Puma

   The Puma family of armored personnel carriers was developed by Iveco and Oto Melara to meet the requirements of the Italian Army for a vehicle to operate with the Centauro tank destroyers. By that time both companies had considerable experience in the design, development and production of wheeled armored vehicles. The first prototype of the Puma was completed in 1988. This armored personnel carrier is available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations. In 1999 the Italian Army placed a contract for the supply of 330 Puma 4x4 and 250 Puma 6x6 armored vehicles. First vehicles were completed in 2003.

   The Puma APC has a welded hull. It is worth mentioning that hull sides are shaped from single pieces of steel armor instead of welded sections. Thus armor has better resistance. The Puma has all-round protection against small arms ammunition and artillery shell fragments. NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems are fitted as standard.

   The Puma armored personnel carrier can be fitted with a 7.62-mm or 12.7-mm machine gun, mounted on the roof.

   Vehicle has seating capacity for 6 fully equipped troops. There is a number of firing ports provided for the occupants.

   This armored personnel carrier is powered by the IVECO 8042.5 diesel engine, developing 180 horsepower. Both variants of the puma with 4x4 and 6x6 configuration have the same automotive components including chassis, transmission and suspension. Vehicle is fitted with run-flat tyres.

   Both variants of the Puma APC can be adopted for a wide range of roles in addition to those, ordered by the Italian Army, for example NBC reconnaissance and internal security.

Variants

   Puma 4x4 armored personnel carrier;

   Puma 6x6 armored personnel carrier, provides seating capacity for 8 troops;

   MILAN anti-tank missile carrier;

   TOW anti-tank missile carrier;

   Mistral surface-to-air missile system;

   Mortar carrier, fitted with 81-mm mortar;

   Ambulance;

   Command post vehicle.