Marder 1A3

Marder 1A3: Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Statistics

Main Gun: Rh202 20mm Autocannon
Ammunition Stowage: 500 ready/750 stowed
Default Ammunition "A": 170/200 DM43 APDS-T, 330/550 DM81 HE-I-T

ATGM: Milan 2
Ammunition Stowage: 1 ready/5 stowed
Default Ammunition "A": 1/5 Milan 2

Coaxial Machine Gun: 7.62mm MG3 Ammunition Stowage: 2000 ready/3000 stowed
Default Ammunition: 2000/3000 7.62mm DE

Grenades: Smoke Grenades
Ammunition Storage: 1 salvo ready/2 stowed
Default Ammunition "A": 1/2 Smoke

Armour Protection:
Front Turret: Protected from 30mm AP
Front Hull: Protected from 30mm AP

Combat Mass: 35 tonnes
Engine Power: 600hp MTU MB 833 Ea-500 6-cylinder diesel
Height: 2.98m
Top Speed: 65kph

General

The Bundeswehr began looking for a new infantry vehicle in the early 1960s, and the Marder won the competition. Prototypes were made in 1967 and 1968, and the first vehicles entered service in 1970. Production of Marders essentially ended in 1975 (the chassis was produced until 1983 for Roland SAM carriers), and the Marder is only in service with the German Army. The Marder has a number of unique features. The original model had firing ports similar to the original Bradleys, and a remote controlled MG on the rear deck above the rear door. These have since been removed, the firing ports being covered over with a new armor package. The 20mm cannon and the 7.62mm MG are mounted externally above the turret, allowing minimal exposure while in a hull-down position. On the other hand, unlike most other IFVs, the Marder cannot swim, and it's original configuration had no ATGM. This may have gotten around the dilemma of deciding if the Marder was there to be a tank destroyer or an infantry support vehicle, but the Germans also apparently changed their minds, later fitting Milan ATGMs to the turret. The Marder 1A3 also has a number of armor upgrades and improvements. In combat, the Marder is much like its cousins, the BMP and the much bigger Bradley. The Milan missile makes it a real threat to tanks, and the 20mm cannon enables it to support its squad. If defending, you'll have to make the call between stationing it where it can best support and move its troops, or stationing it where it can best use its missile to act as a tank destroyer in an ambush. If attacking, provide overwatch to keep them from getting blown away; even the improved armor is not likely to stop an ATGM, tank round, or RPG. Try to make sure the Marders are not the center of attention in the attack. Not an easy task, but that's why you get paid the big bucks.

James Sterret

The dismount section for the Marder 1A3 is 6 men, carrying 2(4) PzF 3 light anti-armour weapons, a MG3 and 5.56mm rifles.

A note to scenario designers: Doctrinally, only one Marder per platoon is armed with a Milan ATGM, but currently all vehicles in newly created platoons are so armed. Adjustments to platoon load outs may be advised for authenticity.

Thermal Signature