RG-31 Nyala
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The RG-31 Nyala is a 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, South Africa and in Turkey by FNSS Defence Systems.[1] 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 mines.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Design
The RG-31 is based on a UNIMOG chassis.[2] 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.[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.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
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 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.[5]
Production history
Variants
Variants come in either an armoured personnel carrier (APC) or utility vehicle (cargo) configuration.[6]
- RG-31 Mk3A – based on Mamba APC
- RG-31 Mk5[7]
- RG-31 Mk5E – An extended Mk5 with larger passenger/cargo capacity and superior blast and ballistic protection.
- RG-31 Mk5EHM – An extended GVW version of Mk5E[8]
- RG-31 Mk5LHM – Pick-Op version of Mk5E[8]
- RG-31 Mk5 Ambulance[8]
- 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-31M – features a military wiring harness, central tire inflation and several other new characteristics. This vehicle has a crew of 5.[3]
- RG-31 Agrab; Mortar carrier version with SRAMS (Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System).[9]
Operators
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- Burundi Army
- 12x RG-31 Nyala[10]
- Burundi Army
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- 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
- Canadian Forces
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- National Army of Colombia
- 4× RG-31 Nyala
- National Army of Colombia
- Script error: No such module "flag".: 150× RG-31 Mk5E Nyala with Samson remote Weapon Station (+ option for 30 more) already deployed in Lebanon and Afghanistan.
- Script error: No such module "flag".: 5× RG-31 Nyala
- Script error: No such module "flag".: 1× RG-31 Nyala
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- Script error: No such module "flag".
- Script error: No such module "flag".: 76× RG-31 Nyala
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- Script error: No such module "flag".: 7× RG-31 Nyala Mk5E, currently used by the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).[12]
- Script error: No such module "flag".: 253× customized RG-31 Mk5[12]
- Script error: No such module "flag".: 30× RG-31 Nyala
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- Template:Country data Ukraine: 1 RG-31 Nyala in a combat ambulance configuration was provided to Ukraine by Spain as military aid.[18]
Combat history
- Afghanistan – Canada, (including 5 leased to Netherlands) (ISAF), United States, and Spain[19]
- 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
- 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 ArmyScript error: No such module "Unsubst".
See also
- Other wheeled APCs and IFVs developed in South Africa
- General
References
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- ↑ Letterkenny U.S. Army Depot to celebrate production of new RG31 4x4 route clearance vehicle - Armyrecognition.com, 26 July 2016
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- ↑ "Chacón afirma que el blindado evitó un "mal mayor" en el ataque de Afganistán", La Vanguardia, 19 June 2011