The RG-31 is available in a plethora of battlefield flavors to suit customer needs: the RG-31 Mk 3A is a basic Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) variant while the RG-31 MK 5A follows as an extended-hull version of the standard Mk 5 model. The RG-31 Mk 6E is given an enhanced survivability package and the RG-31M provides additional standard features (such as a central tire inflation system) not seen in base models. The RG-31 "Charger" is a named variant in service with the United States Army and is based on the Mk 3 and Mk 5 production models outfitted with a Detroit Diesel and Cummins engine, respectively. Another named variant, the RG-31 "Sabre" is a cargo-minded form.
There is an inherent flexibility in design of the RG-31 series and, as such, weapons fits are variable. Some forces used a manned armored (open-topped) turret mounting a 0.50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) while others opt for a Remote Weapon System (RWS) approach. Still others feature a simpler, completely open-air 0.50 caliber HMG fit.
Operators of the RG-31 series include Canada (Army, Police), Colombia (Army, limited stock), Indonesia, Iraq, Mali, Nigeria (single example), Rwanda, South Africa, Spain (Army), Swaziland (Army), the United Arab Emirates (Mk 5 version) and the United States (Army, Marine Corps and Special Forces - Mk 3 and Mk 5 models used).
Beyond its given direct-military roles, the RG-31 has been adopted by governmental security forces and has been used in general peacekeeping operations (a stock of thirty vehicles is operated by the United Nations).
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