MARDER III Ausf M (Sd.Kfz 138)

MARDER III Ausf M (Sd.Kfz 138)
Image: Marder III Ausf M
YearApril 1943
Vehicle TypeMedium Tank Destroyer
Origin & DesignerCzechoslovakia/BMM
Numbers Produced975
Crew4 (Commander, Gunner Loader & Driver)
Main Armament1 x 75mm L/46 PaK 40 Gun
Main Armament[@sponson_traverse]
Elevation-5° to +13°
Turret Traverse[@turret_traverse]
Gun Traverse42°
Gun Mount[@gun_mounts]
Maximum Range[@maximum_range]
Armour Penetration[@armour_penetration]
Gun SightZF3x8
Secondary Armament1 x 7.92mm MG34 (Pivot)
Smoke Discharger[@smoke_discharger]
Ammunition Carried27 x 75mm & 600 x 7.92mm
Height2.48m
Width2.15m
Length4.95m
Combat Weight10.500 kg
Ground Clearance0.40m
Fording Depth0.90m
Trench Crossing2.08m
Obstacle Clearance0.84m
Climbing Ability30°
RadioFuG Spr.d
ArmourHull Front: 15mm
Hull Sides: 15mm
Hull Rear: 10mm
Hull Top: 10mm
Hull Bottom: 8mm
Gun Mantle: None
Gun Shield Front: 10mm
Gun Shield Sides: 15mm
Gun Shield Rear: Open
Gun Shield Top: Open
EnginePraga AC (Petrol)
Transmission5 Forward & 1 Reverse
Maximum Road Range185 km
Maximum Cross Country Range140 km
Maximum Water Range[@maximum_water_range]
Maximum Road Speed47 kph
Maximum Cross Country Speed20 kph
Maximum Water Speed[@maximum_water_speed]
Variants[@variants]
NotesThe Marder III Ausf M was almost a new design, it was based on the 38(t) tank but had a centrally mounted engine which allowed for the gun compartment to be mounted to the rear of the vehicle. The main gun was still the 75mm PaK 40/3, which was mounted in an armoured cab, the cab itself was protected on all four sides and had a slightly reduced silhouette. The Marder III Ausf M served on all major fronts.