Rheinmetall integrates MELLS into Marder IFV

Rheinmetall has integrated the MELLS anti-tank missile system into the German Army’s Marder 1A5 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), the company announced on 20 March.

Rheinmetall received a contract in 2016 from the BAAINBw to study ways of integrating MELLS into the Bundeswehr’s IFV, which is approaching the end of its service.

Rheinmetall studied the extent to which oscillation due to movement of the vehicle and the resulting vibration behaviour would have to be considered when integrating the missile system. The results formed the basis for a modified storage concept, enabling transport of the launcher and missiles in the IFV.

The project was conducted during the first half of 2017 and concluded with vibration-stressed missiles being successfully fired from the IFV.

Following successful conclusion of the study phase, the Bundeswehr ordered 44 MELLS retrofit kits, which were delivered in December 2017. To date, a total of 35 vehicles have been equipped with the new missile system integration kit.

Rheinmetall is currently looking at ways of integrating the MELLS into the 1A3 and 1A5A1 versions of the Marder as well.