General Info
Spoiler
The C1 Ariete Hitfact MK2 is the an Ariete that Leonardo had revealed in on one of their brochures and other promotional material which showcases the Ariete to be able to integrate the Hitfact MK2 turret. The turret is the same one intalled unto the B2 Centauro II, an evolution of the B1 Centauro which incorporates all the new advancements in technologies and studies conducted on the B1 Centauro with the 120mm cannon. The curious thing about the brochure, was that it also revealed that it was put unto the C1 Ariete hull. In terms of the Hitfact MK2 system, it is able shoot all standard 120mm NATO rounds (which includes rounds such as DM-53) and has an automatic reloading system with 12 rounds ready to fire. It has multiple options for RWS weapons such as the HITROLE with a 12.7mm machine gun. It is interchangeable if needed to a 40mm grenade launcher or a 7.62mm machine gun. It has the latest generation thermals, the optics consist of ATILLA-D and Lothar-SD, which are third generation both for gunner and commander. In case there was need to disengage it also has access to x8 smoke discharges, which fire on the front arc of the vehicle. It has a laser warning receiver and the turret has access to blow out panels, which means that if it was to be hit by an enemy round in its ammo compartment, the crew inside would be safe. It also has available anti IED devices which increase the protection of the vehicle against mines and IED’s. Turret frame is made out of ballistic aluminum alloy with spall liner, and also can have add on armor according to STANAG 4569. Due to this vehicle being promotional and just for tests, it isn’t likely it will ever enter service inside the Italian army.
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