SdKfz 138 Marder III (Marten III)

History of SdKfz 138 Marder III (Marten III)

The

Marder III system is another hastily modified conversion model of the remaining stock of existing Panzer II tank chassis. In the changing battlefields of WWII, the entire Panzer II system was practically obsolete, and the Panzer II chassis line was still warm and ready to produce new models, so adding a static superstructure (t) to the Panzer 38 (Panzer II) chassis was considered a heavy artillery piece (Panzerjager) has built an impressive mobile platform. The result was another powerful self-propelled gun and tank destroyer comparable to the Allied armor of the time.

The Marder III series will be the highest volume model in the Marder series, ahead of the Marder I and Marder II.

Design varies by Marder class, and Marder III is no exception. The Series III has a more refined, purposeful look, with a sturdy chassis with four wheels mounted on one side.

The main guns are firmly anchored in the superstructure, which is open at the top and rear, exposing the gunner to shells, small arms, shrapnel, and the elements, while reducing weight and increasing speed. Marder III first appeared in March 1942 as Panzerjager 38(t) Sd.

Kfz 139, Marder III, with captured Soviet-made 7.62 cm gun. About 340 examples of this type were produced. The subsequent version is the Panzerjager 38(t) Sd. Kfz 138, Marder III Ausf H, this one with a 3" 7.5 cm PaK 40 anti-tank gun with better armored sloped shield design.

Final major version became Panzerjager 38(t) Sd. Kfz 138, Marder III Ausf M In this model, the layout of the Marder III has been significantly revised, with the engines moved closer to the center of the hull and the superstructure mounted further back to balance the vehicle more efficiently, with a power output of up to 150 hp compared to the original type . Production continued until 1944, when only over 800 Ausf H and Ausf M models were produced, for a total of 1,143 Marder IIIs.

Defensive armament consisted of two 7.92mm MG34 or MG42 machine guns - one mounted on the upper deck On the trainable (but exposed) stand of the building, and another fixed position at the bow.

Like previous Marder models, the Marder III was primarily focused on the Eastern Front, although the weapon could be found anywhere German infantry units operated. The Marder III proved to be just as resilient as its predecessors, and the main gun could face any Allied armor except the Soviet heavy armor system. The exposed staff in the high superstructure and the light armour on the sides ensured that the vehicle was not without weaknesses.

In addition, due to the static structure mounted on the chassis, the entire vehicle had to be positioned in the desired direction of fire. This makes the Marder III adequate for ambush roles, stationary defensive roles or long-range calibrated offensive artillery roles, but a liability in mobile or stand-up combat.

Regardless, its primary weapon is equally respected and feared, and its proper use and ease of manufacture ensure it is mentioned on every list of WWII mobile artillery systems.

Specification

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Performance

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Armor

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