Centauro B1

   The Centauro B1 tank destroyer was developed in response to the Italian army requirement for a mobile tank destroyer by Fiat and OTO Melara. This vehicle has the firepower of the ageing Leopard 1 main battle tank, which was then in service with Italy. Production of the Centauro B1 began in 1990 and it entered service with Italian army in 1991. In 1996 the last of 400 Centauro tank destroyers was delivered to the Italian Army. The only export operator is Spain with 84 vehicles. It is worth mentioning that from 2000 to 2002 the US Army leased 16 Centauros. These were assigned to form the first crews for the Stryker MGS and to acquire more experience with wheeled armored fire support vehicles.

   This vehicle was designed to carry out tactical reconnaissance and territorial defense tasks. During numerous peacekeeping missions Centauro tank destroyers have been used to escort convoys and for road patrol.

   In standard configuration front arc of the Centauro is protected against 20-mm rounds. All round protection is against 12.7-mm rounds and artillery shell fragments. Up to three tons of add-on passive or explosive reactive armor can be fitted. Vehicle is equipped with an NBC protection system and laser warning receiver.

   The Centauro B1 is armed with a fully-stabilized 105-mm rifled gun, developed by OTO Melara. It is compatible with NATO 105-mm ammunition. 40 rounds for the main gun are carried inside the vehicle. 14 of them are carried in the turret, while the rest are stored in the hull.

   Fire control system of the Centauro B1 is similar to that of the Ariete main battle tank. This tank destroyer can engage target 25 - 35 seconds after spotting it.

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

   Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, driver and loader.

   The Centauro B1 tank destroyer is powered by Iveco V-6 MTCA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 520 horsepower. Steering is provided on the first and second axles and at slow speed with also the fourth axle. Vehicle is equipped with run-flat tyres and fitted with central tyre inflation system. The Centauro B1 is not amphibious.

Variants

   Centauro 120-mm tank destroyer, fitted with new turret and 120-mm smoothbore gun. It makes the Centauro the first wheeled armored fighting vehicle with the same firepower as the latest generation main battle tanks.

This variant is compatible with all standard NATO 120-mm ammunition. The new tank destroyer is fitted with composite add-on armor. It's front arc provides protection against 40-mm armor-piercing rounds;

   VBM Freccia infantry fighting vehicle.