RG-31 Nyala

RG-31 Mk3A

RG-31 Charger
Type Infantry Mobility Vehicle
Place of origin South Africa
Production history
Designer BAE Systems Land Systems OMC
Specifications
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 2+6

Main
armament
weapons mount
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
[1]
Suspension 4×4-wheeled
Operational
range
900 km (559 mi)
Speed 100 km/h (62 mph)

The RG-31 Nyala is a 4×4 multi-purpose mine-resistant ambush protected infantry mobility vehicle manufactured in South Africa by Land Systems OMC, It is a division of Denel SOC LTD, located in Benoni, South Africa. and in Turkey by FNSS Defence Systems.[2] It is based on the Mamba APC of TFM Industries.

The RG-31 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.

The vehicle accommodates a crew of 8 or 10, including the driver, depending on model. Dismounting is provided via a large rear door and two front doors.

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.

In July 2016, the Letterkenny Army Depot rolled out the latest variant of the RG31, with improvements including an engine upgrade from 275 to 300 hp, a transmission upgrade from 2,500 to a 3,000 series, independent suspension, 360-degree spotlights for night visibility, and an armored gunner's hatch. The depot is scheduled to produce 929 of these RG31s through 2020.[5]

Production history

Variants

Variants come in either an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) or utility vehicle (Cargo) configurations.[6]

Operators

Map with RG-31 operators in blue
Spanish RG-31 Nyala prepare to depart Forward Operating Base Bernardo de Galvez for a patrol through the town of Sang Atesh, Afghanistan.
A UN RG-31 in Iraq.
Iraqi National Police armored vehicles line up for a convoy at Joint Security Station Beladiyat.

Current operators

Combat history

RG-31 Nyala damaged by a mine
RG-31 blown in half by an IED.

See also

Other wheeled APCs and IFVs developed in South Africa
General

References

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