„Centauro“ B-1 – the Italian tank destroyer

The Italian Army, looking for a fast and versatile machine to mount a powerful weapon, adopted the "Centauro" B-1 after several years of testing and reworking. 400 units were ordered, which began production in 1991. The crew of the machine consisted of a commander, a loader, a gunner and a mechanic - a driver. The tank destroyer is made of armored steel, with a welded hull and turret to protect the crew from 12.7 mm machine gun fire and artillery shell fragments. In the most vulnerable places, the armor withstands hits from 20 mm cannons. The machine is equipped with a 6-cylinder IVECO MTCA V-6 382 KW diesel engine. The first 4 wheels are controlled, and up to a speed of 20 km/h all 6 wheels are controlled. The wheels are equipped with a radial inflation system. The tank destroyer is armed with a 105 mm cannon. And a 7.62 mm machine gun paired with it. Both sides of the tower are equipped with 4-barrel smoke grenade launchers, equipped with an extraction winch, fire fighting equipment and protection against mine explosions. The "Centauro" saw its baptism of fire in Somalia during Operation "Restore Hope", where it was well received.

The model is richly detailed and well designed, but in such a way, that it "bites" even for modelers with little experience, working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague. Antique publication.