Global InformationELVO Kentaurus information
| Kentaurus ΚΕΝΤΑΥΡΟΣ | |
|---|---|
| Type | Infantry fighting vehicle |
| Place of origin | Greece |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1996–1998 |
| Manufacturer | ELVO |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 19.8 t |
| Length | 5.98 m (19 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 2.55 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Height | 2.45 m (8 ft 0 in) |
| Crew | 3 |
| Passengers | 8 |
| Armour | welded steel |
Main armament | 30 mm EBO cannon with 396 rounds |
Secondary armament | 7.62 mm coaxial with 1,600 rounds |
| Engine | MTU 6V 183TE22 diesel (11,000cc/725kg) 420 hp at 2,300 rpm |
| Power/weight | 21.2 hp/t |
| Suspension | (Lever Arm) Rotary Damper[1] |
| Ground clearance | 0.42 m (1 ft 5 in)[2] |
Operational range | 500 km (310 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 75 km/h (47 mph) |
Kentaurus is an armored infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) designed and developed by the Greek vehicle builder ELVO. Its history is connected with the need for an advanced AIFV by the Greek Armed Forces. The vehicle takes its name from the Greek word for Centaur the creature from Greek mythology. After aborted efforts including Leonidas-2 variants and other attempted improvements and joint developments, ELVO worked entirely on its own, on a new design according to the specifications given at the time by the Hellenic Army. The resulting AIFV developed by the Greek company, named 'Kentaurus' ('ΚΕΝΤΑΥΡΟΣ'), was officially introduced at the Defendory Arms Exhibition in Athens in 1998. It features a 420 hp MTU Diesel engine, 30 mm EBO cannon and 7.62 mm machine-gun (built on Mauser and Rheinmetall designs), Pyrkal smoke-grenade launchers, Toxotis computerized fire control system and KUKA turret. The crew is 3+8, maximum speed on roads is 75 km/h and maximum weight is 19.8 tons.[3][4][5]
Despite successful tests by the Greek army, its approval, and an initial agreement in 2003 for an order of 140 vehicles, its fate is uncertain due to subsequent cutbacks in relevant military spending, and evaluation of cheaper alternatives. In 2009 the Greek army signed an MoU for 450 BMP-3s but as of 2012 the contract was frozen and the Greek army is still looking for 500 IFVs to replace the ageing BMP-1 and the purchase of 500 Kentaurus IFV's is being considered.[3][4]
- ^ "Mobility Systems". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2006-12-15.
- ^ Dunstan, Simon (2005-04-09). Modern Tanks & Armoured Fighting Vehicles (Vital Guide) Airlife - 2002. The Crowood Press. p. 44. ISBN 978-1840371901.
- ^ a b TOMA «Kένταυρος» ENAΣ KENTAYPOΣ ΓIA TO EΛΛHNIKO OΠΛOΣTAΣIO [AIFV "Centaur" A CENTAUR FOR THE GREEK ARSENAL]. Πτήση & Διάστημα (in Greek) (117). March 2000.
- ^ a b "Greek ELBO Kentaurus Tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle". TankNutDave.com. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
- ^ "Τεθωρακισμένο Όχημα Μάχης (ΤΟΜΑ) ΚΕΝΤΑΥΡΟΣ" [Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) CENTAUR]. ELVO (in Greek). Archived from the original on 28 January 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
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