RG - 35 RG - 35 , is a South African mine resistant ambush protected vehicle developed by Land Systems OMC , a subsidiary of BAE Systems . The RG - 35 was introduced in 2009 as a 6x6 vehicle , and a 4x4 version is also under development with the designers intending to make it a new family of vehicles . Described by BAE Systems as a " new class of vehicle " combining the capabilities of a 4x4 mine protected vehicle and a 8x8 combat vehicle , the RG - 35 can be utilized in a variety of roles , including command , ambulance or recovery vehicle . Its large payload capability allows additional armour to be added to the RG - 35 , which can offer protection of up to STANAG 4569 level 4 . It is powered by a Cummins diesel engine , although it can also accommodate hybrid electric drive . The vehicle can be fitted with light or medium gun turrets , allowing it to be equipped with a wide range of weapons . History . 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 . 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 . The RG - 35 can be equipped with light or medium gun turrets as well as indirect fire weapons . 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 .