The first tests have begun on the first prototype of the ARIETE AMV tank at the Multifunctional Center for Mobile Experimentation (CEPOLISPE) of the Italian Army in Montelibretti (Rome).
Particular upgrades regards the propulsion (upgraded IVECO V12 MTCA with common-rail injection and now convey 1500hp), and Leonardo optronics from Centauro 2 MGS.
The powertrain, which for obvious reasons (due to timing and thousands H of bench tests), is not a new concept, but is a complete re-engineering of the current V12 MTCA (Modular Turbocharger Aftercooler), in fact, during the renovation, IVECO is implementing substantial changes to the original engine block in V12 architecture.
Among the many works in progress are the replacement of the mechanical feed pump with an electronically controlled Commonrail type and the displacement will be increased from the current 26L to 30L through the change of cylinders, pistons and crankshaft, increasing the stroke of the cylinders.
It should be mentioned that most of the new mechanical components come from the turbo Vector V8 of the new Centauro 2.
With the adoption of the new mechanical components and the complete reconstruction of the powertrains, we go from the current 1250hp (1270 in emergency situations through overboost) to 1500hp, such as to guarantee a power / weight ratio of 24hp / t with all the protection kits installed (PSO Peace Support and War) and 25 hp / t with the War kit only.
The modified engine has the designation “V12AMV”. Given the increase in engine torque, improvements were also made to the IVECO automatic gearbox (ZF license).
In fact, the German company has already made a study for the modifications necessary to receive the greater incoming torque and its distribution. New gearboxes are already planned by ZF through a specific kit. It should be noted that the updated engine will offer a torque value at low rpm of almost three times higher, which will make the undercarriage much more responsive even in the execution of the “pivot” maneuver.
Completely redesigned the braking system and its subsystems through the use of state-of-the-art components. As a consequence of the increase in weight and the greater drive torque, 20% wider tracks are also provided to offer the undercarriage a lower footprint and will allow it to more easily overcome soft ground.
The new tower, on the other hand, equipped with a new generation pointing system and electrical interlocking, is currently being integrated into the Spezia site of the Leonardo Electronics Division and will be installed on the tank in June.
The first 2 prototypes of ARIETE AMV will be delivered within the year and the third in January 2023.
Source @ CiroNappi6