The main battle tank C1 Ariete of the Italian Land Forces will undergo a long-awaited modernization. This combat vehicle was developed back in the 80s, and mass production began in 1995.
Photo of the 'C1 #Ariete Hitfact Mk2', a #Leonardo proposed general upgrade/test bed of the Italian MBT with #Centauro2 MGS turrett, with his all main electronic systems and 120/45 gun. Ariete upgraded will use the majority of the electronic systems in common with Centauro 2 TD. pic.twitter.com/tKaLxfmmxA
— Ciro Nappi (@CiroNappi6) August 25, 2021
It was noted that when creating it, the designers took the Leopard 2 as a basis, at the same time, it is somewhat inferior to the German model in terms of its tactical and technical characteristics. For example, the engine power of a 54-ton tank is 1300 hp. The maximum speed on the highway is 65 km / h. The fuel reserve is 550 km.
The main armament is a 120-mm cannon with an ammunition load of 42 projectiles. There are two 7.62 mm machine guns, one of which is used as an anti-aircraft gun. The sights and the entire fire control system were quite modern at the time of the start of deliveries to the army.
The crew consists of four people. A total of 200 such tanks were produced until 2002. They were not exported.
It should be noted that the Italian tank building did not manage to achieve any special success in the supply of its tracked vehicles abroad. For example, in the 80s, only 36 OF-40 tanks, which are versions of the Leopard 1, and three tractors based on them were sold to the United Arab Emirates. However, the chassis of the "fortieth" was used in the creation of 155-mm self-propelled guns Palmaria, produced in an amount of about 200 pieces.
The first version of the improved Ariete was demonstrated back in 2002. A 1500-horsepower engine was mounted on it, other components and assemblies were significantly modified, but there were no orders.
Recently it became known that a turret from a Centauro 2 wheeled armored vehicle was installed on one of the C1s. It is also armed with a 120-mm gun, has the latest fire control system, a remote-controlled anti-aircraft installation with a 12.7-mm M2 machine gun. It is possible that in the future the appearance of an automatic loader is also possible.
Alexey Brusilov
