The Brazilian Army has chosen the Centauro II Mobile Gun System at the top of the list within the procurement process for a new Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).

According to the IVECO-OTO-Melara Consortium (CIO), the said new Mobile Gun System constitutes a new stage in the development of the original Centauro fitted with the 105 mm gun, as it is currently the first 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle in the world fitted with a high-pressure 120 mm gun (45 caliber). 

Centauro II can successfully engage Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and other armored vehicles, it is fully integrated for network-centric warfare (NCW) and it can carry out tactical reconnaissance and fire support of combat units. Convoy escorts and patrol missions can be added to its missions.

Regarding the platform’s mobility, the platform features an enhanced power-to-weight ratio increased to 24 HP/tonne, offering more than 720 HP, thanks to the new-generation IVECO VECTOR 8V turbocharged diesel engine. Moreover, the platform integrates modernized transmission, a central tire inflation system (CTIS) along with run-flat systems, and new suspension.

Also read: Brazil is interested in modernizing the EE-9 Cascavel 6×6 fleet – What about the National Guard?

As for ballistic armor, protection levels are significantly higher, with a completely rearranged hull chassis and turret design, integratable add-on ballistics including explosive reactive armor (ERA). Centauro II is capable of countering threats such as mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the latest-generation kinetic munitions in line with the AEP 55 standard.

Specifically, the crew is seated on anti-mine seats, the ammunition is stored in isolated compartments within the hull, while the platform in question is fitted with a jamming system, which blocks the signals of radio-controlled IEDs. 

In addition to these, the vehicle is fitted with nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

Regarding self-protection, it has an additional passive sensor that works as a laser warning receiver, which is used to lock or pinpoint the target from enemy systems and can be configured to activate smoke grenade dischargers.

Its main characteristics include:

• Length: 8,26 m
• Height: 3,65 m
• Weight: 30 tonnes
• Width: 3,38 m
• Maximum speed: 105 km/h
• Maximum range: 800 km
• Engine power: 720 hp
• Elevation range: – 6 to + 45 degrees 
• Traverse range: 360 degrees

In terms of its armament, Centauro II provides the same firepower as most modern main battle tanks, as it integrates an OTO Melara HITFACT turret, armed with a 120 mm / 45 caliber smoothbore gun, which is compatible with standard NATO 120 mm tank ammunition, and is fitted with a very efficient muzzle brake, which significantly reduces the recoil by venting gases out of specifically designed holes the moment the projectile is fired.

Centauro II uses the new automatic loading system and undertakes manual loading operations, as backup, or other emergency operations. On these grounds, around 40 rounds are carried by the vehicle, 12 of which are stored in the turret and are ready to use, while the rest are stored in the manual rack.

Further, the platform has a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun (with 750 rounds of ammunition) and HITROLE Light remotely-controlled weapon station (RCWS), armed with a 12.7 mm machine gun. Alternatively, the remotely-controlled weapon station can be armed with either a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun or an 8×81 automatic grenade launcher.

Also read: Lynx 120 | The new version of the Rheinmetall armored vehicle with a smoothbore gun

Centauro II is operated by a crew of 4, including the commander, gunner, driver, and loader, who transfers ammunition from the stowage compartment to the autoloader, and loads the main gun manually in case the autoloader fails.