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The Centauro B1 tank destroyer was developed by Fiat and OTO Melara in response to the Italian Army requirement for a mobile tank destroyer. This vehicle has the firepower comparable to the Leopard 1 main battle tank, which was then in service with Italy. Production of the Centauro B1 began in 1990 and it entered service with the Italian Army in 1991. In 1996 the last of 400 Centauro tank destroyers was delivered. As of 2016 a total of 300 vehicles reportedly remain in operational service with the Italian Army. Export operators are Spain and Jordan. Spain ordered 84 vehicles. These are locally designated as VRC-105. Jordan received 25 retired Itaian Army Centauro's as a gift from Italy. Also from 2000 to 2002 the US Army leased 16 Centauros. These were assigned to form the first crews for the Stryker MGS and to acquire more experience with wheeled armored fire support vehicles.
This vehicle was designed to carry out tactical reconnaissance, fire support and territorial defense tasks. During numerous peacekeeping missions Centauro tank destroyers have been used to escort convoys and for road patrol missions. The Centauro proved to be a successful design. By modern standards it is considered as a fire support vehicle, rather than a tank destroyer. Even though the Centauro can engage main battle tanks, it is not normally used for such engagements. Its main role is to support infantry in medium brigades.
The Centauro B1 is armed with a fully-stabilized 105 mm high-velocity rifled gun, developed by OTO Melara. It is compatible with all standard NATO 105 mm ammunition. It has an effective range of 3 000 meters and can be used to engage armored vehicles, buildings, field fortifications, and even main battle tanks. This tank destroyer has a very effective muzzle brake, which reduces recoil force by about 40%. This allowed this gun to be used on a wheeled chassis. The gun is loaded manually. A total of 40 rounds for the main gun are carried inside the vehicle. 14 of them are carried in the turret and are ready to use, while the rest are stored in the hull. Ammunition is stored in isolated compartments, separated by ballistic and anti-explosion wall.
Fire control system of the Centauro B1 is similar to that of the Ariete main battle tank. It has got a hunter-killer engagement capability. The commander uses a panoramic sight to search for targets. Once the target is selected the gun is laid on the target automatically and the gunner completes al the aiming and firing process. During that time commander looks for the next target. Such hunter-killer engagement method is present on all modern main battle tanks. It allows to acquire and engage targets faster. This tank destroyer can engage a target 25-35 seconds after spotting it.
Secondary armament consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns. One of them is coaxially mounted with the main gun and the other is located on top of the turret roof.
This tank destroyer has a welded hull and turret. In standard configuration front arc of the Centauro is protected against 20 mm rounds. All round protection is against 12.7 mm rounds and artillery shell fragments. Up to three tons of add-on passive or explosive reactive armor can be fitted. During their operational service some vehicles were fitted with add-on armor plates in order to increase their protection. Looks like these were the vehicles that took part in various international operations. It seems that at some point all operational Centauro fire support vehicles were uparmored. The Centauro is equipped with an NBC protection system and laser warning receiver, which can be set to trigger smoke grenade dischargers.
Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, driver and loader.
The Centauro B1 tank destroyer is powered by IVECO MTCA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 520 horsepower. Engine is located at the front. It seems that it is mated to an automatic gearbox. Steering is provided on the first and second axles and at slow speed with also the fourth axle. Vehicle is equipped with run-flat tyres and fitted with central tyre inflation system. The Centauro B1 is not amphibious.
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