BAE South Africa Mamba

     Notes:  The Mamba is one of the vehicles that replaced part of the Casspir fleet in South African service in some roles, and is or was used by 15 other countries.  Many countries are of were using them for deployments to Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan; sometimes they are handed off from country to country as a country’s troops leave the area of operations.  The Australians tested a version called a version called the Taipan in its Bushranger armored vehicle project, but it lost out to the Bushmaster.  It is used as an MRAP by several countries, and served as a prototype for similar designs in the US. Several variants have been developed from the Mamba. Several private security contractors also prefer the Mamba – it provides a reasonable level of protection while appearing “less offensive” to the people in the areas they are operating in.  They are also used by some civilian assistance agencies operating in dangerous conditions, and some news agencies. The Mamba is a smaller vehicle than the Casspir and for use in less-threatening conditions.

The Mamba Mk 1

     The basic Mamba is based on a Unimog U-4000 truck chassis, modified for use in rough South African terrain and given an armored MRAP hull.  The primary entry and exit to the vehicle is through a double door in the rear of the vehicle; there is a roof hatch, but it is a small one which is used as a gunner’s position.  The commander and driver have positions in a cab connected to the troop compartment, the driver on the left and commander on the right.  The gunner’s weapon is manned by one of the troops in the rear.  The troops sit down the sides, on shock-absorbing seats with 4-point harnesses; the crew also have shock-absorbing seats and 4-point harnesses.  The front has a large windshield of ballistic glass; the sides of the cab, of the vehicle, and the rear also have large ballistic-glass windows.  The gunner’s position is normally armed with a single weapon on a pintle mount. A 100-liter water tank is included in the floor, and this also gives some incidental protection against mines.

     The Mamba has been criticized as being underpowered, having only a 123-horsepower engine, but the vehicle is light in weight and performance acceptable. The suspension is 4x4 (though 4x2 versions are available and used by some agencies), and designed for off-road use. Power is by a Mercedes-Benz 325N turbocharged engine, coupled to a manual transmission (though automatic transmission is available).  The ride is described as being a bit (perhaps more than just a bit) on the bouncy side.

     Variants of the Mamba Mk 1 include an armored ambulance, command vehicle, VIP transport, and a logistics vehicle.  Further variants include the Springbuck, which also includes an ambulance, weapons carrier, and VIP transport.  The Reva version also has command, ambulance, recovery (not discussed here), and VIP transport versions.  The Puma version differs primarily in the engine used, which is a Toyota Dyna 7-145 145-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine.  It should be noted that the Puma, Reva, and Springbuck versions have seen limited use.

     The Springbuck differs primarily in the weapons fit, which consists not only of the standard gunner’s station, but a weapon for the commander accessed through an overhead hatch.  The weapons stations have low AV2 gun shields.  The Springbuck can also be fitted with a more powerful MWN engine developing 135 horsepower; this option is often chosen, as the Springbuck is heavier than the Mamba Mk 1.  The Springbuck normally mounts a spare tire on the right side at the rear, and can mount appliqué armor.

     The Reva differs primarily in the engine, which is a powerful 177-horsepower Cummins GBT-5.9 TC turbocharged diesel.  It also differs in the weapons fit, which includes a hatch and weapon mount for the commander with a low AV2 gun shield, the gunner’s mount on a skate rail that runs through 180 degrees with an AV2 gun shield, and a rear machinegun with an AV2 gun shield.  The Reva also has two firing ports per side and two in the rear of the troop compartment, and one each in the driver’s and commander’s side windows and one in the commander’s windshield and driver’s windshield.

     Armored ambulance versions are typically unarmed and can carry two stretcher cases and four seated patients, plus a medic.  The roof hatches remain, and the firing ports remain in the Reva model.  They have the equivalent of a doctor’s medical bag and 10 personal medical kits, an oxygen administration kit, and a defibrillator.  Command fits normally have a small map board or a set of map books, two long range (one data-capable), one medium-range, and one short-range radio, and a ruggedized laptop computer.  Roof weapons are normally deleted except for those over the commander’s position (where applicable).  VIP transports are normally more luxuriously fitted out with padded bench car-like seats and amenities such as commercial radios, CD players, hot spots for laptops and smartphones, etc.  They carry less passengers and less cargo, and do not normally have the 4-point harnesses for the crew and passengers. They are normally unarmed, but often have firing ports in the sides of the vehicles (up to three). Logistics vehicles have simple flatbed interiors devoid of seats and roof weapon mounts (commander’s machineguns are still mounted where applicable), and have rollers in the rear bed to facilitate off-loading of vehicles, along with tie-down and lock-down points.  The roof hatches are enlarged to help off-load cargo, and they have a 2-ton-capacity crane to help this. Weapons carriers carry more and heavier weapons and more ammunition in lieu of passengers; they also tend to have a different roof hatch layout befitting their weapons carriage role.

The Mamba Mk 2

     The Mamba Mk 2 is for the most part similar to the Mk 1, except for refinements such as an automatic transmission, a simplified power train and suspension (leading unfortunately to a bouncier ride), and improved tires that are more puncture-resistant.  The primary difference, however, is the simplification of production methods and more indigenous production of parts – most of the vehicle is South African-made.  Like the Mamba Mk 1, the Mk 2 has an ambulance version, command version, VIP transport version, and logistics version. The Mk 2 is slightly heavier than the Mk 1.  The Mk 2 has 2-4 firing ports in each side and two in the rear.

     The Komanche is a short-wheelbase version that carries a smaller troop load and smaller ammunition load for its weapons.  It comes only in a basic APC version.  Firing ports are limited to 1-2 in the sides and two in the rear.

     The Sabre is the same as the basic version, but the cab is a 4-man cab, and the weapons mount for the gunner’s position is a bit further back.

     The Springbuck Mk 2 is the Mamba Mk 2 equivalent of the Springbuck. The Reva Mk 2 is the Mamba Mk 2 equivalent of the Reva. 

The Mamba Mk 3

     The Mamba Mk 3 differs in having substantially improved armor protection and a more powerful Mercedes-Benz 312N engine developing 154 horsepower.  SANDF and many other countries who use the Mk 2 anticipate upgrading them to the Mk 3 configuration via a kit.  The Mk 3 is substantially heavier due to increased armor. The same variants of the Mk 1 and Mk 2 are available for the Mk 3.  A version of the Reva based on the Mk 3 is also available, the Reva Mk 3.

*Floor AV is 4Sp.

**Floor AV is 5Sp.

***See Notes for Crew and passenger capacity.

BAE South Africa Ratel IFV

     Notes:  The Ratel (Afrikaans for a type of animal known in English as the Honey Badger) was designed starting in the late-1960s when the South African fleets of foreign-built vehicles became more difficult to obtain and maintain due to arms embargoes related to apartheid.  The Ratel was designed as a decently-armored APC (the South Africans call it an IFV, though the Ratel is strictly an APC).  It was originally a product of Sandock-Austral, but the design was bought by Land Systems OMC, a part of BAE.  Over a thousand of them were built by South Africa, and used by them and Jordan and Morocco; South African and Jordanian Ratels will be replaced in the near future by newer vehicles (in South Africa, in particular, by the Hoefyster version of the Patria AMV).  The Belgian SIBMAS is a very close copy of the Ratel.  Design work was long, and the first Mk 1 versions were not fielded until 1976; later, Mk 2 and Mk 3 versions were produced, with production stopping in 1987.  The Ratel has been regarded by some as “one of the best APCs in the world you never heard of.”  A number of variants have been produced, both APC-type and non-APC-type; only the APC-type versions will be discussed on this page.  BAE is still willing to recommence production of the Ratel, though there have been no orders except for spare parts in many years; they have also developed several demonstrator and prototype versions which have not gone into service as of yet (or ever).

The Basic Ratel – The Ratel 20

     The Ratel 20 has a roomy driver’s compartment at the center front of the vehicle with good visibility through ballistic-glass windows to the front and sides of his position.  He can enter and exit through a roof hatch, or though the rear of his position through the troop compartment.  The driver can cover his windows with armored shutters for high-threat environments.  With the shutters in position, the driver views the area around him though three vision blocks (to the front and sides); the front vision block can be replaced by a night vision block.  The driver’s controls are conventional, and the seat and steering column are adjustable. 

     To the rear of the driver’s position is a small turret derived from the turret of the Eland armored car which houses the 20mm autocannon and a coaxial machinegun. The turret is two-man, with the commander and gunner having hatches on the deck (the turret is sort of low and flat), and the commander having a pintle-mounted weapon. On either side of the turret towards the rear of the turret are two smoke grenade launchers. Atop the turret is a hand-operated searchlight operated by the commander or gunner through a handle below the turret roof, or it can be trained directly by putting your hand on the searchlight. The commander has all-around vision blocks; the gunner has four vision blocks to his front and left side, as well as telescopic and night vision sights and devices for his weapons.  The troops each have a small hatch on the roof on the deck to the rear of the turret, for a total of seven such small hatches.  One of these hatches (alternatively the right rear or left rear) is a pintle mount for a machinegun, manned by a member of the infantry squad.  There are four firing ports in each side of the Ratel 20, and one in the rear door.  The primary method of entry and exit for troops is via that rear door, which is on the right side of the rear face opposite the engine compartment and is a clamshell-type door opening up and down.  There is also a clamshell door in either side of the vehicle near the center of the hull.

     The Ratel 20 is powered by a Bussing D-3256 BTXF turbocharged diesel produced in South Africa which has an output of 282 horsepower, coupled to a manual transmission.  The suspension is 6x6, and is of the off-road type.  The suspension is rather high (ground clearance is 35 centimeters).  The armor is of all-welded steel; though the Ratel does not have an MRAP hull, additional attention has been paid to the survivability of the suspension, wheels, and tires, which are run-flat and especially puncture-resistant.  The floor has additional armor protection, and the troops and crew have shock-absorbing seats/positions and take 10% less damage if the Ratel-20 hits a mine or IED.

     The Mk 2 version differs primarily in mechanical details and updated components. The Mk 3 version has these improvements, a few more, and the installation of an ADE 407 TI turbocharged diesel developing 315 horsepower along with an automatic transmission.  Ratel Mk 1s and Mk 2s were mostly updated by the use of a kit to the Mk 3 standard.

APC-Type Variants

     The Ratel 12.7 Command is a command version of the Ratel armored personnel carrier.  The Ratel 12.7 has a two-man turret with an M-2HB, and an MG-4 in a mount on the rear roof.  The turret is one-man. The command Ratel has two long-range radios, a medium-range radio, a short-range radio, a tape recorder with time injection, a combined receiver and cassette recorder, internal loudspeakers, a PA system, a pneumatic radio mast, and map boards.  Later improvements (in Mk 2 & 3) added a ruggedized laptop computer and data-capable long-range radio.  The command version has a map board, map, plotting, and office supply storage, and fold-out shelves for work.  The interior arrangement is for a command staff rather than as a standard fighting vehicle. A hand-held thermal imager, image intensifier, and laser rangefinder are carried.

     The Ratel 60 is a wheeled infantry support vehicle designed in the early 1970s to circumvent the arms embargo of South Africa during apartheid.  The vehicle is equipped with a turret-mounted 60mm gun/mortar, a coaxial MG-4, another MG-4 on a pintle mount for the commander, and yet another pintle-mounted on the rear deck and manned by the infantry squad the Ratel 60 normally carries. Layout is otherwise like that of the Ratel 20.

     The Ratel 90 is a wheeled fire support vehicle, similar to the SIBMAS in concept, though not as large.  The vehicle is equipped with a turret-mounted 90mm gun, a coaxial MG-4, another MG-4 on a pintle mount for the commander, and yet another MG-4 pintle-mounted on the rear deck like on the Ratel 20.  The turret is larger, and the troop compartment smaller and more cramped, but layout is basically similar to the Ratel 20.  There are two firing ports on each side and one in the rear.  The Ratel 90 is primarily an infantry support vehicle, though it does carry a smaller dismount squad.

iKlwa

     The iKlwa (Zulu Stabbing Spear) is a development of the Ratel designed to replace the Ratel in some roles.  The SANDF plans to acquire some 50 iKlwas, and the vehicle is being put forward as the replacement for the LAV Coyote in Canadian service under the TAP-C requirement, and is currently undergoing testing as such.  Currently the iKlwa is available in prototypical form only, though Mk 1, Mk 2, and Mk 3 versions are already being planned, as well as an IFV with a heavy autocannon; a FISTV, an armored ambulance, a C2V vehicle, and an ATGM carrier.  For stats below, only the Mk 1 without specialist versions will be found here, due lack of stats on the Mk 2 and Mk 3 and specialist versions; as well, a possible LAV Coyote replacement will be discussed.

     The basic APC version uses an MES RWS armed with variety of weapon choices.  A weapon can be mounted at the rear.  The entire vehicle is heavier, with heavier armor and better mine protection.  The driver’s position is offset to the right surrounded by three bullet-resistant windshield; to his rear could be mounted a simple commander’s position surrounded by AV2 guns shields or a RWS.  The suspension is still 6x6, but higher and beefier, with run-flat puncture-resistant tires and blast-resistant shock absorbers along with an MRAP hull. The RWS is blessed by superior fire control and vision devices, so it is most often mounted.  The RWS can also mount a light or heavy autocannon; both have a coaxial machinegun.  Engine power increase in enormous, using  for power a Cummins 450-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission with manual backup.  Much of this extra engine power is soaked up by the higher weight of the iKwla.  However, the increases in capability over the Ratel are obvious.  Two side doors and one rear door are evident, but no firing ports are.

     The TAP-C version has a light RWS

*Floor AV is 4Sp.

**Floor AV is 6Sp, Roof AV is 3.

BAE South Africa RCV-9 Nongqai

     Notes:  This is a South African internal security vehicle, used for riot control and to protect high-risk installations such as power grids and airports. It also found use as bullion and currency transport and an armored ambulance as well as a command and control vehicle.  This vehicle is also known as the Uklebe or the Falcon. It was replaced in production by the RG-12 Nyala (see below), and is not is production at this time; protection ended in 2007, with production starting in late-1987.  The RCV-9 is also used by Columbia, who actually use more than South Africa (60, versus the 50 used by South Africa).  A large number of non-governmental organizations, relief organizations, VIP protection units, and news agencies have acquired the RCV-9; although only 110 are used by national forces, over 700 have actually been built and sold. 

     The RCV-9 is a van-like vehicle. The driver sits in the front in the middle, with the troops sitting in seats down the center of the rear of the vehicle, facing outwards.  He has a hatch atop his position, but normally enters and exits through half-sized cab doors (to fit over the top of the wheels). There are doors in either side of the vehicle; the rear of these two doors is about half the size of the front door to clear the rear wheel.  Each of the four side doors has a firing port, and the rear has two firing ports.  On the roof are three hatches, one of which has a weapon mount; the one with the weapons mount, a commander’s position, has a raisable firing step and has a hatch that opens to the rear.  The commander has a spotlight next to his position. The two other hatches are to the rear of this hatch and open outwards; they can be locked in the vertical position to provide a shield of sorts. To the rear of this on the roof is a spare tire. The driver has a large two-part bullet-resistant windshield in front, and large bullet-resistant side windows to his cab. The bullet resistant windows have wire mesh screens to stop grenades and other large low-velocity or thrown weapons.  The sides have ballistic glass windows, a large one in the forward of the two side doors, and a smaller one about half the size in the rear of the two side doors.  The rear has two large bullet-resistant windows.

     The engine is at the rear of the vehicle.  This engine is a turbocharged diesel developing 120 horsepower, coupled to a manual transmission.  The driver has conventional controls, though he has power steering and a power assist for the transmission (with a direct mechanical backup).  The standard suspension is 4x2, though a version with 4x4 suspension is available, and the entire suspension is more suited for road use than off-road use (it is very low).  There are a lot of optional fittings available, such as floodlights and extra spotlights, shotgun microphones and recorders, wire mesh protection extended to all windows, a tow bar, a roof-mounted wire cutter to protect the commander, a ramming bumper, fire extinguishing bottles, air conditioning, a front-mounted winch with a capacity of 5 tons and 60 meters of cable, and run-flat tires (which are not normally fitted, though the standard tires are puncture-resistant).

     The armored ambulance version can carry four stretcher cases or two stretcher cases and four sitting casualties, as well as a medic.  It has the equivalent of one doctor’s medical bag and 10 personal medical kits, a selection of bandages, splints, burn first aid, and other such materials, an oxygen administration kit, and a defibrillator.  The command and control vehicle has two long-range radios (one data-capable), one medium-range radio, and a short-range radio.  It has a limited ruggedized laptop computer that is used to update situational information and orders. The vehicle has a number of map books and office-type supplies.  The command version has two TV screens which connect to either higher or lower command elements or to the rotating TV camera and shotgun microphone on the roof (which is protected by a wire cage).  The TV camera is a low-light TV camera (reflected in the Image Intensifier listing below), and has telescopic zoom.

BAE South Africa RG-12 Nyala

     Notes:  This is a former South African police and internal security vehicle that has been pressed into military use a peacekeeping role in some cases.  Users have gone far beyond South Africa to include several other African nations, The RCMP, Calgary Police, and London Police of Canada, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Italy (the largest user of the RG-12) – even the Port Authority of New York in the US uses three of them, and the Connecticut State Police uses one.  The vehicle resembles the RCV-9 in its van-like configuration, and replaced the RCV-9 in sale and production.  The RG-12 shares many components with the RG-31 Charger (below).

     The RG-12 has two ballistic glass windshields up front, and bullet-resistant windows to the cab sides, three more down the sides, and a one in the rear door.  These windows are typically large to afford the crew and passengers a good view of the surrounding situation, but can be made small to increase protection.  The windows typically have steel mesh over them to foil grenades and Molotov cocktails. The mesh also covers the floodlights, the flashers, and the headlights. There is a firing port under each window except the cab windows and windshield.  There is a full-sized door in each side of the troop compartment in the center of the vehicle.  The doors usually swing out; but can be had in sliding doors to facilitate exit when the vehicle is near a building or wall.  The rear also has a door.  Above the commander’s seat is a hatch with a weapon mount by it; this seat is next to the driver in front on the right side.  The RG-12 normally has five floodlights atop the vehicle, operated by those inside, with one by the commander’s hatch, and the rest being in on the roof of the vehicle near the corners.  Troops sit down the center of the vehicle, back-to-back; their seats are padded and relatively comfortable, allowing for long occupancy.  The amount of troops depends upon the equipment installed, but a maximum figure is given below – for example, a cage is normally found near the back door for a police dog, which results in the loss of two passenger spaces.

     The RG-12 is powered by an ADE 366T diesel engine developing 170 horsepower, coupled to a manual transmission. Variants include the RG-12 CAT, which has a Caterpillar engine of the same horsepower, and a version which uses an Iveco engine of the same power. The standard suspension is 4x2, but a 4x4 version also exists; like the RCV-9, the RG-12 is best suited to on-road rather than off-road travel.  The armor is a little better, with the floor slightly reinforced against mines and IEDs.  The driver has conventional controls and power steering and brakes, as well as a hydraulic assist for the transmission with a direct mechanical backup.

     Variants include the Mk 2, which has a 0.5kW APU-powered air conditioner, a central tire pressure regulation system which gives the vehicle a little better off-road mobility; antilock brakes, and various ergonomic improvements, and a command vehicle based on the Mk 2, built for an unnamed Middle Eastern country.  The Mk 2 versions are all 4x4 vehicles. The Mk 2 can also carry the MARS (Mobile Adjustable Ramp System), which provides a raisable adjustable assault and evacuation ramp atop the vehicle to allow the occupants to attack up to a third-story window in force, and is adjustable for any height in between.  The ramp is accessed through a ladder on the rear of the vehicle.  The installation of the MARS ramp means that the commander’s machinegun and mount must be removed.  The hatch remains, but cannot be opened when the ramp is folded.

     The Mk 2 Command version is appointed in the same manner as the RCV-9 above.

*Floor AV is 3Sp.

**Floor AV is 3Sp. The “CiH” rating reflects the MARS ramp and not a standard CiH-type vehicle.

BAE South Africa RG-31 Nyala

     Notes: The RG-31 Nyala (yes, the same name as the RG-12, though they are very different vehicles) is a light MRAP that has found a considerable market, particularly among the countries participating in the intervention in Afghanistan, and especially among US forces, who call it the charger and have developed specialized versions working with the US firm of Oshkosh for use in their Category I MRAP requirement.  The US is in fact the largest user of the RG-31, with 1963 having been bought and more being produced in the US under license.  Other users include Canada, France, Spain, the UAE, Columbia, Rwanda, and South Africa herself.  The RG-31 is also used by UN forces in general as well as a number of non-governmental relief agencies, the transport of government and business VIPs, and by various security contractors.  Many countries use a variety of options and customizations, from air conditioning and winches to remote weapons stations and a mix of weapon mounts. (Those used by non-military or police agencies are typically unarmed.)

     In general, the RG-31 is a development of the Mamba MRAP listed above.  It resembles a large, armored SUV, with a large double windshield of ballistic glass, and large side cab windows, two large side windows, and a large rear window of ballistic glass. Exit and entrance for the driver and commander are through cab side doors, and the rest of the troops enter and exit through a rear door.  There are two hatches atop the roof; the front one is generally accompanied by a weapon mount or occupied with an RWS or small turret; weapon mounts by themselves are typically surrounded by AV2 gun shields.  The RG-31 has an MRAP hull, and this hull has proven very effective at protecting the occupants from mines and IEDs.  The crew and troops are seated on shock-absorbing seats and have 4-point harnesses. Depending upon appointments, the troop complement can vary.  Firing ports, up to three per side and two in the rearm are an option often taken.

     The base engine of the RG-31 range is the Mercedes-Benz OM-352A diesel, developing 123 horsepower.  This has proven to be underpowered, and most users have taken the option of one of several more powerful engines.  The engine is coupled to an automatic transmission with a manual backup.  The suspension is reasonably high to help protect against mines and IEDs, and is a 4x4 suspension with good off-road characteristics.  The all-welded steel armor offers increased armor protection over the Mamba except in its base form. A spare tire is often carried on the dies of the vehicle behind the cab doors. Tires are run-flat and have additional puncture resistance. Air conditioning is virtually standard, and interior heating is adequate as well. A variety of optional features are available, including flashing lights and sirens, loudspeakers, video systems, ramming bumpers, automatic fire detection and suppression systems, and roof spotlights.

     Engine options for the RG-31 include a Caterpillar diesel developing 125 horsepower, an Iveco Tector F4AE0681D diesel developing 210 horsepower, a Detroit Diesel engine developing 260 horsepower, and a Cummins QSB-6700 diesel engine developing 275 horsepower.

     Variants include the RG-31M; the upgrade includes a military-standard wiring harness, central tire pressure regulation, and various engineering and mechanical improvements.  It is normally fitted out as a weapons carrier, and has a plethora of weapons including a heavy RWS and a rear roof hatch with a weapons mount.  It carries a large amount of ammunition, and carries only weapons operators.  The Mk 2 uses the Detroit Diesel engine discussed above; and is most often found in a VIP transport configuration, and as such has extra side doors. It has slightly better armor protection. It is also sometimes found in a troop-carrying configuration. The Mk 3 was built primarily for export and has an Iveco Tector engine as described above as well as the improvements of the RG-31M and the ballistic improvements of the Mk 2; however, the Mk 3 is used by the US Army, with them using some 148 of them. On the Mk 3 or later, there are often two clusters of three smoke grenade launchers on the front corners of the vehicle or the front roof corners.

     The Mk 3A is basically an upgraded Mamba with the more powerful Iveco Tector engine as well as the improvements of the RG-31M; for game purposes, it is identical to the Mk 3. The RG-31 Mk 3 Charger for US forces is equipped with the Detroit Diesel above and the ballistic improvements of the Mk 2.  The RG-31 Sabre is a logistics/cargo version of the Mk 3 which has a bare rear area, roof hatches and a small 2-ton crane for cargo handling, and rollers on the floor, lock-down points, and tie-down points.

     The Mk 5 was designed specifically for US forces, and features the Cummins engine stated above. The Mk 5E has an extended wheelbase and larger passenger/weapon capability.  The Mk 6E is a version of the Mk 5E which has superior armor protection, particularly against mines and IEDs.  The Mk 5A1S was designed for US SOCOM forces, and is essentially a “gun truck” carrying extra weapons, gear, and radios.  The Mk 5A1 is fitted out by the US Army as a scout vehicle and carries more weapons, radios, and gear and less troops. Some are also fitted out as VIP transport versions.  Both the Mk 5A1 and Mk 5A1S carry 2 long-range radios (one data-capable), one medium-range radio, and one short-range radio; the Mk 5A1S also carries two specialist radios for communicating with aircraft. Mk 5s and Mk 6s are considered Category II MRAPs by the US military, except for the Mk 5As (essentially a Mk 5 with some automotive and electrical improvements) and the base Mk 5, which is still a Category I.

     US forces can have a variety of weapons installations and crew and passenger configurations; some representative installations are shown below. These can range from simple pintle mounts to small turrets and RWSs.

     Most other countries use stock base RG-31s, but the Canadians use a version of the Mk 3 with the Protector M-151 RWS.  The Spanish also use an RWS on theirs, a Samson RWS in their case; they use them on Mk 5Es.  The UAE use Mk 5s customized with small turrets atop them, often armed with autocannons.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: At the time of the Twilight War, it was an open question as to which of those two vehicles would remain in production, but with the crisis, both vehicles were used by South Africa. The later versions of the RG-31, other than the RG-31M, do not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.  The US, Britain, and Israel do, however, use RG-31 Mk 1s (in the Middle East only) – the US with the Caterpillar engine, the rest with the Mercedes-Benz engine.

*Floor AV is 4Sp.

**Floor AV is 5Sp.

***Floor AV is 5Sp, Roof AV is 3.

BAE South Africa RG-32 Scout

     Notes:  The RG-32 is based on the RG-31, and is sort of an “RG-31 Light.”  It was designed primarily for police and VIP transport roles, though military versions were produced and fielded as light scout aircraft, hence its appellation.  In addition to its use by South Africa, The RG-32 is in general UN use for peacekeeping operations and by Finland, Sweden, Egypt, Ireland, and Slovakia, almost all in police and VIP transport forms and in almost all cases in small numbers.  Only Finland and Sweden, in fact, other than South Africa, employ the RG-32 in a military role.  A further development of the RG-32, the RG-32M Galten, is also available; this is employed in a military role by South Africa, Sweden, Finland, and Ireland.  The RG-32M is produced exclusively in a military version, and is meant as more of a light scout vehicle than an APC.  The RG-32 has seen combat use in Afghanistan.

     Being derived from the RG-31, the RG-32 follows the same form: an armored SUV.  Armor protection is not as heavy as on the RG-31, and the mine blast protection is also not as pronounced.  The entire vehicle resembles a short-wheelbase version of the RG-31, with a front cab and engine and rear troop compartment which is smaller than that of the RG-31.  The side cab doors and rear door remains, though there is only one door in the rear instead of two.  There are also two side doors for the troop compartment. The large bullet-resistant windshield remains, along with the large side cab windows, two pairs of side windows in the troop section, and a relatively small rear windows.  All are bullet-resistant.  The rear door often has a spare tire mounted on it.  No firing ports are evident, though there is a roof hatch for a weapons mount in the military versions (the hatch remains, though there is no weapons mount, in the VIP/Police versions.  An Air conditioner is found on the roof. VIP transports are normally more luxuriously fitted out with padded bench car-like seats and amenities such as commercial radios, CD players, hot spots for laptops and smartphones, etc.  They carry less passengers and less cargo, and do not normally have the 4-point harnesses for the crew and passengers. They are normally unarmed, but often have firing ports in the sides of the vehicles (up to two). Police versions typically have flashing lights, a siren, an extra-loud horn, a ramming bumper, and a 3-ton capacity winch in the front bumper with 60 meters of cable.  Finnish and Swedish RG-32s are specially winterized. The suspensions are meant for more on-road than off-road use, especially in the 4x2 versions. Military versions have clusters of three smoke grenade launchers on each side of the front bumper of each front corner of the roof.

     Two types of engines are available to the RG-32: the MBT-900 190-horsepower turbocharged diesel or the 200-horsepower VM Motori RA-428 turbocharged gasoline engine.  Suspension can be 4x2 or 4x4, and the RG-32 can be manual or automatic transmission.  (Military versions are all 4x4 and diesel-powered.) The RG-32 has an MRAP hull, but just a hint of a V-shaped exterior and thus does not offer much better protection than a flat bottom. The RG-32 has power brakes and power steering with direct actuation backups. 

     The RG-32M is a much more beefy model which has an mine-hardened hull and more armor protection, on par with an RG-31 in its early Marks.  It has seen combat use in Afghanistan.  The RG-32 is designed to use as many off-the-shelf components as possible, borrowing many from the RG-31 as well as standard RG-32.  The RG-32 comes in standard and long-wheelbase versions; the latter can be easily mistaken with the RG-31 in its early marks.  The latest version of the RG-32M, the RG-32M LTV, has an even better MRAP hull and is higher inside; this allows it to carry more mission-specific equipment.  Despite the higher weight, it is powered by a 181-horsepower Steyr M16TCA turbocharged engine.  This increases range without cutting the power too much.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The RG-32 does not appear in the Twilight 2000 timeline.