- Yes
- No
Description: The B2 Centauro is an Italian wheeled tank destroyer made by OTO Melera and Iveco defense vehicles. It’s development started back in the early 2000’s when CIO (a consortium between OTO Melara and Iveco) developed a new turret, designed as a hitfist MK1, for the normal Centauro Chassis. Compared to the older models, the MK1 featured an updated design with additional armor, a newer 120/45 mm cannon, new optics, and new electronics. Although the vehicle was very good, it wasn’t able to secure a lot of contracts, with only 9 vehicles being exported. In 2011, after a new requirement from the Italian Army, the CIO started the development of a complete new vehicle to replace the B1 Centauro. In 2015, the first prototype of the B2 Centauro was ready, but it was presented to the Italian Army only after a year of intense trials. In 2022, after a lot of years of trials, budget cuts, and setbacks, the first foreign customer, Brazil, was finally able to sign a contract for 98 units. Compared to the Italian version, the Brazilian one was modified (mainly by removing parts of the vehicle) in order to fit into Brazilian requirements. The veichles was fitted with the most basilar amount of armour (still capable of withstand 30 mm apdfds), no programmable rounds like the DM11, no remote machinegun, no autoloader, no anty mine and anty ied jammers. A lot of these components were omitted by the Brazilian Army as they were labeled as unnecessary, and their acquisition would have increased the cost per unit. Brazil was able to receive its first veichle in 2024, only after it was delayed multiple times in port. The second unit was delivered some months ago, with others being built in Italy right now.
Why it should be in game: since it’s severly underequipped compared to the Italian model, it could be placed at a lower br as a premium, replacing eventually the Centauro RGO.
Speicifications
Riepilogo
Sources
Riepilogo
https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/12/01/brazilian-army-chooses-italian-armored-vehicle-centauro-ii/
CENTAURO II
B2 Centauro - Tank Encyclopedia
https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2024/08/20/the-brazilian-army-receives-the-first-8x8-centauro-ii-armored-combat-vehicle-for-testing-and-evaluations/
Pictures