Via Defesanet.
The first prototype of the new CENTAURO 2 8x8 armoured anti-tank wheeled vehicle is ready and has been shown for the first time to Gen. Claudio Graziano, Italy’s Defence Chief of Staff and the Army’s former Chief of Staff.Wow.
The new vehicle has a maximum gross weight of around 30-35 tons and is powered with a 720 HP turbodiesel engine for a high power-to-weight ratio. This, together with the new transmission and power-train, will give it robust off-road performances.
Additionally, the CENTAURO 2 has shown during recent tests an extraordinary level of protection against mines and IED thanks to the newly designed chassis. The firepower will be similar to that of an MBT thanks to the evolution of the Oto Melara HITFACT turret armed with a 120/45 mm smoothbore gun (compatible with the 120 mm ammunition NATO standard).
The Italians appear to be inching ever closer to an all wheeled force. The sticking points are in the heavy armor (tanks) and heavy artillery realms...and they appear ready to bust down the door on those two items.
Will it work though?
Do the benefits exceed the negatives?
I guess we'll all know soon enough.
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