Ariete (Italian. C1 Ariete) - Italian main battle tank. developed in 1984 , based on the "Leopard 2" German tank, the first prototype was built in 1986 year. Mass-produced with 1995 by 2002 year. The total output was 200 units. AT 2005 year as a prototype was presented an improved version of the tank: Reinforced modular armoring and gun length 55 calibres.
Tank C1 Ariete – video
Design work on the new main battle tanks 3rd generation C1 «Ariete», originally named OF-45, began with 1984 g. An indispensable condition for the order was the installation of a 120-mm gun, unified nomenclature of ammunition to other MBT NATO.
In the course of research and development is actively used the experience of the German tank builders, and in the final version of the new MBT there is a strong influence of the German “Leopard-2” and the American M1. It planned to use some of the devices and subsystems of the German production.
TO 1988 g. business “TAB Malaren” prepared 6 prototypes with insignificant differences, and somewhat simplistic, in comparison with the serial tank, construction device, and gave them to the state tests, passed quite satisfactorily. At this point, the new MBT was designated C-1 (C =”Car”, it. “tank”) and the name “Ariete” (“Taran”) in memory of the 1st Armored Division World War II. Initially, the government estimated in order 400-500 units, however, 1992 g. he was only 200 machines. TO 1996 g. Italian army had ordered all tanks, designed to eventually replace the M47 and refill tank divisions, where will continue his service and M60 “leopard”.
Design
The arrangement of the C-1 Ariete – classic and almost exactly the same “Leopard-2”: office management (Place the driver) moved to the starboard side. the driver's seat can be adjusted hydraulically. placed in front of the hatch 3 prismatic observation devices, average of which may be replaced by passive NVD MES VG / DIL 100. Behind the driver's seat is the escape hatch.
The tower is centered on the body, it equipped the workers rest of the crew seats: commander (on the right side of the tower), gunner (in the left part of it) and loader. Engine-transmission unit is located in the feed. The hull and turret welded, with frontal part made of composite armor and placed under large angles of inclination. The sides of the body and chassis are protected protivokumulyativnymi screens.
Armament tank C1 Ariete
The main armament of the tank – stabilized in two planes 120mm L44 smoothbore gun with a barrel length 44 caliber, designed “TAB Malaren” based on German Rh-120 and visually distinguishable more compact ejector. The gun is equipped with a conventional thermal insulation jacket. Trunk hardened avtofretirovaniem, teplozashitny has a casing and an ejection blowing. Shutter - Vertical. To calibrate using the collimator sight, externally mounted near the muzzle of the barrel. The initial velocity armor-piercing projectiles by firing of guns is estimated at 1650 m / s and more; ballistics gun differs little from its pre-image of the German. The angles of elevation of the barrel – from -9 to +20 degrees.
Full ammunition is 42 shots unitary loading, of which 27 stacked in the housing on the left of the working space of the driver, 15 ready – in the tower niche, for armored partition. It can be used NATO standard ammunition American and German production, in t. no. M829 and its modifications (USA), DM-23, DM-33 (FRG) and others, standard STANAG-4385. Originally used by German shells, but with 2001 g. – Israeli. The Italian company SNIA , in the early 90-ies. prepared their shots (BPS and KS), but adopted they were not accepted. combat rate – 5-7 c / min, BC after discharging the first line rate drops to 2-3 c / min. Boeukladki over the roof of the tower mounted "expelling" panel, and in the left side of the tower there is a hatch for the replenishment of ammunition and ejection of spent cartridges. Gun angles pointing vertically from -9″ to +20″. drives the rotation of the tower and pointing guns, used by the gunner and commander, electrohydraulic with manual override.
auxiliary armament “Ariete” It consists of two 7.62 mm machine guns, one of which – sparennый, the second is mounted on the commander's hatch in the spring-equalizer cradle, enables rapid "transfer" arms in a horizontal plane and pointing it in the angle range from -9″ to +65″ vertically and can be used as the zenith. Prototype-standing American M2 machine gun “Browning”, while production models were completed by the German MG3. Ammunition for the machine gun in the amount of 2000 cartridges fit into the fighting compartment.
On the sides of the tower placed on four smoke grenade.
The pride of the creators of the machine is a fire control system TURMS OG-14 L3, developed by ” Officine Gillileo ” and unified with MSA BMP “Dardo” and BKM “centauro”. The structure of MSA includes a computerized navigation system, ballistic computer MR501, wind sensors, lifted, trim, Stabilized gunner day sight with a 5-fold increase, having a built-in laser range finder and the imager, panoramic surveillance device commander SFIM SP-T-694 with a variable 2,5- and 10x zoom, independent distance measuring fasting and, tanks last years of release, personal commanding imager, as well – the alignment device, commander controls, gunner and loader.
For Omnidirection workplace commander installed 8 peryskopov. Its main aim is increase the variable (h2.5 and x10), when operating at night with thermal imaging gunner's sight is transmitted to the commander of a special monitor. Together with the French company developed SFIM installed in the roof of the tank sight, head which can be rotated in a horizontal plane at 360″ and vertically from -10 ° to +60″, Commander head at the same time remains almost stationary.
gunner sight consists of 4 core modules: head stabilized mirror, Optical visual channel, LASER rangefinder and thermal channel. The head part of the sight is protected by an armored hood, valve which opens to the left and right. Day channel has a 5-fold increase, in thermal imaging channel provides wide and narrow field of view. As an aid in the disposal of the gunner has a telescopic sight Galileo Avionica C-102 with an 8-fold increase.
Electronic ballistic computer calculates all firing data and is used for training, checking the technical state of various systems, as well as to change the configuration of the JMA - to emergency mode settings in case of failure of any component. Sensors meteorological conditions and crosswinds are placed on the roof of the tower.
According to the level of protection C1 «Ariete" almost as good as other MBT North Atlantic Alliance. Tank tower – welded, wedge-shaped in plan, advanced stern niche. Frontal plates are installed at a large angle of inclination and have a combined laminated type book “coʙxem”. The equivalent thickness of armor frontal parts estimated to be about 550-650 mm against kinetic projectiles and up 700 mm – against kumulyatyvnыh. Between the tower and the body is a small "Zaman". It is possible to build at the expense of armor were applied modules.
The steep sidewalls of the tower protected by a much weaker, to 150 gomogennoy booking. Their presence of holes weakens (under the flap the ejection and at the HLF). Armor even thinner sheet feed, although the tower basket for spare parts provides some extra protection. Roof tower partially covered by a layer of antiradiation nadboya, in its rear part equipped with two folding panels expelling, providing combustion shots, not passing to detonation. Between it and the fighting compartment as installed bulkhead armor. The inside of the tower is located Ballistic Kevlar, wreck.
Welded housing in outline very similar to “Leopard-2”. The prototypes differed from serial C1 «Ariete" a slightly different form of it (in the area of MTO). hull frontal armor (central front part) also formed in multiple layers, It corresponds approximately to protect the tower. The lower frontal part, feed side and have poor single layer armor. Additional protection against small cumulative ammunition (PG and t. P.) arranged at the expense of screens reinforced rubber (6 sections). In the tank experimental samples instead of two front screens were placed steel box.
The survival rate of the machine in real combat is enhanced by laser irradiation of the warning system (until recently rare in the western MBT), combined with the universal installation grenade “Galiks”. Launchers are mounted on side plates of the tower – by 4 on Board. There also hangs entrenching tool.
Chassis tank differs little from “Leopard-2”, where he successfully established itself. it includes 7 twin rollers with an outer average diameter rubberizing on torsion suspension and 4 support rollers. On the first, second, third, sixth and seventh hardpoints mounted hydraulic dampers. driving wheel – rear position. Track chain consists of approximately 90 Shoe with parallel hinges and increased bearing surface. Caterpillar Dielil manufactured - with RLL parallel type and removable rubber cushions.
The power plant of the tank – 12-cylinder diesel engine developing MTCA 12V “Fiat – Iveco” power 1200 l. from., providing a power density in the car 22 l. a. / t and a maximum speed when driving on the highway 65 kmh. The engine is equipped with a turbocharged, cooling system – water. In order to reduce exhaust gases prior to emission of infrared radiation in the atmosphere of the tank is cooled in two heat exchangers. Possibly speeding up short 1300 l. from. Transmission Model ZF LSG 3000 – automatic, hydromechanical, provides 4 Forward and 2 reversing.
In addition to the mechanical transmission comprises disc brakes gidrozamedlitel, which absorbs up 75% brake energy. In case of failure of the hydraulic system may transmit the second mechanical switch forward or reverse. The engine and transmission are performed in one block, which greatly facilitates their replacement in the field.
C1 Ariete tank equipped protection system NBC SP-180 firm Sekur. In overcoming infested terrain overpressure is created in the fighting compartment. To improve the survivability of the machine has an automatic system NGO, whose elements are installed in all departments. For communication radio is used with two whip antennas on the aft tower and tank intercom.
C1 Ariete Production completed. Armed with the Italian army composed 200 tank C1 Ariete. These combat vehicles equipped with 4-. 32- and 132 th regiments (by 54 in each tank) Ariete Armored Brigade and training of the.
Tanks “Ariete” almost did not take a serious part in actual combat. At the moment, the presence of these quadrupeds MBT in the area of several military conflicts. The first relates to 1999-2001 gg. – the time of the NATO operation in Yugoslavia in the territory of the Autonomous Province of Kosovo.
In August 2004 , six tanks C1 Ariete as part of the Italian contingent left for Iraq. Before sending the car passed revision, aimed at raising the level of protection against fire of portable anti-tank weapons (PTUR, RPG). Elements on armor reinforced frontal and sides of the tower, and the bead housing. In the second turret mounted gun MG3 and both are covered by shields gun.
I do not know, how effective and reliable Italian VLT were compared with the American and British M1A2 “Tour 2” in specific conditions in the Middle East.
In the armies of other countries in the world that did not MBT. Although he exhibited at a number of exhibitions of weapons and military equipment (in particular, and at IDEX “Eurosatori”), consortium “TAB Malaren” I did not find buyers. Lack of proper reputation among Italian companies, somewhat less strong performance against leading competitors – M1 and “Leopard-2” combined with the relatively high price (about 5 million $) forced potential buyers to make their choice in favor of other MBT.
It should also analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the C-1, as well as future prospects for the development of design.
The concept “Ariete” reflected almost all the advantages and disadvantages, Western inherent tank development. Advantages with respect to the main battle tank Russian manufacture are in perfect observation devices and equipment MSA (the presence of a panoramic observation device CT, imager with a higher resolution, etc.. d.), increased survival of the crew. On a more powerful protection should speak only in comparison with the Russian MBT obsolete models (although the frontal armor of the tower and the hull, apparently, not penetrated ATGM 1st and 2nd generation type “baby”, “bassoon”, “Competition”, guided missiles “cobra” and “Reflex” (Besides “Reflex-M”), many Russian armor-piercing projectiles – 3BM12, 3BM15, 3BM22, perhaps, and 3BM42). In its turn, large dimensions and weight, absence of additional systems of protection against ammunition HEAT warhead (eg, dynamic protection systems or jamming) – the most obvious negative signs, inherent, however, MBT most of the Western world. If we talk about specific defects “Ariete”, it should be pointed slightly worse indicators of mobility and booking, than, for example, in “Leopard-2A5” (caused, including, rather irrational structure tower, large slope of the frontal armor which reduces the efficiency of the ceramic armor materials, and housing – with a significant area of minimally protected roof of the NLD and office management). But, of course, at the stage of development laid upgradability, and now is the time to implement them.
At the exhibition “Eurosatori-2002” It was first demonstrated “Ariete” Mk.2 (or C-2). Work on the modification of the tank were improved from the early 90-ies., but financial constraints and changes in the foreign policy situation, slowed the pace of design. Improved SLAs and powerplant (due to the 1600-strong diesel), hydraulic tower is replaced by an electric. Lobe and partially board tower and housing additionally reserved reservation applicator elements, and, t. about., the maximum thickness of the armor in the homogeneous equivalent increased to about 650-700 mm vs. BPS. According to the plans of production, composed during the launch of the basic model in the series, Army order for an improved version could make 500 units. Now the question on the number of “Ariete” Mk.2 has not yet been finally resolved.
Alternative ways of modernization “Ariete” have several possible directions. Firstly, it is desirable to develop a tank weapon system, and as a model can serve “Leopard-2A6”. His gun with a barrel length 44 gauge has been replaced by an improved embodiment with a barrel 52 caliber, thus improving the initial armor-piercing projectile speed up 1800 (or more) m / s. This innovation will not affect the worst way to other characteristics of the machine. In the distant future possibility is not excluded re C-1 new 140 mm gun, However, this project requires careful alignment.
One of the most urgent tasks, facing NATO military designers, equipment remains the armament MBT autoloader. Technical Problem AZ device – one of the toughest. maybe, automatic loading mechanism, which will be equipped with “Ariete”, AZ will be analogous to the French MBT “Leclerc” – with mechanized laying a piece of ammunition in an alcove of the tower, with a unitary loading of.
Finally, an important aspect of the evolution of the model – increase protection against high levels of anti-tank weapons systems using active protection or opto-electronic countermeasure. It is feasible mainly due to production license.
It is worth noting, that the various assemblies and subsystems, is designed for “Ariete”, can find wide application in other combat vehicles – and, basically, We have found it. On the Construction of the JMA and its unification of the greater part of a family of Italian BBT 90th. mentioned above. As for other devices, the 120-mm tank gun after several revisions, includes equipment other anti-recoil mechanisms and cylindrical perforated muzzle brake, was the main armament of a new modification of the four-wheel drive armored car “centauro” instead of 105-mm guns nareznoy. this option, according to many military experts, It is the most powerful wheeled tank destroyer of all the currently existing.
Specifications prefer-C1 Ariete
Crew, pers.: 4
years of production: 1995—2002
The number of issued, PC.: 200
The layout: classical
All C1 Ariete
– 54 tonnes
Dimensions C1 Ariete
– body Length, mm: 7590
– Length with gun forward, mm: 9670
– housing width, mm: 3600
– Height, mm: 2500
– Clearance, mm: 440
Bumper C1 Ariete
– Type broni: steel and composite, protivosnaryadnym
weaponry
– Caliber guns and stamp: 120-мм OTO Melara
– gun type: smoothbore
– barrel length, calibres: 44
– gun ammunition: 42
– sights: Combined Galileo periscope Thermal imaging channel with a laser rangefinder and Salenia MTL8, panoramic stabilized in two planes binocular SP-T-694
– Shotgun: 2 × 7,62-mm MG3
– Other weapons: 2 × 66 mm smoke grenade
Engine C1 Ariete
– engine's type: The 12-MTCA
– Engine power, l. from.: 1275
Speed C1 Ariete
– Road speed, kmh: 65
– Cruising on the highway, km: 550
– power density, l. p. / m: 23,6
– suspension type: individual torsion
– Unit ground pressure, kg / cm²: 0,9
– Gradeability, city.: 30
– to overcome the wall, m: 1,0
– trench, m: 3,0
– fording, m: 1,2 (4,0 with OPVT)
Foto C1 Ariete
