CENTAURO 2 stands out in the market for its performance and technologies (sponsored)

This article is brought to you by Leonardo.

Today's unpredictable, increasingly challenging and in many cases asymmetrical operational scenarios call for the employment of highly flexible, state-of-the-art armoured vehicles, combining the capability to counter effectively a wide range of threats with immediate operational readiness and high speed of deployment.

The latest-generation CENTAURO 2 armoured vehicle, produced by Iveco – Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) owned by Leonardo and Iveco, meets this requirement.

CENTAURO 2 has evolved from the B1 Centauro into an armoured wheeled vehicle, as powerful as a tank, with a fully-digital architecture. It can be used for defence and security missions, for operations following natural disasters or in the context of any scenario requiring armed forces intervention. The Centauro 2 is operated by a crew of three and can incorporate a manual or automatic ammunition loading system in accordance with user requirements. The crew are well-protected by the "V" shape of the hull, innovative ballistic armor and anti-mine positions that deliver enhanced protection from mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices). The positioning of ammunition in the rear of the vehicle also increases crew safety.

The vehicle is equipped with a range of Leonardo’s state-of-the-art systems including the new HITFACT® MkII turret, the latest version of the HITFACT turret installed on board of the B1 Centauro. The HITFACT® MkII features a fully-digital electro-optic sensor suite, improved survivability and electric turret drives to deliver the best possible performance. Its cutting-edge technology also includes the multispectral Attila D optronic system, designed for panoramic observation, detection, identification and firing at stationary and moving surface and airborne targets, during the day and at night. Meanwhile the modular and compact LOTHAR (Land Optronic Thermal Aiming Resource) sight delivers 24h identification, recognition and targeting capabilities to the gunner.

The turret includes a number of communications tools and the SICCONA command, control and navigation system, which provides accurate and timely information on the area of operation and the units involved. In concert with the latest radio systems, this ensures that the new Centauro 2 is situationally aware and can interoperate freely with allied units.

The modular Centauro 2’s HITFACT® MkII turret can be configured to equip 105/52 mm rifled and 120/45 mm smoothbore low recoil force guns, depending on customers requirements. In line with STANAGs 4385 and 4458, it can fire any NATO-standard 105mm and 120mm ammunition. The turret can also be fitted with a coaxial secondary armament such as a 7.62 mm machine gun, as well as a 12.7 mm machine gun either installed on a pintle mount or fitted to a remotely controlled weapon station, such as Leonardo’s HITROLE Light turret.

Despite the high level of protection, the large-calibre gun and the array of on-board equipment, the Centauro 2 turret remains lightweight and benefits from high levels of mobility. This is due to Leonardo’s continuous research and development activities aimed at optimising vehicle systems integration.

Leonardo is a leader in the development of defence systems and its wide range of products, which includes the HITFACT and HITROLE families of weapon systems, also incorporates the manned, medium-calibre HITFIST turret. This turret is in use in three different countries, with the 25mm version chosen by Italy and Poland, while the 30mm version is operated by Ireland. The HITFIST 30mm turret is part of the Spanish Army’s "DRAGON" VCR 8x8 programme through Leonardo Hispania.