MARDER Infantry Combat Vehicle 1 A5
The introduction of the MARDER infantry combat vehicle 1 A5 has provided a significant and impressive improvement of crew protection for an in-service combat vehicle, in particular with respect to the growing mine threat. The MARDER infantry combat vehicle 1 A5 – the first Bundeswehr combat vehicle with highly effective mine protection – has been a pioneer in this area for many years.
It was possible to fulfill all the staff requirements and also the requirements of the approval for deployment due to the use of highly effective and modern protection technology and system-compatible vehicle-specific integration in conjunction with systematically used analytical methods for simulation and data recording / evaluation. The high degree of protection as well as values clearly below the limit values for human beings were proven during the official qualification at the Bundeswehr Test Center for Weapons and Ammunition (WTD 91) in June / July 2002 through a total number of 6 contact explosions with a completely equipped infantry combat vehicle.
The anticipated loss of mobility due to an increase in weight could be avoided by means of appropriate measures. The level of off-road mobility (MARDER 1 A3) could be maintained. Furthermore, the automotive performance characteristics were improved and the interior noise level could be reduced considerably. The MARDER infantry combat vehicle 1 A5 is thus better, more mature and considerably safer than the MARDER infantry combat vehicle 1 A3.
