Difference between revisions of "Centauro I 105"

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{{Specs-Card|code=it_b1_centauro}}
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{{About
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| about = Italian light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = Centauro (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=it_b1_centauro
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The Centauro I 105, developed in the 1980s by a consortium of Italian firms, addressed the Italian Army's need for a fast and manoeuvrable tank destroyer matching the firepower of their Leopard 1 MBTs. The Centauro featured a 105 mm cannon on an eight-wheeled chassis. The final prototype was unveiled in 1986 and finally entered service in 1992 and saw action in numerous conflicts. Over 400 were built, with some variants serving alongside the original design to this day.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a fast and powerful light tank for its BR. Although it lacks armour, it compensates this with the ability to change positions quickly, overwhelming your opponents. To deal with enemy tanks, it has a 105 mm OTO Melara cannon with good APFSDS ammunition, for target acquisition it has access to first generation thermal sight for the gunner, while this system is quite bad at long ranges, it is good enough and makes finding targets easier, especially against enemies without any kind of thermal sight. The vehicle does suffer from a poor turret rotation speed, a mediocre reload rate, and a poor gun depression due to the turret placement.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has little armour but enough to trigger the fuse in APHE type projectiles. The lack of armour makes this vehicle very agile.
 +
 
 +
'''Armour type:'''
 +
 
 +
* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
 +
* Wheel (tires)
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 15 mm (80°) ''Upper Glacis'' <br> 35 mm (45°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 25 mm (47°) ''Top'' <br> 25 mm (0-28°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm (21°) || 15 mm (20°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 20 mm ''Crew compartment'' <br> 10 mm ''Engine vent''
 +
|-
 +
|Turret || 25 mm (19°)''Turret front'' <br> 40 mm (6°-51°-56°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25 mm (18°) || 15+15 mm (12°) ''Left section'' <br> 15 mm ''Right section'' <br> 10 mm (85°) ''Turret overhang''|| 15+15 mm (5°) ''Front''  <br> 15 mm ''Rear''
 +
|}
 +
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* The wheels and suspension bars are 10 mm thick.
 +
* The rear of the turret is covered with 5 mm of structural steel.
 +
* Additionally to the external armour, an armour plate is also found inside the vehicle:
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
! Spaced Armour !! Front (Slope angle)
 +
|-
 +
| Hull || 8 mm (except driver view port)
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
+
'''Notes:'''
 +
 
 +
* The engine is separated from the driver position and the crew compartment by a RHA armour plate.
 +
* The driver viewport is a weak spot as it is the only place where the inner armour does not overlap with the external armour. It is a small spot though.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and maneuverability as well as the maximum speed forward and backward.''
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{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 +
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=806|rbMinHp=460}}
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
 
=== Main armament ===
 
=== Main armament ===
−
''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}
 +
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 +
{{main|OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)|105 mm OTO Melara 105/52]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
 +
|-
 +
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
 +
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
 +
|-
 +
! ''Arcade''
 +
| rowspan="2" | 40 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+16° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 21.7 || 30.0 || 36.5 || 40.3 || 42.9 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
 +
|-
 +
! ''Realistic''
 +
| 13.6 || 16.0 || 19.4 || 21.4 || 22.8
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
=== Additional armament ===
+
==== Ammunition ====
−
''Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
{{:OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M456, M416, M393A2, M735, DM23}}
 +
 
 +
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 +
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.33''' -->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! 1st<br>rack empty
 +
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 +
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 +
! 4th<br>rack empty
 +
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 +
|-
 +
| '''40''' || 29&nbsp;''(+11)'' || 17&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 12 ''(+28)'' || 1 ''(+39)'' || No
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
Notes:
 +
 
 +
* Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
 +
* Racks 3 and 4 are first stage ammo racks. They totals 16 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
 +
* These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2.
 +
* Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-2 into rack 4 then 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
−
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft, but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
+
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
 +
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}
 +
<!-- ''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.'' -->
 +
{{main|Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
Secondary weapons are a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and another 7.62 mm machine gun on the roof for anti-aircraft purposes.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | [[Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59]]
 +
|-
 +
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 +
|-
 +
| Coaxial || 4,600 (200) || 801 || N/A || N/A
 +
|-
 +
| Pintle || 2,000 (200) || 801 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
With a top speed of 110 km/h, a two-plane stabilizer, and access to thermals and HEAT-FS, the Centauro is truly a jack of all trades. This AFV can fill a variety of roles with frightening efficiency.
 +
 
 +
'''As a sniper'''
 +
 
 +
In a sniping role, the Centauro has two primary advantages: it has access to HEAT-FS, and it has thermal imaging. The HEAT-FS round has good velocity and is often more than enough to deal significant damage to any poor enemy tank that enters your gunsights. The thermal imaging mod allows you to pick out targets and countersnipe like nobody's business, letting you be able to dominate the battlefield for your team.
 +
 
 +
'''As a flanker'''
 +
 
 +
As a flanker, the Centauro's lightning fast speed and two-plane stabilizer allows this AFV to quickly obliterate unaware enemy tanks and move on before anyone notices. This deadly combo makes the Centauro one of, if not ''the best'' vehicle for flanking in the entire game. A resourceful Centauro player can often make use of their low profile and fast speed to quickly break through enemy lines and wreck havoc on tunnel-visioned snipers.
 +
 
 +
'''As a Quick Response Force'''
 +
 
 +
The Centauro's fast speed and very deadly gun, along with its aforementioned stabilizer and thermals also make it a very good choice for a QRF, ''especially'' on maps covered mostly in asphalt, like Cargo Port, American Desert, or Alaska, to name a few. The fast speed of the Centauro allows to to quickly move to a capture point or to kill a pesky spawncamping Rooikat at a moments notice, and its two-plane stabilizer and thermal imaging lets it quickly find and dispatch its target.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Easily the fastest and most agile tank compared to its contemporary competitors
 +
* Excellent reverse speed of 40 km/h
 +
* Has a two-plane gun stabiliser
 +
* High penetration on the HEATFS rounds (400 mm)
 +
* One of the best top speeds in the game (110 km/h)
 +
* Decent reload time, 8.7 seconds when stock, 7.7 with expert crew + all reloading skills, and 6.7 seconds with an aced crew
 +
* Three types of ammunition available (APFSDS, HEATFS, HESH)
 +
* Upper plate will occasionally bounce incoming shells due to its angle, even HEATFS and HESH!
 +
* Has access to smoke grenades and smoke shells
 +
* Low silhouette
 +
* Hard to destroy in a single shot due to crew placement
 +
* Can perform a wide variety of roles, ranging from support, sniper and QRF
 +
* Has thermal sights, very advantageous at the rank
 +
* A group of well-coordinated players in Centauros are unstoppable
 +
* Classified as a tank destroyer, making spawn costs cheaper in RB and SB
 +
* Thermal imaging is a tier 1 mod, allowing you to unlock it immediately
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Lacking in armour department, every gun can penetrate it including SPAA
 +
* Vulnerable to overpressure damage (HE shells, rochets, missiles, bombs, artillery strikes)
 +
* Turret traverse is slow compared to other vehicles at the same battle rating such at the [[T95E1]], [[BMP-2]], and [[Warrior]] which you will face often
 +
* Poor accuracy at a medium-long range when stock
 +
* Doesn't come with stock HESH; has to be researched
 +
* No explosive-filler shells (eg APHE, APCB)
 +
* HEATFS does not shrapnel well
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
Development of the B1 Centauro began during the 1980s after the Italian Army issued a set of requirements for a new vehicle that would have equivalent firepower to the Leopard 1 MBT in Italian service at the time, but with greater combat mobility.
 
Development of the B1 Centauro began during the 1980s after the Italian Army issued a set of requirements for a new vehicle that would have equivalent firepower to the Leopard 1 MBT in Italian service at the time, but with greater combat mobility.
  
−
In response to this, the Italian companies Fiat, Iveco and Oto Melara joined forces to begin developing the vehicle requested by the Italian Army. In this joint venture, Fiat and Iveco were developing the vehicle’s hull and power supply, whilst Oto Melara took care of the vehicle’s turret and weapon systems.
+
In response to this, the Italian companies Fiat, Iveco and Oto Melara joined forces to begin developing the vehicle requested by the Italian Army. In this joint venture, Fiat and Iveco were developing the vehicle's hull and power supply, whilst Oto Melara took care of the vehicle's turret and weapon systems.
  
−
In 1986, the final prototype of the B1 Centauro project was unveiled on Sardinia. The presented vehicle was an eight-wheeled lightly armored tank destroyer, equipped with a derived modification of the L7 105mm cannon, capable of reaching a very high top speed and covering large distances under its own power.
+
In 1986, the final prototype of the B1 Centauro project was unveiled on Sardinia. The presented vehicle was an eight-wheeled lightly armoured tank destroyer, equipped with a derived modification of the L7 105mm cannon, capable of reaching a very high top speed and covering large distances under its own power.
  
−
Impressed by the B1 Centauro, the Italian Military placed orders for a number of vehicles, with the first ones entering service as early as 1992. Early on in its service life, the Centauro received an ERA upgrade package that allowed for the installation of [[Centauro ROMOR|ROMOR]] ERA packs on the vehicle’s hull and turret sides as well as rear.
+
Impressed by the B1 Centauro, the Italian Military placed orders for a number of vehicles, with the first ones entering service as early as 1992. Early on in its service life, the Centauro received an ERA upgrade package that allowed for the installation of [[Centauro ROMOR|ROMOR ERA]] packs on the vehicle's hull and turret sides as well as rear.
  
−
B1 Centauros took part in most major conflicts that defined the ‘90s and early 2000s, most notably in former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Apart from the Italian Army, other noteworthy operators of the Centauro include Spain, Jordan and Oman.
+
B1 Centauros took part in most major conflicts that defined the '90s and early 2000s, most notably in former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Apart from the Italian Army, other noteworthy operators of the Centauro include Spain, Jordan and Oman.
  
 
Around 400 B1 Centauros were built until 2006, including some other derived modifications of the vehicle filling other roles. The B1 Centauro still serves with the Italian as well as other armed forces to this day.
 
Around 400 B1 Centauros were built until 2006, including some other derived modifications of the vehicle filling other roles. The B1 Centauro still serves with the Italian as well as other armed forces to this day.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=it_b1_centauro Centauro] in Warthunder Live.
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_b1_centauro Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|chjZ6Hra--c|'''Best wheeled tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 05:19 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|i6UxXDaqcLI|'''Why would someone want to play usual tanks if we have this one? {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''HowToPlay1337''|3-ebe29V-68|'''{{PAGENAME}} - When The First Game Is Just Right''' - ''Napalmratte''|q-a9MXzpDEk|'''The Shooting Range #134''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|KpWGXcI9PQc|'''The Shooting Range #129''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:48 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
 +
* [[Rooikat Mk.1D]]
 +
* [[PTL02]]
 +
* [[WMA301]]
 +
* [[AMX-10RC]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
 
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> B1 Centauro: The Wheeled Cheetah]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en|[Devblog] B1 Centauro: The Wheeled Cheetah]]
−
* [[Wikipedia:B1_Centauro|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> B1 Centauro]]
+
* [[Wikipedia:B1_Centauro|[Wikipedia] B1 Centauro]]
  
−
{{Italy tank destroyers}}
+
{{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
 +
{{Italy light tanks}}
 +
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Latest revision as of 09:54, 29 June 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the Italian light tank Centauro I 105. For other versions, see Centauro (Family).
Centauro I 105
it_b1_centauro.png
GarageImage Centauro I 105.jpg
Centauro I 105
Italy flag.png Italy
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
Research:190 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:520 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Centauro I 105, developed in the 1980s by a consortium of Italian firms, addressed the Italian Army's need for a fast and manoeuvrable tank destroyer matching the firepower of their Leopard 1 MBTs. The Centauro featured a 105 mm cannon on an eight-wheeled chassis. The final prototype was unveiled in 1986 and finally entered service in 1992 and saw action in numerous conflicts. Over 400 were built, with some variants serving alongside the original design to this day.

Introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic", the Blindo pesante Centauro, Preserie is a fast and powerful light tank for its BR. Although it lacks armour, it compensates this with the ability to change positions quickly, overwhelming your opponents. To deal with enemy tanks, it has a 105 mm OTO Melara cannon with good APFSDS ammunition, for target acquisition it has access to first generation thermal sight for the gunner, while this system is quite bad at long ranges, it is good enough and makes finding targets easier, especially against enemies without any kind of thermal sight. The vehicle does suffer from a poor turret rotation speed, a mediocre reload rate, and a poor gun depression due to the turret placement.

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull35 / 25 / 20
Turret25 / 25 / 15
Crew4 people
Visibility84 %

The Centauro I 105 has little armour but enough to trigger the fuse in APHE type projectiles. The lack of armour makes this vehicle very agile.

Armour type:

  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
  • Wheel (tires)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 15 mm (80°) Upper Glacis
35 mm (45°) Lower Glacis 		25 mm (47°) Top
25 mm (0-28°) Bottom 		20 mm (21°) 15 mm (20°) Front glacis
20 mm Crew compartment
10 mm Engine vent
Turret 25 mm (19°)Turret front
40 mm (6°-51°-56°) Gun mantlet 		25 mm (18°) 15+15 mm (12°) Left section
15 mm Right section
10 mm (85°) Turret overhang		 15+15 mm (5°) Front
15 mm Rear

Notes:

  • The wheels and suspension bars are 10 mm thick.
  • The rear of the turret is covered with 5 mm of structural steel.
  • Additionally to the external armour, an armour plate is also found inside the vehicle:
Spaced Armour Front (Slope angle)
Hull 8 mm (except driver view port)

Notes:

  • The engine is separated from the driver position and the crew compartment by a RHA armour plate.
  • The driver viewport is a weak spot as it is the only place where the inner armour does not overlap with the external armour. It is a small spot though.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB123 / 25 km/h
RB and SB110 / 23 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
4 back
Weight24.7 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB40.2 hp/t
RB and SB21.1 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 123 25 24.7 806 992 32.63 40.16
Realistic 110 23 460 520 18.62 21.05

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 169 → 5 361 Sl icon.png
RB3 316 → 5 610 Sl icon.png
SB3 841 → 6 498 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications158 800 Rp icon.png
264 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 600 Ge icon.png
Crew training150 000 Sl icon.png
Experts520 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces950 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 160 / 210 % Sl icon.png
220 / 220 / 220 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
7 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
7 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
7 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
7 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
7 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
7 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M735_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

105 mm OTO Melara 105/52 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order16 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 16°
Main article: OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)
105 mm OTO Melara 105/52 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 40 -6°/+16° ±180° Two-plane 21.7 30.0 36.5 40.3 42.9 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 13.6 16.0 19.4 21.4 22.8

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M456 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
M393A2 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
M735 APFSDS 292 291 284 275 266 257
DM23 APFSDS 337 335 330 322 314 306
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M456 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
M393A2 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
M735 APFSDS 1,501 3.72 - - - 78° 80° 81°
DM23 APFSDS 1,455 4.2 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M416 732 11.6 16 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Centauro I 105
Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
40 29 (+11) 17 (+23) 12 (+28) 1 (+39) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 3 and 4 are first stage ammo racks. They totals 16 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-2 into rack 4 then 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

Machine guns

7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
Main article: Beretta MG42/59 (7.62 mm)

Secondary weapons are a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, and another 7.62 mm machine gun on the roof for anti-aircraft purposes.

7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,600 (200) 801 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (200) 801 -8°/+20° ±120°

Usage in battles

With a top speed of 110 km/h, a two-plane stabilizer, and access to thermals and HEAT-FS, the Centauro is truly a jack of all trades. This AFV can fill a variety of roles with frightening efficiency.

As a sniper

In a sniping role, the Centauro has two primary advantages: it has access to HEAT-FS, and it has thermal imaging. The HEAT-FS round has good velocity and is often more than enough to deal significant damage to any poor enemy tank that enters your gunsights. The thermal imaging mod allows you to pick out targets and countersnipe like nobody's business, letting you be able to dominate the battlefield for your team.

As a flanker

As a flanker, the Centauro's lightning fast speed and two-plane stabilizer allows this AFV to quickly obliterate unaware enemy tanks and move on before anyone notices. This deadly combo makes the Centauro one of, if not the best vehicle for flanking in the entire game. A resourceful Centauro player can often make use of their low profile and fast speed to quickly break through enemy lines and wreck havoc on tunnel-visioned snipers.

As a Quick Response Force

The Centauro's fast speed and very deadly gun, along with its aforementioned stabilizer and thermals also make it a very good choice for a QRF, especially on maps covered mostly in asphalt, like Cargo Port, American Desert, or Alaska, to name a few. The fast speed of the Centauro allows to to quickly move to a capture point or to kill a pesky spawncamping Rooikat at a moments notice, and its two-plane stabilizer and thermal imaging lets it quickly find and dispatch its target.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Easily the fastest and most agile tank compared to its contemporary competitors
  • Excellent reverse speed of 40 km/h
  • Has a two-plane gun stabiliser
  • High penetration on the HEATFS rounds (400 mm)
  • One of the best top speeds in the game (110 km/h)
  • Decent reload time, 8.7 seconds when stock, 7.7 with expert crew + all reloading skills, and 6.7 seconds with an aced crew
  • Three types of ammunition available (APFSDS, HEATFS, HESH)
  • Upper plate will occasionally bounce incoming shells due to its angle, even HEATFS and HESH!
  • Has access to smoke grenades and smoke shells
  • Low silhouette
  • Hard to destroy in a single shot due to crew placement
  • Can perform a wide variety of roles, ranging from support, sniper and QRF
  • Has thermal sights, very advantageous at the rank
  • A group of well-coordinated players in Centauros are unstoppable
  • Classified as a tank destroyer, making spawn costs cheaper in RB and SB
  • Thermal imaging is a tier 1 mod, allowing you to unlock it immediately

Cons:

  • Lacking in armour department, every gun can penetrate it including SPAA
  • Vulnerable to overpressure damage (HE shells, rochets, missiles, bombs, artillery strikes)
  • Turret traverse is slow compared to other vehicles at the same battle rating such at the T95E1, BMP-2, and Warrior which you will face often
  • Poor accuracy at a medium-long range when stock
  • Doesn't come with stock HESH; has to be researched
  • No explosive-filler shells (eg APHE, APCB)
  • HEATFS does not shrapnel well

History

Development of the B1 Centauro began during the 1980s after the Italian Army issued a set of requirements for a new vehicle that would have equivalent firepower to the Leopard 1 MBT in Italian service at the time, but with greater combat mobility.

In response to this, the Italian companies Fiat, Iveco and Oto Melara joined forces to begin developing the vehicle requested by the Italian Army. In this joint venture, Fiat and Iveco were developing the vehicle's hull and power supply, whilst Oto Melara took care of the vehicle's turret and weapon systems.

In 1986, the final prototype of the B1 Centauro project was unveiled on Sardinia. The presented vehicle was an eight-wheeled lightly armoured tank destroyer, equipped with a derived modification of the L7 105mm cannon, capable of reaching a very high top speed and covering large distances under its own power.

Impressed by the B1 Centauro, the Italian Military placed orders for a number of vehicles, with the first ones entering service as early as 1992. Early on in its service life, the Centauro received an ERA upgrade package that allowed for the installation of ROMOR ERA packs on the vehicle's hull and turret sides as well as rear.

B1 Centauros took part in most major conflicts that defined the '90s and early 2000s, most notably in former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Apart from the Italian Army, other noteworthy operators of the Centauro include Spain, Jordan and Oman.

Around 400 B1 Centauros were built until 2006, including some other derived modifications of the vehicle filling other roles. The B1 Centauro still serves with the Italian as well as other armed forces to this day.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
Best wheeled tanks discusses the Centauro I 105 at 05:19 - War Thunder Official Channel
Why would someone want to play usual tanks if we have this one? Centauro I 105 - HowToPlay1337
Centauro I 105 - When The First Game Is Just Right - Napalmratte
The Shooting Range #134 - Metal Beasts section at 00:35 discusses the Centauro I 105.
The Shooting Range #129 - Pages of History section at 04:48 discusses the Centauro I 105.

See also

Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

External links


OTO Melara
Light Tanks/IFVs 
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · VRCC
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/30 · VCC-80/60
Other  C13 T90 · R3 T106 FA
MBTs 
OF-40  OF-40 · OF-40 Mk.2A · OF-40 (MTCA)
Ariete  Ariete (P) · Ariete · Ariete PSO · Ariete AMV
Other  M47 (105/55)
Tank Destroyers  M113A1 (TOW)
SPAA  R3 T20 FA-HS · SIDAM 25 · SIDAM 25 (Mistral) · OTOMATIC
Patrol Boats 
Sparviero-class  Sparviero*
See Also  OTO
  *Built by OTO Melara in La Spezia under the Alinavi S.p.A. consortium

Italy light tanks
  Italy
L6/40  L6/40 · L6/40 (31 Rgt.)
M11/39  M11/39
Autoblindo  AB 41 · AB 43
Fiat 6614/6616  FIAT 6614 · AUBL/74 · AUBL/74 HVG
R3 Capraia  R3 T106 FA
Centauro  Centauro I 105 · Centauro I 105 R · Centauro I 120 · Centauro RGO · VRCC
Freccia  VBC (PT2) · Freccia
Dardo  Dardo · VCC-80/60 · VCC-80/30
Other  C13 T90
USA  ▄M3A3 · ▄M24 · ▄M18
  Hungary
WWII  Csaba · Toldi IIA
Post  ◔BTR-80A · KF41

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