Marder

   The Marder IFV is based on a special tracked chassis originally developed in the early 1960s to create a common platform for a whole host of armored vehicles of which an IFV was only one component.

   First delivered in 1970, the Marder was produced by two companies, Rheinstahl and Mak, with final production totals reaching 3 111 in 1975 when manufacture of the IFV ceased. Over the years the Marder underwent numerous updates resulting in a Marder 1A1, then 1A1A and 1A2, and finally with 1A3. All existing models were modified up to the latter state which involves extra frontal armor, the full provision of night vision devices, changes to roof hatch arrangements, and other details such as the provision of stowage boxes along the sides. Also involved are suspension changes as the latest modifications increased the Marder 1A3 weight to some 35 tons, making it one of the largest and heaviest of all IFVs (and probably the most expensive for that time). Yet the number of troops carried in the troop compartment at the rear is only five or six, even id a MILAN ATGW launcher and reload missiles are included. Even so Marder is a formidable vehicle almost resembling a light tank, but armed with an externally mounted 20-mm cannon and coaxial 7.62-mm MG over a two-man turret. The hull superstructure armor is well sloped to add protection.

   Throughout its life the Marder IFV has been the basis for several variants but only a few have been accepted for German Army service

Variants

   Roland air defense missile system, based on the same chassis while another has been converted to carry a battlefield surveillance radar antenna on a rising hydraulic arm;

   Driver training vehicle, with the turret replaced by a fixed superstructure for the instructor;

   VCTP infantry fighting vehicle, a simplified variant of the Marder for Argentina.