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.'
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