Difference between revisions of "Centauro I 105"

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{{About
+
{{Specs-Card|code=it_b1_centauro}}
| about = Italian light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Centauro (Family)
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=it_b1_centauro
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
+
 
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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?''
<!-- ''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)
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
'''Notes:'''
+
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''
 
 
* 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 ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
+
''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''
<!-- ''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 ===
{{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)}}
 
{{main|OTO Melara 105/52 (105 mm)}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
''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.''
|-
 
! 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
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
{{: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 ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
+
<!--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|3}}
+
{{main|Beretta MG 42/59 (8 mm)}}
<!-- ''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.
+
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 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 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 ===
<!-- ''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".'' -->
+
<!--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".-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Easily the fastest and most agile tank compared to its contemporary competitors
 
* Easily the fastest and most agile tank compared to its contemporary competitors
* Excellent reverse speed of 40 km/h
+
* Excellent reverse speed of 40 km/h  
 
* Has a two-plane gun stabiliser
 
* Has a two-plane gun stabiliser
 
* High penetration on the HEATFS rounds (400 mm)
 
* High penetration on the HEATFS rounds (400 mm)
* One of the best top speeds in the game (110 km/h)
+
* One of the best top speeds in the game (110 km)
 
* Decent reload time, 8.7 seconds when stock, 7.7 with expert crew + all reloading skills, and 6.7 seconds with an aced crew
 
* 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)
+
* Three types of ammunition available (APDS, HEATFS, HESH)
 
* Upper plate will occasionally bounce incoming shells due to its angle, even HEATFS and HESH!
 
* Upper plate will occasionally bounce incoming shells due to its angle, even HEATFS and HESH!
 
* Has access to smoke grenades and smoke shells
 
* Has access to smoke grenades and smoke shells
Line 162: Line 49:
 
* Hard to destroy in a single shot due to crew placement
 
* Hard to destroy in a single shot due to crew placement
 
* Can perform a wide variety of roles, ranging from support, sniper and QRF
 
* 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
 
* 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
 
* Lacking in armour department, every gun can penetrate it including SPAA
* Vulnerable to overpressure damage (HE shells, rochets, missiles, bombs, artillery strikes)
+
* Has hull-break
 +
* Rather difficult stock grind as the stock APDS post-penetration performance is rather poor
 
* 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
 
* 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
 
* Poor accuracy at a medium-long range when stock
 +
* HEATFS is a tier 4 upgrade
 
* Doesn't come with stock HESH; has to be researched
 
* Doesn't come with stock HESH; has to be researched
* No explosive-filler shells (eg APHE, APCB)
+
* No explosive-filler shells (APHE, APCB)
* HEATFS does not shrapnel well
+
* HEATFS while it has solid penetration, it deals only punctual damage; does not shrapnel well
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
 
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 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.
+
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.
  
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.
Line 191: Line 77:
 
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 [[wt:en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en|Devblog]]''
+
''- From [https://warthunder.com/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;''
* ''other literature.'' -->
+
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
 
+
* ''other literature.''-->
* [[wt:en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en|[Devblog] B1 Centauro: The Wheeled Cheetah]]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5922-development-b1-centauro-the-wheeled-cheetah-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> B1 Centauro: The Wheeled Cheetah]]
* [[Wikipedia:B1_Centauro|[Wikipedia] B1 Centauro]]
+
* [[Wikipedia:B1_Centauro|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> B1 Centauro]]
  
{{TankManufacturer OTO Melara}}
+
{{Italy tank destroyers}}
{{Italy light tanks}}
 
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]
 

Revision as of 16:18, 12 July 2019

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
Centauro I 105
it_b1_centauro.png
Centauro I 105
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

GarageImage Centauro I 105.jpg


The Blindo pesante Centauro, Preserie is a rank VI Italian tank destroyer with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic".

General info

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?

If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.

Mobility

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

Armaments

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: {{main|Name of the weapon}}. 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.

Machine guns

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

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).

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)
  • 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 (APDS, 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
  • A group of well-coordinated players in Centauros are unstoppable

Cons:

  • Lacking in armour department, every gun can penetrate it including SPAA
  • Has hull-break
  • Rather difficult stock grind as the stock APDS post-penetration performance is rather poor
  • 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
  • HEATFS is a tier 4 upgrade
  • Doesn't come with stock HESH; has to be researched
  • No explosive-filler shells (APHE, APCB)
  • HEATFS while it has solid penetration, it deals only punctual damage; 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 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.

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

Skin and Camouflages for the Centauro in Warthunder Live.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Italy tank destroyers
  Italy
M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
M42  75/34 M42
M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
Wheeled  Lancia 3Ro (100/17) · AS 42/47 · Breda 90/53 · Breda 501
Other  L3/33 CC · 47/32 L40
Germany  ▄StuG III G
USA  M36B1 · ▄M109G · M113A1 (TOW)
  Hungary
Zrínyi  Zrinyi I · Zrinyi II
USSR  ◔2S1