17.09.2015, 12:12
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Zitat:Delivery of the first batch of Freccia 8x8 armoured fighting vehicles will be completed by the end of the year, with the exception of 26 vehicles.
So far 160 have been delivered – 126 of which are of the Infantry Fighting Vehicle, 36 anti-tank variants and eight mortar carriers.
According to Iveco-Oto Melara all 160 are operational with the Italian Army’s 82nd Reginment Torino, based in Apulia. The total order for 248 vehicles including: 172 IFVs, 36 anti-tank, 20 C2 and 21 mortar carring vehicles, was placed with CIO – an consortium of Iveco and Oto Melara – in December 2007.
That leaves 88 remaining, however the company also told Shephard that eight of the mortar carrier and 18 C2 variant vehicles will not be delivered this year, so 52 units are expected to handed over by the end of 2015.
A second batch of 381 vehicles was ordered by Italy in 2014. Iveco-Oto Melara said in a statement: ‘Parliament approved the 2nd Brigade but we are still waiting for the complete funding. We expect a first order for 30 IFV, to be delivered within the year end.’
The breakdown of vehicles includes: 163 IFV, 120 explorer (reconnaissance), 40 recovery, 36 anti-tank, 14 mortar carrier and eight C2.
The IFV variant is fitted with a HITFIST Plus turret armed with an Oerlikon 25mm dual-feed KBA cannon and 7.62mm co-axial MG.
The Explorer reconnaissance vehicles, also called VBM (Veicolo Blindato Medio), still have the HITFIST but are equipped with enhanced ISTAR payload. One type is configured to control UAVs and the other UGVs.
Meanwhile, the anti-tank version is equipped with the Rafael Spike long-range ATGM mounted on the side of the turret.