Showing posts with label Bundeswehr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bundeswehr. Show all posts

Monday, November 8, 2021

Raketenjagdpanzer Jaguar 1 (West Germany)

In service in the Bundeswher and based on the same chassis that the Kanonenjagdpanzer (JPK in Belgian service see here), the Raketenjagdpanzer Jaguar 1 was the result of the modernisation, between 1978 and 1982, of the earlier Raketenjagdpanzer 2 equipped with the old French-made anti-tank missile SS 11. The new Jaguar 1 was equipped with the French HOT second generation anti-tank guided missile system. The new vehicle was at the same time fitted with add-on armour with a significantly improved level of protection. 316 Tank Destroyer were converted that way. The new HOT missile maximum range is 75 metres to 3,800+ meters and operates on the principle of semi-automatic guidance.




The kits are from Artitec but these are unfortunately no longer available, the brand having apparently given up on 1:72 and focusing on other scales. Easy to assemble and just in need of some painting, opening of hatches and addition of crew. It's a shame because, although rather expensive, their resin models, which were available to assemble or already assembled and painted, were of very high quality. (made 2018)













Sunday, June 20, 2021

Marder 1A2 (West Germany)

The Marder is the backbone IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) of the Panzergrenadiere units of the West German Army. Around 2100 were taken into service in the Bundeswehr from the early 1970s. At the time a modern but conventional machine, the Marder has proven to be a successful and solid design. Armed with a 20 mm autocannon mounted in a small two-man turret, the Marder can also be equipped with an external MILAN anti-tank guided missile launcher. From version 1A2 on, the Marder also received a thermal sight installation. With a crew of 3, it had a nominal capacity for 7 infantrymen.

© Christian Bray

© Christian Bray

© Christian Bray


The models are the Altaya diecast with some modifications and improvements as they are the only 1:72 scale model of the 1A2 version. (made 2015)















Saturday, May 22, 2021

M48A2G2 (West Germany)

Between 1978 and 1980, the West German Bundeswehr upgraded 650 of their M48 to M48A2G2 version, the main difference being the fitting of the L7A3 105 mm gun of the Leopard 1, smoke grenade launchers and new MTU 871 Diesel engine. With the Leopard 2 entering service, the M48A2G2 were cascaded from  regular units to Territorial Army Brigades (Heimatschutzbrigaden).

© Walter Böhm

© Christian Bray

© Christian Bray

The kit is the Revell one, a little old and simplified but the only on in this scale. (made 2019)