The Brazilian Army, through the Comando Logistico (COLOG) / Diretoria de Material (DMat), has chosen the Centauro II 120 mm system made by Società Consortile Iveco – Oto Melara (CIO) as top of the list within the procurement process named Viatura Blindada de Cavalaria Média Sobre Rodas (VBC Cav – MSR 8×8). The wheeled tank destroyer prevails over the General Dynamics Land Systems LAV 700 AG, which ended second in the competition, and the NORINCO ST1-BR, ending in third position. The contract, which provides for the purchase of at least 98 Centauro IIs and which may be extended to 221 in the coming years.
![Centauro II 120 mm Wheeled Tank Destroyer.](https://i0.wp.com/militaryleak.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/centauro-ii-120-mm-main-gun-system-mgs-1.jpg?resize=680%2C383&ssl=1)
The Centauro is a family of Italian military vehicles originating from a wheeled tank destroyer. It was developed by a consortium of manufacturers, the Società Consortile Iveco Fiat – OTO Melara (CIO). Iveco Fiat was tasked with developing the hull and propulsion systems while Oto Melara was responsible for developing the turrets and weapon systems. The new-generation IVECO engine offering more than 720 HP. The digital tyre pressure control (CTIS), allied with run-flat systems, the new suspension and the low nominal ground pressure allow the new Centauro armoured vehicle to extricate itself from any type of terrain.
![Centauro II 120 mm Wheeled Tank Destroyer.](https://i0.wp.com/militaryleak.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/centauro-ii-mgs-120105-2.jpg?resize=680%2C421&ssl=1)
The Centauro II armoured vehicle is a wheeled 8×8 system fitted with 120 mm armament, representing the top in the sector in terms of power, observation, mobility, ergonomics, firing performance, communication and crew protection. The third generation 120/45 mm gun (optional 105/52mm interchangeable to 120 mm), with integrated and stabilised low-recoil muzzle brake, provides the same fire power as most modern main battle tanks, with the capability of firing all latest generation 120 mm NATO APFSDS and multi-role MP munitions. The new Centauro II is the first 8×8 wheeled antitank vehicle in the world with a high-pressure gun.
![Centauro II 120 mm Wheeled Tank Destroyer](https://i0.wp.com/militaryleak.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/centauro-ii-mgs-120105-3.jpg?resize=680%2C421&ssl=1)
The turret, equipped with new anti-mine seats, has a crew of three men – commander, gunner and loader – with the latter able to use the new automatic loading system. In the turret, as an alternative to the external turntable-mounted anti-aircraft machine gun, a remote-operated HITROLE Light turret can be installed, with the possibility of using 7.62 or 12.7 calibre machine guns as well as 40 mm AGLs. Optronic equipment includes a panoramic commander’s sight and a gunner’s sight, both latest-generation, and a back-up sight for use in degraded mode. The vehicle is fully network-integrated (for NCW).