Description:
The C2 Leone is a main battle tank produced by Italy in the 1950s. This tank features several modern systems, one of which is the Dual Control System. This feature allows the commander to have full control over the main gun without having to switch positions if the gunner is unavailable or dead. To enhance this functionality, a gunner’s sight for the commander was installed on the tank. This tank was considered a source of pride for Italy at the time. However, it was eventually replaced by the Ariete tank in 1995. The letter "C" in the tank’s name stands for Carro.
History:
After Italy's defeat in World War II, it became evident that their tanks were inferior to those of other nations. In response, a project named "Carro Medio" began in late 1947. This project encompassed five vehicle prototypes: Progetto 47/1, Progetto 47/2, Progetto 47/3, Progetto 48/1, and Progetto 48/2. Of these, only the Progetto 47/3 was accepted and would evolve into the C1 Leone. However, at the time, the C1 Leone's armor was weaker than that of its competitors, and its engine overheated easily. Eventually, the C1 Leone was revised into the C2 Leone, which featured a more powerful engine, a new cannon, additional side skirt armor, and overall thicker armor.
The C2 Leone had several variants, the most famous being the C2A1 Leone. This variant was equipped with spaced armor on the front turret and a cannon capable of firing ATGMs. The C2 Leone was used in various roles until it was retired in 1995.
Specifications:
Type: Main Battle Tank
Produced: 1950–1990
Total Produced: 47,259
Users: Italy, United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Sweden
Weight: 45–50 tons (depending on variant)
Length: 7.08 meters (9.48 meters with gun)
Width: 3.34 meters
Height: 2.2 meters (to the top of the turret)
Crew: 3 (Commander, Gunner, and Driver)
Armor:
Hull:
1)Upper glacis: 180 mm @63° = 397 mm effective
2)Lower glacis: 140 mm @63° = 308 mm effective
3)Upper side plate: 140 mm @62° = 298 mm effective
4)Lower side plate: 124 mm
5)Lower rear plate: 105 mm @25° = 117 mm effective
6)Upper rear plate: 105 mm @68° = 280 mm effective
7)Side skirt armor: 20 mm
Turret:
1) Frontal plate: 200 mm
2) Side plate: 160 mm
3) Rear plate: 120 mm
4) Gun mantlet: 225–250 mm
5) Spaced armor: 20 mm
Armor type: MSRHA (Modernized and Simplified Rolled Homogeneous Armour)
Main Armament:
120 mm OTO Melara 120/42 Cannon
Shell Types:
1) AP120/1 (APCBC)
2) AP120/2 (APDS)
3) HE120/1H (HESH)
4) HE120/2S (HEATFS)
5) MGA120 (ATGM)
Penetration:
1) APCBC
Muzzle Velocity: 1250 m/s
Shell Weight: 23.1 kg
Penetration: 420 mm (at 10 meters using Lanz-odermatt)
2) APDS
Muzzle Velocity: 1504 m/s
Shell Weight: 6.4 kg
Penetration: 508 mm
3) HEATFS
Muzzle Velocity: 1150 m/s
Shell Weight: 13.1 kg
Penetration: 500 mm
4) ATGM
Penetration: 800 mm
Secondary Armament:
1× 20 mm Autocannon
Shell Types:
1)HVAP-T
2)HEFI-T
Penetration:
1)HVAP-T
Caliber: 20 mm
Muzzle Velocity: 1150 m/s
Shell Weight: 130 grams
Penetration: 64 mm
1× 13.2 mm Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun
Top Speed: 65 km/h
Controls:
Yaw: Rotate the tank
Roll: Rotate the turret
Pitch: Elevate the cannon
AG1: Activate auto-aim
AG2: Turn on the lamp
AG3: Remove the side skirt armor
the tank