CIO Centauro 8x8 Tank Destroyer (1991)
The Centauro is designed to compliment the other facets of Italian armored components.
The vehicle was developed to a requirement by the Italian Army for a tank-killing system with good cross-country mobility and firepower matching that of the old German-produced Leopard 1 main battle tank. The resulting design became the Centauro B1 8x8 wheeled vehicle mounting its armament in an independently-operated turret. The main gun utilizes a computerized fire control system (Galileo Avionica TURMS) while power steering controls the front four wheels (similar in fashion to the Russian BTR APCs of the 8x8 wheeled variety). Primary armament revolves around the Oto Melara 105mm 52 caliber main gun while secondary armament is a pair of 7.62mm machine guns, with one of these being co-axially mounted in the turret alongside the main gun. Battlefield modifications can include additional armor protection and additional exterior 7.62mm machine guns (x2). Iveco Fiat was charged with development of the hull and powerplant while Oto Melara handled development of the turret and applicable armament and systems.
In its 8x8 wheeled configuration, the Centauro sports four large road wheels to a side with the first two pairs being positional. Suspension is a full 8x8. The hull featured angled armor slabs and maintains a relatively low profile as does the turret installation. Hull armor is of welded steel. Standard crew is made up of four personnel that includes the commander, gunner, loader and driver. Power is supplied through a single Iveco turbo-charged V-6 diesel engine delivering up to 512 horsepower. This provides for road speeds up to 110 km/h as well as ranges out to 800 km.
As with other successful armored vehicles, the Centauro chassis has been branched out into other useful battlefield designs including a 120mm-armed variant and an Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV), the latter currently under consideration. The 120mm-armed Centauro sports better armor protection and a low-recoil 120/45 caliber main gun. The AIFV, known as the VBM Freccia, has increased armor protection and the Dardo IFV-style turret. Armament is an Oerlikon KBA 25mm autocannon.
Centauros were fielded in the Balkans and the Iraq War and currently serves in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The design has proven a success in a variety of roles. Its armament is capable of targeting armored vehicles and structures alike while its mobility can keep it on pace as an escort to military convoys.
Italy represents the largest Centauro operator while Spain follows as the second largest. Oman operated a small contingent of six Centauros of the 120mm breed. Production of Centauros began in 1991 and commenced in 2006. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
CIO Centauro
8x8 Tank Destroyer
Country of Origin: Italy
Manufacturer: IVECO-Fiat-Oto Melara (CIO) - Italy
Initial Year of Service: 1991
Production: 747
Focus Model: CIO Centauro B1
Crew: 4
Overall Length: 28.08ft (8.56m)
Width: 10.01ft (3.05m)
Height: 8.99ft (2.74m)
Weight: 27.6 US Short Tons (25,000kg; 55,116lbs)
Powerplant: 1 x IVECO FIAT VTCA V-6 turbocharged diesel engine delivering 520 hp @ 2,300rpm.
Maximum Speed: 65mph (105 km/h)
Maximum Range: 497 miles (800 km)
NBC Protection: Yes
Nightvision: Yes - Passive
Armament:
1 x 105mm Oto Melara 52 caliber main gun
1 x 7.62mm co-axial machine gun
1 x 7.62mm AA machine gun
2 x 4 smoke grenade dischargers
OPTIONAL:
Additional 7.62mm machine guns
Ammunition:
40 x 105mm ammunition
4,000 x 7.62mm ammunition
Variants:
Centauro B1 - Base Production Model; 1 x 105mm Oto Melara main gun.
Centauro VBM "Freccia" - Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle; 1 x Oerlikon KBA 25mm autocannon in Dardo IFV-style "Hitfist Plus" turret.
Centauro (120mm) - Up-armored and up-gunned Centauro; fitting a 120/45 main gun into new turret.
Centauro - 120mm Mortar
Centauro - Commander's Vehicle
Centauro - Battlefield Recovery Vehicle
Centauro - Battlefield Ambulance Vehicle
Operators:
Italy; Oman; Spain
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