Marder (German for "marten") is a German infantry fighting vehicle operated by the German Army as the main weapon of the Panzergrenadiere (mechanized infantry) from the 1970s through to the present day. Developed as part of the rebuilding of Germany's armoured fighting vehicle industry, the Marder has proven to be a successful and solid infantry fighting vehicle design. While it used to include a few unique features, such as a fully remote machine gun on the rear deck and gun ports on the sides for infantry to fire through, these features have been deleted or streamlined in later upgrade packages to bring it more in line with modern IFV design (the MG has been moved to be a coaxial, the gun ports entirely welded shut and uparmored). It is overall a simple and conventional machine with one large rear exit hatch and three top hatches for mounted infantry to fire from. The Marder is currently being replaced by its successor, the Puma.
Around 2,100 were taken into service by the German Army in the early 1970s, but the vehicle in its German variant was not sold to any foreign militaries. As the German Army began to retire older vehicles, the Chilean government agreed to acquire 200 Marders; the government of Greece has considered the purchase of 450 retired vehicles in the past. Argentina uses a simplified and locally produced variant, the VCTP, and has a number of vehicles based on that platform constructed by Henschel and built by TAMSE.
Development[edit]
Development of the Marder ran from January 1960, when the first development contracts were issued, to 7 May 1971, when the first production vehicles were given to the German army.
The vehicle was intended to be an improvement over the Schützenpanzer Lang HS.30. The main requirements were:
- A capacity of 12 infantrymen.
- A more reliable 20 mm cannon.
- The infantry must be able to fight from within the vehicle or dismounted.
- Protection from nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.
Initially, development contracts were awarded to two groups of companies: the Rheinstahl group (Rheinstahl-Hanomag, Ruhrstahl, Witten-Annen, Büro Warnecke) and the second group comprising Henschel Werke and the Swiss MOWAG company. This resulted in the production of seven prototype vehicles. A second set of eight prototype vehicles were built between 1961 and 1963. Development priority was then switched for a while to the development of the Jagdpanzer 90 mm Kanone.
In 1967, after military requirements were finalized, a third and final set of ten prototypes were built. Final development work was completed by the Rheinstahl group, and 10 pre-production vehicles were built and completed troop trials with the German army between October 1968 and March 1969. In May 1969, the vehicle was officially named the "Marder" and in October Rheinstahl was chosen as the prime contractor.
The first production Marder 1 was handed to the German army on 7 May 1971. Production of the vehicle continued until 1975, with 2,136 vehicles being completed.
In 1975, the Milan missile was first adapted to be fired by commander from his open hatch, and between 1977 and 1979 Milan missiles were fitted to army vehicles.
A number of upgrade programs were carried out, that included fitting night vision equipment and a thermal imager, as well as an upgraded ammunition feed to the 20 mm cannon.
Around 1985, the designation was changed to Marder-1 (until then it was simply Marder) since a follow-up IFV was under construction. Since the new vehicle should be the partner of the Leopard-II just like Marder was the companion to the Standardpanzer/Leopard I, it was named Marder-2 and the older vehicles re-designated.
The A3 upgrade program began in 1988, with Thyssen-Henschel being awarded a contact to upgrade 2,100 Marder 1 A1/A2 series vehicles to A3 standard at a rate of 220 a year. The first upgraded vehicles reached the German army on 17 November 1989. The modification package included:
- Improved armour weighing 1,600 kg intended to protect against the 30 mm 2A42 cannon on the Russian BMP-2. The armour also provided additional protection against cluster bomblets.
- The hatches over the infantry compartment were re-arranged.
- Suspension was reinforced, a new braking system was installed, the gearbox adjusted. The heating system was replaced with a water based heating system.
- Turret was reconfigured.
- Total weight is now 35,000 kg.
Description[edit]
The hull of the Marder 1 is all welded steel, giving protection from small-arms fire and shell fragments with the front of the hull providing protection from up to 20 millimeters APDS rounds. Later variants had increased protection up to 30mm APDS, in response to the 30 mm autocannon armed BMP-2 and the development of top attack cluster bomblets.
The Marder is a relatively conventional design, with the driver sitting at the front left side of the hull with the engine to his right. The driver has three day periscopes mounted in a hatch that opens to the right. The center periscope can be replaced by a passive night vision device. Behind the driver is a seat for a single infantry man. In early versions of the Marder, this man had a hatch that opened to the right and a periscope that could be rotated through 360 degrees; this hatch was removed in the 1A3 variant onwards.
In the center of the hull is the two-man turret, which holds the commander on the right and the gunner on the left. Only the commander is provided with a hatch. The commander has eight day periscopes for all round observation and the gunner has an additional three. The primary sighting system is the PERI-Z11 sight, which has either 2× or 6× optical magnification. From version 1A2 on, there was an additional thermal sight with 2x and 8x magnification. To the rear of the turret is the troop compartment, which can hold six infantry men, sitting back to back facing outwards along the center of the hull.
The Marder is capable of fording in up to 1.5 meters of water unprepared, and can be fitted with a kit allowing it to ford water up to 2.5 meters deep.
The Marder is powered by an MTU MB 833 Ea-500 six-cylinder liquid-cooled diesel engine which delivers approximately 441 kW (600 PS; 591 hp) at 2,200 rpm. The cooling radiators are mounted at the rear of hull either side of the exit ramp. The engine is coupled to a Renk four speed HSWL 194 planetary gear box with four forward and four reverse gears. The transmission also provides steering and braking via a stepless hydrostatic unit which transmits power to two drive units mounted at the front of the hull. The vehicle carries 652 liters of fuel, giving it a road range of around 500 kilometers. Early Marders could achieve a road speed of 75 km/h in 4th gear, but the extra armour of later vehicles reduced this to 65 km/h.
The Marder is propelled by a Diehl track, which can be fitted with rubber road pads. The drive mechanism consists of six rubber tyred road wheel with a drive sprocket at the front of the hull and an idler at the rear. Three return rollers are also fitted. The suspension is a torsion bar system, with additional hydrostatic shock absorbers fitted to the front two and last two road wheels.
Armament[edit]
Primary armament is the 20 mm Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh202 autocannon, which is mounted in the small two-man turret and can fire either armour-piercing or HE rounds. Mounted coaxially to the left of the cannon is a 7.62 mm MG3 machine gun. The turret has 360 degree traverse, and can elevate from −17 degrees to +65 degrees at a rate of 40 degrees per second while traversing at a rate of 60 degrees a second. Early Marders up to and including version 1A1 had a second MG3 mounted on the rear deck in a remote controlled pod. Typically, 1,250 rounds are carried for the 20 mm cannon, along with a further 5,000 rounds for the MG3.
On models since version 1A2, a MILAN anti-tank guided missile launcher can be attached to the turret to provide enhanced anti-armour capabilities. Typically, six missiles are carried inside the vehicle.
There are four (two per side) gun ports, which can be used by mounted infantry to provide additional fire against attacking infantry targets. Only Marder 1A1 and 1A2 had been equipped with this. Marder 1A3 and above do not have gun ports due to an extra layer of armour and outside storage boxes.
Six 76-millimeter-diameter smoke grenade dischargers can create a visual and infra-red blocking smoke screen.
Variants[edit]
The Marder 1A3[1] is the currently most common version of this system, and is in service with the German Bundeswehr, the Marder 1A4 differs from the 1A3 only by the use of a cryptography-capable radio-set. Newest version of the Marder is the Marder 1A5 with advanced mine protection. Only a small number of this variant is in service.
The Marder served as the basis for Thyssen-Henschel's medium tank design which became the TAM for Argentina. A simplified version of the Marder is also employed as an infantry fighting vehicle, mortar carrier and rocket launcher by the Argentine Army, realising most of the versions originally planned for the Bundeswehr and later abandoned due to costs and/or the availability of cheap alternatives like the M106 mortar carrier. The Marder is also used as a carrier for the Roland air defence system. The Kanonenjagdpanzer and Raketenjagdpanzer 2 started development as part of the Marder family but were realised based on the second batch of prototypes using different engines etc. The Kanonenjagdpanzer built for Belgium are a hybrid between the original Bundeswehr version and Marder parts. Some 4–6 test models of a 120 mm mortar on a Marder chassis were built and at least one is in use as a firefighting vehicle at the WTS Meppen. Tests with an AAA tank were performed but the high weight of the system resulted in a switch to the heavier Standardpanzer chassis, resulting in the Gepard AAA system. At least one first or second generation prototype was equipped with the 110 mm artillery rocket system that later became the truck-mounted LARS system.
During Eurosatory Show 2012, Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH offered two further upgrades as part of the Marder Evolution family. The Marder APC features a new M151 Protector remotely controlled weapon, replacing the original Rheinmetall MK 20 Rh 202 automatic cannon, ballistic protection comparable to STANAG Level 4+, and mine protection comparable to Level 3a/3b+. The top deck has been lifted to enable improved ergonomics and uses a 440 kW (600 PS) MTU MB883 diesel. The Marder Medium Tank features a rifled, stabilized 105 mm Oto-Melara gun in a new turret.[2]
- Marder 1 (1971–)
- Marder 1 with Milan: a Milan launcher was fitted to all Marders between 1977 and 1979.
- Marder 1 A1(+) (1979–1982): dual feed for 20 mm cannon enabling choice of ammunition, night vision equipment including image intensifiers and a thermal imager. Infantry capacity reduced to five. Applied to 674 vehicles between 1979 and 1982.
- Marder 1 A1(−) (1979–1982): as A1(+) but without thermal imager. 350 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
- Marder 1 A1A3: a Marder A1 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
- Marder 1 A1A as 1 A1 but without any passive night vision equipment. 1,112 vehicles upgraded to this standard.
- Marder 1 A1A4: a Marder A1A with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
- Marder 1 A1A2: a converted Marder 1 with A1 turret and A2 chassis
- Marder 1 A1A5: a Marder A1A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
- Marder 1 A2 (1984–1991): Between 1984 and 1991, all German Marder 1s were upgraded to A2 standard, this included substantial modification of the suspension, fuel tanks, cooling system and water-jet cleaning system. Additionally a new sighting system was installed. The infrared search light equipment was removed, and all vehicles were fitted with thermal imagers except for the 674 A1(+) vehicles, which already had them.
- Marder 1 A2A1: a Marder 1 A2 with SEM 80/90 cryptographic radios.
- Marder 1 A3 (1988–1998)
- Marder 1 A4: a Marder 1 A3 with SEM 93 cryptographic radio.
- Marder 1 A5 (2003–2004): Additional anti-mine armor and completely remodeled interior in order to avoid blast and shock injuries to the crew when hit by a mine. Applied to 74 Marder 1 A3s only.
- Marder 1 A5A1 (2010–2011): Equipped with air conditioning system, jammer for IED-protection and multi-spectral camouflage.[3] In December 2010 ten vehicles were brought to this standard, further 25 to be upgraded by August 2011.
Combat service[edit]
With the first unit delivered in summer 1971, the Marder IFV remained untested in combat for 38 years until July 2009 when they defended a German combat outpost against the Taliban in Chahar Dara district of Afghanistan's Kunduz Province, killing and wounding scores of insurgents. Since then, the Marders have been involved in heavy fighting several times. The vehicles have proved to be extremely useful and have been praised as a great tactical asset by German troops.[12] However, the crews have been subject to great physical stress as none of the vehicles are equipped with air conditioning systems.[13] Two Marders were damaged by Improvised explosive devices in the course of a German-led offensive on Taliban insurgents in Quatliam, on 31 October 2010. Later in the battle, code-named by the Coalition "Operation Halmazag", the Marders beat off a Taliban attempt to outflank positions held by German paratroopers.[14] In June 2011, a German Marder was destroyed near Kunduz by a 200 kg (440.91 lbs.) IED, killing one soldier and injuring five others.
The Marder was also deployed during the Kosovo War as part of the German peacekeeping forces sent. They did not see combat however.
Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 A1 and 1 A1A
Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A2s negotiate a water obstacle – in total, 1,462 vehicle were upgraded to A2 standard by installation of the Wärmebildgerät WBG X thermal imaging system [© Michael Jerchel †]
Over the years, the Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 was modified several times to improve its combat capabilities. Between 1977 and 1979, all vehicles were fitted with a mounting kit for the MILAN anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) system, allowing the weapon to be fitted to the commander’s cupola of the turret.
To allow for stowage of the missile system and four missiles inside the vehicle, one dismount seat was removed. From then on, the AIFV’s crew consisted of only nine soldiers; driver, vehicle commander, gunner and six dismounts. Between 1979 and 1982, a total of 1,024 vehicles were modified to Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 A1 standard, 674 1 A1(+) and 350 1 A1(-), plus another 1,112 were brought to MARDER 1 A1A standard.
Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A1A2 of Panzergrenadierbataillon 282 seen during the REFORGER [©(Return of Forces to Germany) 1988 Exercise CERTAIN CHALLENGE [© Benno Knorr]
In both cases the vehicles were fitted with a new dual-feed system for the 20mm MK 20 Rh 202 DM 6 Maschinenkanone that allowed the crew to quickly change between high explosive (HE) fragmentation and armour-piercing (AP) ammunition.
Furthermore, Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 A1(+) were fitted with the PERI Z59/PERI Z16 Passives Nachtsicht- und Beobachtungsgerät or PNZBG (passive image-intensifying observation and sighting system) plus a heat detection sensor system. Previously mounted infrared (IR) night-fighting equipment was also retained.
Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 A1A2 and 1 A2
The Marder 1 A1(+) and 1 A1(-) both featured a new dual-feed system for the 20mm MK 20 – this [©A1(+) also featured the PERI Z59/PERI Z16 PNZBG passive image-intensifying observation and sighting system [© Thomas Laber †]
Between 1984 and 1991 the next modifications were conducted, aimed at increasing operational readiness, reliability and serviceability. In addition, the machine gun mount situated on the rear fighting compartment roof was removed. Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 A1(+) thus modified were given the designation MARDER 1 A1A2.
In the case of MARDER 1 A1(-) and MARDER 1 A1A, the Wärmebildgerät WBG X thermal-imaging system was additionally installed to improve their night-fighting capabilities. The 1,462 vehicles fitted with the WBG X were given the designation Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 A2.
Some 36 AIFVs were converted into Fahrschulpanzer MARDER 1 A2 driver-training vehicles. As part of the modification their turrets were exchanged for special cabins for the driving instructor, and an override system and ballast ring were incorporated.
For driver-training purposes 36 Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A2 AIFVs were converted into Fahrschulpanzer Marder driver-training vehicles [© Benno Knorr]
New Radios
In the second half of the 1980s, the Bundeswehr introduced a new generation of tactical radios; the A/VHF SEM70/80/90 family replacing the VHF SEM25/35 family. Fielding was done division by division. Installation of the new radios in the Schützenpanzer MARDER 1 variants resulted in a series of new designations. A1s fitted with the new radios became A1A3, A1A became A1A4 and A1A2 became A1A5. A2s fitted with the new radios were designated A2A1.
Article © Carl Schulze 2018
A Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A2 negotiates a water obstacle – note that the vehicle is fitted with the deep fording kit [© Michael Jerchel †]
Between 1989 and 1998 a total of 2,097 vehicles were upgraded to Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A3 standard, with the main aim of the upgrade being the improvement of armour protection. The vehicles were fitted with spaced steel add-on armour, stronger torsion bars and a new hydraulic dual-circuit brake system. Gear ratios of the final drives were changed to increase mobility and the rear fighting-compartment roof was given a new layout, now featuring only three hatches.
The Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A3 features increased armour protection – by 1998 a total of 2,097 vehicles had been modified to A3 standard [© CS]
Other modifications included a new heating system for the rear fighting compartment, the integration of storage compartments in the rear ramp, installing of storage bins along the vehicle sides, fitting of a larger driver’s hatch and terminating of the firing ports. The coaxial MG was also moved to the left side of the turret.
From 2000 onwards, 68 Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A3 AIFVs were converted into Marder 1 A3/VB-Trp (Vorgeschobener Beobachter Trupp or, observation post vehicles) and issued first to the mortar companies of the Panzer Grenadier battalions and from 2003 to the Forward Observers of the artillery battalions. As part of this conversion, the vehicles were fitted with the Zielortungsgerät TZG 90 mobile target detection system, the militarisierter Rechner, tragbar Model 86 (MRT 86) fire control computer, and the Precise Lightweight GPS Receiver 95 (PLGR 95).
This Marder 1 A3 AIFV of Panzerlehrbrigade 9 was seen during Exercise IRON TAURUS 2010 at the Altengrabow Training Area [© CS]
Between 1998 and 2000, a total of 27 Marder 1 A3s were converted into Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A4 Führungspanzer für Bataillonskommandeure, or Command Post Vehicles for Battalion Commanders, variants. These vehicles featured an improved communications suite that incorporated the SEM 93 radio with integrated cryptographic technology. As with the Marder 1 A2 previously, Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A3s were also converted into Fahrschulpanzer Marder 1 A3 driver training vehicles.
In 1999 Panzer Grenadier assets belonged to the German combat forces that were among the first troops of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) to enter the former Yugoslav province. The Kosovo deployment marked the first ever operational deployment of the Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A3.
The Marder 1 A3 is powered by a 6-cylinder MTU MB 883 Ea-500 turbocharged diesel engine, developing 441kW at 2,200rpm and allowing it to reach a top speed of 65km/hr [© CS]
In 1999 German Panzer Grenadiers equipped with the Marder 1 A3 belonged to the first NATO forces entering war-torn Kosovo [© CS]
Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5
While the Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A3 was not deployed with the German IFOR and SFOR contingents to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the encountered mine threat in the country triggered a certain degree of mine awareness with Germany’s military planners. This resulted in the upgrading of 74 Marder 1 A3s to Marder 1 A5 standard, in order to improve their mine protection, between 2002 and 2005.
The Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5 features a mine protection kit that substantially improves the survivability of its crew in the case of a mine strike [© CS]
Most important modifications were the installation of a mine protection belly plate, reinforcements to the corners of the hull, a false floor and covers over weld seams. The vehicles were also fitted with new armoured side skirts, a spall liner and new fuel tanks featuring explosion protection technology. The frame with the seats was now decoupled from the floor and the seats fitted with safety belts and footrests.
As part of the vehicle’s new storage concept, all equipment previously mounted in brackets on the floor was moved elsewhere to prevent the kit from becoming secondary projectiles in the case of a mine strike. Three storage boxes were mounted on top of the hull.
Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5 crosses a war bridge constructed out of M3 Amphibious Bridging and Ferrying Equipment vehicles [© CS]
The running gear of the vehicles was also upgrade in order to allow it to deal with their increased weight. Additionally, the vehicles were fitted with new Type 1028 double-pin tracks manufactured by Diehl Defence Holding GmbH.
From 2003 onwards Marder 1 A5 Schützenpanzers served with the German KFOR contingent in Kosovo and from late 2006 onwards with the German ISAF contingent in northern Afghanistan.
From late 2006 onwards the Marder 1 A5 saw action with the German ISAF contingent in northern Afghanistan – this vehicle was seen in February 2011 [© CS]
Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5A1
Despite the fact that the Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5 proved itself right from the beginning of its Afghanistan deployment, it soon became clear that additional improvements were required.
The Marder 1 A5A1 features a Raumkühlanlage air-conditioning system and the Schutzausstattung CG-12 electronic RCIED countermeasure system plus MMT mobile camouflage system [© CS]
In October 2009, it was therefore decided to fit ten Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5s with a Raumkühlanlage air-conditioning system and the Schutzausstattung CG-12 electronic RCIED countermeasure system, under an Urgent Operational Requirement programme.
These vehicles were also fitted with the Mobile Multispektrale Tarnausstattung (MMT) mobile camouflage system, a variant of the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) manufactured by Saab Technologies AB in Sweden. The number of vehicles to be modified later was raised to 35. The first Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5A1s were fielded in Afghanistan in December 2010 and in the end 25 were deployed in total.
Rear view of a Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5A1 seen in Afghanistan in 2012 – note the air-conditioning system system on the left at the rear [© CS]
On the 2nd June 2011 one of the vehicles was destroyed by an massive IED some 36km south of Kunduz. In the incident, the driver was killed and five other crew members were badly wounded. From mid-2013 onwards the Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5A1 variants were redeployed to Germany as part of the drawdown of ISAF.
Footnote: Surplus Marder 1 A3s have so far been sold to Chile, Indonesia and Jordan.
Technical Data: Schützenpanzer Marder 1 A5A1
Crew: 9 soldiers (commander, gunner, driver and six dismounts)
Length: 7.767m (including air-conditioning unit):
Width: 3.38m
Height: 3.225m (to top of warning beacon)
Track width: 2.62m
Width of tracks: 500mm
Ground clearance: 428mm
Dimensions of rear ramp: 1.08m x 1.08m
This Marder 1A5A1 seen in 2017 is fitted with perimeter protection introduced in 2013 for the hatches in the roof of the rear fighting compartment [© CS]
Hull: Welded, rolled homogeneous steel armour
Add-on armour: Spaced armour made of rolled homogeneous steel armour
Gross vehicle weight: 38,500kg
Combat weight: 37,400kg
MLC class: 42
Maximum forward speed: 65km/hr
Maximum reverse speed: 65km/hr
Gradient: 60%
Slope: 30%
Vertical obstacle: 1m
Trench crossing: 2.5m
Operational road range: 435km
Operational off-road range: 190km
Engine: MTU MB 833 Ea-500 6-cylinder, turbocharged diesel unit developing 441kW at 2,200rpm
Transmission: Renk HSWL 194 hydro-mechanical gearshift, steering and pivot transmission with four forward and four reverse gears
Running gear: Six pairs of road wheels, one idler wheel, four return rollers and one drive sprocket per side
Track: Diehl Type 1028 A double-pin tracks with replaceable rubber pads; 84 track links per side
Suspension: Torsion bars of 56mm diameter, hydraulic shock absorbers and hydraulic bump stops
Brake system: Hydraulic dual-circuit brake system and mechanical/hydraulic parking brake
Fuel tank capacity: 630 litres
Armament: 1x 20mm MK 20 Rh 202 DM 6 Maschinenkanone automatic cannon, 1x coaxial 7.62mm MG3, 1x smoke grenade discharger system and 1x MILAN ATGW system
¤ Latest upgrade to Marder 1 A5:- Rheinmetall Integrates MELLS into Marder IFV
From 2000 onwards, 68 Marder 1 A3 AIFVs were converted into Marder 1 A3/VB-Trp observation post vehicles, one of which can be seen here [© CS]
As part of the conversion to Marder 1 A3/VB-Trp the mount for the TZG 90 mobile target detection system was fitted to the commander’s cupola [© CS]
Schützenpanzer Marder 1 – German Army Inventory 2018*
349x Marder 1 A3 (armoured infantry fighting vehicle)
33x Marder 1 A3 Beobachter Trupp (observation post vehicle)
15x Marder 1 A3 Fahrschulpanzer (driver training vehicle)
14x Marder 1 A4 Führungspanzer für Bataillonskommandeure (battalion command post vehicle)
39x Marder 1 A5 (armoured infantry fighting vehicle)
34x Marder 1 A5A1 (armoured infantry fighting vehicle)
*Source: Gepanzerte Fahrzeuge der Bundeswehr 2018, by Ralph Zwilling, Tankograd Publishing ~ www.tankograd.com
Article © Carl Schulze 2018 – Images © Carl Schulze unless noted.
This Marder 1A3 was operating in the role of Yellow Forces advancing on NATO eFP defenders in Eastern Estonia about 10km from the Russian border during Exercise KEVADTORM ’17 [© Bob Morrison]
Cap comentari:
Publica un comentari a l'entrada