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janes.com/idex
More roles for HITFACT Mk II turret Leonardo Defence Systems (Stand 06-B07) is exhibiting a scale model of its latest HITFACT Mk II turret, which has been qualified by the Italian Army and is now in production for installation on the CIO Centauro II (8x8) Mobile Gun System (MGS). The prime contractor for the Centauro II is Consortium Iveco – Oto Melara (CIO), although the latter element is part of Leonardo Defence Systems following a major rebranding. The first contract placed by the Italian Army is for 11 Centauro II MGS, which comprises the single prototype to be brought up to full production standard, plus 10 brand-new Centauro II. The total Italian Army requirement is for about 150 units. The design of the HITFACT
Mk II turret is such that it is suitable for installation on a wide range of light and medium tracked and wheeled armoured fighting vehicles, to give them the firepower of a much heavier main battle tank. The main armament comprises a 120mm/45 calibre low-recoil smoothbore gun fitted with a muzzle brake, thermal sleeve and a fume extractor. An alternative
is a 105mm/52 calibre rifled gun, which can be easily and rapidly fitted in the same turret frame. The turret has a crew of three, consisting of commander, gunner and loader, but an automatic loader is an option, enabling the turret crew to be reduced to commander and gunner. A 7.62mm machine gun is mounted coaxial to the left, while
on the turret roof on the right is a Leonardo Hitrole remote controlled weapon station armed with a stabilised .50 M2 HB or a 7.62mm machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher, with a pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun on the left side of the roof. The turret is of all-welded alloy with add-on armour. It is fitted with a computerised fire control system, stabilised day/ thermal sights incorporating an eye-safe laser rangefinder and all-electric gun control equipment. The commander has a stabilised panoramic sight, enabling hunter/ killer target engagements to take place. Jordan has taken delivery of 141 Centauro I, while Oman has nine vehicles fitted with an earlier 120mm turret. n
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