BW – M113 G3 EFT GE PzMrs

M113 G3 EFT GE Panzermörser

From 1962 the Bundeswehr procured some 4,000 US-made M 113 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). The M113 A1 G Mortar Carrier was created by adapting the M113 A1 APC to German military standards. Changes included the optics, radio system, armament and smoke grenade discharger system, Type 213B connector tracks, fire warning and extinguishing system, heating and ventilation system plus the lighting system compliant with German traffic regulations. The Bundeswehr received the first series production M113 Mortar Carriers on 19 March 1970. By 1978 a total of 494 vehicles had been converted. Between 1991 and 1993, the Mortar Carriers were upgraded and their carburettor engines were replaced by Detroit Diesel engines of 6V 53 type, plus they received external fuel tanks (EFT). In parallel, a large storage basket was placed on the glacis plate and the trim vane was removed. Modified vehicles with EFT, designated M113 A2 EFT GE, lost their swimming capability. Depending on installed VHF radio equipment, the vehicles received the additional designation A0 (SEM 80/90), A1 (SEM 93) or A2 (SEM 93/SEM 52-S). Between 1996 and 1999, the vehicles were upgraded to Level 1 of the Service Life Extension Programme, including a dual-circuit brake system, modified driver’s compartment and Type 513 connector tracks. In Bundewehr technical documents this Level 1 programme is named Variant 2. Beginning in 2001, modifications according to the Level 2 Service Life Extension Programme started, which included a new MTU 6V 183TC22 diesel engine and new ZF steering transmission. This modification is named Variant 1. After the modification, the vehicle designation is Panzermörser M113 G3 EFT GE. The 120mm Tampella mortar, mounted with its firing direction to the rear, is the main armament. It has a maximum effective range of 6,200m and a minimum range of 400m. A maximum of 15 rounds can be fired in a minute. A total of 63 rounds can be stored inside the vehicle in storage containers. Special equipment carried by the Mortar Carrier includes the PERI R16A1 sight and zeroing units for the 120mm mortar. The bulk of Panzermörser M113 G3 EFT GE Mortar Carriers were taken out of service from 2008 onwards. Only mortar platoons of heavy companies of light infantry and mountain infantry battalions still have Mortar Carriers.

Download PDF file with sample photos

Yearbook – Armoured Vehicles of the Modern German Army 2018

Yearbook – Armoured Vehicles of the Modern German Army 2019

Yearbook – Armoured Vehicles of the Modern German Army 2020

If you are interested in publishing or purchasing our photos or reports, please feel free to contact us via the following email address: contact@tank-masters.de