Referenz-Foto CD "Marder 1 A3A1"

Photo CD with reference photos for the military / vehicle enthusiasts and modellers.
Overall views and details from all areas of the new Marder update with Spectus, stowage boxes, rear camera, etc.
52 photos in JPG format (playable in any standard PC with CD drive and many current DVD players)

The Marder 1 A3A1 infantry fighting vehicle represents the latest modernization stage of the proven Marder system and has been specifically upgraded for limited continued operation during transition phases and training tasks. Building on the A3 version, which has been in use for decades, the A3A1 primarily brings visible improvements in night vision capability, command and control system integration, and driver assistance – while largely maintaining the same protection and mobility profile.

The A3A1 is externally recognizable, among other things, by two newly installed, flat, square storage boxes on the rear of the fighting compartment roof. These new storage elements provide additional storage space for personal equipment or vehicle components without altering the exterior silhouette or vehicle width.

Another striking modification is the modern rear-view camera system, mounted centrally at the rear of the vehicle. The camera is housed in a protected housing and, thanks to a new display in the interior, enables the driver to maneuver significantly better – a significant improvement over the previous variants, which had severely limited rear visibility.

Additionally, an additional IR headlight was installed on the rear right side of the vehicle. This passive lighting element supports the new night vision system and provides better illumination of the area behind the vehicle in the dark. The front of the vehicle now also features two new camouflage IR headlights mounted above the main headlights, replacing the old ones. This change significantly improves nighttime handling and enables formation driving under IR illumination – particularly important for mobile operations in the dark.

Also new is the raised antenna base at the rear right, which offers optimized radiation characteristics for the Bundeswehr's modern digital radio systems. This change coincides with the partial preparation of the vehicle for MoTaKo/MoTIV communications technology, including new cabling, antenna routing, and power supply for digital command and control systems.

Despite these modernizations, the Marder 1 A3A1 remains unchanged from the A3 version in terms of its basic structure and protection. Neither additional mine protection nor reinforced side armor were integrated – measures reserved for the A5 or A5A1. The main armament remains the proven 20 mm Rh202 automatic cannon, and the turret system has also been modified only slightly.

With the A3A1 variant, the Bundeswehr has a revised, yet cost-effective, reusable infantry fighting vehicle system at its disposal, which, thanks to targeted technical upgrades, has regained its modern night combat capabilities and command integration. During the transition period until the full introduction of the Puma and beyond, the Marder 1 A3A1 continues to represent a suitable platform for training, rear operations, or multinational support.