*British, c.2000, 30mm RARDEN AFV Inert Drill / Display Round, RG (Radway Green)*
An excellent and highly displayable original British 30mm RARDEN AFV round, offered as a completely inert display piece, with no explosive or energetic components, making it ideal for collectors of armoured vehicle ordnance.
This is a full fixed 30×170mm round for the L21A1 RARDEN cannon, the standard armament of British AFVs including the FV107 Scimitar, FV101 Scorpion, and Warrior IFV. The round is fitted with a solid alloy projectile, typical of drill or inert training configurations, seated in its original brass cartridge case.
The base is clearly headstamped:
“30mm AFV” – confirming calibre and armoured fighting vehicle application
“RG” – Royal Ordnance Factory, Radway Green
00 - production date 2000
“002” – lot markings
The ‘00’ headstamp marking is consistent with late production, most likely around 2000, representing a later example from the RARDEN system’s production life (in service from the early 1970s).
The use of a turned alloy projectile indicates a non-service (inert/drill or display) configuration rather than a live service round, consistent with training or instructional use. These were commonly used for loading drills and vehicle crew handling exercises.
Approx. Measurements – Projectile length: 11.5 cm. Case length: 17 cm. Overall length: 28.5 cm. Base diameter: 4.2 cm.
History Note:
This 30mm RARDEN round is designed for use with the L21A1 RARDEN cannon, fitted to British armoured fighting vehicles including the FV107 Scimitar, FV101 Scorpion, and Warrior IFV. The acronym ‘RARDEN’ derives from the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment, Enfield.
Developed during the 1960s by the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield Lock, in conjunction with RARDE Fort Halstead, the RARDEN entered service in the early 1970s as a compact, highly accurate cannon for light armoured vehicle turrets. Prototype development began around 1966, with pre-production examples appearing by 1968.
The weapon is chambered for the 30×170mm cartridge, a significantly larger and more powerful round than earlier aircraft-derived 30mm ammunition. While sometimes broadly compared to earlier Hispano-Suiza developments, the RARDEN round is not dimensionally identical to WWII-era aircraft cartridges and represents a later, purpose-designed AFV ammunition family.
A defining feature of the RARDEN system is its manual clip-fed operation, using three-round steel clips rather than belt feed. This limits the practical rate of fire but contributes to mechanical simplicity and reliability. The gun operates on a long recoil system, helping to reduce stress on the mounting and turret structure.
Designed with an emphasis on accuracy over volume of fire, the RARDEN is capable of consistent, precise engagement of armoured targets at ranges in excess of 1,000 metres. In service, it was typically fired in single shots or short controlled bursts, preserving barrel life and maintaining accuracy.
The compact internal layout, requiring minimal turret space, along with forward ejection of spent cases, made it particularly well suited to the confined interiors of reconnaissance and infantry fighting vehicles.
*Condition*
Condition is good overall for display, with clear markings to the base. The brass case shows service wear, patina, and areas of staining/residue from previous labels, while the projectile remains clean with minor handling marks. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3211BE_9365239613
