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CIO Centauro

1991 MODERN

History of CIO Centauro

The Centauro B1 8x8 Tank Killer belongs to the same family of Italian Army vehicles, which also includes the Ariete Main Battle Tank (MBT) and Dardo Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). Centauro represents the result of a joint development between Iveco Fiat and Oto Melara from Italy under the common banner of the CIO.

Centauro is currently in service and has recently achieved success through operations in Iraq.

The vehicle was developed according to the Italian Army's requirements for a tank killing system with good off-road mobility and firepower equivalent to the old German-made Leopard 1 main battle tank. The resulting design became the Centaur B1 8x8 wheeled vehicle, which housed its weapons in an independently operated turret.

The main gun uses a computerized fire control system (Galileo Avionica TURMS), while power steering controls the four front wheels (similar to the Russian 8x8 wheeled BTR APC). The primary armament revolves around the Otomerara 105mm 52 caliber main gun, while the secondary armament consists of two 7.62mm machine guns, one of which is mounted coaxially in the turret next to the main gun. Battlefield modifications can include additional armor protection and additional external 7.62mm machine guns (x2).

Iveco Fiat contracted the development of the airframe and powerplant, while Automerara developed the turret and associated weapons and systems.

In its 8x8 wheel configuration, the Centauro has four large wheels on one side, with the first two pairs positioned. The suspension is a full 8x8. The hull features sloping armor panels and maintains a relatively low profile, as does the turret mount. Welded steel shell armor. The standard crew consists of the commander, gunner, loader and driver.

It is powered by a turbocharged Iveco V6 diesel engine with an output of up to 512 hp. This enables road speeds of up to 110 km/h and a range of up to 800 km.

Like other successful armoured vehicles, the Centauro chassis has been extended to other useful battlefield designs, including a 120mm armoured variant and an armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV), the latter of which is currently under consideration. The Centauro is equipped with a 120mm caliber with better armor protection and a 120/45 caliber recoilless main gun. The AIFV, known as VBM Freccia, added armor protection and Dardo IFV turrets.

The weapon is an Oerlikon KBA 25mm automatic cannon.

Centauros served in the Balkans and the Iraq War and currently serves with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. The design has proven itself in various roles.

Its weapons are capable of attacking armored vehicles and similar structures, while its mobility allows it to remain mobile as an escort for military convoys.

Italy is the largest Centauro operator, while Spain is second. Oman operates a squad of six 120mm centaurs. Production of Centauros started in 1991 and started in 2006.