View source for RG-31 Nyala

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use South African English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox weapon|is_vehicle=yes
|name=RG-31 Mk3A
|image=[[File:RG-31.JPG|300px|[description]]]
|caption=RG-31 Charger
|origin=  [[South Africa]]
|type= [[Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle]]
<!-- Service history -->
|service= 
|used_by=
|wars= 
<!-- Production history -->
|designer= [[BAE Systems]] [[Land Systems OMC]]
|design_date=
|manufacturer=
|unit_cost=
|production_date=
|number= 
|variants= 
<!-- General specifications -->
|weight= 7.28 [[tonne|t]]
|length= 6.40 m (21 ft)
|width= 2.47 m (8.1 ft)
|height= 2.63 m (8.63 ft)
|crew= 2+6
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
|armour= 
|primary_armament=Varies weapons such as optional [[.50 BMG|12.7mm]] [[M2 Browning]] [[machine gun]] by weapons mount
|secondary_armament=
|engine=Option 1: [[Daimler-Benz]] OM 352A, 6-cylinder diesel, 123 hp<br />
Option 2: [[Iveco]] Tector F4AE0681D diesel<br />
Option 3: [[Detroit Diesel]]<br />
Option 4: [[Cummins]] 6.7L QSB, 6-cylinder diesel, 275 hp<br /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdlscanada.com/pdf/RG31Mk5_specs_mod.pdf |title=General Dynamics &#124; Canada > Home |publisher=Gdlscanada.com |access-date=2010-03-19}}</ref>
Option 5: [[Weichai]] WD615
|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 [[Four-wheel drive|4×4]] multi-purpose [[Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle]] manufactured in [[South Africa]] by [[Land Systems OMC]] (a division of [[Denel]] SOC LTD), located in [[Benoni, Gauteng|Benoni]], South Africa and in [[Turkey]] by [[FNSS Defence Systems]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/newsDetail_openPrintPage.action?newsId=120473|title=Today's Zaman, Turkish daily news|access-date=5 November 2014}}</ref>  It is based on the [[Mamba APC]] of TFM Industries.

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 mine]]s.{{citation needed|date=February 2011}}

==Design==
The RG-31 is based on a [[Unimog|UNIMOG]] chassis.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deutsche Rüstungsexporte: Einzelansicht |url=http://ruestungsexport-info.de/no_cache/de/datenbank/einzelansicht.html?tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Bpage%5D=2&tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Bfilter%5D%5Bland%5D=&tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Bfilter%5D%5Bcategory%5D=15&tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Bfilter%5D%5Bunternehmen%5D=&tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Bfilter%5D%5Bsearchword%5D=&tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Baction%5D=show&tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Bcontroller%5D=Einzelgeschaeft&cHash=1d6da5a888dd691eca7786f56115b738&tx_ruestungsexport_ruestungsexporte%5Beinzelgeschaeft%5D=2435 |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=ruestungsexport-info.de}}</ref> It is built from a [[V-hull|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.<ref name="defupd">{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/r/RG-31.htm |title=RG-31 Nyala Mine Protected Vehicle |access-date=2011-03-01}}</ref>  The vehicle is designed to resist a blast equivalent to two [[TM-57 mine|TM-57 anti-tank mines]] detonating simultaneously.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/military-identifies-4-of-6-canadian-soldiers-killed-1.652240 |title=Military Identifies 4 of 6 Canadian Soldiers Killed |date=2007-07-04 |access-date=2011-03-01 |work=CBC News}}</ref>  The RG-31 is classified by the [[United States Department of Defense]] as a category 1 [[MRAP|Mine Resistant Ambush Protected]] (MRAP) vehicle.{{citation needed|date=February 2011}}

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 Depot]] in [[Pennsylvania]] rolled out the latest variant of the RG-31, with improvements including an engine upgrade from 275 to 300&nbsp;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.<ref>[http://armyrecognition.com/july_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/letterkenny_u.s._army_depot_to_celebrate_production_of_new_rg31_4x4_route_clearance_vehicle_12607161.html Letterkenny U.S. Army Depot to celebrate production of new RG31 4x4 route clearance vehicle] - Armyrecognition.com, 26 July 2016</ref>

==Production history==
===Variants===
Variants come in either an [[armoured personnel carrier]] (APC) or utility vehicle (cargo) configuration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdlscanada.com/Default.aspx?tabid=206 |title=Basic variant specifications}}</ref>
* RG-31 Mk3A &ndash; based on Mamba APC
* RG-31 Mk5<ref>{{cite web|url=http://infodefensa.com/noticias/docs/RG31Mk5_specs%5B1%5D.pdf |title=GDLS RG-31 Mk5 spec sheet PDF}}</ref>
* RG-31 Mk5E &ndash; An extended Mk5 with larger passenger/cargo capacity and superior blast and ballistic protection.
* RG-31 Mk5EHM &ndash; An extended GVW version of Mk5E<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Denel OMC RG31 MRAP Family |url=https://militaryvehiclesdata.com/specsheets/land-vehicles/wheeled-armored/4-wheel-armored-vehicles/denel-omc-rg31-family/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=militaryvehiclesdata.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
* RG-31 Mk5LHM &ndash; Pick-Op version of Mk5E<ref name=":0" />
* RG-31 Mk5 Ambulance<ref name=":0" />
* RG-31 Mk6E &ndash; Enhanced crew protection
* RG-31 Charger &ndash; US Army version of the Mk3 with a [[Detroit Diesel]] engine and Mk5 with a [[Cummins]] engine
* RG-31M &ndash; features a military wiring harness, central tire inflation and several other new characteristics. This vehicle has a crew of 5.<ref name="defupd"/>
* RG-31 Agrab; [[Mortar carrier]] version with [[SRAMS]] ([[Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/september_2013_defense_industry_military_news_uk/the_bae_systems_rg-31_agrab_120mm_4x4_mortar_carrier_vehicle_to_be_produced_in_uae_2609133.html|title=The BAE Systems RG-31 Agrab 120mm 4x4 mortar carrier vehicle to be produced in UAE 2609133|last=Administrator|website=www.armyrecognition.com|access-date=23 March 2018}}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:RG-31 operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with RG-31 operators in blue]]

[[File:Spanish RG-31 Nyala in Afghanistan-2010.jpg|thumb|Spanish RG-31 Nyala prepare to depart Forward Operating Base Bernardo de Galvez for a patrol through the town of Sang Atesh, Afghanistan.]]
[[File:Armored vehicle from the UN World Food Program.JPG|thumb|A UN RG-31 in Iraq.]]
[[File:Iraqi National Police armored vehicles.jpg|thumb|Iraqi National Police armored vehicles line up for a convoy at Joint Security Station Beladiyat.]]
<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

*{{BDI}}:
**[[National Defence Force (Burundi)|Burundi Army]]
***12x RG-31 Nyala<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=453|isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
*{{CAN}}:
**[[Canadian Forces]]
***75 RG-31 Mk3 with [[Protector (RWS)]] Remote Weapon Station; replaced by [[Textron Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle]]
**[[London Police Service]]
***1x RG-31 Mk3A, currently used by the Emergency Response Team
**[[Durham Regional Police Service]]
***1x RG-31 Mk3A, Tactical Rescue Vehicle donated by General Dynamics to the Tactical Response Unit
*{{COL}}:
**[[National Army of Colombia]]
***4× RG-31 Nyala
*{{ESP}}: 150× RG-31 Mk5E Nyala with Samson remote Weapon Station (+ option for 30 more) already deployed in Lebanon and Afghanistan.
*{{MLI}}: 5× RG-31 Nyala
*{{NGA}}: 1× RG-31 Nyala
*{{INA}}
*{{flag|Iraq}}
*{{RSA}}
*{{RWA}}: 76× RG-31 Nyala
*{{SEN}}
*{{SOM}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|archive-date = 22 June 2017|title = Internal Server Error}}</ref>
*{{SWZ}}: 7× RG-31 Nyala Mk5E, currently used by the [[Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force]] (UEDF).<ref name="sipri2">{{cite web |title=Arms Trade Register |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |access-date=15 February 2023 |publisher=SIPRI}}</ref>
*{{UAE}}: 253× customized RG-31 Mk5<ref name="sipri2" />
*{{UNO}}: 30× RG-31 Nyala
*{{USA}}:
**[[US SOCOM]]
***50× Mk5A1S
**[[United States Army|US Army]]
***148× RG-31 Mk3 Charger,
***257× Mk5A1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystemsomc.co.za/Default.aspx?tabid=1697&ctl=ArticleView&mid=2678&articleId=95 |title=??? |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070707043619/http://www.baesystemsomc.co.za/Default.aspx?tabid=1697&ctl=ArticleView&mid=2678&articleId=95 |archive-date=7 July 2007 }}</ref>
***111× Mk5E<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2008/06/mil-080612-general-dynamics01.htm |title=General Dynamics Awarded USD $67 Million Modification to Previously Awarded U.S. Army RG-31 Mk5 Contract |date=2008-06-12 |access-date=2011-03-01}}</ref>
**[[United States Marine Corps|USMC]]
***12× Mk5A's ([[MRAP]] Cat I)
***1385× Mk5E's (MRAP Cat II)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gd.com/news/press_releases/2007/NewsRelease%20August%208,%202007.htm |title=General Dynamics News - August 8, 2007 |publisher=Gd.com |date=2007-08-08 |access-date=2010-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927213415/http://www.gd.com/news/press_releases/2007/NewsRelease%20August%208%2C%202007.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153979,00.html |title=Diversity Adds Depth to MRAP |publisher=Military.com |access-date=2010-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023075326/http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,153979,00.html |archive-date=23 October 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gd.com/news/press_releases/2008/NewsRelease%20July%2017,%202008-2.htm |title=General Dynamics News - July 17, 2008 |publisher=Gd.com |date=2008-07-17 |access-date=2010-03-19}}</ref>
**[[Academi]]
*{{flag|Ukraine}}: 1 RG-31 Nyala in a combat ambulance configuration was provided to Ukraine by Spain as military aid.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/05/guns-n-gazpacho-spanish-military-aid-to.html|title=Spanish Military Aid To Ukraine}}</ref>

==Combat history==
[[File:RG-31 damaged by a mine.jpg|thumb|RG-31 Nyala damaged by a mine]]
[[File:RG31IED.jpg|thumb|RG-31 after getting hit by an [[Improvised explosive device|IED]] in Iraq in 2007. The explosion tore the vehicle in two. The crew survived, but they were severely wounded.]]
*[[Afghanistan]] – Canada, (including 5 leased to Netherlands) ([[International Security Assistance Force|ISAF]]), United States, and Spain<ref>[http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20110619/54172918062/chacon-afirma-que-el-blindado-evito-un-mal-mayor-en-el-ataque-de-afganistan.html "Chacón afirma que el blindado evitó un "mal mayor" en el ataque de Afganistán"], ''La Vanguardia'', 19 June 2011</ref>
*[[Bosnia and Herzegovina]] – [[UNPROFOR]]
*[[Ethiopia]] / [[Eritrea]] – Canada
*[[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] –- UN
*[[Iraq]] – United States
*[[Colombian conflict|Colombian Armed Conflict]]
*[[Civil war in Côte d'Ivoire|Ivorian Civil War]]
*[[Ivory Coast]] – [[United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire|UNOCI]]
*[[Kosovo]] – [[Kosovo Force|KFOR]]
*[[Lebanon]] – [[United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon|UNIFIL]]
*[[Uganda]] - [[Uganda People's Defence Forces]]
*[[Yemen]] - [[United Arab Emirates]] as part of the [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]]
*[[Mali]] - [[MINUSMA]]
*[[Syria]] - [[UNDOF]], later captured by rebel groups, eventually captured by [[Syrian Army]]{{cn|date=December 2020}}

==See 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]]
* [[RG-34]]
* [[RG-35]]

;General
* [[Infantry Mobility Vehicle]]
* [[MRAP (armored vehicle)]]
* [[List of modern armoured fighting vehicles]]

==References==
{{commons category|RG-31 Nyala}}

{{reflist|2}}

{{MRAP vehicles}}
{{South African AFV}}
{{Canadian Forces Land Force Command}}
{{Modern IFV and APC}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rg-31 Nyala}}
[[Category:Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of South Africa]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Canada]]
[[Category:BAE Systems land vehicles]]
[[Category:Military trucks]]
[[Category:United States Marine Corps equipment]]
[[Category:Wheeled armoured personnel carriers]]