Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) is making a notable presence at Seafuture 2023, displaying its SUPERAV 8x8, known in Italy as the Amphibious Armoured Vehicle (VBA). This pivotal event, taking place from June 5th to 8th at the Naval Base of La Spezia, serves as a hub for the Blue Economy in the Mediterranean Sea.
SUPERAV 8x8 amphibious armoured vehicle at Seafuture 2023, La Spezia. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
Recently, the Italian Navy has shown its confidence in IDV's VBA, procuring 36 of these vehicles as part of a contract for the renewal and extension of the national defense fleet.
This acquisition aims to bolster the Sea Projection National Capability of the Italian Navy, reflecting the vital role of the VBA in Italy's defense infrastructure.
Seafuture 2023 provides an excellent platform for IDV to exhibit the impressive capabilities of the VBA. The vehicle, an 8x8 all-terrain titan, boasts of remarkable features such as high-level ballistic, anti-mine and anti-IED protection. At the same time, it exhibits extraordinary versatility with the capability to be launched and recovered from an amphibious vessel in the open ocean.
The vehicle is powered by a 700HP FPT Industrial Cursor 16 engine, paired with an automatic 7-speed gearbox and an H-driveline, a design inspired by the Centauro and the VBM Freccia.
These elements allow the VBA to reach an impressive on-road speed of 105 km/h. Moreover, with two rear-mounted hydraulic propellers, it can navigate beyond "Sea State 3" and reach a top speed of 6 knots.
The VBA is also equipped with a HITROLE Light remote turret, provided by Leonardo, which carries a 12.7mm caliber weapon and state-of-the-art C4 systems.
The VBA, as supplied to the Italian Navy, is based on the SUPERAV 8x8 design, showcasing IDV's engineering prowess. A testament to its exceptional performance and versatility, the U.S. Marine Corps' ACV (Amphibious Combat Vehicle), developed in partnership with BAE Systems, is also based on the SUPERAV 8x8. This further underlines the international recognition and trust in IDV's advanced amphibious armoured vehicle design.
