Difference between revisions of "Centauro I 105 R"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
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<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
  
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|-
 
|-
 
|Hull
 
|Hull
|15 mm (80°) ''Upper Glacis''
+
|15 mm (80°) ''Upper Glacis''
35 mm (45°) ''Lower Glacis''
+
35 mm (45°) ''Lower Glacis''
 
|25 mm
 
|25 mm
 
|20 mm
 
|20 mm
Line 43: Line 41:
 
|Turret
 
|Turret
 
|25 mm (19°)''Turret front''
 
|25 mm (19°)''Turret front''
40 mm (6°-51°-56°) ''Gun mantlet''
+
40 mm (6°-51°-56°) ''Gun mantlet''
 
|25 mm
 
|25 mm
 
|15+15 mm ''Left section''
 
|15+15 mm ''Left section''
15 mm ''Right section''
+
15 mm ''Right section''
 
|15 + 15 mm ''Front''
 
|15 + 15 mm ''Front''
15 mm ''Rear''
+
15 mm ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Additional
 
|Additional
Line 221: Line 219:
  
 
Like the Centauro, the Centauro ROMOR is extremely fast. It should be played in a similar way to its predecessor, using mobility to get to advantageous positions quickly, however, new tools give it both pros and cons. The mobility and the acceleration are slightly limited due to the addition of the heavy ERA armour making it harder to crest ridges and hills. The ERA doesn't offer much in protection against rounds as mentioned before and is slightly burdensome. However, the new APFSDS rounds give it new tank destroying capabilities and allow the Centauro ROMOR to more easily penetrate highly armoured targets. The gunner thermals and laser rangefinder allow the Centauro ROMOR to be a better sniper than most other vehicles in-game and give it the capability to control entire sectors of the map. The large size and lack of neutral steer make it difficult to engage in close-quarters combat in urban scenarios. These situations should be avoided at all costs. Holding a corner isn't viable in this vehicle either, due to the turret being located in the rear and the large chassis. The Centauro is most effective when used to flank or to reach advantageous positions quickly, flank, or snipe from distance.   
 
Like the Centauro, the Centauro ROMOR is extremely fast. It should be played in a similar way to its predecessor, using mobility to get to advantageous positions quickly, however, new tools give it both pros and cons. The mobility and the acceleration are slightly limited due to the addition of the heavy ERA armour making it harder to crest ridges and hills. The ERA doesn't offer much in protection against rounds as mentioned before and is slightly burdensome. However, the new APFSDS rounds give it new tank destroying capabilities and allow the Centauro ROMOR to more easily penetrate highly armoured targets. The gunner thermals and laser rangefinder allow the Centauro ROMOR to be a better sniper than most other vehicles in-game and give it the capability to control entire sectors of the map. The large size and lack of neutral steer make it difficult to engage in close-quarters combat in urban scenarios. These situations should be avoided at all costs. Holding a corner isn't viable in this vehicle either, due to the turret being located in the rear and the large chassis. The Centauro is most effective when used to flank or to reach advantageous positions quickly, flank, or snipe from distance.   
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
! Protection
 
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Tires
 
|
 
| Parts
 
| Horizontal Drive
 
| M393A2
 
| M735
 
|-
 
| II
 
| Suspension
 
| Brake System
 
| FPE
 
| Adjustment of Fire
 
| Airstrike
 
| NVD
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Filters
 
|
 
| Crew Replenishment
 
| Elevation Mechanism
 
| Improved optics
 
| M416
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| Transmission
 
| Engine
 
|
 
| Artillery Support
 
| LWS/LR
 
| DM33
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 285: Line 242:
 
Development of the B1 Centauro began during the 1980s after the Italian Army issued a set of requirements for a new vehicle that would have equivalent firepower to the Leopard 1 MBT in Italian service at the time, but with greater combat mobility and the ability to reach greater points of strategic control.  
 
Development of the B1 Centauro began during the 1980s after the Italian Army issued a set of requirements for a new vehicle that would have equivalent firepower to the Leopard 1 MBT in Italian service at the time, but with greater combat mobility and the ability to reach greater points of strategic control.  
  
In response to this, the Italian companies Fiat, Iveco and Oto Melara joined forces in a consortium to begin developing the vehicle requested by the Italian Army. In this joint venture, Fiat and Iveco were developing the vehicle’s hull and power supply, whilst Oto Melara took care of the vehicle’s turret and weapon systems.
+
In response to this, the Italian companies Fiat, Iveco and Oto Melara joined forces in a consortium to begin developing the vehicle requested by the Italian Army. In this joint venture, Fiat and Iveco were developing the vehicle's hull and power supply, whilst Oto Melara took care of the vehicle's turret and weapon systems.
  
 
In 1986, the final prototype of the B1 Centauro project was unveiled on Sardinia. The presented vehicle was an eight-wheeled lightly armoured tank destroyer, equipped with a derived modification of the L7 105mm cannon, capable of reaching a very high top speed and covering large distances under its own power.
 
In 1986, the final prototype of the B1 Centauro project was unveiled on Sardinia. The presented vehicle was an eight-wheeled lightly armoured tank destroyer, equipped with a derived modification of the L7 105mm cannon, capable of reaching a very high top speed and covering large distances under its own power.
Line 291: Line 248:
 
Impressed by the B1 Centauro, the Italian Military placed orders for a number of vehicles, going in production in 1991 with the first ones entering service as early as 1992. In 1993 following a competition between firms to develop an ERA package for Centauros based in Somalia, British Royal Ordinance designed the ROMOR-A ERA armour set. 10 Sets of the ERA armour were sent directly to Somalia to equip the Centauro's stationed there and 10 sets to Italy for further testing. The ROMOR-A ERA has the unique advantage of being easy to attach in the field, having no risk of exploding when handled, and only being triggered by large projectiles. These factors gave the Italian army significant flexibility in the application of the ERA.
 
Impressed by the B1 Centauro, the Italian Military placed orders for a number of vehicles, going in production in 1991 with the first ones entering service as early as 1992. In 1993 following a competition between firms to develop an ERA package for Centauros based in Somalia, British Royal Ordinance designed the ROMOR-A ERA armour set. 10 Sets of the ERA armour were sent directly to Somalia to equip the Centauro's stationed there and 10 sets to Italy for further testing. The ROMOR-A ERA has the unique advantage of being easy to attach in the field, having no risk of exploding when handled, and only being triggered by large projectiles. These factors gave the Italian army significant flexibility in the application of the ERA.
  
B1 Centauros took part in most major conflicts that defined the ‘90s and early 2000s, most notably in former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Apart from the Italian Army, other noteworthy operators of the Centauro include Spain, which produced licensed copies, Jordan and Oman.
+
B1 Centauros took part in most major conflicts that defined the '90s and early 2000s, most notably in former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Apart from the Italian Army, other noteworthy operators of the Centauro include Spain, which produced licensed copies, Jordan and Oman.
  
 
Around 400 B1 Centauros were built until 2006, including some other derived modifications of the vehicle filling other roles. The B1 Centauro still serves with the Italian as well as other armed forces to this day.
 
Around 400 B1 Centauros were built until 2006, including some other derived modifications of the vehicle filling other roles. The B1 Centauro still serves with the Italian as well as other armed forces to this day.
Line 320: Line 277:
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/Italy/B1-Centauro.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> B1 Centauro IFV (1986)]
 
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/modern/Italy/B1-Centauro.php <nowiki>[Tanks Encyclopedia]</nowiki> B1 Centauro IFV (1986)]
 
* [https://www.armyrecognition.com/italian_army_italy_wheeled_and_armoured_vehicle_uk/centauro_b1_105mm_wheeled_anti-tank_armoured_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html <nowiki>[Army Recognition]</nowiki> Centauro 105mm Anti-tank armoured vehicle]
 
* [https://www.armyrecognition.com/italian_army_italy_wheeled_and_armoured_vehicle_uk/centauro_b1_105mm_wheeled_anti-tank_armoured_vehicle_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html <nowiki>[Army Recognition]</nowiki> Centauro 105mm Anti-tank armoured vehicle]
* [http://www.esercito.difesa.it/en/Equipment/Combat-Tanks-and-Armoured-Vehicles/Combat-Vehicles/Pagine/Centaur-Tank.aspx <nowiki>[Esercito]</nowiki> “Centaur” Tank]
+
* [http://www.esercito.difesa.it/en/Equipment/Combat-Tanks-and-Armoured-Vehicles/Combat-Vehicles/Pagine/Centaur-Tank.aspx <nowiki>[Esercito]</nowiki> "Centaur" Tank]
  
 
{{Italy tank destroyers}}
 
{{Italy tank destroyers}}

Revision as of 14:43, 28 December 2020

Introducing Wiki 3.0
Centauro I 105 R
it_b1_centauro_romor.png
GarageImage Centauro I 105 R.jpg
Centauro I 105 R
AB RB SB
9.3 9.7 9.7
Class:
Research:110 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:620 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Blindo pesante Centauro, Serie 2, ROMOR is a rank VI Italian tank destroyer with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB) and 9.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic".

The Centauro I 105 R is a variant of the Centauro B1, but with the improvement of ROMOR-A ERA present on the hull and turret.

General info

Survivability and armour

ERA
Effective action against the cumulative ammunition
LWS
Notifies about the vehicle's exposure to laser emissions
Armourfront / side / back
Hull35 / 25 / 20
Turret25 / 25 / 15
Crew4 people
Visibility84 %

The Centauro ROMOR, like its B1 base variant, prioritizes speed and mobility at the expense of armour and protection. It tries to rectify the lack of armour through angling of armour plates and the ROMOR-A ERA. The hull is a high-hardness monocoque fashioned from rolled homogenous armour of varying thicknesses depending of the plate. The turret is very much the same as the hull, with a low profile cupola for both the gunner and commander. Additionally, the turret has 15 mm of rolled homogenous armour added to the top of the turret, increasing total thickness to roughly 30 mm of armour on the roof. The driver is separated from the engine via an 8 mm thick partition. This partition, if penetrated, will create extra internal shrapnel. The position of the radiator directly below the upper front plate adds extra protection as it has a chance of absorbing or bouncing kinetic penetrators.

The main feature which separates the ROMOR from the base B1 Centauro is obviously the addition of ROMOR-A ERA, which has increased protection again chemical weapons. The ERA is bolted to the turret cheeks/sides and the sides of the chassis. There are significantly more panels on the left side of the hull and right side of the turret. The ERA, which is a reactive element sandwiched between 2 metal plates, offers 30mm of protection against kinetic rounds and 300 mm against chemical rounds. Despite the armour and the addition of the ERA, the Centauro ROMOR can only effectively stop rounds up to a diameter of 14.5 mm. Most rounds at the rank with a diameter greater than 100 mm will one-shot the Centauro due to the hullbreak feature regardless of the round type(kinetic/chemical). The only exception to the hull break mechanic is the upper front plate and gun mantlet which has a decreased chance to hull break.

Armour type:

  • Rolled Homogeneous Armor - Main
  • ROMOR-A - ERA
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 15 mm (80°) Upper Glacis

35 mm (45°) Lower Glacis

25 mm 20 mm 10 - 20 mm
Turret 25 mm (19°)Turret front

40 mm (6°-51°-56°) Gun mantlet

25 mm 15+15 mm Left section

15 mm Right section

15 + 15 mm Front

15 mm Rear

Additional

armor

10 mm + ROMOR-A ERA Turret Cheeks 10 mm + ROMOR-A ERA Turret Sides

10 mm + ROMOR-A ERA Rear Hull Sides

5 mm Turret Rear

20 mm Hull Rear

N/A

Notes:

  • ROMOR-A has protection against 30 mm of kinetic rounds and 300 mm against chemical rounds.
  • The ROMOR-A ERA does not cover the entire sides of the hull and turret, only significant portions.
  • The wheels and suspension bars are 10 mm thick.
  • The rear of the turret is covered with 5 mm of structural steel.
  • There are also interior armor plates between the engine and the crew compartment:
Spaced Armour Front (Slope angle)
Hull 8 mm (except driver view port)

Notes:

  • The engine is separated from the driver position and the crew compartment by a RHA armour plate.
  • The driver viewport is a weak spot as it is the only place where the inner armour does not overlap with the external armour. It is a small spot though.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB123 / 25 km/h
RB and SB110 / 23 km/h
Number of gears10 forward
4 back
Weight28.0 t
Engine power
AB992 hp
RB and SB520 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB35.4 hp/t
RB and SB18.6 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 123 25 28 739 992 26.39 35.43
Realistic 110 23 460 520 16.43 18.57

The Centauro I 105 R has an advanced powertrain and engine system. The vehicle is powered by an IVECO 8662 Turbocharged V6 aftercooled diesel engine mated to an automatic transmission with five forward gears and 2 reverse gears. In-game it provides 460 HP at 2400 RPM stock and 520 HP at 2400 RPM fully upgraded. The drivetrain is single differential twin shaft design in an H-style configuration. This system allows the Centauro ROMOR to reach a speed of up to 110 km/h on roads and solid surfaces. On more difficult terrain like snow, mud, and sand, the speed and acceleration of the Centauro are decreased drastically due to a loss of traction. Each wheel on the Centauro is independently suspended via hydro-pneumatic suspension which provides a smooth ride for the crew and allows the gun to maintain stability even at high speeds over rough terrain. All wheels are equipped with disc brakes which allow the Centauro to decrease speed quickly and get gun on target. While steering, the first, second and fourth wheel turn according to input. This allows for a tight turn radius of 9 m. These features give the Centauro the ability to move quickly and fire accurately on the move, often surprising unsuspecting enemies.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 496 → 5 562 Sl icon.png
RB3 475 → 5 528 Sl icon.png
SB4 262 → 6 780 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications185 800 Rp icon.png
304 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training175 000 Sl icon.png
Experts620 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 010 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 170 / 220 % Sl icon.png
226 / 226 / 226 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new wheels.png
Tires
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new car suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
2 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement it.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_usa_HESH_ammo_pack
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_NATO_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
7 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods airstrike.png
Airstrike
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
7 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods scouting.png
Improved optics
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_us_M416_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods scout streak.png
Scout UAV
Research:
8 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
340 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods counterMeasures.png
LWS/LR
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
105mm_DM33_APDS_FS_ammo_pack
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
550 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition40 rounds
First-order16 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
8.7 → 6.7 s
Vertical guidance-6° / 16°
105 mm OTO Melara 105/52 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 40 -6°/+16° ±180° Two-plane 20.1 27.8 33.7 37.3 39.7 8.71 7.70 7.10 6.70
Realistic 13.6 16.0 19.4 21.4 22.8

The Centauro I 105 R is equipped with the mean 105mm OTO-Melara 105/52 with a two-plane stabiliser. The cannon is similar to other NATO-style 105 mm cannons like the L7A3 found on German vehicles and the American M68. A such, it fires standard NATO ammunition like M456 HEAT-FS. In comparison to the previous model of the Centauro, the Centauro I 105 R fields APFSDS rounds, an all-new round for the AFV. While the HEAT-FS can penetrate most vehicles, the APFSDS rounds are a sure bet to destroy almost any tank. The kinetic rounds are basically guaranteed to penetrate or one-shot any tank that may be seen at 9.0. Depending on the round fired, the round has very little to no bullet drop. The gun is accurate and easy to aim. Though the cannon may be lacking slightly in depression, the effectiveness of the gun more than makes up for it.

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
M456 HEATFS 400 400 400 400 400 400
M393A2 HESH 127 127 127 127 127 127
M735 APFSDS 353 350 342 333 322 312
DM33 APFSDS 408 405 398 389 379 370
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
M456 HEATFS 1,173 10.5 0.0 0.1 1,270 65° 72° 77°
M393A2 HESH 732 14.85 0.4 0.1 4,310 73° 77° 80°
M735 APFSDS 1,501 3.7 N/A N/A N/A 76° 77° 80°
DM33 APFSDS 1,455 3.79 N/A N/A N/A 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
Mass (kg)
Screen radius
(m)
Screen deploy time
(s)
Screen hold time
(s)
Explosive Mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
M416 730 11.4 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Centauro (identical).
Full
ammo
1st
rack empty
2nd
rack empty
3rd
rack empty
4th
rack empty
Visual
discrepancy
40 29 (+11) 17 (+23) 12 (+28) 1 (+39) No

Notes:

  • Shells are modeled individually and disappear after having been shot or loaded.
  • Racks 3 and 4 are first stage ammo racks. They totals 16 shells and get filled first when loading up the tank.
  • These racks are also emptied early: the rack depletion order at full capacity is: 4 - 3 - 1 - 2.
  • Simply not firing when the gun is loaded will move ammo from racks 1-2 into rack 4 then 3. Firing will interrupt the restocking of the ready racks.

The Centauro I 105 R has four ammo racks. Two are located in the rear of the hull while one ready rack is in the rear of the turret and the other ready rack on the right side of the gunner. None of them is in wet storage or has blowout panels. If the ammo is hit by a penetrating shot, it has a high chance of exploding and killing all your turret crew.

Machine guns

Ammunition4 600 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate801 shots/min

The Centauro ROMOR is equipped with two 7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59 machine guns with a high rate of fire. One machine gun is coaxial and operates on the same axes as the main cannon. The other machine gun is mounted to the left of the commander's cupola and moves independently from the rest of the turret. This gives it 360-degrees of rotation. These machine guns are minorly effective against helicopters and slow-moving planes. A large number of bullets are required to take down these targets. Otherwise, the machine guns are ineffective against armoured targets such as enemy tanks and IFVs. They can be used to take down foliage and light obstructions in order to clean lines of travel or sight. If fired at an enemy turret it has the potential to obscure the gunner's view, making it harder for the enemy to shoot you. Otherwise, the machine guns are unremarkable.

7.62 mm Beretta MG42/59
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 4500 800 rpm N/A N/A
Commander's cupola 2000 800 rpm -6°/+16° ±140°

Usage in battles

Like the Centauro, the Centauro ROMOR is extremely fast. It should be played in a similar way to its predecessor, using mobility to get to advantageous positions quickly, however, new tools give it both pros and cons. The mobility and the acceleration are slightly limited due to the addition of the heavy ERA armour making it harder to crest ridges and hills. The ERA doesn't offer much in protection against rounds as mentioned before and is slightly burdensome. However, the new APFSDS rounds give it new tank destroying capabilities and allow the Centauro ROMOR to more easily penetrate highly armoured targets. The gunner thermals and laser rangefinder allow the Centauro ROMOR to be a better sniper than most other vehicles in-game and give it the capability to control entire sectors of the map. The large size and lack of neutral steer make it difficult to engage in close-quarters combat in urban scenarios. These situations should be avoided at all costs. Holding a corner isn't viable in this vehicle either, due to the turret being located in the rear and the large chassis. The Centauro is most effective when used to flank or to reach advantageous positions quickly, flank, or snipe from distance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Added ERA improves protection against HEAT ammo and ATGMs
  • APFSDS offers improved penetration in comparison to APDS ammunition
  • Extremely mobile
  • Night vision devices and generation 1 gunner thermals

Cons:

  • ERA increases the weight of the vehicle, slightly decreasing mobility
  • Little to no protection against most projectiles
  • Hullbreakable by chemical and armour-piercing rounds
  • Large size
  • Rear-ward turret placement
  • Easily destroyed by planes and helicopters

History

Development of the B1 Centauro began during the 1980s after the Italian Army issued a set of requirements for a new vehicle that would have equivalent firepower to the Leopard 1 MBT in Italian service at the time, but with greater combat mobility and the ability to reach greater points of strategic control.

In response to this, the Italian companies Fiat, Iveco and Oto Melara joined forces in a consortium to begin developing the vehicle requested by the Italian Army. In this joint venture, Fiat and Iveco were developing the vehicle's hull and power supply, whilst Oto Melara took care of the vehicle's turret and weapon systems.

In 1986, the final prototype of the B1 Centauro project was unveiled on Sardinia. The presented vehicle was an eight-wheeled lightly armoured tank destroyer, equipped with a derived modification of the L7 105mm cannon, capable of reaching a very high top speed and covering large distances under its own power.

Impressed by the B1 Centauro, the Italian Military placed orders for a number of vehicles, going in production in 1991 with the first ones entering service as early as 1992. In 1993 following a competition between firms to develop an ERA package for Centauros based in Somalia, British Royal Ordinance designed the ROMOR-A ERA armour set. 10 Sets of the ERA armour were sent directly to Somalia to equip the Centauro's stationed there and 10 sets to Italy for further testing. The ROMOR-A ERA has the unique advantage of being easy to attach in the field, having no risk of exploding when handled, and only being triggered by large projectiles. These factors gave the Italian army significant flexibility in the application of the ERA.

B1 Centauros took part in most major conflicts that defined the '90s and early 2000s, most notably in former Yugoslavia, Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan and others. Apart from the Italian Army, other noteworthy operators of the Centauro include Spain, which produced licensed copies, Jordan and Oman.

Around 400 B1 Centauros were built until 2006, including some other derived modifications of the vehicle filling other roles. The B1 Centauro still serves with the Italian as well as other armed forces to this day.

Media

Videos
Videos

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Italy tank destroyers
  Italy
M41  75/18 M41 · 75/32 M41 · 90/53 M41M
M42  75/34 M42
M43  105/25 M43 · M43 "G.C.Leoncello" · 75/34 M43 · 75/46 M43
Wheeled  Lancia 3Ro (100/17) · AS 42/47 · Breda 90/53 · Breda 501
Other  L3/33 CC · 47/32 L40
Germany  ▄StuG III G
USA  M36B1 · ▄M109G · M113A1 (TOW)
  Hungary
Zrínyi  Zrinyi I · Zrinyi II
USSR  ◔2S1