RG-31 Nyala 4x4 armoured vehicle personnel carrier data pictures | South Africa African army wheeled armoured vehicle | South Africa African army military equipment UK

: 04 January 2019

RG-31 Nyala 4x4 armoured personnel carrier

Description

Technical Data

Specifications

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Description

The RG-31 is a 4x4 armoured vehicle personnel carrier designed and maunfactured in South Africa Alvis OMC (now BAE Systems) to be used as border patrol vehicle and give protection against conventional and land mine threats. The first RG-31 vehicles were completed in South Africa late in 1998. The RG-31 has been successfully deployed with peacekeeping forces in Bosnia and Lebanon and is also in service with the US Army and several other forces. Its excellent levels of protection against landmines makes it a highly effective multi-role light armoured vehicle capable of a variety of military applications. The RG-31 is available as an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) or utility vehicle configuration. The latter can be utilised for cargo or the mounting of a variety of modular weapon systems such as 81 mm mortar, 106 mm RCL and 20 mm cannon. These variants are also readily adaptable to a variety of other applications including command vehicles, rapid intervention, urban or rural patrol and explosive ordinance disposal.

Variants

- RG-31 Mk3A: based on Mamba APC
- RG-31 Mk5: upgraded version of basic version of RG-31 with new armour.
- RG-31 Mk5E: A extended Mk5 with larger passenger/cargo capacity and superior blast and ballistic protection.
- 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-31 Sabre: cargo version
- RG-31M: features a military wiring harness, central tire inflation and several other new characteristics. This vehicle has a crew of 5.

Technical Data

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Armament

The RG-31 can be fitted with an open-top turret mounted in the center of the crew compartment which can be armed with a 7.62 mm machine gun. A 7.62mm machine gun can also be fitted above the commander's position if required.

Design & Protection

The RG-31 employs a V shaped monocoque welded steel hull which provides a protection against 5.56 × 45 mm small arms fire, although also available is protection against 7.62 × 51 mm armour-piercing small arms fire. Land mine protection is provided against one Russian TM-57 (equivalent to 7 kg of TNT) anti-tank mine under the body and two TM-57 (14 kg of TNT) anti-tank mines under a wheel. Access is through a wide rear door and eight roof hatches ensure ease of access and egress. The APC variant is able to accommodate a driver and up to nine crew members. The driver is seated on the right side and has an adjustable seat with the commander to his left. Both have armoured steel side doors which hinge upwards and are provided with laminated glass windows to their front and sides. The personnel compartment is at the rear and entry to this is via a large pneumatically assisted rear entry door of fabricated steel armour plate. Large obstruction-free windows made of laminated plate glass are provided in the side and rear. There are also eight hatches incorporated in the roof of the vehicle and these can be locked in the vertical position if required.

Mobility

The RG-31 is motorized with a Mercedes-Benz OM 366A 6-cylinder in-line water-cooled turbocharged diesel engine with direct injection developing 168 hp at 2,800 rpm. The powerful 125 kW or 154 kW diesel engine, all wheel drivetrain and effective suspension system, allows for excellent on-and off-road mobility. The engine is coupled to an Allison AT-545 4-speed automatic transmission. The RG-31 is able to reach a maximum road speed of 100 km/h. The RG-31 can negotiate a gradient of 60%.

Accessories

Several storage compartments are located in the vehicle's exterior body section to facilitate the storage and carrying of various types of logistical equipment and ammunition. An air conditioning system is fitted and, as an option, a winter station package can also be fitted to the RG-31. A variety of communications equipment and various types of surveillance equipment can be fitted to the RG-31. Optional equipment for the RG-31 includes left or right hand drive, run flat inflation system, armour piercing protection, various communications equipment, various weapon mountings, customized internal layout and a front-mounted electric winch with a capacity of 5 tonnes. A spare wheel is mounted on each side of the hull.

Specifications

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Armament

One 7.62mm machine gun
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Country users

Colombia, Canada, Ivory Coast,Rwanda, South Africa, United States

Designer Country

South Africa

Accessories

Run flat inflation system, air-condtioning, communication equipment, electric winch.

Crew

2 + 10 soldiers