$300,000
VariantsRG-33 (4x4)
Specifications
Mass14 tons
Width8'
Height9 1/2'
Crew4 + 2 crew
Armormonocoque v-hull
Main
armament
Optional armored glass turret or remote weapon station
EngineCummins 400 I6 Diesel
400hp
TransmissionAllison 3200
Suspension4x4
Ground clearance14"
RG-33L (six wheel extended variant)
File:RG-33L.jpg
Service history
Used byUSMC US Army
WarsIraq war
Production history
DesignerLand Systems OMC
ManufacturerBAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
Unit cost$630,000
ProducedOctober 2006 (RG-33L)[1]
VariantsRG-33L (6x6)
Specifications
Mass24 tons
Length28'
Width8'
Height9 1/2'
Crew8 + 2 crew
Armormonocoque v-hull
Main
armament
Optional armored glass turret or remote weapon station
EngineCummins 400 Turbo Diesel
400hp
TransmissionAllison 3200
Suspension6x6
Ground clearance14"
Fuel capacity80 gal
Maximum speed 65mph

The RG-33 is a mine-proof 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, PA, 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 three times 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.[2] The initial contract is worth $20 million. BAE representative Doug Coffey says that live-fire testing at Aberdeen, Md proved the RG-33 to be the overall most survivable MRAP vehicle.[3]

Design

It features a monocoque armored v-hull, for maximized interior space, suspended seats, 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.[4] 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.[5] The U.S. has also fielded 16 RG-33L 6x6 variants in a Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance (HAGA) configuration.[6]

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.[7]
  • On 28 June, BAE received a $235.8M order for 16 RG-33 Category I patrol vehicles, 239 RG-33L Category II vehicles, 170 RG-33 Cat I variants for the United States Special Operations Command, out of their total allotment of 333 vehicles, and 16 RG-33L Category II Ambulance variants, which are the first vehicles in the competition specifically listed for the ambulance role.[8][9] 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 33 Cat 11] 112 [RGL 33 Cat 11, Ambulance Variant] and 89 [RG 33 SOCOM] for 322 Million dollars.On Dec/18/07 a further order for 600 RG 33 Cat 11,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

References

  1. ^ BAE SYSTEMS North America: News and Information: News Releases
  2. ^ [1]
  3. ^ [2]
  4. ^ Defense Review - DefRev First Look: BAE Systems RG33 Series MRAP Vehicles
  5. ^ SOCOM variant
  6. ^ HAGA Variant
  7. ^ BAE’s Diverse MRAP Orders
  8. ^ BAE’s Diverse MRAP Orders
  9. ^ BAE’s Diverse MRAP Orders - Defense Industry Daily
  10. ^ "US Marines order 90 SA vehicles". 2007-02-20. Retrieved 2007-02-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ BAE’s Diverse MRAP Orders

See also

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