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.[citation needed]
Design
The RG-31 is based on a UNIMOG chassis.[3] 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.[4] The vehicle is designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank mines detonating simultaneously.[5] The RG-31 is classified by the United States Department of Defense as a category 1 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.[citation needed]
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.[6]
Map with RG-31 operators in blueSpanish 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.
Ukraine: 1 RG-31 Nyala in a combat ambulance configuration was provided to Ukraine by Spain as military aid.[18]
Combat history
RG-31 Nyala damaged by a mineRG-31 after getting hit by an 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) (ISAF), United States, and Spain[19]