The South African RG-33 MRAP

The South African RG-33 MRAP is a mine-resistant light armoured vehicle initially designed by BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa (formerly Land Systems OMC) a South African subsidiary of BAE Systems. BAE Systems in the US extensively modified it with additional protection, new power train and suspension systems. It was built in a number of locations including York, Pennsylvania, USA.

It is based on the RG-31, although it is roughly twice the weight of an RG-31. There are two variants, the standard RG-33 has four wheels and weighs 22 tons while the extended RG-33L variant has six wheels, can carry twice as many people in the back, and weighs 26 to 37 tons depending on the version.

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.

The RG33 is manufactured in several configurations including the category I 4×4, category II 6×6, the heavy armoured ground ambulance (HAGA) and the special operations command (SOCOM) vehicle.

The U.S. has fielded 259 RG-33 4×4 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 6×6 variants in a Heavy Armoured 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 armour.

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.

The South African RG-33 MRAP Service history

The South African RG-33 MRAP

In service 2007-Present used by the USMC & US Army
Wars Iraq war, Afghanistan war
Designer Land Systems OMC / Manufacturer BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
Unit cost $300,000

The South African RG-33 MRAP Specifications

Length 6.7m
Width 2.4m
Height 2.9m
Crew 4 + 2 crew
Armour v-hull
Primary armament Optional armoured glass turret or remote weapon station
Engine 400hp Cummins 400 I6 Diesel
Transmission Allison 3200
Suspension 4×4 Double wishbone suspension
Speed 109 km/h

Service history RG-33L 6×6 wheel extended variant

The South African RG-33 MRAP – 6×6 Extend RG-33L

Produced October 2006
Service history Used by USMC & US Army
Wars Iraq war
Designer Land Systems OMC / Manufacturer BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa
Unit cost $630,000

Specifications RG-33L 6×6

Length 8.5m
Width 2.4m
Height 2.9m
Crew 8 + 2 crew
Armour v-hull
Primary armament Optional armoured glass turret or remote weapon station
Engine 400hp Cummins 400 Turbo Diesel
Transmission Allison 3200
Suspension 6×6 Double wishbone suspension
Speed 108 km/h