RG-31 MMPV

The RG-31 "Charger" Medium Mine Protected Vehicle (MMPV) 4x4 is an armored personnel carrier with both on and off-road capability. It is classed as a Category I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. Developed to counter the IED/mine threat found in Afghanistan and Iraq, it is blast protected throughout the vehicle from explosions of up to 30 pounds of TNT under any wheel or a 15 pound blast under the belly. The glass used in all the windows is bullet resistant and tinted for optimum vision and protection. It has 7.62 mm ballistic protection, providing enhanced survivability, enhanced visibility and larger crew capacity compared to the M1114 Up Armored HMMWV. It can carry up to ten personnel, including the driver, depending upon the version.

US Army RG-31 Medium Mine Protective Vehicle (MMPV) on the road to Mahmudiyah, Baghdad Province, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, 13 April 2006
US Army RG-31 Medium Mine Protective Vehicle (MMPV) on the road to Mahmudiyah, Baghdad Province, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, 13 April 2006.

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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).

Manuals and NSNs for the RG-31 Medium Mine Protective Vehicle (MMPV) include:

  • TM 9-2355-101-10 RG31 (NSN 2355-01-552-5581)
  • TM 9-2355-315-10 RG31A2 (NSN 2355-01-552-5169)

RG-31 Medium Mine Protective Vehicle, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
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
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.