7.5cm Pak40/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf)/ Marder II

The Marder II was a self propelled anti-tank gun produced by mounting a 7.5cm PaK40/2 anti tank gun on the chassis of a Panzer II Ausf F. The basic principle had been used to produce the 7.62cm PaK(r) (Sf) by combining captured Russian guns with unwanted Panzer II Ausf D and E fuselages, and a similar approach was taken to produce the Marder II.

Marder II being Serviced
Marder II being Serviced

The Marder II featured a standard Panzer II fuselage and superstructure, with a high fighting compartment build on the rear of the tank. This contained the two man gun crew and the upper half of the standard field mounting of the gun. The gun could traverse 32 degrees to the left and 25 degrees to the left, a slight improvement on the 7.62cm PaK(r) (Sf).

The Marder II replaced the Panzer II Ausf F on the production lines during 1942, and was itself phased out in favour of the Wespe self-propelled howitzer during 1943. A further seventy five were produced by converting existing Panzer IIs.

Front view of Marder II with Crew
Front view of Marder II with Crew

The Marder II was a successful weapon, remaining in service from July 1942 until the end of the war, seeing action on every major front of the war.

Number produced

576 build from new
75 converted

Alternative names

Marder II, Sd Kfz 131

Built from new

June 1942-June 1943

Converted

July 1943-March 1944

Hull Length

6.36m

Hull Width

2.28m

Height

2.2m

Crew

3

Weight

10.8 tons

Engine

Maybach HL62TRM

Horsepower

140

Max Speed

40 km/hr

Max Range

190 km

Armament

One 7.5cm PaK40/2 anti tank gun
One 7.92mm MG 34


Armour

Front

Side

Rear

Top/ Bottom

Superstructure

30mm 

10mm

10mm

10mm

Hull

35mm 

15mm

15mm

5mm

Gun shield

4mm

 

 

 

Encyclopedia of German Tanks of World War II, Peter Chamberlain and Hilary L. Doyle. A superb detailed reference guide that covers every type of tank, armoured car, self-propelled guns and semi-tracked vehicle that was used by the German Army between 1933 and the end of the Second World War War. An essential reference book for anyone interested in the subject. [see more]
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How to cite this article: Rickard, J (23 February 2008), 7.5cm Pak40/2 auf Fahrgestell Panzerkampfwagen II (Sf)/ Marder II , http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_marder_II.html

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