Eurosatory 2016 (Paris, 13-17 June) gives the Iveco–Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) the opportunity to display the latest and most innovative achievements in the field of armored vehicles.
CIO is presenting its newly developed Centauro II, the latest evolution of the Centauro Family. The Centauro having been the first 8x8 wheeled antitank vehicle in the world with a high-pressure gun. The Centauro II represents the logical evolution, being armed with a third generation 120/45 mm gun, with integrated muzzle brake and semi-automatic loading system. The weapon system provides a fire power equivalent to that of most modern main battle tanks, and is capable of firing all latest generation 120 mm, NATO APFSDS and multi-role MP munitions.
To ensure unequalled mobility a new-generation engine, upgraded transmission, braking system and control electronics have been adopted. While maintaining the H-drive architecture, the Centauro family hallmark, the chassis was rearranged to further improve protection against mines and IEDs, state-of-the-art add-on ballistic packages fitted to the hull ensuring high level protection against kinetic energy and hollow charge projectiles. The same applies to the turret, which also follows the add-on armor kit concept. Ammunition stored in the hull and in the turret are hosted in compartments separated from the crew section by explosion-proof doors, pre-carved panels and dedicated anti-explosion systems ensuring further crew safety.
The Centauro II turret is fitted with latest generation optronics for the commander and gunner and with a suite of communications and command and control systems ensuring maximum situational awareness. The turret can be fitted with a Hitrole Light RCWS that increases flexibility in other-than-war scenarios while ensuring maximum crew protection.
Another vehicle of the Centauro family on display is the Centauro AIFV/OWS 30 Freccia, which combines the proven and highly reliable drive train of the Centauro Family with a hull designed to ensure maximum crew survivability. It has outstanding tactical mobility thanks to its powerful engine driving an automatic gearbox and enhanced by 3-axle steering. The overhead version is fitted with the HITFIST OWS 30mm turret, a remotely operated weapon station developed with the latest technologies in the field of electronics, signature and Man Machine Interface. The main armament consists of the 30mm chain gun, electrically controlled in elevation, traversing and firing operations.
The Centauro VBM Mortar Carrier shares the characteristics of mobility and versatility typical of the Centauro family. Its platform is fitted with a 120 mm rifled mortar that offers many advantages in terms of precision, range, operativeness and ergonomy thanks to its semi-automatic loading system.
The system is operated by electro - hydraulic servo system for traverse and elevation of the mortar.
The vehicle with its weapon system on board can be rapidly deployed in complex security conditions thus providing effective support to combat units.
The Command, Control and Communication system installed together with a Command and Control System for Artillery allow a deep integration of this platform in the net-centric scenario.
The Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium, CIO in short, was established in 1985 on equal participation between Iveco Defence Vehicles and former Oto Melara, which is now Leonardo-Finmeccanica.
Within the Consortium, Iveco Defence Vehicles is responsible for engines, gears and all the automotive components, the hull and the final integration of wheeled armored vehicles while Leonardo-Finmeccanica is responsible for weapon systems, sight and fire control systems and the hull and the final integration of tracked armored vehicles. Both companies have excellent skills in the field of protection against direct fire, mines and IEDs.
