VBLM Puma 6×6 | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italia |
| Role | Armoured personnel carrier |
| Produced | 2001–200 |
| Built | 250 |
The Puma is a family of Italian light wheeled armoured fighting vehicle family, consisting of the Puma 6×6 and the Puma 4×4. The vehicles were developed and are produced by the Consorzio Iveco Fiat – Oto Melara for the Italian Army. First prototypes completed in 1988, with a total of five testbed vehicles being completed by 1990.
Source: VBLM Puma 6×6 on Wikipedia
| VBLM Puma 6×6 Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Fabrizio Vaccari |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 18 |
See also:
General Characteristics and Role
The VBLM Puma 6×6 (Veicolo Blindato Leggero Medio, or Medium Light Armored Vehicle) is an Italian armored fighting vehicle developed by the Iveco Fiat-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) in the 1990s. Designed for the Italian Army, the Puma was intended to serve alongside the heavier Centauro B1 wheeled tank destroyer, primarily fulfilling roles such as armored reconnaissance, long-range patrolling, and personnel transport. The 6×6 version offers greater internal volume and payload capacity than the smaller 4×4 version, allowing it to carry more equipment or serve as a mobile command post. Despite its versatility, the Puma series has faced criticism regarding its relatively light armor protection compared to modern MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles.
| Property | Typical Value (Puma 6×6) |
|---|---|
| Role | Armored Reconnaissance, Personnel Transport |
| National Origin | Italy |
| Manufacturer | CIO (Iveco Fiat-Oto Melara Consortium) |
| Service Entry | 2000-2001 |
| Crew | 1 (Driver) + up to 6 Passengers |
| Configuration | 6×6, All-wheel drive |
| Length | 5.73 m (18 ft 10 in) |
| Width | 2.45 m (8 ft 0 in) |
| Height | 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) (To roof) |
| Combat Weight | 7.9 tonnes (Max) |
Powerplant and Mobility
- Engine: 1 x Iveco 8042.45M liquid-cooled four-cylinder diesel engine.
- Power Output: 180 hp (134 kW).
- Maximum Speed (Road): 110 km/h (68 mph).
- Range (Road): 800 km (500 mi).
- Mobility: Features independent suspension on all wheels and a hydropneumatic braking system, providing high on-road and good cross-country mobility.
Protection and Armament
- Armor: All-welded steel construction, providing basic protection against small arms fire (up to 7.62 mm caliber).
- Protection Level: Designed to withstand fragments and small arms fire, but vulnerabilities against IEDs and heavy machine guns were noted in later conflicts.
- Primary Armament: Typically equipped with a turret or ring mount for 1 x 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun (e.g., MG 42/59 or M2 Browning).
- Other Roles: Can be fitted with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) for reconnaissance-attack missions or equipped as a specialized surveillance vehicle.
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