TSAMTO, November 28. The command of the Brazilian Armed Forces selected the Centauro-2 BMTV proposed by the Iveco–Oto Melara consortium (CIO - Consorcio Iveco-Oto Melara) as the winner of the tender for the supply of a BRM with an 8x8 wheel formula.
Presented by the CIO consortium formed by Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) and Leonardo, the armored vehicle is made in the same configuration that entered service in Italy. BMTV (combat vehicle with heavy weapons) with a combat weight of about 30 tons is equipped with a Hitfact Mk turret.2 Leonardo groups armed with a 120 mm L45 cannon.
Thus, the Italian armored vehicle was ahead of the BBM LAV-700 AG of General Dynamics Land Systems, which took second place, and the ST1-BR of the Chinese corporation NORINCO, which remained in third place.
The contract provides for the purchase of at least 98 units of the Centauro-2 BMTV, 120 mm ammunition, digital fire control systems, communications equipment, C2 combat control systems, passive and active protection equipment. The agreement includes options, in case of implementation of which the number of ordered armored vehicles may increase to 221 units.
The advantage of the Centauro-2 is that it was originally specially designed for the use of heavy weapons, and is not an adapted version of an armored personnel carrier. In addition, Iveco has been working closely with the Brazilian CB for quite a long time within the framework of the program for the supply of the Guarani BBM with a 6x6 wheel formula.
According to the journal Tecnologna & Defesa, Centauro-2 and Guarani have about 28.5% of the total components. This will reduce logistics costs, increase the demand for these parts, stimulating the national industry to produce them. In addition, Iveco has proposed to increase its industrial presence in Brazil by adding to the plant in Minas Gerais, where the Guarani BBM is manufactured, an enterprise in the south of the country that will provide support for the BRM with the 8x8 wheel formula.
For its part, Leonardo Group offered Brazil to build a plant for the production of Hitfact Mk towers.2 for the Centauro-2 BMTV. It is assumed that at the first stage, the tower will be assembled in Brazil from components manufactured in Italy, and in the future it is planned to establish the production of some components in the country.
The Centauro-2 BMW is equipped with an IVECO Vector 8V Euro III turbodiesel engine with a capacity of 720 hp, an 8-speed automatic transmission, can reach a speed of 105 km/h, a power reserve of 800 km. The computerized fire control system developed by the Leonardo Group includes stabilized day/thermal imaging sights for the commander and gunner (including an eye-safe laser rangefinder).
Depending on the customer's needs, the Hitfact Mk tower.2 can be made in a two- or three-seat configuration, armed with a 120/45-mm or 105/52mm smoothbore cannon with a semi-automatic loading system, paired with a 7.62-mm machine gun mounted on the roof of the DUMV.
As reported by TSAMTO, in July 2022, the command of the Brazilian Land Forces published a request for proposals for the supply of armored reconnaissance vehicles with an 8x8 wheel formula (VBC Cav-MSR 8x8).
The purpose of the program is to replace part of the armored reconnaissance vehicles EE-9 "Cascavel", armed with a 90-mm cannon. Initially, it is planned to purchase 98 armored vehicles, but this number may grow to 221 units if financial resources are available.
According to available information, the applicants included Israeli Elbit Systems together with Ares subsidiary, Indian Tata Advanced System, CIO consortium, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada and Chinese NORINCO. In October, the number of applicants was reduced to three: CIO with Centauro-2 BMTV, General Dynamics Land Systems Canada with LAV-700 and China's NORINCO with ST1-BR.
It is assumed that the signing of the contract for the supply of two test machines will take place before December 5, 2022. They are expected to be delivered in January 2023.
Offset agreements must cover 100% of the sale value. It is also planned to supply a full set of simulators that will be used for training personnel.
