Difference between revisions of "OF-40 (MTCA)"

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|code=it_of_40_mtca
 
|code=it_of_40_mtca
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|store=6880
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
+
The OF-40 MTCA is based on the [[OF-40 Mk.2A]], also made by OTO Melara, and fitted with a new Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, greatly improving mobility of the vehicle.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], the MTCA can reach to spots on the maps much quicker than other vehicles at its battle rating, so playing aggressively or even flanking with this tank can be effective. However, the same weakspots of the previous OF-40's remain. It also does not have access to thermals but does have access to NVD. The MTCA also comes with a unique skin based on OF-40s exported to the UAE.
 +
 
 +
The OF-40 MTCA was removed from [[wt:en/news/6201-shop-of-40-mk-2-mtca-pre-order-en|sale]] in the Gaijin store after the [[wt:en/news/7674-shop-may-sale-en|2022 May sale]], and was reintroduced as a Golden Eagle {{ge}} premium in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 81: Line 84:
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)/Ammunition|M392A2, M393A2, M456, DM23, M416}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M392A2 || APDS || 303 || 302 || 296 || 277 || 257 || 252
 
−
|-
 
−
| M393A2 || HESH || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127 || 127
 
−
|-
 
−
| M456 || HEATFS || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400 || 400
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 337 || 335 || 330 || 322 || 314 || 306
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M392A2 || APDS || 1,478 || 4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M393A2 || HESH || 732 || 14.85 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 4,310 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M456 || HEATFS || 1,173 || 10.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 1,270 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| DM23 || APFSDS || 1,455 || 3.79 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M416 || 730 || 11.4 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
Line 193: Line 142:
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 1,080 (200) || 576 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
+
| Pintle || 1,200 (200) || 577 || -10°/+65° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
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With an upgraded 1000 hp engine, the OF-40 (MTCA) is more manoeuvrable, similarly to other third generation main battle tanks. The OF-40 (MTCA) will get you to a better position than the rest of the tanks if not in an uptier situation.
+
With an upgraded 1,000 hp engine, the OF-40 (MTCA) is more manoeuvrable, similarly to other third generation main battle tanks. The OF-40 (MTCA) will get you to a better position than the rest of the tanks if not in an uptier situation.
  
−
The main weaponry on this tank is the same as the [[Leopard (Family)|Leopard family]]. DM23 APFSDS shells are recommended for engaging armoured targets while you should also carry several M456 HEATFS and M416 smoke shells for special purposes.
+
The main weaponry on this tank is the same as the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard I family]]. DM23 APFSDS shells are recommended for engaging armoured targets while you should also carry several M456 HEATFS and M416 smoke shells for special purposes.
  
−
The armour is not upgraded from the rest of OF-40 family. Although the OF-40 family has spaced armour all around the turret, you will not want to use this feature. While it is significantly more effective than the Leopard 1's turret armour, all main battle tanks can still penetrate you from all angles with ease using kinetic energy shells. The hull is as fragile as other Leopards, which is another reason why you don't want to take a shot.
+
The armour is not upgraded from the rest of OF-40 family. Although the OF-40 family has spaced armour all around the turret, you will not want to use this feature. While it is significantly more effective than the Leopard 1's turret armour, all main battle tanks can still penetrate you from all angles with ease using kinetic energy shells. The hull is as fragile as other Leopards I, which is another reason why you don't want to take a shot.
  
 
Although the OF-40 (MTCA) has night vision devices, it lacks thermal sights for both the gunner and the commander. You might want to get in cover such as bushes and buildings first before opening fire. Avoid sitting in the opening at all time, always get in cover after shooting.
 
Although the OF-40 (MTCA) has night vision devices, it lacks thermal sights for both the gunner and the commander. You might want to get in cover such as bushes and buildings first before opening fire. Avoid sitting in the opening at all time, always get in cover after shooting.
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Rather large profile; the turret is quite large while peeking over a hilltop or ridgeline (although it can bounce shots; see above)
+
* Rather large profile; the turret is quite large while peeking over a hilltop or ridgeline
−
* Low ready rack capacity (19+1); if carrying more than 20 shells, the spare rounds are placed next to the driver in the lightly armoured hull
+
* Low ready rack capacity; if carrying more than 20 shells, the spare rounds are placed next to the driver in the lightly-armoured hull
−
* Not having thermals at 9.0 limits its potential in night battles as most of the opposition has access to thermals
+
* Not having thermals at its high BR limits its potential in night battles as most of the opposition has access to thermals
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
The United Arab Emirates was the only operator of the OF-40, receiving 18 OF-40 Mk.1 tanks and later 18 more OF-40 Mk.2 tanks; the original 18 Mk.1 vehicles were also upgraded to the OF-40 Mk.2 standard. The UAE was unhappy with the mobility characteristics of their OF-40s, so Fiat offered them two options. They could have the engine replaced with a Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, or they could have the existing engine uprated to 950 hp. It would seem that neither option was ever retrofitted onto the UAE's OF-40 Mk.2 tanks.
+
The history of the OTO Melara OF-40 began during the late stages of the Cold War. Italy had begun to develop a new MBT for the first time since the Second World War, known as the OTO Melara 'Leone'. This tank was being jointly co-developed by Italy and Germany, based on the Leopard but with some notable differences, such as the turret and armament being made by OTO Melara. The design didn't generate enough interest and ultimately the project wouldn't go further than a single prototype. However, this would kickstart OTO Melara to begin developing tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles once again. One of their earliest being the OF-40, O standing for OTO, F standing for Fiat and 40 standing for the approximate weight of the tank in tons.
 +
 
 +
Unlike what many people believe, this tank was not based on any sort of Leopard, although it's evident by some of the design features that it would incorporate, that it at least drew inspiration from the Leopard. OTO Melara dealt with the armament, turret and FCS, whilst Fiat dealt with the hull, engine and transmission. In regards to the armament, it used a OTO Melara 105 mm rifled gun which was able to shoot most NATO standard ammunition, which included various HEAT, APDS, and HE rounds. Other armament included machine guns installed on top of the turret, either 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm. In terms of armour, the vehicle would offer slightly better protection than the Leopard tanks of the era, but it wasn't anything special. It also had access to smoke dischargers in case there was a need to disengage from a firefight. The base variant of the vehicle would use an MTU MB 838 KA 50 diesel engine, which allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.
 +
 
 +
After a few prototypes were completed, it was time to market the vehicle. Initially they attempted to sell it to the Italian army, however it didn't go well due to them already having access to many Leopard MBTs in service. So they instead began to market the vehicle to various Middle Eastern nations, one being the UAE. The UAE at the time didn't really have any decent main battle tank force, and although the OF-40 might not have been the best during the era, they still ended up buying the vehicle and putting it in service. The tank would finally go ahead for full-scale production. According to some sources, the UAE ended up getting up to 100 units in total, alongside a new variant of the vehicle in the ARV variant.
 +
 
 +
Over time, the OF-40 Mk.1 began to show its age, thus a new variant was created which would be known as the OF-40 Mk.2. This vehicle would have a set of upgrades from the base variant, including the addition of a stabilizer, an LLTV and also new sensors and updates to the FCS (updated to use the Galileo OG14L2A), such as the addition of a ballistic computer. The commander sight however was kept from the previous variant, being the French-made SFIM VS 580-B. The OF-40 Mk.2 would also serve in the UAE, where all previous Mk.1 variants would be retrofitted to the more modern variant.
 +
 
 +
A very rare and obscure variant would be the OF-40 MTCA. The OF-40 (Mk.2) MTCA would be modified to allow for the installation of the Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, which increased the tank's speed by quite a lot. Only one OF-40 would receive such a package, it is unknown what happened after the tests.
 +
 
 +
Other variants include the Palmaria and OTOMATIC, both based on a modified OF-40 hull. There was also the OF-40 Thetis, an OF-40 Mk.2 fitted with thermal imaging devices and extra armour, and lastly there was also the OF-40 Mk.3, an OF-40 which used the Palmaria hull with the Ariete preserie turret. Currently, all OF-40s in service with the UAE have been put into storage. One was converted to an HIFV by a company known as Sabiex. The UAE said that they wanted to donate these tanks to Kosovo but nothing materialized. Other OF-40 tanks and their variants currently reside in the 'Museo Della Melara' in La Speiza, Italy.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=italy&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=it_of_40_mtca Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=it_of_40_mtca Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 254: Line 214:
  
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 
;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role
 +
 
* [[Leopard 1 (Family)]]
 
* [[Leopard 1 (Family)]]
  
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* [[wt:en/news/6201-shop-of-40-mk-2-mtca-pre-order-en|[Shop] OF-40 Mk.2 MTCA pre-order]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6201-shop-of-40-mk-2-mtca-pre-order-en|[Shop] OF-40 Mk.2 MTCA pre-order]]
 +
* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/391690-oto-melara-of-40-variants-and-derivatives/
 +
* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/474469-of-40-thetis-mirabilandia-of-40/
 +
* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/277682-of-40-or-leopard-a5-for-new-top-tier-position/
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
 
{{Italy medium tanks}}
 
{{Italy medium tanks}}
 
{{Italy premium ground vehicles}}
 
{{Italy premium ground vehicles}}

Latest revision as of 17:12, 14 May 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the premium Italian medium tank OF-40 (MTCA). For other versions, see OF-40 (Family).
OF-40 (MTCA)
it_of_40_mtca.png
GarageImage OF-40 (MTCA).jpg
OF-40 (MTCA)
Italy flag.png Italy
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.3 9.3 9.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:8 730 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

The OF-40 MTCA is based on the OF-40 Mk.2A, also made by OTO Melara, and fitted with a new Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, greatly improving mobility of the vehicle.

Introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy", the MTCA can reach to spots on the maps much quicker than other vehicles at its battle rating, so playing aggressively or even flanking with this tank can be effective. However, the same weakspots of the previous OF-40's remain. It also does not have access to thermals but does have access to NVD. The MTCA also comes with a unique skin based on OF-40s exported to the UAE.

The OF-40 MTCA was removed from sale in the Gaijin store after the 2022 May sale, and was reintroduced as a Golden Eagle Ge icon.png premium in Update "Danger Zone".

General info

Survivability and armour

Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Armourfront / side / back
Hull70 / 35 / 25
Turret68 / 47 / 30
Crew4 people
Visibility86 %

The OF-40 (MTCA) has very little in the way of armour - effectively identical to both OF-40 models in the tech tree - with just enough to protect its crew from most frontal attacks from light autocannons - however even then the turret ring and some other small weak spots are reasonably vulnerable. Despite this, the OF-40's steep constructional angles may on occasion bounce even APFSDS rounds, while the (minimalist) spaced armour in the turret may absorb some less-powerful chemical rounds. Regardless, the safest approach is to avoid enemy fire whenever possible.

The OF-40's survivability is comparable to the Leopard A1A1 (L/44), as most of the vehicle's ammunition is stored in the hull adjacent to the driver, with a small portion of the ammunition being placed in primary stowage below the loader. The unfortunate result is that almost any hull penetration in the front half of the vehicle is liable to destroy ammunition with a high chance of detonation. Additionally, the turret crew are very poorly spaced and a well-placed round can easily knock out the entire crew simultaneously.

The result of the lack of survivability and armour is that the OF-40 (MTCA) is not viable as a front-line MBT, but rather should be played in flanking or sniping roles.

Armour type:

  • Rolled Homogeneous Armour - Hull and Turret
  • High Hardness Rolled Armour - Turret
  • Rubber-Fabric Screens - Sideskirts
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 70 mm (68°) Upper Glacis
50 mm (50°) Lower Glacis 		35 mm Upper Crew Compartment
25 mm Upper Engine Compartment
30 mm Lower 		25 mm 15 - 30 mm
Turret 30 - 68 mm (Various Angles) Turret front
30 mm (~58°) + 45 mm (Curved) Gun mantlet 		Spaced: 30 mm + 80 mm air + 35 mm Forward
Spaced: 12 mm + 120 mm + 35 mm Rearward 		30 mm 20 - 40 mm

Notes:

  • The turret sides use spaced armour, and are therefore stronger than they appear in the armour viewer.
  • Beneath the angled outer portion of the gun mantlet is a curved 45 mm plate.
  • There are 10 mm rubber-fabric screens protecting the upper suspension.
  • The rear of the turret has 5 mm of structural steel in addition to the base armour.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB73 / 28 km/h
RB and SB66 / 26 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
4 back
Weight43.0 t
Engine power
AB1 908 hp
RB and SB1 000 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB44.4 hp/t
RB and SB23.3 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 73 28 43 1,550 1,908 36.05 44.37
Realistic 66 26 884 1,000 20.56 23.26

The OF-40 (MTCA) has an improved engine over its tech tree predecessors, offering its driver a notably improved power-to-weight ratio of 23.26 hp/ton (RB, spaded), relative to the Mk.2A's 19.3. This is a significant improvement that is easily noticeable, and the MTCA comfortably displays better mobility characteristics than most of its contemporaries.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB3 017 Sl icon.png
RB3 113 Sl icon.png
SB3 970 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts730 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 780 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 140 / 200 / 230 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_M735_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_DM33_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder

Main armament

105 mm OTO Melara 105/52 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition61 rounds
First-order19 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-9° / 20°
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 61 -9°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 38.1 52.7 64.0 70.8 75.3 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 23.8 28.0 34.0 37.6 40.0

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
M392A2 APDS 350 347 333 317 302 287
M393A2 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
M456 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
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%
M392A2 APDS 1,478 4 - - - 75° 78° 80°
M393A2 HESH 732 11.2 0.1 4 4.31 73° 77° 80°
M456 HEATFS 1,174 10.5 0.05 0.1 1.27 65° 72° 77°
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

  • Ammoracks 1-9

  • Ammoracks 10-12

Full
ammo 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty 		7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
61 55 (+6) 54 (+7) 47 (+14) 46 (+15) 39 (+22) 38 (+23) 31 (+30) 30 (+31) 23 (+38) 20 (+41) 16 (+45) 1 (+60) No

Notes:

  • Racks 11 and 12 are first stage ammo racks, meaning they will deplete when shots are fired but will then replenish from the other racks in the order from 1-9. Rack 11 depletes before rack 12, which is the last rack to deplete.

Machine guns

12.7 mm M2HB machine gun
Ammunition400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate575 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 65°
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition4 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
Main articles: M2HB (12.7 mm), FN MAG 60-40 (7.62 mm)
12.7 mm M2HB
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 1,200 (200) 577 -10°/+65° ±180°
7.62 mm FN MAG 60-40
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,000 (200) 600 N/A N/A

Usage in battles

With an upgraded 1,000 hp engine, the OF-40 (MTCA) is more manoeuvrable, similarly to other third generation main battle tanks. The OF-40 (MTCA) will get you to a better position than the rest of the tanks if not in an uptier situation.

The main weaponry on this tank is the same as the Leopard I family. DM23 APFSDS shells are recommended for engaging armoured targets while you should also carry several M456 HEATFS and M416 smoke shells for special purposes.

The armour is not upgraded from the rest of OF-40 family. Although the OF-40 family has spaced armour all around the turret, you will not want to use this feature. While it is significantly more effective than the Leopard 1's turret armour, all main battle tanks can still penetrate you from all angles with ease using kinetic energy shells. The hull is as fragile as other Leopards I, which is another reason why you don't want to take a shot.

Although the OF-40 (MTCA) has night vision devices, it lacks thermal sights for both the gunner and the commander. You might want to get in cover such as bushes and buildings first before opening fire. Avoid sitting in the opening at all time, always get in cover after shooting.

In summary, OF-40 MTCA is a mixture of the OF-40 Mk. 2 and the TAM: it is a great tank in mobility and fire power. However, lacking armour and thermal camera limits its usage on certain maps around open areas.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One of the most mobile and speedy main battle tanks of its rank; notably more mobile than the Leopard A1A1 and L/44.
  • Great gun handling - vertical and horizontal turret/gun speeds are some of the best
  • Laser rangefinder and excellent optics permit easy sniping and long-range shots
  • Plentiful selection of ammo; APDS, APFSDS, HESH, HEATFS, and smoke shells, handy for marking enemies or blocking their line of sight
  • Spaced turret armour can save you from some autocannon fire, the front and sides are immune to HESH, and AP shot can bounce if angled
  • 12.7 mm (.50 cal) commander's roof gun with 1,080 round ammo count is great for disabling light vehicles and fending off harassing planes and helicopters

Cons:

  • Rather large profile; the turret is quite large while peeking over a hilltop or ridgeline
  • Low ready rack capacity; if carrying more than 20 shells, the spare rounds are placed next to the driver in the lightly-armoured hull
  • Not having thermals at its high BR limits its potential in night battles as most of the opposition has access to thermals

History

The history of the OTO Melara OF-40 began during the late stages of the Cold War. Italy had begun to develop a new MBT for the first time since the Second World War, known as the OTO Melara 'Leone'. This tank was being jointly co-developed by Italy and Germany, based on the Leopard but with some notable differences, such as the turret and armament being made by OTO Melara. The design didn't generate enough interest and ultimately the project wouldn't go further than a single prototype. However, this would kickstart OTO Melara to begin developing tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles once again. One of their earliest being the OF-40, O standing for OTO, F standing for Fiat and 40 standing for the approximate weight of the tank in tons.

Unlike what many people believe, this tank was not based on any sort of Leopard, although it's evident by some of the design features that it would incorporate, that it at least drew inspiration from the Leopard. OTO Melara dealt with the armament, turret and FCS, whilst Fiat dealt with the hull, engine and transmission. In regards to the armament, it used a OTO Melara 105 mm rifled gun which was able to shoot most NATO standard ammunition, which included various HEAT, APDS, and HE rounds. Other armament included machine guns installed on top of the turret, either 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm. In terms of armour, the vehicle would offer slightly better protection than the Leopard tanks of the era, but it wasn't anything special. It also had access to smoke dischargers in case there was a need to disengage from a firefight. The base variant of the vehicle would use an MTU MB 838 KA 50 diesel engine, which allowed the vehicle to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h.

After a few prototypes were completed, it was time to market the vehicle. Initially they attempted to sell it to the Italian army, however it didn't go well due to them already having access to many Leopard MBTs in service. So they instead began to market the vehicle to various Middle Eastern nations, one being the UAE. The UAE at the time didn't really have any decent main battle tank force, and although the OF-40 might not have been the best during the era, they still ended up buying the vehicle and putting it in service. The tank would finally go ahead for full-scale production. According to some sources, the UAE ended up getting up to 100 units in total, alongside a new variant of the vehicle in the ARV variant.

Over time, the OF-40 Mk.1 began to show its age, thus a new variant was created which would be known as the OF-40 Mk.2. This vehicle would have a set of upgrades from the base variant, including the addition of a stabilizer, an LLTV and also new sensors and updates to the FCS (updated to use the Galileo OG14L2A), such as the addition of a ballistic computer. The commander sight however was kept from the previous variant, being the French-made SFIM VS 580-B. The OF-40 Mk.2 would also serve in the UAE, where all previous Mk.1 variants would be retrofitted to the more modern variant.

A very rare and obscure variant would be the OF-40 MTCA. The OF-40 (Mk.2) MTCA would be modified to allow for the installation of the Fiat MTCA V-12 1,000 hp engine, which increased the tank's speed by quite a lot. Only one OF-40 would receive such a package, it is unknown what happened after the tests.

Other variants include the Palmaria and OTOMATIC, both based on a modified OF-40 hull. There was also the OF-40 Thetis, an OF-40 Mk.2 fitted with thermal imaging devices and extra armour, and lastly there was also the OF-40 Mk.3, an OF-40 which used the Palmaria hull with the Ariete preserie turret. Currently, all OF-40s in service with the UAE have been put into storage. One was converted to an HIFV by a company known as Sabiex. The UAE said that they wanted to donate these tanks to Kosovo but nothing materialized. Other OF-40 tanks and their variants currently reside in the 'Museo Della Melara' in La Speiza, Italy.

Media

Skins

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 medium tanks
  Italy
M13/40  M13/40 (I) · M13/40 (II) · M13/40 (III)
M14/41  M14/41 · M14/41 (47/40)
M15/42  M15/42
M16/43  Celere Sahariano
P26/40  P40 · P40 "G.C. Leoncello"
OF-40  OF-40 · OF-40 Mk.2A · OF-40 (MTCA)
Ariete  Ariete (P) · Ariete · Ariete PSO · Ariete AMV
Germany  ▄Pz.III N · ▄Pz.IV G · ▄Leopard 1A5
Allied powers  ▄Sherman I Composito · Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc · ▄Sherman V · M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M26A1 · M47 (105/55) · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete"
  Hungary
Turán  Turan I · Turan II · Turan III
Germany  ◔Leopard 2A4 · Leopard 2A7HU
USSR  ◔T-72M1

Italy premium ground vehicles
Light tanks  L6/40 (31 Rgt.) · Toldi IIA · AUBL/74 HVG · VRCC · Centauro RGO
Medium tanks  M13/40 (II) · Turan II · M14/41 (47/40) · Celere Sahariano · P40 "G.C. Leoncello" · ▄Sherman I Composito · ▄Pz.IV G
  M26 "D.C.Ariete" · M60A1 "D.C.Ariete" · OF-40 (MTCA)
Heavy tanks  Tigris
Tank destroyers  Breda 90/53 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · Zrinyi I

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