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Freccia IFV

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VBM Freccia
A Freccia IFV of the Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo"
Type8x8 Armoured Fighting Vehicle
Place of origin Italy
Service history
In serviceSince 2008
Used by Italian Army
For more details, see Operators
Production history
DesignerIVECO FIAT and OTO Melara
Designed1996
ManufacturerIVECO FIAT and OTO Melara
Unit cost€ 6 million in 2008
€ 7 million in 2022
ProducedSince 2002
No. built283 [1]
VariantsSee Variants

The VBM – Freccia is a family of 8x8 armoured vehicles that was designed and manufactured for the Italian Army by IVECO for the hull, the engine and the suspension, and OTO Melara for the armament. The first variant to be developed was the IFV, the Freccia being equipped with a Hitfist turret, the same as the one installed on the Dardo IFV.[2]

Background

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The Italian Army was looking for a successor to some of the Cold War era M113 variants in the Italian Army, among which the VCC-1 infantry fighting vehicle, the VCC-2 armoured personnel carrier and the M106 mortar carrier.

The VCC-1 IFV [it] was replaced by the Dardo IFV. The Freccia was ordered to replace Cold War VCC-2 armoured personnel carriers of the Mechanized Brigade "Pinerolo" in Southern Italy.

A change in the doctrine for a more mobile vehicle was the reason behind the choice of a wheeled platform. And as a support to the infantry, a turret was selected to equip the successor of the VCC-2 APC variant, which increased the capabilities and the power of the infantry brigades. Some other variants such as command post vehicles, mortar carriers are also in use in the Italian Army.

Several batches have been ordered since the first one in 2006.

Design

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Design of the Freccia platform

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The VBM – Freccia is a Medium Armoured Combat Vehicle ("Veicolo Blindato Medio Freccia"). It is an up-armoured variant of the Centauro B1 (tactical reconnaissance and tank destroyer). It was designed by Iveco and OTO Melara with their own ressources in order to meet the needs of the Italian Army. A first prototype was produced in 1996. Following a long test campaign, the Italian army selected this vehicle as the winner of the competition and placed a first order for 249 vehicles in 2006.[3] In 2021, a contract was concluded for the design of a MLU of this first generation of vehicles.[4]

After this first batch, the Italian Army needed additional vehicles to replace the specialised variants of the M113 in service.

The electronic architecture of the vehicle is designed according to the NATO General Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) STANAG 4754.[5] This agreement focuses on making the architecture modular, easy and less costly to adapt. Applications can be added to the multi functional control unit as plug and play. It reduces the number of application specific control units, and therefore minimises the need for space and energy. The data, power, communication, sensors, effectors are all integrated according to this architecture. One of the element of this architecture is the SICCONA C2D command, control and navigation system, which includes NEC (Network Enabled Capability).[6]

The main variant is the Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and the Anti Tank variant. Both are equipped with a Hitfist manned turret, which has a KBA 25 mm autocannon. For the anti-tank variant, the first variant is equipped with anti-tank missiles to be employed by the dismounted infantry. In the future, a Spike LR missile is to be integrated to the turret.

Upgrade to the Freccia EVO Platform

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Centauro II

Additional vehicles for reconnaissance and additional infantry fighting capabilities were needed to equip the infantry troops. Improvements on the Freccia platform were necessary to keep up with the new technologies.[4]

The Freccia EVO is a development of the Centauro II. The main improvements include a new powertrain. The engine power is raised from 550 hp (410 kW) to 660 hp (490 kW), and a hybrid traction system is optionally available.[4]

The armament capabilities are improved. The turret selected is the unmanned Hitfist ® OWS equipped with the Bushmaster II 30×173mm chain gun replacing the Oerlikon KBA 25 mm autocannon and can be equipped with anti-tank guided missiles mounted on the side of the turret. The Spike LR is the one used by the Italian Army. The turret is also equipped with a new fire control system. The thermal aiming for the gunner is supplied by Leonardo with the Lothar D (Land Optronic Thermal Aiming Resource). The commander gets a digital sight, and a mast with a panoramic sight is available especially for the reconnaissance variant, the Janus D also supplied by Leonardo.[4]

As for the communications, Leonardo supplies the SWave VQ1 4-channel software defined radio which operates in the HF, VHF and UHF bands, plus a digital intercom system is available. The Italian Army variant is including it in its Network Enhanced Capability, known as the SICCONA C2D/N EVO which is to be expanded to the other armoured fighting vehicles.[6]

The navigation system is using both the GPS signals and the Galileo PRS.

The Iron Fist hard-kill protection system has already been tested, a potential integration is being evaluated by the Italian Army. It would most likely be the Light-Decoupled Iron Fist (IF-LD).[4]

Variants

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Operational variants

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Freccia Mortar Carrier

Variants of the Freccia platform in service with the Italian Army.[7]

  • VBM da Combattimento (AIFV):
    An infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a two-man Hitfist turret with a KBA 25 mm autocannon.
  • VBM Controcarro (ATGW):
    An infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a two-man Hitfist turret with a KBA 25 mm autocannon. Anti-tank guided missiles are included in the internal armament of the variant. A dual Spike LR anti-tank missile launcher will be added to the turret with the middle-life upgrade.
  • VBM Porta Mortaio: [8]
    A mortar carrier equipped with the TDA-2R2M 120 mm mortar system and a RCWS Hitrole L with a M2 Browning 12.7 mm NATO machine gun
  • VBM Posto Comando:
    Two variants are in operation in the Italian Army
    • Veicolo Nucleo Comando (nu. Cdo): [9]
      Used by the brigade commander, equipped with a RCWS Hitrole L which uses a heavy machine gun, the M2 Browning in 12.7 mm NATO. A C4 (command, control, communication and computer) installation is part of its equipment, and additional communication equipment compared to the base IFV variant. It has access to SATCOM, it is equipped with the SIACCON system (Italian Automated Information System for Command and Control), 3 servers, and 4 LRT350+ computer posts.[10]
    • Veicolo Nucleo Tattico (nu. tat.):[9]
      Vehicle used by the platoon commander. The base vehicle is the VBM da Combattimento (AIFV), equipped with a two-man Hitfist turret with a KBA 25 mm autocannon and the same C4 equipment as for the Veicolo Nucleo Comando is available in the armoured vehicle.

Future variants

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The army plans to acquire 300 Freccia EVO, 120 of which in the Reconnaissance variant.[11]

Centauro DRACO
Centauro Porcupine

Prototypes

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Prototypes based on both the Freccia and the Centauro common chassis:

  • VBM Freccia APC:[8]
    An armoured personnel carrier variant that was initially planned, but none has been ordered yet, and none is planned to be ordered by the Italian Army.
  • VBC con torretta T60/70A: [12][8]
    A variant equipped with a turret Hitfist on which a 60mm self-loading autocannon by OTO Melara is installed, expected to be used as an anti-armour vehicle, but it was never ordered.
  • VBM Freccia Recupero: [8]
    An armoured recovery vehicle.
  • DRACO: [13][14]
    A SPAAG (self-propelled anti-air gun) and anti-missile gun, based on the naval autocannon OTO-Melara 76 mm Super Rapido. It can also be used as C-RAM system with DART ammunition.[15]
  • Porcospino: [16]
    The "Porcupine" is a self-propelled howitzer using a 155mm L/39 artillery gun.

Freccia (first phase)

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Parameters APC

Armoured personnel carrier

[17][18]

IFV

Infantry Fighting Vehicle

[19][20]

C2V

Platoon Command Post

[21][22]

C2V

Squadron Command Post

[21][22]

AMC

Armoured Mortar Carrier

[23][24]

ARV

Armoured Recovery Vehicle

[25][26]

Dimensions
Internal volume 13.5 m3 (480 cu ft) 11.0 m3 (390 cu ft) 11.0 m3 (390 cu ft) 13.5 m3 (480 cu ft) 13.5 m3 (480 cu ft) Crew 7 m3Technical 6 m3
Length 7.99 m (26.2 ft) 8.56 m (28.1 ft) 8.56 m (28.1 ft) 8.00 m (26.25 ft) 7.99 m (26.2 ft) 8.25 m (27.1 ft)
Height (hull) 2.01 m (6.6 ft) 2.04 m (6.7 ft) 2.04 m (6.7 ft) 2.04 m (6.7 ft) 2.90 m (9.5 ft) 2.04 m (6.7 ft)
Height (with turret) 2.25 m (7.4 ft) 3.18 m (10.4 ft) 3.22 m (10.6 ft) 3.00 m (9.84 ft) — 2.75 m (9.0 ft)
Width 2.99 m (9.8 ft)
Mass
Empty 19.5 t 22.0 t 22.0 t 20.6 t 21.5 t 23.0
Payload 10.5 t 8.0 t 8.0 t 8.0 t 8.5 t 7.0
GVW (max) 31.5 t
Weapon System / Mission Equipment
Crew + passengers 3 + 10 3 + 8 3 + 3 3 + 4 3 to 5 crews 4
Main mission equipment RWS Hitrole® Turret Hitfist® Turret Hitfist® RWS Hitrole® Thales 2R2M Recovery equipment
40 mm grenade launcher /Machine gun heavy or medium KBA 25 mm /Spike LR / Coaxial MG 7.62 mm KBA 25 mm / Spike LR / Coaxial MG 7.62 mm 40 mm grenade launcher / Machine gun heavy or medium Rifled Recoiled Mounted Mortar 120 mm Hydraulic crane 245.2 kN·Main winch 30 t
Vehicle performances
Max speed 110 km/h (68 mph)
Range on road 800 km (500 mi)
Gradient / Side 60% (31.0°)
Side slope 30% (16.7°)
Step 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Trench 2.0 m (6.6 ft)
Fording depth 1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Turning radius 9.0 m (29.5 ft), with 3 steering axles (1st, 2nd, 4th)
Power train
Engine performance Engine, Iveco 8262 / Power 550 hp (410 kW) / Torque 2,000 N⋅m (1,500 lb⋅ft)
Power / mass ratio 17.5 hp/t (13.0 kW/t) at GVW
Transmission Automatic, 5 front + 2 rear gars
Driveline Single-differential twin-shaft design (H-shaped driveline)
Suspension Hydro-pneumatic and independent suspension
Protection
Hull Hull made of high hardness monocoque steel and direct fire ballistic armour (ceramic).
Floor V-shaped floot made of high hardness steel
  • Base level: anti-mine seats + anti-mine / IED floor withstanding up to 6 kg (13 lb) TNT equivalent
  • Optional: increase of the floor protection to withstand up to 8 kg (18 lb) TNT equivalent
Optional systems Smoke grenade launchers (8 x 80 mm) / NBC protection / IED active jamming protection suite / laser warning system / fire extinguishing system in the crew cabin

Freccia PLUS (second phase)

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The main modifications are: [27]

  • Engine power: from 550 hp (410 kW) to 660 hp (490 kW) by modifying the engine to common rail direct injection, and preparing it for a future hybrid-electric propulsion system.
  • Turret: modifying electronic and optic components, as well as command systems.

Current operators

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Operators

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 Italy

Italian Army

Successful bids

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 Italian Army (330)

Freccia (phase 1) (249) [11][28]
  • 190 VBM da Combattimento (AIFV)
  • 36 VBM Controcarro (ATGW)
  • 21 VBM Porta Mortaio
  • 2 VBM Posto Comando
Feccia PLUS (phase 2), Budget approved in 2019, and to be delivered (81) [11]
  • 5 VBM da Combattimento (AIFV)
  • 36 VBM Controcarro (ATGW)
  • 14 VBM Porta Mortaio
  • 26 VBM Posto Comando (2 variants)

Ongoing negotiation and evaluation

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 Italian Army (300) [29]

Freccia EVO – negotiation for several vehicles based on the VBM
  • 180 in several variants [30]
  • 120 VBM Esploranti [11]

Potential operators

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 Chile (> 200)
The Chilean Army is looking for a successor to its 160 Piraña I 6×6 and 30 Piraña I 8×8. On a long term perspective, more than 200 vehicles are expected to be purchased, but in the meantime, a first phase of the replacement includes a tender for 40 8×8 armoured vehicles. The requirement mentions a maximum weight of 38 tons. Among the known competitors are:[31]

Failed bids

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 Spanish Army [32]

In 2015, a program to replace the VEC-M1, the BMR-M1 and part of the M113 fleet was launched by the Spanish Army. The competitors were the Boxer, the Freccia, the Patria AMV, the Piranha V, the SEP and the VBCI.[33]
In September 2015, the competition was won by GDELS with the Piranha V.[34] In December 2019, the Spanish Government cancelled the program, and relaunched the competition.[35] In August 2020, the Piranha V of GDELS Santa Barbara Sistemas in collaboration with Indra Sistemas and Sapa Placencia won again the competition for a first batch of 348 vehicles for €1.74 billion.[36] It is known as the Dragón VCR [es].

Russia Russian Ground Forces [37]

In 2012, the Russian Army tested the Freccia fitted with a 30mm turret and the Centauro in 3 variants, equipped with the 105mm canon on the Centauro B1, one fitted with a Russian 125mm tank gun, and another one with a NATO 120mm tank gun with the HITFACT 120mm turret.
A discussion for up to 2,500 vehicles was mentioned. Following the Annexation of Crimea in 2014, sanctions were imposed on Russia, and all cooperation on armament was cancelled.[38]

 Slovenian Ground Force (up to 106)

The Slovenian Army is looking for up to 106 APC with a budget of €700 million after rejecting the contract for the Boxer. The finalists of the competition are the Piranha V, the Freccia, the Rosomak L and the Patria AMVXP.[39] On 11 July 2024 it was announced, that the Patria AMVxp won the competition.[40]

See also

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Comparable vehicles

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References

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  1. ^ "Iveco Group goes on stock exchange while Italy MoD signs for the Freccia upgrade programme with CIO, Italy". 17 January 2022. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  2. ^ "VBM Freccia Infantry Fighting Vehicle | MilitaryToday.com". www.militarytoday.com. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  3. ^ "Freccia IFV (2006)". tanks-encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  4. ^ a b c d e Valpolini, Paolo (2022-01-17). "Iveco Group goes on stock exchange while Italy MoD signs for the Freccia upgrade programme with CIO". EDR Magazine. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  5. ^ Federal Office for Defence Procurement [dead link‍]
  6. ^ a b "Conclusi i test del sistema C2D/N EVO - Esercito Italiano". www.esercito.difesa.it. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  7. ^ bocquelet, david. "Freccia IFV (2006)". tank-afv.com. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  8. ^ a b c d Kowak (2015-07-09). "VBM Freccia". Militarypedia (in Italian). Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  9. ^ a b "Panorama Difesa" (PDF). IVECO. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  10. ^ LRT350+ larimart.it
  11. ^ a b c d "I programmi di acquisizione ed ammodernamento dell'Esercito Italiano". Analisi Difesa. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
  12. ^ Giusti, Arturo (2021-03-24). "M24 Chaffee with 60 HVMS". Tank Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  13. ^ "Le prospettive di OTO Melara – Analisi Difesa" (in Italian). 2023-10-26. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  14. ^ "Draco 76 mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun | MilitaryToday.com". www.militarytoday.com. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  15. ^ "The Strales 76mm system with DART guided ammunition". www.leonardo.com. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  16. ^ "Porcupine Prototype 155-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer | MilitaryToday.com". www.militarytoday.com. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  17. ^ "VBM FRECCIA APC". www.iveco-otomelara.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  18. ^ "VBM Freccia APC" (PDF). IVECO. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  19. ^ "VBM FRECCIA AIFV/ATGM". www.iveco-otomelara.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  20. ^ "VBM Freccia AIFV ATGM" (PDF). IVECO. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  21. ^ a b "VBM FRECCIA COMMAND POST". www.iveco-otomelara.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  22. ^ a b "VBM Freccia Land TU Cu" (PDF). IVECO. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  23. ^ "VBM FRECCIA AMC". www.iveco-otomelara.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  24. ^ BM FRECCIA AMC iveco.com
  25. ^ "VBM FRECCIA ARV". www.iveco-otomelara.com. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  26. ^ VBM FRECCIA ARV iveco-otomelara.com
  27. ^ https://defence-blog.com/italian-army-to-receive-additional-vbm-freccia-combat-vehicles/ [bare URL]
  28. ^ bocquelet, david. "Freccia IFV (2006)". tank-afv.com. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  29. ^ bocquelet, david. "Freccia IFV (2006)". tank-afv.com. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  30. ^ Editorial, Defense Brief (2022-01-23). "Italian Army orders further mortar, command post variants of Freccia IFV". Defense Brief. Retrieved 2023-06-02.
  31. ^ "Chile opens bidding for new wheeled armored vehicles". 25 October 2023.
  32. ^ Miller, Stephen W. (2017-12-01). "Wheels of Fortune". Armada International. Retrieved 2023-11-04.
  33. ^ Villarejo, Esteban (2015-08-22). "GD Favored To Win Spanish Armored Vehicle Contract". Defense News. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  34. ^ "Spain selects Piranha 5 as new 8×8 armoured infantry vehicle". Defence Blog. 28 September 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
  35. ^ admin (2019-12-29). "Spanish Government Cancels â'¬2.1 Billion Piranha 5 Contract". MilitaryLeak. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  36. ^ Editorial, Defense Brief (2020-08-25). "Spain hands out $2.06 billion contract for Dragon VCR 8x8 vehicles". Defense Brief. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  37. ^ Eshel, Tamir (2012-05-12). "Russia Testing Italian Centauro Wheeled Tanks - Defense Update". Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  38. ^ "Sanctions adopted following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine". finance.ec.europa.eu. Retrieved 2023-11-05.
  39. ^ "The Slovenia Times". sloveniatimes.com. Retrieved 2023-11-24.
  40. ^ "The Slovenia Times". sloveniatimes.com. Retrieved 2024-08-14.
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