Iveco Spa Driver

The Draco SPAAG was developed from the previous Otomatic, which never entered service

The Draco self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was developed by OTO Melara as a private venture. It is a further development of the previous Otomatic SPAAG developed in the mid 80s. The Otomatic outperformed many anti-aircraft artillery systems, however was never accepted to service. The Draco was first revealed in 2010. Currently this system is being offered for possible customers, however it received no production orders to date.

It is a remotely-operated turret, armed with a 76 mm rapid firing naval gun. The gun is completed with an automatic revolver-type ammunition loading system. It can use all standard 76 mm ammunition, guided DART ammunition, C-Ram and top-attack ammunition. Rate of fire is 80-100 rounds per minute. Ammunition revolver contains 12 indexed rounds and can shift from one type of ammunition to another. Twenty four additional rounds are stored in the automatic magazine, located in the hull.

Modern SPAAGs are usually fitted with 20-40 mm guns. Such a powerful gun was selected because of its long range. Maximum range of fire is 6-8 km. Such range is similar of the current hybrid gun-missile air defense systems. The Draco can engage helicopters before they release their anti-tank guided weapons.

The previous Otomatic turret was much heavier and needed a tank chassis. Weight of the Draco turret was significantly reduced due to improvements in electronics over the last two decades. It also uses more compact onboard radar.

Secondary armament consists of a single coaxial 7.62 mm general purpose machine gun or 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.

The Draco SPAAG is intended to engage air targets, such as helicopters, aircraft, UAV and air-launched weapons. Also it can be used against ground targets. This air defense weapon can be used for combat support operations, convoy's defense or point defense. Also it can be used for coastal defense. Maximum firing range against naval targets is 20 km.

Unmanned turret withstands hits from 7.62x39 mm armor-piercing rounds and artillery shell splinters. Add-on armor kit can be fitted for increased protection.

This air defense system has a crew of three, including commander, driver and gunner.

The Draco turret can be installed on 8x8 wheeled vehicles as well as tracked vehicles, heavy trucks or shelters. It was first revealed mounted on the 8x8 Centauro tank destroyer chassis. Vehicle is powered by Iveco MTCA turbocharged diesel engine, developing 520 hp. Steering is provided on the first and second axles and at slow speed with also the fourth axle. Vehicle is equipped with run-flat tyres and fitted with central tyre inflation system.