The VBM Freccia AMC from CIO of Italy is a dedicated mortar-carrying variant of the capable Freccia 8x8 wheeled, lightly-armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) line detailed elsewhere on this site. The vehicle retains the general form of the original while adding a mobile fire support capability critical to success on the modern battlefield. The AMC is outfitted with a 120mm rifled, semi-automatic mortar weapon system used to reach out to targets and target areas behind cover. The complete system is intended as an infantry support solution with an inherently valuable "shoot-and-scoot" capability.
Key changes to the Freccia IFV are the addition of a pair of outward-opening, hinged, electrically-powered roof doors providing access to the mortar weapon system, which are raised and lowered for action as needed. The firing software, coupled to the mounting hardware, is digital, allowing for powered traversal and elevation corrections by the crew (with manual backup / override possible). As the weapon sits in the hull of the vehicle, it is relatively protected from small arms fire and artillery "spray" by way of basic ballistics protection offered by the lightly-armored truck. Up to 250 mortar projectiles are carried within the vehicle and the weapon can sustain fire up to a theoretical 625 rounds-per-minute. The twin-axis stabilized mounting hardware of the gun tube allows for an elevation span of -20 to +70 degrees (limited to 40-degrees when the mortar is in the low position) across a full 360-degree traversal range left/right from centerline.
The operating crew consists of four total personnel (including a driver and vehicle commander) who have access to modern battlefield implements such as day-night sensors, night-vision equipment, and a laser range finder. The vehicle is further "network-ready" with existing battlefield forces by way of an integrated onboard Command, Control, and Communications (C3) suite.
As a defensive measure, a Leonardo "HITROLE" Remote Weapon is seated over the middle of the hull roof to protect against low-flying threats, light-armored threats, and infantry assaults. This station can accept a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) as needed. A manual turret can take its place supporting a 5.56mm or 7.62mm automatic weapon installation.
With the Freccia IFV as its framework, the AMC retains the same cross-country mobility and survivability features. Sharing automotive components also ensures logistical friendliness for budget conscious defense forces seeking to expand their fire support capabilities.
Dimensions of the design include a length of 7.99 meters, a width of 2.99 meters, and a height (to top of turret) of 2.9 meters. Empty weight is 21.5 tons and this increases to a maximum of 31.5 tons when loaded.
An IVECO 8262 6V turbo-charged after-cooler diesel-fueled engine develops 550 horsepower at 2,000rpm driving the vehicle to speeds of 110 kmh out to a range of 800 kilometers. The engine is mated to an automatic transmission system offering five forward and two reverse speeds.
The 8x8 wheeled, four-axle arrangement is largely conventional, featuring run-flat tires and steering of the first, second, and forth axles. A Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) ensures real-time adjustments for maximum comfort and balance over uneven terrains.
Survivability features include a low overall profile, steel-based hull construction, basic anti-tank mine protection, mine-protected seats for the crew, anti-explosion measures across the crew cabin, an onboard laser warning system, and 8 x 80mm smoke grenade dischargers to screen the vehicle's actions. A full Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) suite is also present as is a fire suppression system. Armor protection can be enhanced through add-on kits.
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the CIO VBC Freccia AMC 8x8 Wheeled Mortar Carrier Vehicle.
1 x IVECO 8262 6V turbo-charged diesel-fueled engine developing 550 horsepower at 2,000rpm driving conventional 8x8, all-wheeled arrangement. Installed Power
68 mph 110 kph Road Speed
497 miles 800 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the CIO VBC Freccia AMC 8x8 Wheeled Mortar Carrier Vehicle.
4 (MANNED) Crew
26.2 ft 7.99 meters O/A Length
9.8 ft 2.99 meters O/A Width
9.5 ft 2.9 meters O/A Height
69,446 lb 31,500 kg | 34.7 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the CIO VBM Freccia AMC 8x8 Wheeled Mortar Carrier Vehicle.
1 x 120mm rifled semi-automatic field mortar in hull.
OPTIONAL:
1 x Leonardo HITROLE Remote Weapon Station (RWS) supporting 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns OR 1 x 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL).
1 x Manually-operated gun emplacement supporting 5.56mm or 7.62mm automatic weapon.
AMMUNITION: 250 x 120mm mortar projectiles.
Variants Notable series variants as part of the CIO VBM Freccia AMC family line.
VBM Freccia AMC - Base Series Designation.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the CIO VBM Freccia AMC. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 250 Units Contractor(s): IVECO / OTO-Melara / CIO - Italy
[ Italy ]
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Image from official IVECO OTO-Melara marketing materials.
Similar Developments of similar form-and-function, or related, to the CIO VBM Freccia AMC 8x8 Wheeled Mortar Carrier Vehicle.
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