RG-12

The RG-12 (nicknamed 'Nyala') is a multi-purpose armoured personnel carrier with anti-personnel mine, grenade, fire bomb and small arms fire protection that is manufactured by Land Systems OMC (a business unit of BAE Systems) of South Africa, with over 700 being in service globally in more than eight countries.

RG-12 'Nyala'
TypeArmored Personnel Carrier
Place of originSouth Africa
Specifications
Mass9.2 t
Length5.2 m
Width2.45 m
Height2.64 m
Crew8 to 12
EngineIveco diesel engine
Suspension4x2 and 4×4 wheeled
Operational
range
1000 km
Maximum speed 104 km/h
Carabinieri RG-12 in Florence, Italy.

Originally designed as a police public order vehicle for both urban and rural operations, the RG-12 has been developed to be used in many roles, including as routine internal security vehicle, military APC, bullion carrier, bulk diamond carrier and security vehicle on gold and platinum mines.

Production history

Production started in 1990 by TFM's Defence and Security Division. By 1997, when it was taken over by Reunert Defence OMC, almost 500 were built. When the units where delivered to Dubai's Police 720 units had been built with BAE land systems the largest producer, Drakensberg Truck Manufacturers also produce and some Iveco branded units can be seen with some slight variations on mirrors and spare wheel configuration.

Variants
  • RG-12 Mk1 - original variant with an ADE 366T diesel engine
  • RG-12 CAT - variant fitted with a Caterpillar engine (Mercedes-Benz Iveco engines are fitted to the standard RG-12).
  • RG-12 Command Vehicle - variant specifically developed for a user in the Middle East.
  • RG-12 Mk2 - improved version with an auxiliary power unit driven air conditioning system for effective climate regulation in extreme conditions, provision of a central tyre inflation system enhancing mobility by allowing inflation or deflation of the tyres according to terrain requirements, an anti-skid braking system and various ergonomic modifications to ensure crew comfort.

In North American service, the RG-12 is often fitted with the Mobile Adjustable Ramp System (MARS) made by Patriot3, Inc. out of Fredericksburg, Virginia, for use in aircraft anti-hijack and forced building entry situations. The MARS makes simultaneous multi-storey entry possible and can be used in elevated assaults. The system is fitted onto the roof of the RG-12 and has two hydraulically operated ramps that can move independently.

  • IS-V - this internal security from Otokar (Turkey) is very similar to the RG-12.

Operators
KFOR-MSU Carabinieri with two RG-12 in Kosovo, during an exercise.

Combat History

Notable appearances in media

In the film Avengers: Age of Ultron some RG-12 are used by the South African Police Service in the fight against Hulk.

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See also

References

    Media related to RG-12 at Wikimedia Commons

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