Porcupine Prototype 155 mm self-propelled howitzer (Italy)
Channel: Main Battle Tank
Date: 2023-01-24

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The Porcupine is a prototype 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH). It is also referred as Centauro 155/39 LW. This artillery system was developed by IVECO and OTO Melara. The project is funded by Italian Ministry of Defense. The new self-propelled howitzer is intended to operate in medium Italian Army brigades alongside Centauro tank destroyers, Freccia infantry fighting vehicles, and associated combat vehicles based on 8x8 wheeled chassis. It is worth mentioning that Italian Army currently operates license-built PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers.

   The Porcupine artillery system is based on a modified Centauro wheeled tank destroyer chassis. Vehicle has enhanced protection against mines.

   This artillery system is armed with a FH70 155 mm/L39 howitzer, fitted in unmanned armored turret. Howitzer is completed with a fully automated loading system. Maximum rate of fire is up to 8 rounds per minute. This SPH is capable of multiple-round simultaneous impact firing. Up to 4 rounds are launched in different trajectories and hit a single target simultaneously. A total of 15 rounds are carried in the turret. This prototype self-propelled howitzer can use all standard NATO 155 mm projectiles. It is also compatible with newly-developed OTO Melara Volcano both guided and unguided long-range projectiles, which have a maximum range of up to 60 km. The Porcupine can stop and fire its first round within 3 minutes from traveling. Turret of this new prototype SPH has limited traverse range of 15 degrees to either side.

   Due to its limited onboard ammunition storage it is proposed to use Porcupine with associated ammunition reloading vehicle. In this case ammunition can be fully replenished within 10 minutes.

   The Porcupine is operated by a crew of only two men, including driver and commander. Both crew members are located at the front of the hull.

   Prototype of the new self-propelled howitzer is powered by IVECO MTCA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 520 hp. Steering is provided on the first and second axles and at slow speed with also the fourth axle. Vehicle is equipped with run-flat tyres and fitted with central tyre inflation system.