Marder (IFV) - Variants

Variants

The Marder 1A3 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 Argentinian 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 where realised based on the second batch of prototypes using different engines etc. The Kanonenjagdpanzer build for Belgium are a hybrid between the original Bundeswehr version and Marder parts. Some 4–6 test models of a 120mm mortar on a Marder chassis where build and at least one is in use as a firefighting vehicle at the WTS Meppen. Tests with a AAA tank where 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 110mm artillery rocket system that later became the truck-mounted LARS system.

• 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 1's 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. In December 2010 ten vehicles were brought to this standard, further 25 will be upgraded til August 2011.