RG-31 Nyala

The RG-31 Nyala is a 4×4 multi-purpose mine-resistant ambush protected infantry mobility vehicle manufactured in South Africa by Land Systems OMC (the division of Denel SOC LTD, located in Benoni, South Africa) and in Turkey by FNSS Defence Systems.[2] It is based on the Mamba APC of TFM Industries.

RG-31 Mk3A
RG-31 Charger
TypeInfantry Mobility Vehicle
Place of originSouth Africa
Production history
DesignerBAE Systems Land Systems OMC
Specifications
Mass7.28 t
Length6.40 m (21 ft)
Width2.47 m (8.1 ft)
Height2.63 m (8.63 ft)
Crew2+6
Main
armament
Varies by weapons mount
EngineOption 1: Daimler-Benz OM 352A, 6-cylinder diesel, 123 hp

Option 2: Iveco Tector F4AE0681D diesel
Option 3: Detroit Diesel
Option 4: Cummins 6.7L QSB, 6-cylinder diesel, 275 hp
[1]

Option 5: Weichai WD615
Suspension4×4-wheeled
Operational
range
900 km (559 mi)
Maximum speed 100 km/h (62 mph)

The RG-31 is built from a V-shaped all-steel welded armor monocoque hull and high suspension, typical of South African mine protected vehicles, providing excellent small-arms and mine blast protection.[3] The vehicle is designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank mines detonating simultaneously.[4] The RG-31 is classified by the United States Department of Defense as a category 1 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

The vehicle accommodates a crew of 8 or 10, including the driver, depending on model. Dismounting is provided via a large rear door and two front doors.

The RG-31 has become the multi-purpose vehicle of choice of the UN and other peacekeeping and security forces. It is finding favour with non-governmental organisations requiring a vehicle with a non-aggressive appearance to protect their personnel against land mines.

In July 2016, the Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania rolled out the latest variant of the RG31, with improvements including an engine upgrade from 275 to 300 hp, a transmission upgrade, independent suspension, 360-degree spotlights for night visibility, and an armored gunner's hatch. The depot is scheduled to produce 929 these RG31s through 2020.[5]

Production history

Variants

Variants come in either an armoured personnel carrier (APC) or utility vehicle (cargo) configuration.[6]

  • RG-31 Mk3A – based on Mamba APC
  • RG-31 Mk5[7]
  • RG-31 Mk5E – A extended Mk5 with larger passenger/cargo capacity and superior blast and ballistic protection.
  • RG-31 Mk6E – Enhanced crew protection
  • RG-31 Charger – US Army version of the Mk3 with a Detroit Diesel engine and Mk5 with a Cummins engine
  • RG-31 Sabre – cargo version
  • RG-31M – features a military wiring harness, central tire inflation and several other new characteristics. This vehicle has a crew of 5.[3]
  • RG-31 Agrab; Mortar carrier version with SRAMS (Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System).[8][9]

Operators
Map with RG-31 operators in blue
Spanish RG-31 Nyala prepare to depart Forward Operating Base Bernardo de Galvez for a patrol through the town of Sang Atesh, Afghanistan.
A UN RG-31 in Iraq.
Iraqi National Police armored vehicles line up for a convoy at Joint Security Station Beladiyat.

Combat history
RG-31 Nyala damaged by a mine
RG-31 blown in half by an IED.

See also
Other wheeled APCs and IFVs developed in South Africa
General

References
  1. "General Dynamics | Canada > Home" (PDF). Gdlscanada.com. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
  2. "Today's Zaman, Turkish daily news". Retrieved 5 November 2014.
  3. "RG-31 Nyala Mine Protected Vehicle". Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  4. "Military Identifies 4 of 6 Canadian Soldiers Killed". CBC News. 4 July 2007. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  5. Letterkenny U.S. Army Depot to celebrate production of new RG31 4x4 route clearance vehicle - Armyrecognition.com, 26 July 2016
  6. "Basic variant specifications".
  7. "GDLS RG-31 Mk5 spec sheet PDF" (PDF).
  8. Administrator. "The BAE Systems RG-31 Agrab 120mm 4x4 mortar carrier vehicle to be produced in UAE 2609133". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  9. "UAE Deploys Agrab 120mm 4x4 mortar carrier vehicle in Yemen - Defence Blog". defence-blog.com. 4 August 2015. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  10. https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf
  11. "Arms Trade Register". SIPRI. Retrieved 22 June 2012.
  12. "???". Archived from the original on 7 July 2007.
  13. "General Dynamics Awarded USD $67 Million Modification to Previously Awarded U.S. Army RG-31 Mk5 Contract". 12 June 2008. Retrieved 1 March 2011.
  14. "General Dynamics News - August 8, 2007". Gd.com. 8 August 2007. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
  15. "Diversity Adds Depth to MRAP". Military.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2007. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
  16. "General Dynamics News - July 17, 2008". Gd.com. 17 July 2008. Retrieved 19 March 2010.
  17. "Chacón afirma que el blindado evitó un "mal mayor" en el ataque de Afganistán", La Vanguardia, 19 June 2011
  18. WWII relics & cutting-edge US drones: Spoils of Syrian war displayed in Russia (VIDEO, PHOTOS) , RT, 26 August 2018
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