RG-31 Nyala

Infobox Weapon|is_vehicle=yes
name=RG-31 Mk3A


caption=RG-31 Charger
origin= RSA
type= Armored fighting vehicle,
MRAP (armored vehicle)
service=
used_by=
wars=
designer= BAE Systems Land Systems OMC
design_date=
manufacturer=
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants=
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=10
armour=
primary_armament=weapons mount
secondary_armament=
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
[http://www.gdlscanada.com/pdf/RG31Mk5_specs_mod.pdf]
engine_power=
suspension=4×4 wheeled
speed= 100 km/h (62 mph)
pw_ratio=
vehicle_range= 900 km (559 mi)

The RG-31 Nyala is a multi-purpose mine-protected vehicle made by BAE Systems Land Systems OMC in South Africa, based on the TFM Industries' Mamba APC. The vehicle’s V-shaped monocoque welded steel hull and high suspension are designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank mines detonating simultaneously.

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 the threat of land mines.

Production history

Variants

Variants came in either a Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) or utility vehicle (Cargo) configurations
* RG-31 Mk3A Nyala - based on Mamba APC
* RG-31 Sabre - cargo version
* RG-31 Mk5 Nyala
* RG-31 Charger - US Army version of the Mk3 with a Detroit Diesel engine and Mk5 with a Cummins engine
*RG-31 Mk5E - A extended Mk5 variant similar to the RG-33L, but a 4x4

Operators

*CAN/Canadian Forces – 75 RG-31 Mk3 with Protector M151 Remote Weapon Station
*ESP – 100 RG-31 Mk5E Nyala with Samson remote Weapon Station are expected (+ option for 80 more)
*COL – 4 RG-31 Nyala
*NED – 5 (on loan from the Canadian Forces)
*RWA – 6 RG-31 Nyala
*RSA
*UNO – 30 RG-31 Nyala
*UAE – 76 customized RG-31 Mk5
*USA
**US SOCOM – 50 Mk5A1S
**US Army
***148 RG-31 Mk3 Charger,
***257 Mk5A1 [http://www.baesystemsomc.co.za/Default.aspx?tabid=1697&ctl=ArticleView&mid=2678&articleId=95]
***111 Mk5E [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2008/06/mil-080612-general-dynamics01.htm]
**USMC
***12 Mk5A's (MRAP Cat I)
***1385 Mk5E's (MRAP Cat II) [http://www.gd.com/news/press_releases/2007/NewsRelease%20August%208,%202007.htm] [http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153979,00.html] [http://sev.prnewswire.com/aerospace-defense/20080717/NETH11017072008-1.html]
**Blackwater Security

Combat history

*Afghanistan - Canada, (including 5 leased to Netherlands) (ISAF)
*Bosnia and Herzegovina - UNPROFOR
*Ethiopia / Eritrea - Canada
*Georgia - UN
*Iraq - United States
*Colombian Armed Conflict
*Ivorian Civil War
*Ivory Coast - UNOCI
*Kosovo - KFOR
*Lebanon - UNIFIL

ee also

;Other wheeled APCs and IFVs developed in South Africa
* Buffel
* Casspir
* Mamba APC
* Ratel IFV
* RCV-9
* RG-12
* RG-19
* RG-32
* RG-33

;General
* Infantry fighting vehicle
* List of AFVs
* MRAP (armored vehicle)

External links

* [http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2006/09/27/bombing-target.html Suicide bomber injures Afghan in attack on Canadian troops]
* [http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2007/07/04/afghanistan-nato.html Military Identifies 4 of 6 Canadian Soldiers Killed (Re: July 4 roadside bombing of an RG-31 in Afghanistan)]