Leonardo develops 120/L55 high-pressure gun
Leonardo is developing and producing a 120/L55 high-pressure gun at its La Spezia site. (Leonardo)
Leonardo announced in a press release on 18 July that it is developing and producing a 120/L55 high-pressure gun at its La Spezia site based on operational scenarios to replace 120/44 and 120 guns that equip the Ariete main battle tank (MBT) and Centauro II 8×8 fire-support vehicle. A company spokesperson told Janes on 18 July that the first test firings of the weapon were on 24 June.
The 120/L55's modular design makes it compatible with the turret of the upgraded Ariete C2 MBT with the Hitfact Mk II turret and also with special versions of new-generation infantry vehicles, according to Leonardo. The spokesperson said the new gun is “suited for tracked vehicles, [so] it can also fit into the future Italian MBT system”.
Leonardo said the new gun can fire faster due to its longer barrel length with more shots at higher operating pressures than ammunition currently under development thanks to Leonardo's new autofrettage process.
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