Posted on 05/13/2012 7:33:40 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Russia Testing Italian Tank
Italy's Centauro wheeled tank
© Photo Jeffery Russell
Russia is testing Italy's Centauro wheeled tank and considering building it under license, a representative of the Oto-Melara company which makes the tank said on Saturday.
"The first two machines with 105-mm and 125-mm guns are on trial at a Moscow Region proving ground," he said.
Two more Centauros with 120-mm and 30-mm guns will also join the trials in another six weeks. "The tanks will take part in laboratory, driving and firing trials," the Oto-Melara representative said.
When the trials are complete at the end of this year, Russia will consider creating a joint venture for production of the tank with an enterprise from the Russian military-industrial complex, he said.
Russian truck maker Kamaz in Naberezhny Chelny could be involved in the deal, according to a source in Russian arms sales holding Rosoboronexport.
Commenting on the report that Russia is considering building Centauro tanks under license, Yury Borisov, first deputy head of the military-industrial commission, said Russia will only buy foreign weapon models on a one-off basis to study the manufacturing technology and then set up its own production.
A number of military experts earlier said licensed production of those machines in Russia is unlikely.
Russia signed a deal with Italy in December for the semi-knocked down assembly of 60 Lynx light multirole armored vehicles (LMV) from Iveco, Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Sukhorukov said in January.
Oto-Melara, part of the Italian Finnmeccanica group, is part of the CIO joint venture with vehicle manufacturer Iveco to make military vehicles.
Italy already has 400 Centauros in service. The 24 ton tank has a four-man crew, top speed of 100 km/h (60 mph) and range of 800 km (500 miles). It has a main gun and two 7.62 mm machineguns.
Does it have 4 speeds in reverse and an automatic white flag feature?
It’s always a trade off, speed, mobility versus
armor defense/ range. This has the speed range and
mobility but what is the armor like? I would think
this is more of a tank hunter/ panzerjaeger type.
Shoot and scoot. How mine resistant is it?
Thought the same thing myself. Panzer jaeger type.
Tank? It is a wheeled tank destroyer. I suspect the Russians want the electronics in the B1 Centauro, not the vehicle itself. They have the BMP-3 anti-tank versions, and the BMP-3 turret has been fitted to the BTR-90, Russia’s latest 8x8 vehicle.
Does it have 4 speeds in reverse and an automatic white flag feature? That’s the French version. Love your tag line!
That should be quick and far enough to retreat to safety under the most adverse conditions.
It dawns on me that this is probably worth a treadhead ping, even though it’s wheeled.
Fully loaded models includes a wood-fired oven and espresso machine.
The officer model has a fully stocked wine rack next to the battle store 125mm rounds.
Okay, I’d consider that a pretty good selling point...
IIRC, when I was in Europe in the early 80’s, French field rations included wine and a baugette. Yes, we were a bit jealous.
If you are a tank lover, have you ever tried World of Tanks? Amazingly fun MMO tank game.
I had known of it in the past, and have avoided it up to now.
< trying hard not to look, really don’t need a time sink even if it’s really fun . . . >
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