RG-33

Infobox Weapon
name= RG-33 (standard four wheel variant)


caption=
origin=
type=
is_vehicle=yes
service=
used_by= USMC US Army
wars= Iraq war
designer= Land Systems OMC
design_date=
manufacturer= BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
unit_cost=$300,000
production_date=
number=
variants=RG-33 (4x4)
weight=
length=
part_length=
width= 8'
height= 9 1/2'
diameter=
crew= 4 + 2 crew
armour= monocoque v-hull
primary_armament= Optional armored glass turret or remote weapon station
secondary_armament=
engine= Cummins 400 I6 Diesel
engine_power= 400hp
transmission= Allison 3200
payload_capacity=
fuel_capacity=
pw_ratio=
suspension=4x4
clearance= 14"
vehicle_range=
speed=
guidance=

Infobox Weapon
name= RG-33L (six wheel extended variant)


caption=
origin=
type=
is_vehicle=yes
service=
used_by= USMC US Army
wars= Iraq war
designer= Land Systems OMC
design_date=
manufacturer= BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
unit_cost= $630,000
production_date= October 2006 (RG-33L) [ [http://www.na.baesystems.com/releasesDetail.cfm?a=524 BAE SYSTEMS North America: News and Information: News Releases ] ]
number=
variants= RG-33L (6x6)
weight=
length= 28'
part_length=
width=8'
height=9 1/2'
diameter=
crew= 8 + 2 crew
armour= monocoque v-hull
primary_armament= Optional armored glass turret or remote weapon station
secondary_armament=
engine=Cummins 400 Turbo Diesel
engine_power=400hp
transmission=Allison 3200
payload_capacity=
fuel_capacity=80 gal
pw_ratio=
suspension=6x6
clearance=14"
vehicle_range=
speed=65mph
guidance=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, 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. [ [http://baesystemspresskit.com/ausa/_RG33_Series_Mine_Protected_Vehicles.cfm BAE Systems - AUSA 2008 - RG33 Series Mine Protected Vehicles ] ] 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. [ [http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153979,00.html Diversity Adds Depth to MRAP ] ]

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. [ [http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=995 Defense Review - DefRev First Look: BAE Systems RG33 Series MRAP Vehicles ] ] 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. [ [http://www.baesystemspresskit.com/ausa/_MRAP_Special_Operations_Command_Variant.cfm SOCOM variant] ] The U.S. has also fielded 16 RG-33L 6x6 variants in a Heavy Armored Ground Ambulance (HAGA) configuration. [ [http://www.baesystemspresskit.com/ausa/_Heavy_Armored_Ground_Ambulance.cfm HAGA Variant] ]

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. [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/06/bae-wins-2124m-mrap-order-mruv-ambulance-socom/index.php BAE’s Diverse MRAP Orders ] ]
*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. [ [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/bae-wins-2124m-mrap-order-mruv-ambulance-socom-03405/ BAE’s Diverse MRAP Orders - Defense Industry Daily ] ] 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

*USA — Marine Corps [cite news
title= US Marines order 90 SA vehicles
url= http://www.fin24.co.za/articles/default/display_article.aspx?Nav=ns&ArticleID=1518-1786_2072074
date= 2007-02-20
accessdate= 2007-02-20] , United States Army, United States Special Operations Command

References

ee also

* MRAP- U.S. Marine Corps Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle Program
* Medium Mine Protected Vehicle- The U.S. Army Equivalent to the MRAP Program
* List of AFVs
* Buffel
* Casspir
* Mamba APC
* RCV-9
* RG-12
* RG-19
* RG-31
* RG-32