Nyala (Canadian military vehicles in Afghanistan)

The RG-31 Nyala

The name Nyala is familiar to Canadians – the RG-31 is simply the current production model of the South African route-proving Nyala. It is no surprise that the CF APV contest was won by the RG-31 considering that vehicle’s commonality with the in-service Nyalas (and the Mamba which preceded them). The RG-31 retains its predecessors’ mine-resistant hull and lightly-armoured sides. Where it differs is in armament: gun ports in its armour glass augment a Remote Weapons Station. Like the PWS, the RWS can mount an M2HB, C6 or 40mm grenade launcher.

The steel hull protects against rifle- calibre bullets but, more importantly, against mines and IEDs (improvised explosive devices). RG-32s are large vehicle. At a glance, the RG-31 may look like an SUV but the new APVs (which are based on Unimog trucks) dwarf the under-armoured G-wagon. Like the ADI Bushmaster, a logistics version of the RG-31 (above) is available although this is not part of DND’s current plans

Described as a mine hardened reconnaissance vehicle by the Department of National Defence, the Nyala is a four-wheel drive jeep designed to withstand the blast from two simultaneous antitank mine detonations. The Nyala has seen action in Ethiopia / Eritrea and Afghanistan.

Specifications:
• Length: 5.46 m
• Width: 2.21 m
• Height: 2.50 m
• Weight: 6,800 kg (combat weight)
• Engine: Daimler-Benz OM 352, 6 cylinder diesel, 123 HP
• Maximum Speed: 100 km/h
• Range: 900 km

BAE Land Systems OMC [2] RG-32M1 Specifications:
• Complement: 1+10 as troop carrier / 1+4 for patrol
• Powerplant: 92kW (123hp) 5.7 litre 6-cyl Daimler OM352A(or 95kW / 125hp US Caterpillar) turbo diesel
• Transmission: 4 speed automatic, 1 reverse gear
• Max speed: 100 km/h / 0-60 km/h 30.5 seconds
• Protection: (ballistic) 7.62x39mm AK, 5.56x45mm NATO (mine) 14kg (under wheel), 7kg (under belly)
• Usable payload: 1600 kg