Otomatic

   The Otomatic self-propelled anti aircraft gun was developed as a private venture by Oto Melara in the mid 80s. The first prototype was completed in 1987. The Otomatic was never accepted to service, even though it outperforms many self-propelled anti-aircraft systems.

   The Otomatic is fitted with a 76-mm automatic gun, which is a variant of 76-mm naval gun. It's rate of fire was increased from 85 to 120 rpm. The Otomatic fires short 6 round bursts. It uses fragmentation rounds against air targets and armor-piercing against ground targets. A total of 70 rounds are carried.

   It is worth mentioning that modern SPAAGs are usually fitted with 20 - 40 mm guns. Such a powerful gun was selected because of it's long range. The Otomatic can engage helicopters at 6 km range, before they release their anti-tank guided weapons. Range against aircraft is 4 km and over 2 km against light armored vehicles. This artillery system could also be used in coastal defense role.

   The Otomatic has all-weather operational capability. It is fitted with search and tracking radars, optronic aiming and tracking system and digital fire control system. Radar location range is 15 km against aircraft and 8 km against helicopters. It can track 8 to 24 air targets simultaneously. Vehicle has datalink interface for target acquisition and designation.

   Armor of the Otomatic provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle is fitted with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

   The Otomatic SPAAG uses chassis of the OF-40 main battle tank, but with different engine. Vehicle is powered by with the MTU MB 837 Ka-500 diesel engine, developing 750 horsepower. Similar MBT chasis is also used by Palmaria 155-mm self-propelled howitzer. Some sources claim that this SPAAG was also tested with 1 100 hp diesel engine.