the operating time between failures. Moreover, to retain a good power-to-weight ratio, the total weight of the tank had to be kept below 60 tonnes. The relatively light weight of the Ariete helped lower consumption and facilitated the transport and mobility of the MBT (especially over bridges). This was obtained partially at the expense of the thickness of the armour that, only partially compensated by the good ballistic shape of the vehicle, raised some doubt about its ability to survive in the harshest environments. As an improvement, Iveco developed a new version of the MTCA engine. The stroke was lengthened, increasing displacement to 30 litres, with a new common rail direct fuel injection system along a new double turbocharger, increasing power output to at 1,800 rpm (with an electronically reduced torque of 5,500 N·m, maintained from 1,100 to 1,800 rpm to reduce damage to the transmission) and further reducing fuel consumption. The new engine had to be adopted during the first general revision of the existing vehicles, but seems to have been blocked by technical and financial problems. As for the armour, Oto Melara developed two different sets (with different thickness levels, depending upon mission nature) of adjunctive armour, shown for the first time at Eurosatory 2002. Ariete AMV In the early 2000s, the Italian Army was interested in developing a new version of Ariete (C2 Ariete or Ariete Mk. 2 designations were considered) which would enter service over the following years with the planned acquisition of 300 units. Budget limitations drastically reduced the number of improved Ariete (order reduced to 200) and eventually caused the subsequent cancellation of the program. The planned improvements were therefore to be applied to the C1 Ariete during the future major revisions. The Ariete AMV is a mid life update (Ammodernamento di Mezza Vita) of the Ariete for 125 units and includes: Upgraded IVECO V12 MTCA with common-rail injection and 1,500 hp (1,103 kW) Upgraded transmission New tracks New electronics and optronics (LOTHAR SD for the gunner, Multispectral ATTILA D for the commander) Add-on armor and mine protection Integration of SICCONA battlefield management system Operators Each tank battalion fields three tank companies with thirteen Ariete each and two Ariete for the battalion commander and the deputy commander. Italian Army – 200 Bersaglieri Brigade "Garibaldi" 4th Tank Regiment (31st Tank Battalion "M.O. Andreani"), in Persano Armored Brigade "Ariete" 32nd Tank Regiment (3rd Tank Battalion "M.O.