Difference between revisions of "VBC (PT2)"

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{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
<!--''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 VBC (PT2) has great armour to protect it against heavy machine gun fire and low level autocannon fire. Due to this when facing other lightly armoured vehicles, it is quite well suited and will be able to take a beating as long as its not hit in any important modules. However when it comes to high-calibre rounds such as APFSDS or HEAT shot by MBT's, the machine sadly can not do much against. It is advised that you keep in mind what type of damage an enemy can do to you when facing each other, make the most out of your armour when possibile but dont completely rely on it for every engagement.
+
The VBC (PT2) has enough armour to protect it against heavy machine gun fire and low level autocannon fire. Due to this, it is quite well suited to facing other lightly armoured vehicles and will be able to take a beating as long as it's not hit in any important modules. However, the machine will not be able to withstand high-calibre rounds such as APFSDS or HEAT shot by MBTs. It is advised that you keep in mind what type of damage an enemy can do to you when facing each other, make the most out of your armour when possibile but don't completely rely on it for every engagement.
  
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
 
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
<!--''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:'''
  
* Fast-firing 25mm cannon
+
* Fast-firing 25 mm cannon
 
* Potent sub-caliber rounds
 
* Potent sub-caliber rounds
 
 
* Superb mobility
 
* Superb mobility
* Light protection against HMG's and low-level autocannon fire
+
* Light protection against HMGs and low-level autocannon fire
 
 
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 173: Line 168:
 
* Not the best off-road mobility
 
* Not the best off-road mobility
 
* High profile
 
* High profile
 
*
 
  
 
== 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).'' -->
<!--''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 history of the OTO Melara/Iveco VBC begins during the late stages of the cold war, in the year 1995 shortly after the development of the B1 Centauro tank destroyer made by OTO Melara and Iveco, Italy would begin to show interest on what they could do to design of the Centauro to allow it to be used for different roles and scenarios. This was partially due to Italy finnaly being somewhat independent in its military industrial complex, which allowed more homegrown designs to be put into service. Italy whilst the cold war was raging on began to rapidly re-arm itself mainly due to the post WW2 laws no longer being in effect and Italian companies such as OTO Melara being able to continue to work on military projects like they had been doing for during its history. As they were producing the B1 Centauro the ministry of defense would green light a set of programs that would aim to modify and equip the Centauro with many different weapon systems to fit different roles which would make it to more versatile. One of them would be named <nowiki>''</nowiki>VBC<nowiki>''</nowiki> standing for <nowiki>''</nowiki>Veicolo Blindato da Combatimento' (armoured vehicle for combat in English). The first vehicles which came out of the VBC program would firstly only have slightly modified B1 Centauro hulls, one would go unto mount the OTO TC 20 turret, it was armed with an automatic 20mm Rhienmentall Rh202 cannon, at the time the turret was installed on the Fiat 6616. Another variant would install what was known at the time as the OTO TC 25 Hitfist turret, this was instead armed with an Oerlikon KBA 25mm automatic cannon. This turret was already installed on the VCC-80 'Dardo' infantry fighting vehicles. These vehicles would be shown extensively during military vehicle expo's but ultimately did not generate any interest so a different design would be made in hopes for it to be picked up. The next vehicle which was also known as the VBC under that program would instead have a heavily modified hull, the main changes would be the introduction of a proper space for infantry to be carried at the back of the vehicle and the new weapon system known as the OTO 60mm HVMS. This sadly would not be picked up and development would begin to slow down. Fast forward to the early/mid 2000's and OTO Melara alongside Iveco would showcase a new prototype of IFV which would also be known as the VBC. This would be the second prototype which would use a lot of the technical know-how gained during the early stages of the program. The main differences would be an entirely new hull, and only shared a few things to the hull it was based off. The crew compartment would be remade to allow for more room, the protection of the vehicle also increased. In terms of speed, it got a new engine and was able to go over speeds of 105km an hour whilst being on road. Off road it still held its own but naturally it being wheeled meant that it did have a harder time compared to its tracked counterparts. The vehicle would be much taller and wider than a standard B1 Centauro, it would fitted with the latest tech but for testing purposes, OTO Melara opted to arm the prototype with the OTO TC 25 Hitfist turret which was still used by the VCC-80 'Dardo'. The turret was the exact same for the most part, for example the ability to mount TOW ATGM's was kept and also used during testing, the only difference from the standard Dardo turret was the additional 7.62mm machine gun attachment on top of the turret roof. This vehicle would eventually be better known as the <nowiki>''</nowiki>Freccia IFV<nowiki>''</nowiki> prototype. After rigorous testing OTO Melara decided to finnaly remove the Dardo turret and substitute it with a more modern turret which was able to fire Israeli made SPIKE ATGM's. Eventually the Italian army would decide to make an order for the vehicle and by 2009 the Freccia IFV was in full time service.  
+
The history of the OTO Melara/Iveco VBC begins during the late stages of the Cold War. In 1995, shortly after the development of the B1 Centauro tank destroyer made by OTO Melara and Iveco, Italy would begin to show interest in what they could do to the design of the Centauro to allow it to be used for different roles and scenarios. This was partially due to Italy finally being somewhat independent in its military industrial complex, which allowed more homegrown designs to be put into service. Whilst the Cold War had been raging on, Italy had begun to rapidly re-arm itself mainly due to the post WW2 laws no longer being in effect, and Italian companies such as OTO Melara became able to continue work on military projects.
  
Devblog:
+
As the B1 Centauro was being produced, the Ministry of Defense would green-light a set of programs that would aim to modify and equip the Centauro with many different weapon systems to fit different roles which would make it more versatile. One of them would be named "VBC", standing for "Veicolo Blindato da Combatimento" (armoured vehicle for combat in English). The first vehicles which came out of the VBC program would firstly only have slightly modified B1 Centauro hulls, one would go on to mount the OTO TC 20 turret, it was armed with an automatic 20 mm Rheinmetall Rh202 cannon, at the time the turret was installed on the Fiat 6616. Another variant would install what was known at the time as the OTO TC 25 Hitfist turret, this was armed with an Oerlikon KBA 25 mm automatic cannon. This turret was already installed on the VCC-80 'Dardo' infantry fighting vehicles. These vehicles would be shown extensively during military vehicle expos but ultimately did not generate any interest so a different design would be made in hopes for it to be picked up. The next vehicle which was also known as the VBC under that program would instead have a heavily modified hull, the main changes would be the introduction of a proper space for infantry to be carried at the back of the vehicle and the new weapon system known as the OTO 60 mm HVMS. This sadly would not be picked up and development would begin to slow down.
  
''The VBC (Pt 2) is a prototype of the modern Italian Freccia IFV, developed on the basis of the Centauro combat vehicle in the late 1990s. Based on the same chassis, yet offering completely different combat dynamics, the VBC (Pt 2) will soon reinforce the higher ranks of the Italian ground forces tree as it arrives to War Thunder as part of the next major update!''
+
Fast forward to the early/mid 2000s, and OTO Melara alongside Iveco would showcase a new prototype of IFV which would also be known as the VBC. This would be the second prototype which would use a lot of the technical know-how gained during the early stages of the program. The main differences would be an entirely new hull, and it only shared a few things to the hull it was based off. The crew compartment would be remade to allow for more room, the protection of the vehicle also increased. In terms of speed, it got a new engine and was able to go over speeds of 105 km/h on roads. Off-road it still held its own but naturally being wheeled meant that it had a harder time compared to its tracked counterparts. The vehicle would be much taller and wider than a standard B1 Centauro, it would fitted with the latest technology but for testing purposes, OTO Melara opted to arm the prototype with the OTO TC 25 Hitfist turret which was still used by the VCC-80 'Dardo'. The turret was the exact same for the most part, for example the ability to mount TOW ATGMs was kept and also used during testing, the only difference from the standard Dardo turret was the additional 7.62 mm machine gun attachment on top of the turret roof. This vehicle would eventually be better known as the "Freccia IFV" prototype. After rigorous testing OTO Melara decided to finally remove the Dardo turret and substitute it with a more modern turret which was able to fire Israeli-made Spike ATGMs. Eventually the Italian army would decide to make an order for the vehicle and by 2009 the Freccia IFV was in full time service.
  
In War Thunder, the VBC (Pt 2) will be a new light vehicle complementing the already excellent lineup of Italian wheeled combat vehicles, found at the higher ranks of this nation’s ground forces tree. Being based on the Centauro chassis, and fitted with a rapid-firing autocannon, this highly nimble predator is sure to mix things up for Italian tankers with its arrival as part of the next major update coming to the game. Sounds interesting, why don’t we take a closer look, shall we?
+
=== [[wt:en/news/7696-development-vbc-pt-2-sub-caliber-hive-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
en/news/7696-development-vbc-pt-2-sub-caliber-hive-en
  
 
Following the procurement of the Centauro into service by the Italian armed forces, the designer consortium, made up of the IVECO and OTO Melara companies, continued work on the design in an effort to create further, complementing variants. One such variant would be conceived as an IFV, equipped with a further developed turret used on the tracked Dardo IFV, which would later become the Hitfist turret.
 
Following the procurement of the Centauro into service by the Italian armed forces, the designer consortium, made up of the IVECO and OTO Melara companies, continued work on the design in an effort to create further, complementing variants. One such variant would be conceived as an IFV, equipped with a further developed turret used on the tracked Dardo IFV, which would later become the Hitfist turret.
  
Based on a modified Centauro chassis and fitted with the new turret designed by OTO Melara, the first prototype of the new IFV design was constructed and handed over for testing to the Italian army in 1996. As the testing was deemed successful, the Italian army placed an initial order calling for 249 units of various modifications to be manufactured in 2006, thus officially adopting the design into service. Simultaneously, the new vehicle received the official designation ‘Freccia’ (eng. Arrow) in Italian service.
+
Based on a modified Centauro chassis and fitted with the new turret designed by OTO Melara, the first prototype of the new IFV design was constructed and handed over for testing to the Italian army in 1996. As the testing was deemed successful, the Italian army placed an initial order calling for 249 units of various modifications to be manufactured in 2006, thus officially adopting the design into service. Simultaneously, the new vehicle received the official designation 'Freccia' (eng. Arrow) in Italian service.
  
 
The Freccia represents the spearhead of the Italian light armored units and is among the most advanced vehicles in service with the Italian forces. Outside of the military exercises, the Freccia has not taken part in any active combat operations and Italy remains its sole operator as of the present day.
 
The Freccia represents the spearhead of the Italian light armored units and is among the most advanced vehicles in service with the Italian forces. Outside of the military exercises, the Freccia has not taken part in any active combat operations and Italy remains its sole operator as of the present day.
 
As already mentioned, the experimental VBC (Pt 2) is a prototype of the Freccia IFV and also a further development of the B1 Centauro - a vehicle already most familiar to seasoned tankers in War Thunder. Inheriting most of the Centauro’s chassis design makes the VBC (Pt 2) just as mobile as its close relative. In fact, thanks to its 550 hp engine, the VBC (Pt 2) can reach a top speed of 110 km/h on paved roads, thus being in line with the B1 Centauro. However, thanks to the slightly more powerful engine and despite its marginally higher mass, the VBC (Pt 2) has a higher power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the vehicle is able to reach its top speed faster and more easily traverse even less hospitable terrain types.
 
 
Unlike the Centauro it’s based on however, the VBC (Pt 2) is equipped with the turret fitted to the familiar Dardo IFV. As a result, the VBC (Pt 2) comes armed with a 25mm Oerlikon KBA cannon, capable of firing advanced sub-caliber munitions. Therefore, despite the cannon’s rather modest caliber, the VBC (Pt 2) can become a considerable threat to even more heavily armored opponents provided that its aspiring commanders are audacious enough to really close in on their prey. Despite being equipped with an updated Dardo turret however, the VBC (Pt 2) doesn’t get access to turret-mounted ATGM launchers as found on its tracked counterpart. While this does limit the vehicle’s effectiveness against armored targets at longer engagement distances, its fast-firing autocannon remains a formidable threat to other light vehicles as well as low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
 
 
Being based on the Centauro’s chassis also means that the VBC (Pt 2) inherited much of its relative’s protection. Tankers should avoid relying on the vehicle’s armor to shield them from enemy fire. Instead, it’s a much better tactic to be more proactive and make good use of the vehicle’s excellent mobility to stay out of the enemy’s sight and remain an elusive target on the battlefield for the enemy.
 
 
The VBC (Pt 2) is soon arriving to rank VI of the Italian ground forces tree as part of the next major update, coming soon to War Thunder. In the meantime, stay sharp and keep an eye out on the news as we continue unveiling what other exciting new vehicles and features await you in the upcoming update. Until then, good hunting tankers!
 
  
 
== 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.'' -->
<!--''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.''
 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Jky1nzBS8
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 212: Line 195:
 
* ''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.'' -->
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:-->''
 
 
[[Dardo]]
 
  
[[Centauro I 105]]
+
* [[Dardo]]
 +
* [[Centauro I 105]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 222: Line 203:
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:-->''
 
  
* https://warthunder.com/en/news/7696-development-vbc-pt-2-sub-caliber-hive-en
+
* [[wt:en/news/7696-development-vbc-pt-2-sub-caliber-hive-en|[Devblog] VBC (Pt 2): Sub-Caliber Hive]]
* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/554738-missing-atgms-from-upcoming-vbc-pt2-freccia-ifv-prototype/
 
  
 
{{Italy light tanks}}
 
{{Italy light tanks}}
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Revision as of 07:43, 29 June 2022

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
VBC (PT2)
it_vbc_pt2.png
GarageImage VBC (PT2).jpg
VBC (PT2)
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 Veicolo Blindato da Combattimento, Prototipo 2, «combat» is a rank VI Italian light tank with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update "Danger Zone".

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
Hull72 / 52 / 38
Turret40 / 40 / 40
Crew3 people
Visibility136 %

The VBC (PT2) has enough armour to protect it against heavy machine gun fire and low level autocannon fire. Due to this, it is quite well suited to facing other lightly armoured vehicles and will be able to take a beating as long as it's not hit in any important modules. However, the machine will not be able to withstand high-calibre rounds such as APFSDS or HEAT shot by MBTs. It is advised that you keep in mind what type of damage an enemy can do to you when facing each other, make the most out of your armour when possibile but don't completely rely on it for every engagement.

Armour type:

Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull ___ mm ___ mm Top
___ mm Bottom
___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Turret ___ - ___ mm Turret front
___ mm Gun mantlet
___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm ___ - ___ mm
Cupola ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm ___ mm

Notes:

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB121 / 25 km/h
RB and SB109 / 23 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
4 back
Weight26.0 t
Engine power
AB1 049 hp
RB and SB550 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB40.3 hp/t
RB and SB21.2 hp/t

Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.

Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 121 25 26 806 1,049 31 40.35
Realistic 109 23 460 550 17.69 21.15

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 modifications160 100 Rp icon.png
262 200 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:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
1 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
25mm_M242_HE_ammo_pack
Research:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
25mm_M242_APDS_ammo_pack
Research:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
5 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
6 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 900 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
8 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
410 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
530 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
25mm_M242_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
530 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

25 mm Oerlikon KBA B02 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition400 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate561 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 60°
25 mm Oerlikon KBA B02 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 400 (100) 560 -10°/+60° ±180° Two-plane 54.5 75.5 91.7 101.4 107.9 10.40 9.20 8.48 8.00
Realistic 34.1 40.1 48.7 53.9 57.3

Ammunition

  • Default: APDS · HEI-T* · HEI-T*
  • M792: HEI-T* · HEI-T* · HEI-T*
  • M791: APDS · APDS · APDS
  • PMB 090: APFSDS
Penetration statistics
Belt Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Default 80 79 73 67 61 55
M792 3 3 3 3 3 3
M791 80 79 73 67 61 55
PMB 090 92 90 83 75 62 58
Belt details
Belt Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M792 HEI-T* 1,100 0.19 0 0.1 54.4 79° 80° 81°
M791 APDS 1,335 0.13 N/A N/A N/A 75° 78° 80°
PMB 090 APFSDS 1,385 0.1 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°

Ammo racks

Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
5th
rack empty
6th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
4 __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __ (+__) __

Machine guns

Ammunition4 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4,500 (200) 1,200 N/A N/A
Pintle 2,000 (200) 1,200 -8°/+20° -160°/+60°

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 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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast-firing 25 mm cannon
  • Potent sub-caliber rounds
  • Superb mobility
  • Light protection against HMGs and low-level autocannon fire

Cons:

  • Weak against high calibre projectiles
  • Not the best off-road mobility
  • High profile

History

The history of the OTO Melara/Iveco VBC begins during the late stages of the Cold War. In 1995, shortly after the development of the B1 Centauro tank destroyer made by OTO Melara and Iveco, Italy would begin to show interest in what they could do to the design of the Centauro to allow it to be used for different roles and scenarios. This was partially due to Italy finally being somewhat independent in its military industrial complex, which allowed more homegrown designs to be put into service. Whilst the Cold War had been raging on, Italy had begun to rapidly re-arm itself mainly due to the post WW2 laws no longer being in effect, and Italian companies such as OTO Melara became able to continue work on military projects.

As the B1 Centauro was being produced, the Ministry of Defense would green-light a set of programs that would aim to modify and equip the Centauro with many different weapon systems to fit different roles which would make it more versatile. One of them would be named "VBC", standing for "Veicolo Blindato da Combatimento" (armoured vehicle for combat in English). The first vehicles which came out of the VBC program would firstly only have slightly modified B1 Centauro hulls, one would go on to mount the OTO TC 20 turret, it was armed with an automatic 20 mm Rheinmetall Rh202 cannon, at the time the turret was installed on the Fiat 6616. Another variant would install what was known at the time as the OTO TC 25 Hitfist turret, this was armed with an Oerlikon KBA 25 mm automatic cannon. This turret was already installed on the VCC-80 'Dardo' infantry fighting vehicles. These vehicles would be shown extensively during military vehicle expos but ultimately did not generate any interest so a different design would be made in hopes for it to be picked up. The next vehicle which was also known as the VBC under that program would instead have a heavily modified hull, the main changes would be the introduction of a proper space for infantry to be carried at the back of the vehicle and the new weapon system known as the OTO 60 mm HVMS. This sadly would not be picked up and development would begin to slow down.

Fast forward to the early/mid 2000s, and OTO Melara alongside Iveco would showcase a new prototype of IFV which would also be known as the VBC. This would be the second prototype which would use a lot of the technical know-how gained during the early stages of the program. The main differences would be an entirely new hull, and it only shared a few things to the hull it was based off. The crew compartment would be remade to allow for more room, the protection of the vehicle also increased. In terms of speed, it got a new engine and was able to go over speeds of 105 km/h on roads. Off-road it still held its own but naturally being wheeled meant that it had a harder time compared to its tracked counterparts. The vehicle would be much taller and wider than a standard B1 Centauro, it would fitted with the latest technology but for testing purposes, OTO Melara opted to arm the prototype with the OTO TC 25 Hitfist turret which was still used by the VCC-80 'Dardo'. The turret was the exact same for the most part, for example the ability to mount TOW ATGMs was kept and also used during testing, the only difference from the standard Dardo turret was the additional 7.62 mm machine gun attachment on top of the turret roof. This vehicle would eventually be better known as the "Freccia IFV" prototype. After rigorous testing OTO Melara decided to finally remove the Dardo turret and substitute it with a more modern turret which was able to fire Israeli-made Spike ATGMs. Eventually the Italian army would decide to make an order for the vehicle and by 2009 the Freccia IFV was in full time service.

Devblog

en/news/7696-development-vbc-pt-2-sub-caliber-hive-en

Following the procurement of the Centauro into service by the Italian armed forces, the designer consortium, made up of the IVECO and OTO Melara companies, continued work on the design in an effort to create further, complementing variants. One such variant would be conceived as an IFV, equipped with a further developed turret used on the tracked Dardo IFV, which would later become the Hitfist turret.

Based on a modified Centauro chassis and fitted with the new turret designed by OTO Melara, the first prototype of the new IFV design was constructed and handed over for testing to the Italian army in 1996. As the testing was deemed successful, the Italian army placed an initial order calling for 249 units of various modifications to be manufactured in 2006, thus officially adopting the design into service. Simultaneously, the new vehicle received the official designation 'Freccia' (eng. Arrow) in Italian service.

The Freccia represents the spearhead of the Italian light armored units and is among the most advanced vehicles in service with the Italian forces. Outside of the military exercises, the Freccia has not taken part in any active combat operations and Italy remains its sole operator as of the present day.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

External links


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