Posted on 06/04/2018 7:52:48 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
After years of delay caused by budgetary uncertainty, the Italian Army is expected to sign a contract that will finally kick start low-rate production of the long-awaited Centauro II mobile gun system.
The new tank destroyer – developed by the Iveco-Oto Melara consortium, CIO – was first shown off two years ago at Eurosatory 2016 and a production contract was expected soon after once government approval was received.
But fast forward to June 2018 and a production contract has still not materialised, with Italian lawmakers holding off funding a programme that will cost nearly half a billion euros for the first tranche of vehicles.
An official from the CIO consortium speaking in the lead up to Eurosatory said that despite these delays, the negotiations for low-rate production were now in their advanced stages and a contract for the first 11 vehicles was imminent.
The Italian Army has previously stated a need for 136 vehicles as it sought to begin replacing the legacy Centauro I MGS, although it appears this has since been increased to 148 vehicles across two tranches (74+74).
The industry official said that all acceptance tests for the Centauro II had now been completed. The additional 11 vehicles will be used to fully optimise the vehicle’s capabilities before it goes into full production.
The 8x8 Centauro was developed over 30 years ago for the Italian Army, with its main weapon system being a low-recoil 105mm Hitfact gun turret from Oto Melara (now Leonardo) giving it the same lethality as an MBT.
The new Centauro II features an improved Hitfact Mk 2 turret with a 120/45mm smoothbore gun and integrated muzzle brake. The turret has an ammunition rack for 12 NATO standard 120mm rounds, or if an autoloading system is installed, six in a drum and six in the ammunition rack, which sits in a space that is separated from the crew by ballistic steel.
For additional crew safety, the vehicle can support add-on armour and spall liners for ballistics protection as well as energy absorbing systems on each crew seat for mine protection.
The vehicle can be operated by just a drive and gunner, although space is provided for a gun loader that can assist during missions as the Italian Army operates the vehicle.
As part of its sensor suite, the turret features stabilised sights for the gunner and driver that both have third generation IR channels and daylight TV sensor.
According to information seen by Shephard, the Italian Army configuration will also utilise an extensive C4I suite that will include the SDR VM3 soldier radio (UHF), a HCDR radio (UHF), a SRT-635 SINCGARS radio (VHF) and CNR2000 radio (HF). In addition, it will have a Harris AN/PRC-152 for SATCOM communications and a Guardian H3 IED jammer from Leonardo.
Around 400 Centauro I vehicles were delivered to the Italian Army, with the service deploying it during peacekeeping operations in Somalia, Lebanon and the former Yugoslavia. It was also deployed during campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Spain, Oman and Jordan have also bought the system, with the latter choosing the higher-powered 120mm cannon for the Mk 1 turret, while Brazil and Portugal have also selected the system but have yet to sign contracts.
Hmmmmm
They’ll need it to keep out the Germans when they leave the Euro
Ping.
Ping.
The German military in is pretty sad straits. In addition to the uber-PC SJW BS that we see infecting our own military, much of their aircraft and armor is non-operational, mothballed, or running on swapped parts. I think I read a couple weeks ago that they have so few functioning choppers that pilots have to train in rented civilian helis.
Soon to be showcased in “THE PURGE V - This Time It’s For Real”
“The German military in is pretty sad straits. In addition to the uber-PC SJW BS that we see infecting our own military, much of their aircraft and armor is non-operational, mothballed, or running on swapped parts. I think I read a couple weeks ago that they have so few functioning choppers that pilots have to train in rented civilian helis.”
So it’s time to call Merkel’s bluster and start moving the US troops and hardware stationed in her country to Poland or Rumania, where we have friends. Under Trump, the Euroweenies are going to get their comeuppance, and have to start paying for their own security. Wonderful to see the new German citizen is a muzzie!
Sorta like a Stryker with a bigger gun. Only who are they going to use it against?
A water cannon would be far more effective against the migrant Muslim hordes infesting Italian cities. That’s Italy’s worst enemy right now.
Thank God the Italians were on the side of the Axis during WWII, they did the Allies more good there.
thank you
The Italians turned coat against the Germans in both World Wars and ended up on the winning side twice.
The Italians screwed up in the Balkans, and the Germans had to bail them out. The result was that Operation Barbarossa was delayed by six weeks. That turned out to be crucial as, had it gone on as scheduled, they may very well have achieved a knock-out blow to the Soviet Union before the Winter.
Seems like fielding Battleships in the Carrier Age to me. Missiles probably get the job done better/cheaper.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.