25 New Armoured Patrol Vehicles Heading to Kandahar

DND/Canadian Forces ^ | 2006-05-31 | (press release)

[Clive]

News Release

25 New Armoured Patrol Vehicles Heading to Kandahar

NR–06.024 - May 31, 2006

OTTAWA – The Department of National Defence is purchasing an additional 25 new armoured patrol vehicles for Operation ARCHER, the Canadian Forces mission in Afghanistan.

These new vehicles, a version of the RG-31 Nyala manufactured by BAE Land Systems OMC in the Republic of South Africa, are providing excellent protection for our troops while they conduct patrols, command and liaison, and reconnaissance tasks in mountainous terrain and complex urban centers of Afghanistan. This $31 million option to buy is in addition to an existing contract valued at $ 64 million, originally awarded to General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada in October for the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan.

“Canada's commitment to bringing stability to Afghanistan is helping the country become a stable and self-sufficient state so that it will never again serve as a terrorist haven, and threaten global and Canadian security,” said Defence Minister Gordon O’Connor. “These additional vehicles will help ensure the brave men and women defending our sovereignty abroad are well equipped to deal with the associated risks in the fight against terrorism.”

“The armoured patrol vehicles are proving their worth, and play an important role in a very challenging environment,” said General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff. “These vehicles complement existing patrol fleets, and are providing commanders with the options and flexibility that they need to conduct diverse operations.”

The armoured patrol vehicle or APV incorporates enhanced mine blast resistance as well as protection against both improvised explosive devices and ballistic threats. The APV has a remote weapon station equipped with a day and night sighting system, allowing the operator to fire the weapon from within the vehicle while remaining protected.

The procurement of the APV was the result of an urgent operational requirement identified for Operation ARCHER. The Canadian Forces completed delivery of the first 50 vehicles in May 2006. Delivery of the additional 25 APVs is expected to begin in September . The original contract for 50 vehicles included an option for the contractor to perform ‘in-theatre’ operator and maintainer training, with the follow-on training to be carried out by military instructors.

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[ThePythonicCow]

Even if the ‘RG-31’ designation is rather alien, the name Nyala is familiar to Canadians – the RG-31 is simply the current production model of the South African route-proving Nyala. [1] 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.[2]

[ThePythonicCow]

RG-31 Mine Protected Vehicle

BAE Systems Land Systems / OMG

With a combat weight of 8,400 kg., the RG-31 MK3 4x4 Mine Protected APC is built from an all-steel welded armor monocoque hull, typical of South African mine protected vehicles, providing excellent small-arms and mine blast protection as well as small arms fire. The vehicle accommodates a crew of 10 including the driver. Dismounting is provided via a large rear door and two front doors. A different version, the RG-31M features a military wiring harness, central tire inflation and several other new characteristics. This Vehicle has a crew of 5. RG-31 is currently in service with US Army Task Force Pathfinder attached to the 82^nd Airborne Division in Iraq. It is also used with Explosive Ordinance Disposal units of the US Marine Corps, assisting location and neutralizing IED’s. Procurement of 148 additional vehicles, under a $97 million contract was announced in February  2005.

A US Marine Corps RG-31 Cougar rests on its front axel after an improvised explosive device detonated under the vehicle near Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, Jan. 6. The IED detonated directly under the vehicle; however, the blast was pushed outward instead of directly straight up due to the vehicle's “V” –shaped undercarriage. Of the five service members in the vehicle, two received concussions and two others received minor burns. (Photo by: Courtesy photo by 8th Engineer Support Battalion)

[Clive]

Looks like Canada's light infantry and the USMC sing from the same hymn book.

Both have purchased this vehicle and both have purchased the G Wagon in preference to the Hummer.

And when Canada needed to quickly equip the arti units that are deployed to Kandahar with the light infantry and could not wait for the manufacturer's delivery schedule, they were able to purchase the 777 howitzers from the USMC.

[fanfan]

Canada ping!

Please FReepmail me to get on or off this ping list.

[proud_yank]

Tough looking truck!

[csvset]

ping

[NorthOf45]

The Nyala has been part of our kit for a while now. It's nice to see the modified version coming on strong. They are hardened vehicles, definitely needed in this age of IDEs.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

11 May 2006

Kandahar Province, Afghanistan

Photo by: Sgt Dennis Power

An RG-31 refuelling after a day on patrol with troops of A-Company 1 PPCLI. The troops are patrolling the mountains north of Kandahar from Forward Operations Base Martello.

[Cannoneer No. 4]

[Cannoneer No. 4]

9 Mar 2006

Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan

General Rick Hillier, Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), takes a test drive shortly after the arrival of the first two of Canada’s new batch of engineer mine vehicles (Nyala) at Kandahar Airfield.