View source for AV-35-TD

{{Breadcrumb
|1=Main Page
|2=Armed Forces of Gondara
|3=Gondaran Military Equipment
|4=AV-35-T
|5=AV-35-TD
}}
{{Infobox_Gondara_Ground_Vehicle
| name             = AV-35-TD
| image            = AV-35-HT.png
| caption          = Similar to the AV-35-HT, minus additive armor plates 
| classification   = Tank Destroyer
| type             = Tracked armored combat vehicle
| origin           = Gondara
| manufacturer     = Key Weapons Logistics (KWL)
| used_by          = [[Army of Gondara]]
| design_date      = 1936
| service_entry    = 1939
| cost             = 
| crew             = 4
| passengers       = None
| weight           = ~24 tons
| length           = 19 ft
| width            = 9 ft
| height           = ~8.5 ft
| ground_clearance = 18 in
| engine           = V8 mechanically supercharged diesel
| fuel_capacity    = 120 gal internal (+120 gal breakout tank)
| power            = 333 hp
| power_weight     = ~13.5–14 hp/ton
| torque           = ~1,050–1,150 lb-ft
| transmission     = 5-speed manual with low-range gearing
| suspension       = Torsion bar
| range            = ~170–200 mi (road), ~85–100 mi (off-road), up to ~320–360 mi with breakout tank
| speed            = ~35–40 mph (road), ~5 mph (water)
| payload          = Combat systems
| towing_capacity  = 8 tons practical; 12 tons emergency
| wheel_standard   = AV-35 tracked chassis (6 road wheels per side)
| special          = 75mm heavy turret on light chassis; amphibious capability; breakout fuel system
| primary_armament = 75mm high-velocity cannon (60 rounds)
| secondary_armament = 9.375mm VMG (coaxial)
| armor            = Base sloped armor configuration (no expansion plating)
| comms            = Standard vehicle radio
}}
__TOC__

----

== Overview ==

The '''AV-35-TD''' is the tank destroyer configuration of the AV-35 armored vehicle system.

It combines the 75mm high-velocity cannon of the AV-35-HT with the lighter base armor configuration of the AV-35-LT, resulting in a vehicle that prioritizes firepower and mobility over protection.

The TD configuration is used to rapidly deploy heavy anti-armor capability without the weight and logistical demands of the full heavy tank configuration.

----

== Design Relationship ==

The AV-35-TD shares its platform with:

* [[AV-35-C]] — Mechanized Assault Carrier  
* [[AV-35-R]] — Reconnaissance Vehicle  
* [[AV-35-LT]] — Light Tank  
* [[AV-35-MT]] — Medium Tank  
* [[AV-35-HT]] — Heavy Tank  

Unlike the HT, the TD does not utilize the reinforced armor system, allowing it to maintain lower weight while carrying the same primary weapon system.

----

== Construction ==

The AV-35-TD is constructed using the base AV-35 chassis:

* Front-mounted engine compartment  
* Central turret ring rated for 75mm systems  
* Rear ammunition and systems compartment  
* Torsion bar suspension  
* 6 road wheels per side  
* Wide low-pressure track system  

At approximately 24 tons, the TD operates below the maximum chassis rating, maintaining better mobility than the HT configuration.

----

== Armament ==

=== Primary Weapon ===
* '''75mm High-Velocity Cannon'''
* Ammunition carried: '''60 rounds'''

The weapon provides:

* High penetration capability against armored vehicles  
* Effective engagement at extended ranges  
* Strong destructive capability against fortified targets  

----

=== Secondary Weapon ===
* '''9.375mm VMG (coaxial)'''

Used for:

* Infantry suppression  
* Defensive fire  
* Engagement of soft targets  

----

== Armor ==

The AV-35-TD utilizes the base armor configuration of the AV-35 platform.

----

=== Hull Armor ===

* Front: 25mm at 60°  
* Sides: 18.75mm at 20°  
* Rear: 9.375mm at 20°  
* Top: 12.5mm  

----

=== Floor Construction ===

* Central section: 12.5mm  
* Outer edges: 6.25mm  
* Shallow V-shaped hull design for blast deflection  

----

=== Protection Characteristics ===

While lighter than the MT and HT configurations, the TD benefits from:

* Sloped frontal armor for deflection  
* Front-mounted engine acting as additional barrier to crew compartment  

However, the vehicle remains significantly more vulnerable to direct fire and flanking attacks.

----

== Fire Control and Stabilization ==

The AV-35-TD uses a scaled stabilization system derived from the 56.25mm platform and adapted for the 75mm cannon.

While more stable than the HT configuration due to lower overall vehicle mass, the system remains less reliable than the original LT/MT stabilization.

Minor tracking inconsistencies may occur when firing on the move, though less frequently than in the HT.

----

== Amphibious Capability ==

The AV-35-TD retains amphibious capability in its base configuration.

Features enabling amphibious operation:

* Reduced weight compared to MT and HT configurations  
* Sealed hull structure  
* Wide track distribution for buoyancy  

The vehicle is capable of low-speed water movement and controlled river crossing without modification.

----

== Mobility ==

The AV-35-TD maintains strong mobility characteristics:

* Road speed: ~35–40 mph  
* Good power-to-weight ratio  
* Faster and more responsive than HT configuration  

The vehicle is capable of rapid maneuver and repositioning in combat environments.

----

== Operational Role ==

The AV-35-TD is employed as a mobile anti-armor platform:

* Rapid deployment of heavy firepower  
* Flanking and ambush operations  
* Support for LT and MT formations  
* Engagement of enemy armored units at range  

It is not intended to hold ground under sustained fire.

----

== Limitations ==

* Reduced armor protection compared to MT and HT  
* Increased vulnerability to flanking fire  
* Less stable firing platform than LT/MT  
* Limited survivability in prolonged engagements  

----

== Summary ==

The AV-35-TD provides a balance of mobility and firepower, delivering heavy anti-armor capability in a lighter, more agile platform at the cost of reduced protection.

----

[[Category:Gondaran Military Equipment]]
[[Category:Ground Vehicles]]
[[Category:Armored Vehicles]]
[[Category:Tracked Vehicles]]
[[Category:Tank]]
[[Category:AV-35 Family]]