RG-31 Mk3A | |
---|---|
RG-31 Charger | |
Type | Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle |
Place of origin | South Africa |
Production history | |
Designer | BAE SystemsLand Systems OMC |
Specifications | |
Mass | 7.28t |
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 | Varies weapons such as optional12.7mmM2 Browningmachine 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 range | 900 km (559 mi) |
Maximum speed | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
TheRG-31 Nyala is a4×4 multi-purposeMine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle manufactured inSouth Africa byLand Systems OMC (a division ofDenel SOC LTD), located inBenoni, South Africa and inTurkey byFNSS Defence Systems.[2] It is based on theMamba APC of TFM Industries.
The RG-31 has become the multi-purpose vehicle of choice of theUN 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 againstland mines.[citation needed]
The RG-31 is based on aUNIMOG chassis.[3] It is built from aV-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.[4] The vehicle is designed to resist a blast equivalent to twoTM-57 anti-tank mines detonating simultaneously.[5] The RG-31 is classified by theUnited States Department of Defense as a category 1Mine 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, theLetterkenny Army Depot inPennsylvania 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.[6]
Variants come in either anarmoured personnel carrier (APC) or utility vehicle (cargo) configuration.[7]