VBM Freccia 8x8 IFV. Developed by the Iveco-Oto Melara consortium, the Freccia is the first digitised vehicle to enter service with the Italian Army. Based on the Centauro 105mm tank destroyer chassis, the Freccia sports a longer and narrower hull capable of carrying a crew of 3 (1 Driver and 2 in the turret.) along with 8 soldiers. An order of 249 units has been placed with all to be fielded by 2013. Broken down as follows:
172 IFV's with the Oto Melara Hitfist Plus turret with a Oerlikon 25mm KBA cannon, pair of 7.62mm coaxial one main gun fitted the other roof mounted, pointing laser device and a thermal night camera.
36 ATGW units that will in addition carry 2 Rafael Spike long range anti-tank guided missiles. Others to include
21 Mortar variant with a Thales 2R2M, striped 120mm mortar with auto loader, hydraulic recoil cushioning system and auto handling and shooting management system.
20 Command variants to have an Oto Melara Hitrole 12.7mm turret with a full battlefield comms and electronics package. There will also be an Ambulance and Recovery variants. First IFV delivered in Feb. 2009, at Cepolispe in Montelibretti, Rome. All weapon systems testing was successfully completed in June 2009. All have onboard fire suppression systems, NBC protected and front and underside armor to protect against up to 30mm rounds and 6kg TFT blasts with a package to withstand 8kg mine blasts. Will provide stats next time, didn't print out right-sorry! Source for info and photos: army-technology.com.
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