Puma

The Puma armored vehicle family was developed to meet the requirements of the Italian Army for a vehicle to operate with the IVECE/Oto Melara B-1 Centauro tank destroyers.

The first prototype of the Puma was completed in 1988 and by 1990 a total of five vehicles had been built. The Italian Army subsequently awarded the company a contract to build six specialised versions of the Puma, one each for the MILAN and TOW ATGW system, one for the Mistral SAM system, one 81-mm mortar carrier, one ambulance and one command post vehicle. In 1999 the Italian Army placed a contract for the supply of 250 Puma (6x6) and 300 (4x4) armored vehicles.

The engine is at the front of the vehicle with the driver being seated towards the front on the left side. Troop compartment is at the rear part of the hull. Doors are provided in the sides and rear and on the roof is the commander's cupola that can be fitted with a 12.7-mm or 7.62-mm machine gun.

Puma's standard equipment includes an integrated air conditioning system, fire detection and suppression system, power-operated winch, power steering and flat-run tyres.

The 4x4 version of the Puma can be adopted for a wide range of roles in addition to those ordered by the Italian Army. The 6x6 version of the Puma has the same automotive components as the 4x4 vehicle, including engine, transmission and suspension. This version can carry eight men plus the driver and can be fitted with a wider range of armament stations.