The RG-31 Nyala is a 4×4 multi-purpose mine-resistant ambush protected infantry mobility vehicle manufactured in South AfricabyLand Systems OMC (a division of Denel SOC LTD), located in Benoni, South Africa and in TurkeybyFNSS Defence Systems.[2] It is based on the Mamba APC of TFM Industries.
| RG-31 Mk3A | |
|---|---|
![[description]](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RG-31.JPG)
RG-31 Charger
| |
| Type | Infantry mobility vehicle |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Production history | |
| Designer | BAE Systems Land Systems OMC |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 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 | Varies weapons such as optional 12.7mm M2 Browning machine gun by weapons mount |
| Engine | Option 1: Daimler-Benz OM 352A, 6-cylinder diesel, 123 hp
Option 2: Iveco Tector F4AE0681D diesel |
| Suspension | 4×4-wheeled |
Operational | 900 km (559 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
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]
The RG-31 is based on a UNIMOG chassis[3][4]. It 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.[5] The vehicle is designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank mines detonating simultaneously.[6] 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 ranging from 5 to 10 depending on mission needs, depending on model. Dismounting is provided via a large air actuated rear door and two front doors, also air actuated.
In July 2016, the Letterkenny Army DepotinPennsylvania rolled out the latest variant of the RG-31, 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 improved RG-31s through 2020.[7]
Variants come in either an armoured personnel carrier (APC) or utility vehicle (cargo) configuration.[8]
Burundi:
Canada:
Colombia:
Spain: 150× RG-31 Mk5E Nyala with Samson remote Weapon Station (+ option for 30 more) already deployed in Lebanon and Afghanistan.
Mali: 5× RG-31 Nyala
Nigeria: 1× RG-31 Nyala
Indonesia
Iraq
South Africa
Rwanda: 76× RG-31 Nyala
Senegal
Somalia[12]
Eswatini: 7× RG-31 Nyala Mk5E, currently used by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).[13]
United Arab Emirates: 253× customized RG-31 Mk5[13]
United Nations: 30× RG-31 Nyala
United States:
Ukraine: 1 RG-31 Nyala in a combat ambulance configuration was provided to Ukraine by Spain as military aid.[19]
