XI

CAV mod. 71

Italy·Medium Tank·MT support

In the early 1970s, Italy was developing a project intended to replace the unsuccessful Progetto M40 mod. 65. The new promising tank stood out with its reduced crew, autoloader, and low turret with an overhead gun. The vehicle was considered in the role of a maneuverable "anti-tank hunter": relatively light and mobile with a powerful gun. However, the tank turned out too complex and expensive: the autoloader and suspension required meticulous maintenance, which reduced reliability, and the costs were comparable to those of the Leopard 1A3, which was simpler, standardized, and already in service with allies. The project was frozen in 1974, but the experience gained was used later to design the OF-40 and Ariete.