VCC-80 IFV The VCC-80 tracked IFV is a joint development by IVECO and the former OTO Melara (now OTOBREDA) to produce an IFV to meet an Italian Army requirement. To date three prototypes have been produced and the programme awaits further funding but it provides an example of the development path that future IFVs are taking. The VCC-80 is a true IFV, having a powerful 25 mm Oerlikon-Contraves cannon mounted in an electricallyoperated two-man turret. This cannon is provided with an advanced fire control system of a type more commonly associated with MBTs as it involves a laser rangefmder and thermal imaging
Italy equipment, The cannon, which has a maximum effective range of some 2,500 metres, can be elevated sufficiently to allow it to engage aircraft or helicopter targets, It also has a coaxial 7,62 mm MG; another 7.62 mm MG weapon station is provided on top of the turret for air and local defence, It is also possible to mount a MILAN or similar ATGW launcher on the turret roof, The hull is welded aluminium onto which are bolted armoured steel plates - this construction system saves weight. Five firing ports are available for the six troops carried in compartment in the hull rear which is also provided with a power operated ramp for entry and
egress; there is also air conditioning and a collective NBC system. In addition to an impressive array of optical vision devices, passive night vision equipment is provided for the crew (driver, commander and gunner). The VCC-80 can wade through water obstacles up to 1.5 metres deep without preparation. It has been proposed that the torsion bar suspension installed on the prototypes could be replaced with a more efficient hydropneumatic system on production models. It has also been proposed that the 25 mm cannon could be replaced by an OTOBREDA 60 mm high velocity gun in a special turret on some vehicles.
