South Africa's new RG41 GT7 105mm self-propelled howitzer strengthens fire support for infantry units.

Denel announced at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 event (the company's first public exhibition since its recent move to the South African Department of Defence) the integration of its RG41 eight-wheeled combat vehicle with a modified version of the G7 105 mm gun. This combination, which could be referred to as the RG41 GT7, is expected to offer fire support capabilities as a self-propelled artillery system for mechanized or motorized infantry units.
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The 105 mm gun mounted on this vehicle is based on the G7 105 mm LEO towed howitzer but required technical modifications for vehicle mounting, resulting in the Denel GT7 gun. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Business Development Manager Isaac Karelse explained that the RG41 platform originated from Project Hoefyster, where it was intended as Denel's alternative to the Finnish Patria eight-wheeled platform, which eventually became the South African Army's Badger 8x8. At that time, the Patria was among the few eight-wheeled infantry fighting vehicles available. The RG41 was designed, tested, and sent to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for summer trials, where it performed according to expectations. However, changes in the UAE's requirements led to the selection of the RG35 vehicle instead of the RG41.

As delays arose in the manufacturing of the Patria/Badger system, Denel proposed the RG41 as a potential option for Project Hoefyster to complement the Badger across various vehicle types. Karelse described this situation as the RG41 becoming a "future requirement." The vehicle was advertised for Middle Eastern markets, but the process was paused due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the interim, Denel equipped the RG41 with remotely-operated turrets, specifically the Tactical Remote Turret (TRT), tested with both 20 mm and 30 mm cannon variants. During shooting trials at Armscor’s Alkantpan test range with the G6 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and the truck-mounted T5 system, Denel identified the potential to install a 105 mm gun on the RG41. The 105 mm gun is based on the G7 105 mm LEO towed howitzer but required technical modifications for vehicle mounting, resulting in the Denel GT7 gun.

The RG41 originated from Project Hoefyster, where it was developed as Denel's alternative to the Finnish Patria eight-wheeled platform. This latter eventually became the South African Army's Badger 8x8, as depicted here in the Badger-MsIV missile carrier variant. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Denel then developed the T7 105 mm turret, which weighs 3,750 kg. Karelse noted that, while the turret is currently manned for testing and trials, plans are in place for it to be unmanned in the future. The RG41 GT7 can seat 11 personnel, including one driver, one vehicle commander, one gunner, one section commander, and seven section crew members. A standard infantry section usually comprises ten personnel, but in a mechanized environment, this number can be adjusted based on the vehicle's role. The vehicle is equipped with a safety belt system featuring a 4-point harness.

The protection features of the RG41 include ballistic protection in accordance with STANAG 4569 Level 2, with an option to upgrade to Level 4 or 5. It also provides mine protection meeting STANAG 4569 Level 4A/3B standards, with the possibility of upgrading to Level 4B. The specific level of improvised explosive device (IED) protection has not been disclosed.

Constructed with a V-shaped hull to offer landmine protection, the RG41 has a hardened armored "shell" for the crew's safety. There is a gap between this shell and the external "armor package," ranging from 100 mm to 130 mm, which can be further reinforced with add-on armor. In counter-insurgency operations, wire mesh can be added with a gap to shield the armor from rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other projectiles. Karelse emphasized that the design prioritizes crew survivability, allowing the vehicle to protect its occupants even if damaged.

Other variants of the RG41 were also developed in the past, such as an infantry fighting vehicle, a command vehicle, an ambulance, a recovery vehicle, and an engineering vehicle (Picture source: Army Recognition).

The T7/G7 combination remains in the prototype stage and requires further development. It is projected to serve as a mobile self-propelled artillery system within mechanized battalion settings. The G7 gun has a maximum range of 30 km, and its ammunition is designed to offer effects comparable to standard 155 mm high-explosive shells, effectively delivering similar capabilities within a 105 mm framework. Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) developed the ammunition types, which include high explosive, high explosive pre-formed fragmentation, smoke, illuminating, and other variants. The standard projectile range is 24 km with a boat tail and 30 km with base bleed, while the direct fire range extends from 500 to 2,000 meters.

The G7/RG41 system is equipped with an Inertial Navigation Unit (INU) that interfaces with the Gun Control Unit (GCU), allowing for automatic gun laying through hydraulic elevation and traverse drives for rapid target engagement. The ammunition handling system utilizes a positive chain-type rammer controlled from the integrated Loader Control Panel, supporting fully automatic ramming of both the projectile and charge. Manual loading is also possible to ensure redundancy.

In terms of specifications, the RG41 GT7 has a length of 7,780 mm, a hull width of 2,800 mm, and a hull height of 2,380 mm. The wheelbase dimensions are 1,693 mm between the first and second axles, 2,257 mm between the second and third axles, and 1,550 mm between the third and fourth axles. Ground clearance is measured at 440 mm, featuring an angle of approach of 64 degrees and an angle of departure of 54 degrees. The vehicle has a curb weight of 18,200 kg and a payload capacity of 9,800 kg to support the new turret, resulting in a total Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 28,000 kg.

Like many South African-designed vehicles, the RG41 GT7 self-propelled howitzer benefits from a V-shaped armored hull to enhance mine protection. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The vehicle is powered by a Deutz engine, specifically the Model 2015TCD V6, with a displacement of 12.1 liters. The engine's maximum power output is 390 kW at 2,100 rpm, and it generates a maximum torque of 2,130 Nm at 1,300 rpm. The RG41 uses a ZF5HP902 transmission system, featuring a 5-speed configuration with an integral 2-speed drop-down capability. In terms of performance, the RG41 reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h and can handle a gradeability of up to 70%.

The transfer box is manufactured by Denel, with the gear ratio categorized under the Type 17,000 series. The steering system is a twin-steer, power-assisted, fully-integral model. The wheel heads are made by AxleTech, and the suspension system is independent, using hydro-pneumatic struts with hydraulic shock absorbers.

The vehicle's braking system includes pneumatic disc brakes with ABS for the main brakes, while the parking brake is activated with air release disc brakes on all four rear wheels. The RG41 uses road wheels and tires with a 10.00R20 aluminum rim type, equipped with 16.00R20 Michelin XZL tires. Additionally, the vehicle is fitted with an RFI system, offering a 100 km range when traveling at a speed of 50 km/h.

The standard projectile range for the G7 105mm gun is 24 km with a boat tail and 30 km with base bleed, while the direct fire range extends from 500 to 2,000 meters. (Picture source: Army Recognition)