Armament
The powered two-man TC 25 series turret from Oto Breda rests in its ring just aft of the driver at about the middle of the hull. The commander and gunner both take their positions in this system with the commander seated left and the gunner to his immediate right. Main armament is an Oerlikon Contraves Type KBA 25mm dual-feed autocannon capable of up to 600 rounds per minute. Some 200 25mm projectiles are held in the turret. The cannon is stabilized along both axis and has elevation from -10 to +60 degrees. The main gun is assisted by the Galileo Avionic (originally known as Oficine Galileo) "HITFIST" fire control system developed from the VCC-80. A thermal imaging system and laser range finder also work in conjunction with the gunner's skill to help deliver accurate results and the cannon can attack both lightly-armored land vehicles and low-flying aircraft with equal lethality.
A co-axial MG 42/59 series 7.62mm machine gun is fitted to the left of the main gun and has 700 rounds available in its stores. An additional 7.62mm defensive machine gun can be added to an external weapon station fitting along the top of the turret. Rectangular single-shot Hughes TOW anti-tank missile launchers are optional and promote the Dardo's tank killer and battlefield self-preservation capabilities. These launchers are also positional from -7.5 to +30 degrees and independent of the main armament's current attack angle. Self-defense is complimented by 8 x 80mm smoke grenade dischargers mounted at the front of the turret (in a quad grouping) or straddling the sides of the turret (in line).
Powerpack
Power is supplied by a single Iveco-Fiat liquid-cooled V6 MYCA turbodiesel engine developing 512 horsepower tied to an automatic transmission system. The powerplant provides the Dardo with a top speed of 43.5 miles per hour and a range of 311 miles. Of note is that this Iveco-Fiat development is also the powerplant of choice for the Centauro 8x8 tank killer. Fording depth is listed at just under five feet and the Dardo is rated against gradients of 60 percent. Vertical obstacle crossing is 2 feet, 9 inches while trench crossings of 8 feet, 2 inches round out its performance capabilities.
Conclusion
As with most any new battlefield implement, only direct combat and active operations will prove the Dardo IFV a sound design or not. It has proven successful in its previous actions across Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan to this point.
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