The VBM Freccia ACP is an 8X8 wheeled Armoured Command Post vehicle having a combination of the well-proven and highly reliable drive train of the 8X8 Family with a special designed hull. The very large internal volume of 13.5 m3 can be configured according to different customers’ requirements to provide a complete set of situation awareness and communication components and to form a fully network enabled capability. The Freccia ACP has outstanding tactical mobility, with the powerful Iveco engine driving an automatic gearbox and 3-axle steering. The vehicle has an exceptional ride quality due to the independent MacPherson suspension and the extended travel hydro-pneumatic units.
The vehicle has powerful disk brakes on each wheel station, the adoption of an innovative “H shaped” transmission, with twin side mounted drive shafts in place of the more traditional single central shaft, provides the vehicle with a low silhouette and an inherently more stealthy profile than others in its class. Rapid exit is facilitated by the use of a low angle hydraulic rear ramp also equipped with an integrated emergency exit hatch. The vehicle has an on-board APU, capable to extended powering of mission equipment with engine off. Self defence is provided by Leonardo HITROLEâ„¢ 12.7mm remotely controlled overhead weapon station. As standard, the vehicle is also fitted with two batteries of Galix smoke grenade launchers. These can be activated manually or automatically by a Laser Warning System.
The monocoque steel hull can be enhanced to customer requirements by add-on protection packs to increase the protection levels against direct fire, land mines and IEDs. A dedicated suite of command, control and communication systems based on VHF, UHF, wide band and satellite communication is the backbone of the ACP vehicle. The Centauro ACP can be customized according to the specific requirements of each customer. An example of such customization is the duo “Command Nucleus” and “Tactical Nucleus” equipped with an HITFISTâ„¢ 25mm turret which constitutes the Tactical Terrestrial Command Post for the Italian Army.
The Freccia ( Arrow) is an Italian 8×8 wheeled Infantry fighting vehicle in use with the Italian Army. The first batch of 253 vehicles were ordered to replace Cold War VCC-2 armoured personnel carriers of the Mechanized Brigade “Pinerolo” in Southern Italy. The Freccia is up-armoured and revised variant of the wheeled Centauro tank destroyer fitted with the Hitfist Plus turret , which is armed with an Oerlikon KBA 25mm automatic cannon and carries 200 rounds of 25mm ammunition. Two 7.62mm NATO machine guns are also fitted. The Hitfist Plus turret could theoretically also fit cannons and guns of up to 60mm calibre. Four 80mm smoke grenade launchers are mounted on each side of the turret. The fire control system is the same as for the Centauro reconnaissance/anti-tank version. The Freccia can carry up to eight combat-ready troops.
