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OTO-Melara SIDAM 25

1987 COLD WAR MODERN

OTO-Melara SIDAM 25 Stories

Even in the 1980s, the threat of open war in Europe against invading Soviet troops was very real. This has prompted all major military forces in the region to continue to maintain a physical presence as a natural deterrent.

One of the greatest threats to ground forces in that era was low-flying aircraft such as attack helicopters, which led to continued support for low-cost, projectile weapons systems for ground forces.

When the Italian army was looking for such a maneuverable self-propelled weapons platform - and the OTO-Melara ADT did not attract much interest - they took the budget-conscious route and looked at the existing US M113 armored transport Military Vehicles (APC), some of which are already in service - thousands are already in use and are still in use today (2016). To this was added a turret package developed by OTO-Breda that houses 4 25mm Oerlikon automatic cannons in a 2x2 pattern with the cannons spanning the turret section. All other features of the M113 remain intact, powered by a 215-horsepower Detroit Diesel 6V-53 diesel engine, capable of a top speed of 42 mph and a range of 310 miles. The armor protection is 38 mm thick at its thickest point, and the operator consists of three people.

A side-mounted door has been added for better access to the crew and a firing port is available for the operator to use in close self-defense.

The turret is rotated a full 360 degrees above the top of the fuselage. Targets are handled by an electro-optical based Fire Control System (FCS) and a laser rangefinder for precise firing at long distances. However, the machine is not equipped with a radar system, which means that its tactical capabilities are largely limited to daytime operations in clear weather. Typically carries 8,600 x 25mm projectiles, which are high-explosive rounds.

Additional 300 x 25mm Armor Piercing (AP) flavored shells are stored on the vehicle in case its guns have to fight approaching enemy armor (soft leather threats only). In addition, the car is armed with a 7.62mm M136 Gatling miniature machine gun, loaded with 10,500x7.62mm ammunition.

The SIDAM 25 has had limited service since its launch in 1987, with a total of 276 units completed. Although the turret was never exported, it was used in other foreign vehicle types seen in Brazil and Spain. SIDAM 25 has also not been deployed and deployed in combat.