VBM Freccia

   The VBM Freccia (Veicolo Blindato Medio, medium armored vehicle) IFV is a variant of the Italian Centauro B1 tank destroyer. Sometimes this IFV is referred as the Centauro VBC. It was developed as a private venture, but was aimed at the Italian Army requirement for a wheeled IFV to operate alongside the Centauro tank destroyers. The first prototype was completed in 1996. Italian Army ordered a number of the Freccia (Arrow) IFVs in 2006. Army has requirement for 249 vehicles of this type to equip two medium brigades. First IFVs were delivered to the Italian Army in 2009. The VBM Freccia is also proposed for the export customers, however it received no export orders to date.

   The Freccia is fitted with the OTO Melara Hifist Plus turret. It is an improved variant of the turret used on the Dardo IFV, armed with 25-mm cannon and two 7.62-mm machine guns. An ATGW variant of the Freccia is equipped with two Rafael Spike ML/LR anti-tank guided missiles additionally to the 25-mm cannon.

   Secondary armament consists of two 7.62-mm machine guns. One of them is mounted coaxially with the main gun, and another is located on top of the roof.

   It is claimed that front armor of the Freccia provides protection against 25 to 30 mm rounds. Underside of the vehicle can withstand 6 kg anti-tank mine blasts. Protection can be increased to withstand 8 kg mine blasts under any wheel. The VBM Freccia is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver and can carry seven fully equipped troops in the rear troop compartment. Infantrymen enter and leave vehicle through the rear ramp or roof hatches.

   The VBM Freccia is virtually identical to that of the Centauro tank destroyer, but has a slightly longer and narrower hull. The VBM Frecia is not amphibious.

Variants

   Armored personnel carrier (prototype only), fitted with Oerlikon KBA 25-mm cannon and 7.62-mm machine gun. Vehicle has a crew of three  and can carry eight troops;

   ATGW carrier, variant of the IFV, fitted with two Rafael Spike ML/LR anti-tank missiles;

   Mortar carrier, armed with a 120-mm mortar;

   Command vehicle;

   Armored ambulance;

   Recovery vehicle.