CIO VBM Freccia
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-02-17

The VBM Freccia AIFV/ATGM is the Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) / tank-killer form of the base Freccia armored vehicle offered by CIO of Italy. The type retains the general form of the original vehicle but broadens its mission set to include infantry support and an anti-tank capability. The same 8x8 wheeled arrangement is retained as is the low profile design making it an ideal solution for the modern battlefield.

Internally, there is a crew of three made up of the driver, vehicle commander, and gunner with additional seating for up to eight combat-ready troops in the hull rear. Entry-exit is primarily accomplished through a powered door located at the rear hull face, giving unfettered access to the fighting cabin. This pushes the powerpack to the front-right which results in the driver being positioned at the front-left. Access hatches are located at the driver's position and at the commander's and gunner's turret positions. Night vision equipment is supported.

The turret is a Leonardo development known as the HITFIST Plus which features either a 25mm or 30mm automatic cannon solution (a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun being standard in either arrangement). Between six and eight smoke grenade dischargers can be featured on the turret. The Fire Control System (FCS) is digital an offered with a variety of sighting and sensor systems as well as fully-stabilization for firing "on-the-move". The vehicle is also given a complete Command, Control, and Communications (C3) suite to better network with allied battlefield components. Full 360-degree traversal can be had from the emplacement.

The 25mm automatic cannon is the KBA Oerlikon system while the 30mm fit is the ATK MK 44 model. 200 projectiles of either High-Explosive (HE) or Armor-Piercing, Discarding Sabot (APDS) rounds (typically a mix of both) can be carried and fed into the weapon systems.

600 x Rounds of 7.62mm ammunition are carried for the co-axial machine gun fitting.

Beyond its ballistics-based offerings, the AIFV/ATGM can optionally support Anti-Tank, Guided-Missiles (ATGMs) to ranged tank-killing firepower. The boxed launchers are mounted along the sides of the turret offering four ready-to-fire missiles with an additional eight missiles retained in the hull for reloading.

A single 7.62mm machine gun can be mounted on the turret roof as an Anti-Aircraft (AA) / anti-infantry measure.

Like other vehicles of the Freccia line, the AIFV/ATGM model is steerable at the first, second, and forth axles for an improved turn radius. The 8x8x wheeled arrangement, complete with its MacPherson independent hydro-pneumatic suspension system, offers excellent mobility when going cross-country.

Structurally, the vehicle has a running length of 8.56 meters with a width of 2.99 meters and a height of 3.18 meters to turret top. Empty weight is 22 tons against a gross weight of 31.5 tons when loaded.

The IVECO 8262 6V turbo-charged after-cooler engine delivers 550 horsepower at 2,000rpm and the transmission system is automatic, featuring five forward and two reverse gears.

The roadwheels are oversized for heavy-duty usage and are of run-flat design while being managed through a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS).

Beyond its relatively compact form and low-profile shape, the AIFV/ATGM also sports a hardened steel hull, base ballistics protection, basic mine protection, mine-resistant seats for the occupants, and a laser warning system.

With its all-modern approach in form and function, the VBM Freccia AIFV/ATGM is a welcome addition to any ground force arsenal - combining a proven drivetrain and framework while offering inherent mobility to keep up with the main fighting force.