News

2022-10-02

Marder IFV,a Modern Weapon System for Mechanised Infantry

A German vehicle operated by the German Army as the main weapon of the Panzergrenadiere (mechanised infantry) from the 1970s through to the present day, the Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) has proved to be an outstanding modern weapon system.

Combining excellent tactical mobility and impressive firepower with the ability to transport troops quickly and safely in high-threat areas of operation, Marder is specially designed for ease of use and maximum dependability.

Its operationally proven design features a powerpack in the forward section and a centrally positioned turret; the fighting compartment is in the rear, with a generously dimensioned ramp for rapid entry and exit.

While its maintenance is easy, Rheinmetall offers numerous possibilities for enhancing the vehicle’s survivability, firepower and reconnaissance capabilities.

On May 7, 1971, the first production versions of the Marder infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) were formally transferred to the German Army. This took place at simultaneous ceremonies at Kassel and Kiel — the corporate seats of manufacturers Thyssen-Henschel and Krupp MaK, both of which belonged to Rheinmetall since 1999 and 2001, respectively.

The Marder has remained in service down to the present day, proving its mettle as part of the Quick Reaction Force in firefights in the Kunduz and Mazar-e Sharif regions of Afghanistan.

Development of Prototypes

After examining the first vehicles, it became clear to the Army general staff that the restrictive specifications would have to be dropped in order to enable a better IFV concept. The maximum height requirement of 1,890 mm was abandoned, while the crew strength was cut from 12 to 10.

In October 1962, development contracts for seven new prototypes of the section vehicle were signed with Ruhrstahl (Hanomag) and MOWAG. Cooperation with MOWAG was terminated due to a patent dispute.

For the prototypes of the second generation, a new conceptual approach ensued. In order to make a larger rear hatch possible, in the RU vehicles the complete powerpack block was now transferred to the front of the vehicle, simultaneously eliminating the need for the coupling shaft, which was susceptible to malfunctions.

A one-man turret, the DL-RH3, newly engineered by Rheinmetall, was available for the vehicle; it was to be armed with a 20mm automatic cannon and coaxial machinegun.

Initially positioned to the left of the turret, in later prototypes the commander’s station was placed directly behind the driver, enabling integration of an antitank missile system to the left of the turret — specifically the Bofors antitank missile, or BANTAM, which was to be procured at a later date. The new concept resulted in a larger vehicle, whose weight increased to 26 tonnes.

Continuous Upgrades

The need to adapt the vehicle’s combat performance in line with evolving threats resulted in a steady flow of modifications. There followed a series of combat performance upgrades:

• 1977 – 1979, saw the integration of the MILAN weapon system with four guided missiles on board; seating was reduced to six or seven soldiers.

• In 1979 – 1982, the first combat performance upgrade to Marder1A1 was made. It included the installation of a first-generation night vision device (residual light intensifier) with thermal energy receiver (PNZG WOE), double belt feeder for the automatic cannon, strengthening of the lateral traversing gearing.

• In 1984 – 1989, the second combat performance upgrade to Marder1A2 witnessed the retrofitting of 1,462 vehicles with thermal imaging devices (WBG-X) for the gunner, and/or use of MILAN infrared adapter MIRA for the MILAN weapon system; elimination of the rear weapon mount; upgrade to SEM 80/90 radio and the introduction of spotted camouflage painting.

• The third combat performance upgrade to Marder1A3 in 1989 – 1998 comprised: Retrofitting 2,097 vehicles with additional armour for the turret and hull (protection against 30mm automatic cannon fire); redesign of the magazine and ammunition feed; extension of the turret machinegun from the weapon housing on the left-hand side of the turret; mounting of storage bins coupled with simultaneous elimination of ball-shaped weapon mantlets; number of roof hatches reduced from four to three; installation of reinforced torsion bars; new seats for commander and gunner; new rear hatch with larger loading volume; weight increased to 33.5 t.

• Between 1998 and 2000, the combat performance upgrade to Marder1A4 took place including the utilisation of this version as a mobile command post (battalion commander), accompanied by additional equipping of 24 vehicles with SEM93 radio.

• The fourth combat performance upgrade to Marder1A5 in 2002 – 2005 saw the retrofitting of 74 vehicles with protection against blast and projectile-forming mines; alteration of the stowage concept; added floor clearance in the fighting compartment; attachment of seating to the roof of the hull; installation of GPS system (PLGR); installation of more powerful brakes and higher-performance ventilation pumps; new armour skirts (steel armour); wider tracks (500 mm); replacement of conical compression springs with hydraulic buffers; installation of three additional storage bins; lining of fighting compartment interior with anti-spall liner; weight increased to 37.4 t.

• In 2010 – 2011, the combat performance upgrade to Marder1A5A1 included the retrofitting of 35 vehicles with air conditioning and multispectral camouflage equipment (MMT); CG-12 electronic protection system and reinforced protection on the fighting compartment roof around the hatches.

Service Life Extension

It was decided in 2016 to initiate a service life extension programme while eliminating obsolescent features. An order for a package of measures was awarded for initial development of prototypes, followed by full-scale retrofitting of the vehicles.

The service life extension programme encompasses the following individual measures:

• Starting in 2016, development and pilot integration of the MELLS multirole anti-tank lightweight guided missile system (PzAbwWA MELLS) into the Marder1A5 IFV was initiated.

• Starting in 2017, delivery of retrofit kits for integrating the PzAbwWA MELLS into the Marder 1 A5 fleet (now implemented in 35 vehicles) as a replacement for the obsolete MILAN weapon system was initiated.

• The year also saw the commencement of the Marder IFV service life extension programme with the development and pilot retrofitting of the PzAbwWA MELLS into the remaining Marder IFV variants; a new fire detection and suppression system for the IFV Marder 1 A3 family; and a new thermal imaging target device to replace the obsolete EBG-X; a new driver vision system in the A3 family variants (SPECTUS II); minor components to eliminate obsolescent features.

Furthermore, an order was awarded to replace the drivetrain of the Marder1A5 family with the goal of a comprehensive elimination of obsolescence.

In 2018, expansion of the service life extension programme began to include fabrication of a pilot vehicle with a new drivetrain.

In 2019, development and pilot integration of a battle management system into the different Marder variants began in order to create a complete information and data network based on the Bundeswehr’s FüInfoSys-BMS (battle management system) as well as previously introduced radio and command equipment, the objective being to improve the degree of digitisation of the VJTF (Very High Readiness Joint Task Force) — the NATO spearhead formation — which will be furnished by the Bundeswehr in 2023.

Beginning 2021, delivery of retrofit kits for installing the new Spectus II driver vision system began. This system enables the combination of images produced by a residual light intensification camera and thermal imaging device.

Last year also witnessed the delivery of retrofit kits for installing the new Saphir 2.6 MK thermal imaging device (a Rheinmetall development) as well as delivery of retrofit kits for installing the new drivetrain in 71 vehicles of the 1A5 family. The new drivetrain features a basic engine with an output of 563 kW; the gears have been adapted for the higher performance level.

Shortcomings Identified

The Marder IFV encountered problems only when the enemy enjoyed local superiority in ambush situations involving large improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and concentrated rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire. And then there was the terrible heat: in the rear of the fighting compartment, temperatures of up to 80°C were measured. This is why the fighting compartments of all 35 Marder IFVs deployed were equipped with air conditioning systems starting in 2010.

Thanks to the measures underway to extend its service life, it should be possible to keep the Marder IFV in operation until the end of this century.

As its extraordinary career draws to a close, the vehicle literally continues to reach new heights — currently it is operating at 4,300 metres above sea level in Chile. For its successors, the Marder IFV has set a very high standard.

Text/Photo: www.rheinmetall-defence.com

Comments () Views (6595 ) Print

Send To Friend