[2022] VBC (Pt 2): Sub-Caliber Hive

A lil somethin somethin: You can find the details for this event on the announcement page here.

The VBC (Pt 2) is a prototype of the modern Italian Freccia IFV, developed on the basis of the Centauro combat vehicle in the late 1990s. Based on the same chassis, yet offering completely different combat dynamics, the VBC (Pt 2) will soon reinforce the higher ranks of the Italian ground forces tree as it arrives to War Thunder as part of the next major update!

Briefly: The early design of an Italian IFV developed on the basis of the appraised Centauro combat vehicle.

VBC (Pt 2), light tank, Italy, Rank VI
Features:

• Fast-firing 25mm cannon
  
• Potent sub-caliber rounds
  
• Superb mobility
  
• Light protection

In War Thunder, the VBC (Pt 2) will be a new light vehicle complementing the already excellent lineup of Italian wheeled combat vehicles, found at the higher ranks of this nation’s ground forces tree. Being based on the Centauro chassis, and fitted with a rapid-firing autocannon, this highly nimble predator is sure to mix things up for Italian tankers with its arrival as part of the next major update coming to the game. Sounds interesting, why don’t we take a closer look, shall we?

As already mentioned, the experimental VBC (Pt 2) is a prototype of the Freccia IFV and also a further development of the B1 Centauro - a vehicle already most familiar to seasoned tankers in War Thunder. Inheriting most of the Centauro’s chassis design makes the VBC (Pt 2) just as mobile as its close relative. In fact, thanks to its 550 hp engine, the VBC (Pt 2) can reach a top speed of 110 km/h on paved roads, thus being in line with the B1 Centauro. However, thanks to the slightly more powerful engine and despite its marginally higher mass, the VBC (Pt 2) has a higher power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the vehicle is able to reach its top speed faster and more easily traverse even less hospitable terrain types.



Unlike the Centauro it’s based on however, the VBC (Pt 2) is equipped with the turret fitted to the familiar Dardo IFV. As a result, the VBC (Pt 2) comes armed with a 25mm Oerlikon KBA cannon, capable of firing advanced sub-caliber munitions. Therefore, despite the cannon’s rather modest caliber, the VBC (Pt 2) can become a considerable threat to even more heavily armored opponents provided that its aspiring commanders are audacious enough to really close in on their prey. Despite being equipped with an updated Dardo turret however, the VBC (Pt 2) doesn’t get access to turret-mounted ATGM launchers as found on its tracked counterpart. While this does limit the vehicle’s effectiveness against armored targets at longer engagement distances, its fast-firing autocannon remains a formidable threat to other light vehicles as well as low-flying aircraft and helicopters.



Being based on the Centauro’s chassis also means that the VBC (Pt 2) inherited much of its relative’s protection. Tankers should avoid relying on the vehicle’s armor to shield them from enemy fire. Instead, it’s a much better tactic to be more proactive and make good use of the vehicle’s excellent mobility to stay out of the enemy’s sight and remain an elusive target on the battlefield for the enemy.



The VBC (Pt 2) is soon arriving to rank VI of the Italian ground forces tree as part of the next major update, coming soon to War Thunder. In the meantime, stay sharp and keep an eye out on the news as we continue unveiling what other exciting new vehicles and features await you in the upcoming update. Until then, good hunting tankers!