RG-35

Land Systems OMC, a subdivision of BAE Systems in South Africa, began development of the RG-35 in early 2008 as a private venture. Based on BAE Systems' existing RG range including the RG-31 Nyala, RG-32 Scout and the RG-33, it was intended to be a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle (MRAP) that could offer a high level of protection, high payload capability as well as a high level of cross-country mobility. Development of the vehicle was completed in a year, and it was unveiled to the public in September 2009 at the Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition in London. BAE systems described it as a combination of a 4x4 mine protected vehicle and a 8x8 combat vehicle, calling it a groundbreaking new class of vehicle. The RG-35 displayed at the DSEi was the standard 6x6 version. However, BAE Systems are also developing a 4x4 version, intending to make the RG-35 into a new family of vehicles. The 4x4 version is expected to become operational by late 2010. The company has expressed confidence in obtaining orders for the RG-35, and it has been speculated that it may be submitted to the British Army's Light Protected Patrol Vehicle project as well as for the South African Army's Project Sepula, which seeks to replace their Casspir and Mamba Armoured Personnel Carriers. == Operational History ==

The RG-35 was unveiled in 2009 as a multi-purpose armoured vehicle, designed to combine the protection of a 4x4 mine-protected vehicle with the flexibility of a 6x6/8x8 fighting vehicle.[1][2] Despite being designed to fulfil various combat roles and being considered for the South African Army's «Project Sepula» (aimed at replacing the Casspir and Mamba APCs), the RG-35 has not secured any major production orders from either domestic or international customers since its introduction. The vehicle remains primarily a demonstrator and prototype. South Africa has been cited as the sole active, albeit limited, operator of the type, likely for testing and evaluation purposes. ==Features==

The 6x6 version of the vehicle can accommodate 16 personnel, including the driver. It has a length of , a width of and a height of , with a ground clearance of . The gross vehicle mass of the RG-35 is . The vehicle has a range of and a top speed of , powered by a Cummins diesel engine coupled to a ZF 6HP automatic transmission. This power pack is mounted on the side of the vehicle rather than the traditional front or rear mounting. It can be replaced in 30 minutes, and this positioning of the power pack allows more internal space as well. All main systems of the vehicle are armour protected, and it also contains a dual air-conditioning system. It can be configured for use in a variety of combat roles such as a command post vehicle, an engineering vehicle, a mortar vehicle, an anti-aircraft vehicle, a recovery vehicle or even an ambulance. The RG-35 is also designed to easily accommodate hybrid electric drive. This allows a wide range of weapons to be used, including 12.7 mm machine guns and up to 20 mm calibre weapons. The RG-35 can offer STANAG 4569 level 4 protection due to its V-shaped hull and of under-armour, and is equipped with armoured glass windows that can provide all-round situational awareness to the personnel inside. Its payload capability is , which also allows extra armour to be added without reducing performance. Additional thick armour can be added to the V-hull, while thick additional armour can be added to the sides. The RG-35 can be transported in an Airbus A400M or larger aircraft. ==References==