RG-31 Medium Mine Protective Vehicle (MMPV)
The RG-31 has been deployed with the U.S. Army Task Force Pathfinder in Iraq (82nd Airborne Division) and to units in Afghanistan including USMC EOD. After successful trials of ten vehicles in 2003 and 2004, procurement of 148 additional vehicles was announced in February 2005. Defense Industry Daily reported that, according to General Dynamics, as of August 2007, U.S. forces ordered 492 RG-31 vehicles, including 309 of the improved RG-31 Mk5 variant for the U.S. Army and Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
The 18,500 pound (8,400 kg) RG-31 is designed for blast protection, with a v-shaped monocoque welded steel hull. A large rear door and two front doors facilitate rapid entry and exit. The version for the U.S. military includes a diesel engine. The RG-31 was developed for the U.S. military by General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada and is manufactured by BAE Systems Land Systems-OMC, South Africa's primary military vehicle vendor (previously known as Alvis OMC).
RG-31 Medium Mine Protective Vehicle. Photo: General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
Night vision photo of an RG-31 MPV from the U.S. Army engineers of Alpha Company, Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division. This vehicle was providing security for a convoy on a main road in Baghdad, Iraq, 10 January 2006. Thanks to Bob Pettit for this suggestion.
