Cl Ariete [Ram] Main Battle Tank AMV (Aggiornamento Mezza Vita)
The AMV program (Aggiornamento Mezza Vita - mid-life modernization) was launched to extend the life of the C1 Ariete until 2030/2035. As part of the AMV modernization program, 125 Ariete tanks will be rebuilt. The remaining 35 tanks will therefore head to the warehouses. Three Ariete AMV prototypes will be created. The first prototype will test the chassis with an improved engine, transmission and wider tracks. The second is an improved tower with new sensors and electronics. The third prototype will get an improved chassis and turret.
The Italian Army operates 160 C1 Ariete tanks with a 120mm cannon in two brigades (132a Brigata Corazzata "Ariete", Brigata bersaglieri Garibaldi). Another 40 tanks are in storage - presumably used as a source of spare parts. The tanks are supplemented by 300 wheeled Centauro and Centauro II tank destroyers with a 105 mm cannon, or 120 mm.
In August 2019, the Armaments Directorate (DAT) of the Italian Army signed a contract worth 35 million euros with the CIO consortium for the development of the Ariete C1 modernization project and the production of three prototypes. According to the contract, the following must be delivered: the AMV RT1 prototype, which includes improvements only to the engine compartment, chassis and body; AMV RT2 prototype, which will have only an upgraded turret and fire control system while retaining the old undercarriage and hull; and, finally, the AMV RT3 prototype, which will be completely complete and have a modernized hull and turret. According to reports, the Ariete AMV program provides for the serial modernization of 130 tanks, for which it is expected to allocate 345 million euros.
The Ariete C1 tank was developed by the CIO consortium in the 1980s, and was intended for mass production. However, the collapse of the USSR, the end of the Cold War and, as a result, the reduction in military spending, led to the fact that only 200 serial vehicles were built for the Italian army. Production of the Ariete C1 MBT was completed in 2002. To date, three tank battalions of the Italian army are armed with Ariete C1 tanks (the staff of the battalion is 54 tanks).
The tank has a mass of 54 tons, which is relatively small compared to other third-generation Western vehicles (for example, M1A2 Abrams - 66 tons, Leopard2 A6M - 62.5 tons). But this is a traditional difference between Italian tanks, which since the First World War have been designed in accordance with the local theater of operations, which is dominated by mountainous terrain. And for which, according to the military, a lighter car is needed. True, in order to reduce the mass of the combat vehicle, something had to be sacrificed, and the Ariete C1 tank is traditionally considered the worst protected among third-generation Western tanks.
On the AMV RT1 prototype, only the engine compartment, chassis and tank hull were upgraded. One of the features of the modernization project is that the necessary increase in power plant power to 1500 hp. (previously it was 1250 hp) was achieved not by installing a new engine, but by a large-scale upgrade of an existing one. Its working volume was increased from 25.8 to 30 liters by replacing the cylinders, pistons and crankshaft. The designers consider it possible in the future to bring the power even up to 1600 hp. The upgrade also reportedly includes digital control, Bosch Common Rail injection and a new twin turbocharger.
The IVECO/ZF LG-3000 licensed automatic transmission with a torque converter installed on the base tank is also being finalized with a special kit. It is stated that the updated transmission will triple the torque at low revs. A new brake system is being installed. The suspension and rollers of the tank have also been improved, and the new tracks have a width increased by 20%. Frontal armor is strengthened on the hull, and mine protection is not forgotten - additional Kevlar protection is installed on the bottom.
As for the modernization of the turret and fire control system, it is reported that work on an experimental modernized turret is currently at the final stage (Leonardo Defense enterprise) The turret is intended for the second AMV PT2 prototype, which is expected to be delivered in June 2022.
The upgraded fire control system of the Ariete AMV tank should be similar to the system of the new Italian wheeled cannon armored vehicle Centauro 2. It includes the Attila-D commander's panoramic sight, the new Lotar-SD gunner's sight (both with third-generation thermal imagers), a new ballistic computer. A system of all-round visibility with an indication on the display has been introduced, modern digital communications, a navigation system, as well as a special radio station for communication with the infantry that will accompany and support the tank have been installed.
The electro-hydraulic drives of the turret and guns are being replaced with less flammable electric ones (with digital control). The system of protection against weapons of mass destruction is being finalized and new smoke grenade launchers are being installed. The tower itself receives additional protection of a modular type, and machine gun armament is also enhanced - instead of a 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun, a large-caliber (12.7 mm) M2NV machine gun is installed on the roof of the tower.
The main upgrades include the replacement of the powerpack with a new one based on a 1,500+ hp diesel engine, a new more powerful braking system, the upgrade of a number of mechanical elements, the adoption of 3rd generation all digital gunner’s sight and commander’s panoramic sight, the transformation of the turret in an all-electric system, the installation of a new command and control system, of an improved Mine Protection Kit (MPK), and of wider tracks.
The upgraded Ariete will be fitted with armor according to the mission,
- lighter version being the basic one with the MPK installed
- War, mostly add-on armour on the frontal arc,
- Peace Support Operations (PSO) Light, with increased protections against RPGs on the side,
- War plus MPK,
- PSO plus MPK,
The Military Load Classification ranging from 63 of the lighter version up to 70 of the heavier one, which corresponds to a 62.5 tonnes combat weight. It is expected that the total combat weight of the upgraded Ariete AMV tank could be 57 tons (the weight of the base Ariete C1 was 54 tons). The third fully completed prototype of the AMV PT3 tank should be delivered in January 2023.
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