Today we’ll be taking a look at an experimental vehicle based on the C13 platform with TOW ATGMs and the ability to fire from behind cover!
C13 TUA : A Squadron Vehicle AT Missile Carrier for Italy at Rank VI
At a glance:
- Folding launcher that fires the I-TOW ATGM
- Cannot fire on the move
- Light armor
- Good mobility
- Thermal imager
Vehicle History
Development of the C13 began back in the 1970s as as private venture by Oto Melara. Designers looked to create a compact and multifunctional platform capable of carrying a variety of weapon modules, filling the gap between the aging American M113 and the promising Dardo combat vehicles. The first two prototypes, unveiled in 1983, were equipped with different turrets and were tested in various configurations over the following years. By 1987, a third prototype was built, and Oto Melara actively promoted the vehicle internationally as a replacement for the M113. Despite these efforts however, the project was canceled in 1999 due to a lack of orders.
The TUA (TOW Under Armor) anti-tank version carried a TOW ATGM launcher with eight missiles (two in the launcher and six stored in the hull) as its primary armament. The crew consisted of three members, a commander, driver and gunner. Light aluminum armor protected against small arms fire and shrapnel. The engine was an Isotta Fraschini Model ID 38 SS V6 diesel engine producing 360 HP and had a top speed of 70 km/h. The C13 TUA failed to secure a government contract and did not attract interest from potential foreign operators, leading to the cancellation of the project.
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Introducing the C13 TUA !
A new squadron vehicle coming to War Thunder in the next major update is the experimental Italian C13 TUA anti-tank missile carrier, equipped with a deployable TOW anti-tank missile launcher capable of firing with its hull completely hidden behind low obstacles. Let’s dive into the details!
The C13 TUA may look familiar to you, and that’s because this vehicle, produced by OTO Melara, uses the same launcher found on the American M901. The general layout is also similar, which means the style of play found on the M901 will carry right over to the C13 TUA.
The launcher that holds two I-TOW missiles side-by-side folds out and elevates itself above the vehicle’s chassis, and the optics with the thermal sights are located between the missile tubes. When you setup and pick a spot that has some cover, the entire hull of this vehicle will be concealed, allowing you to fire with just the launcher exposed to the enemy. Bear in mind that if the launcher is hit by enemy shells, it becomes disabled and can resume normally after being repaired.
If you’ve played the M901, you’ll know that the setup of the C13 TUA will have some limitations. Namely, it can only fire when fully static, and it takes a certain amount of time for the launcher to raise into its firing position. The C13 TUA is definitely not great for active combat due to this, plus its light armor which is only bulletproof, making you a seriously easy target for enemy tanks and aircraft when on the move. The weak armor also exposes the C13 TUA to the blast of high-explosive shells, which can easily penetrate the roof of the hull, even if they hit the launcher. Mobility is good however, the maximum speed of 70 km/h allows it to quickly reach strong positions at the start of the battle, and it can quickly reposition in both urban and rough terrain.
So, that’s the rank VI C13 TUA for you! It’s Italy’s first squadron vehicle, and can be obtained with squadron activity points or for Golden Eagles. See you in future dev blogs!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
