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Latest MPV sets wheels towards UK requirement
Wednesday, 12 September, 2007
BAE Systems Land Systems OMC of South Africa (Stand 573) is showing its recently developed RG31 Mk 6 mine protected vehicle (MPV), which is one of the contenders for the British Army Medium Protected Patrol Vehicle (MPPV) requirement for up to 170 units. RG31 Mk 6 retains the high level of protection against anti-tank mines, but also features enhanced protection against Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). The example being shown at DSEi is fitted with a Swedish Lemur Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) armed with a .50 (12.7mm) M2 HB machine gun. This allows targets to be engaged with a gunner under complete armour protection.
To allow for greater internal volume and payload, the RG31 Mk 6 has a longer wheelbase, wider hull, and gross vehicle weight has increased to 17 tonnes. Standard equipment includes a full air-conditioning system, power-operated winch and additional external stowage. RG31 Mk 6 is a further development of the RG31 Mk 5 that is in full-scale production and in service with Canada, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. As well as being used as a troop carrier, RG31 Mk 5 can also be used as a weapons platform, with the UAE placing a contract for a 120mm self-propelled mortar system.
BAE Systems is now contributing three vehicles to the US Department of Defense Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) programme that is being fast tracked by the US Marine Corps. Included are 531 of the latest RG33 in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations, 600 RG31 Mk 5E and 1,170 units based on the Caiman family of tactical vehicles. Total value of these contracts is about USD945m. If fully funded, up to 20,000 MRAP vehicles could be supplied to replace a number of vehicles currently deployed that no longer have sufficient protection against some of the more sophisticated weapons being encountered in Iraq, and to a slightly lesser extent in Afghanistan. There are a number of versions of MRAP. Category I vehicles carry up to six people and are intended for urban operations. Category II vehicles can carry up to 10 people and are geared towards convoy operations and troop transport, while Category III vehicles are designed for mine clearance and disposal and therefore have the highest level of protection.
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