MARDER armoured infantry fighting vehicle for the Hellenic Army
A system solution from Rheinmetall DeTec
10/05/2004
The Hellenic Armed Forces are planning to replace their old BMP and M113 infantry fighting vehicles either partly or completely with a more modern system. Due to budgetary constraints in Greece the previously awarded development contract for the Kentaurus armoured infantry fighting vehicle (AIFV) has been cancelled. Now the Hellenic Army intends to procure used Leopard 1 A5 and Leopard 2 A4 tanks from the German inventory. Under this government-to-government contract, the provision of a certain number of MARDER AIFVs, also available from the German Army, is currently under discussion.
Rheinmetall DeTec AG offers the Greek authorities the ideal solution: a MARDER 1 A3 AIFV, and more specific the upgraded MARDER MK 30. Having extensive system experience with MARDER systems, Rheinmetall DeTec is also the main systems supplier certified by the German authorities.
As the vehicles are already in the German Army inventory, the MARDER AIFV is ready to be fielded within very short period of time, together with the Leopard 2 A4 and Leopard 2 HEL main battle tanks. The systems will be upgraded with respect to protection, firepower and tactical mobility to meet performance requirements beyond the capabilities of comparable vehicles on the market (i.e. Warrior, ASCOD, CV-9030). Upgrade kits for the MARDER will be developed in close cooperation with the Greek defence industry. The MARDER AIFV will be in service with the German Armed Forces at least until 2025; therefore the required security of supply is assured.
The vehicle combines sufficient mobility to operate effectively on the battlefield in combination with the LEOPARD main battle tank, featuring high firepower for use against infantry and lightly armoured targets as well as helicopters. It offers good ballistic protection against automatic weapons and shrapnel (STANAG 4569 level 4/5), as well as central NBC protection for the whole crew. Robust, easy to use in battle, with highly reliable assemblies and components and sufficient growth potential for future requirements, the MARDER AIFV is the perfect intermediate solution for Greece.
New E4 turret
The MARDER AIFV is equipped with a 2-manturret, which houses the vehicle's main armament: an MK 30-2 automatic cannon from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH. Of the various 30 mm x 173 automatic cannons on the market today, the MK 30-2 has the highest rate of fire (nominal 700 rounds per minute). Thus, unlike other 30 mm cannons, the MK 30-2 – in conjunction with contemporary fire control technology and turret systems – can be used in an air defence role against helicopters. The MK 30-2 meets the full range of modern performance and safety criteria. Unlike chain guns, the MK 30-2 has a built-in first round response capability due to the double feeder, and can be fired in emergency mode. With a maximum range of 3,000 metres, the MK 30-2 is extremely effective against land, air and sea targets.
Made by Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH, the leader of the program in Greece, the SEOSS fire control system likewise plays an important part in the new E4 turret. SEOSS is a compact, state-of-the-art digital fire control system consisting of a stabilized panoramic sensor head with a thermal imaging sight, CCD camera and a laser rangefinder. SEOSS uses an independent line of sight inertially stabilized in two axes. The system features high-precision fire control computation that takes into account the type of ammunition, cant angles, the altitude of targets as well as environmental conditions, target movement and coincidence. SEOSS has been tested and approved by the Hellenic Army in the framework of the KENTAURUS vehicle.
The electro-optical sensor unit and the weapon stabilisation system are controlled by the fire control electronics, which calculate the superelevation and lead angle resulting from the ballistic parameters.
Equipped with the C3I command and control system INIOCHOS from Rheinmetall Defence Electronics, the MARDER will be fully capable of cooperating on the battlefield with the LEOPARD 2 Hellenic MBT. Key elements of this highly advanced C3I system are the tactical terminal, command computer, mission data terminal and driver's indication unit. INIOCHOS provides a continuous detailed display of tactical situations, commands, messages and alarms, which are transmitted quickly and without error. Digitized terrain maps are displayed on high-resolution colour screens.
Ammunition
The ammunition for the AIFV MARDER is also proposed by Rheinmetall DeTec AG. The APFSDS-T (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) belongs to a new generation of armour-piercing sub-calibre ammunition capable of defeating monobloc and spaced armour targets. Based on tried-and-tested Oerlikon Contraves sub-calibre technology, the APFSDS-T ammunition suffers from none of the problems associated with the conventional slipping rotating band design relating to the influence of barrel wear and adverse atmospheric conditions. APFSDS-T ammunition can be employed – together with FAPDS-T (frangible) ammunition – to provide the MARDER with a powerful self-defence capability against both ground and air-to-ground attacks.
Contact
Rheinmetall AG
Corporate Sector Defence
Press and Information
Oliver Hoffmann
Rheinmetall Platz 1
40476 Düsseldorf
Germany
Phone: +49 211 473-4748
Fax: +49 211 473-4157
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