New RG-31 MRAP version rolled out
The first production unit of the latest version of the RG-31 mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) route clearance vehicle has been rolled out by the US Army at the Letterkenny Army Depot.
The variant has been improved with engine upgrade from 275 to 300 horsepower; a transmission upgrade from 2500 to a 3000 series; an independent suspension for improved mobility; 360-degree spotlights for night visibility; and an armoured gunner's hatch.
The depot is scheduled to produce 929 of the new RG31 MRAP vehicles by 2020.
James Rowan, deputy commandant, Engineer Regiment, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence, said: 'The army and the nation made a major investment in the MRAP fleet of vehicles. This vehicle - the medium mine protected vehicle that is built on the RG31 MRAP platform - has already saved untold lives and will continue to do so in the future.'
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system]()
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
![US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco]()
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
![Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland]()
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
![BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production]()
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.
