BAE Systems yesterday launched the latest 6×6 variant of the RG35 family of vehicles–the RG35 multi-purpose blast protected fighting vehicle–at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defense exhibition (AAD).

“The RG35 family of vehicles incorporates 30 years of experience in tactical mobility and protection,” said Johan Steyn, managing director, Land Systems South Africa.

The RG35 6×6 has an 8.5 ton payload, a 12 cubic meters volume under armor, can seat up to 14 crew members, and carry light and medium remote controlled weapon stations. Like the 4×4 variant, the latest 6×6 variant includes independent suspension and a side mounted powerpack that can be replaced in less than one hour.

The RG35 family of vehicles can be deployed in many different roles and offers a choice of variants and configurations while maintaining 80 percent vehicle commonality.  In June at the Eurosatory exhibition, the new 4×4 variant of the RG35 was on display. Separately a Tactical Remote Turret was also on view (Defense Daily, June 12).

RG35 combines the high levels of survivability of the RG31 Mine Protected Vehicle with the tactical capability of an infantry fighting vehicle.

At the show, the Tactical Remote Turret (TRT) is integrated onto the vehicle at AAD. The TRT-B25 is also produced by Land Systems South Africa.