SDLE to provide full maintenance to Spanish Army MRAP RG-31 fleet.

Star Defence Logistics & Engineering (SDLE) has been awarded the contract to provide full maintenance service of the MRAP RG-31 vehicles of the Spanish Army. The framework agreement, with an allocation of €2,250,000 for the provision of this service until 2022, extends to all vehicles in use of any Unit or Operations Centre of the Army, both in Spain and abroad.

MRAP RG-31 of the Spanish Army (Picture source: SDLE)

SDLE will carry out preventive, corrective and evolutionary maintenance of the RG-31s, including mobile supports under requested for the repair of the deployed vehicles and supplying all the spare parts. The Madrid-based company will also provide training, through teaching 4th echelon maintenance courses. In addition to the different centers and operational areas upon request according to needs, the service will be carried out at the Army’s wheeled vehicles maintenance center (PCMVR 2), and in the SDLE facilities.

Headquartered in Móstoles (Madrid), SDLE has recently expanded its facilities, with the capacity to fully repair of vehicles, departments of Engineering, Optronics, Electronics and communications systems, for a complete upgrading of the equipment. SDLE has previous experience in providing technical assistance and maintenance to the RG-31 armored vehicle, having specialized personnel on its own staff.

The RG-31 Nyala is a 4×4 multi-purpose mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) infantry mobility vehicle manufactured in South Africa by Land Systems OMC (the division of Denel SOC LTD, located in Benoni, South Africa) and in Turkey by FNSS Defence Systems. It is based on the Mamba APC of TFM Industries.

The RG-31 is built from a V-shaped all-steel welded armor monocoque hull and high suspension, typical of South African mine protected vehicles, providing excellent small-arms and mine blast protection. The vehicle is designed to resist a blast equivalent to two TM-57 anti-tank mines detonating simultaneously. The RG-31 is classified by the United States Department of Defense as a category 1 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. The vehicle accommodates a crew of 8 or 10, including the driver, depending on model. Dismounting is provided via a large rear door and two front doors.

The RG-31 has become the multi-purpose vehicle of choice of the UN and other peacekeeping and security forces. It is finding favour with non-governmental organisations requiring a vehicle with a non-aggressive appearance to protect their personnel against land mines.

In July 2016, the Letterkenny Army Depot in Pennsylvania rolled out the latest variant of the RG31, with improvements including an engine upgrade from 275 to 300 hp, a transmission upgrade from 2,500 to a 3,000 series, independent suspension, 360-degree spotlights for night visibility, and an armored gunner's hatch. The depot is scheduled to produce 929 these RG31s through 2020.