RG-31 Nyala

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RG-31 Mk3A
[description]
RG-31 Charger
Type Infantry Mobility Vehicle
Place of origin South Africa
Production history
Designer BAE Systems Land Systems OMC
Specifications
Weight 7.28 t
Length 6.40 m (21 ft)
Width 2.47 m (8.1 ft)
Height 2.63 m (8.63 ft)
Crew 2+6

Main
armament
weapons mount
Engine Option 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]
Suspension 4×4-wheeled
Operational
range
900 km (559 mi)
Speed 100 km/h (62 mph)

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, It is a 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.

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.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

Production history

Variants

Variants come in either an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) or utility vehicle (Cargo) configurations.[5]

  • RG-31 Mk3A – based on Mamba APC
  • RG-31 Mk5[6]
  • 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]

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.

Current operators

Combat history

RG-31 Nyala damaged by a mine
File:RG31IED.jpg
RG-31 blown in half by an IED.

See also

Other wheeled APCs and IFVs developed in South Africa
General

References

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  13. "Chacón afirma que el blindado evitó un "mal mayor" en el ataque de Afganistán", La Vanguardia, 19/06/2011