The RG32M military patrol vehicle combines cutting-edge diesel technology with reliable drivetrain components in a rugged, proven package. It is built in South Africa by BAE Systems, and has served in various roles across the globe. From the extreme cold in Sweden, to the sweltering heat in the Middle East, this vehicle has gone through monitored tests and real-world trials. The RG32M is a clean-sheet design, and is one of more than 380 variants of the RG32. The highlight of the RG32M for us here at Diesel Power, is of course, the turbodiesel engine.
The Steyr Monoblock M16TCA 3.2L diesel engine produces 300 lb-ft of torque, yet only weighs 529 pounds. The power-to-weight ratio of the Steyr engine makes it ideal for marine and combat applications. Both NATO and the U.S. Coast Guard certified these engines for use in their specialized vehicles. The Steyr Monoblock design originated in Austria back in 1922. This engine concept casts the block and cylinder head as one piece. This allows for better cooling around the top of the cylinder, where the head gasket would be on conventional engines. No high-torque head bolts means the cylinder does not deform under load, and of course there is no need to worry about a head gasket. Steyr also designed and patented the unit injector produced by Bosch. This engine's unit injectors fire in two stages: one at 14,700 psi and the second at 29,400 psi.
The RG32M has an "all-steel welded armoured monocoque citadel." In other words, a strong unibody construction. Off-the-shelf drivetrain components are attached to subframes bolted to the one-piece hull-like body. The transmission is familiar, it is an Allison 1000 five-speed automatic. Behind it is another well-known piece-the Atlas II gear-driven two-speed transfer case. Lockable Mercedes Unimog portal axles are attached to 41-inch tires, and ride on coil springs to give ample ground clearance. The RG32M holds a driver and six passengers. There are four doors, two roof hatches, three rear lift gates, and different armor configurations can be ordered from the factory. The driver can dial this protection in by lowering and raising the extra windshield and side panels.