The RCV 9 light armoured vehicle was developed as a private venture by Sandock-Austral (which as part of take overs and acquisitions is now part of BAE Systems Land Systems OMC), mainly for use in the internal security role and for protecting high-risk areas such as airports and power stations. The first prototype of the RCV 9 light armoured vehicle was completed in 1986, with first production vehicles completed in August 1987. The RCV 9 is also referred to as the Nongqai, Uklebe or Falcon.

The RCV 9 light armoured vehicle is based on proven commercial components to reduce procurement, operating and life cycle costs, but a purpose-designed suspension of the double-wishbone type with coil springs is utilised to meet specific operational requirements.

Production of this vehicle has been completed and it is no longer being marketed. The RCV 9 light armoured vehicle was never used by the South African Defence Force/South African National Defence Force. The now BAE Systems Land Systems OMC is concentrating its marketing on the RG-12 for public order/internal security applications, with over 700 built by late 2007 with production now being for the export market only. Description

The hull of the RCV 9 light armoured vehicle is of all-welded steel armour construction which provides the crew with complete protection from 39 × 7.62 mm ball rounds fired from a range of 30 m.

The driver sits at the front in the middle, and has a large forward-opening door with a bulletproof window in the upper part. To the front is a large bulletproof windscreen.

The troops sit on bench seats down the centre of the hull facing outwards and can rapidly enter and leave the vehicle via two pneumatically operated doors in the sides that open outwards, each of which is provided with a bulletproof window in the upper part with an integral firing port. In each side of the troop compartment, to the immediate rear of the twin side doors, is another bulletproof window with a firing port in its upper part.

The engine compartment is at the rear of the vehicle with the replacement wheel and tyre carried on the roof. In the roof of the vehicle are three roof hatches, one above the commander's and driver's position that opens to the rear and one above either side of the troop compartment that opens to the outside. These could be locked in the vertical position if required.

Optional equipment included 4 × 4 drive, communications equipment, floodlights and spotlights, weapons storage fittings, a roof-mounted wire cutter, wire mesh protection for all windows and lights, a ball- or pin-type towbar, drinking water containers, a barricade bumper with pneumatic control, fire extinguishers, air conditioning, a front-mounted electric winch and run-flat tyres. Variants

In addition to being used as an armoured personnel carrier, the RCV 9 light armoured vehicle was also marketed as a bullion transport vehicle, an ambulance, a reconnaissance vehicle, a command post vehicle and a weapons carrier were proposed. The RCV 9 was also available with a single forward-opening door in each side of the hull rather than the side twin doors.