AV-35-MC

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AV-35-MC
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AV-35 Mortar Carrier (125mm)
General Characteristics
Classification	Self-Propelled Mortar Carrier
Type	Tracked indirect fire support vehicle
Origin	Gondara
Manufacturer	Key Weapons Logistics (KWL)
Used By	Army of Gondara
Design Date	1936
Service Entry	1939
Unit Cost
Crew	5 (Driver, Commander, Gunner, Loader x2)
Passengers	None
Technical Data
Weight	~19 tons
Dimensions	~19 ft (L) × ~9 ft (W) × ~8 ft (hull), open bay (H)
Ground Clearance	18 in
Engine	V8 mechanically supercharged diesel
Fuel Capacity	120 gal internal (+120 gal breakout tank)
Power	333 hp
Torque
Transmission	5-speed manual with low-range gearing
Suspension	Torsion bar
Range	~180 mi (road)
Speed	~35–40 mph (road)
Utility & Logistics
Payload / Towing	125mm mortar system and ammunition
Wheel Standard
Equipment	None
Combat Data
Armament	None
Armor	Standard AV-35 armor scheme
Communications	None

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Overview

The AV-35-MC is a self-propelled mortar carrier based on the standardized AV-35 Armored Vehicle Family chassis. It provides mobile indirect fire support at the company and battalion level while maintaining the protection and mobility of the AV-35 platform.

Unlike towed mortar systems, the AV-35-MC enables rapid emplacement, firing, and displacement, allowing sustained fire support in fluid combat environments while reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire.

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Design Characteristics

The AV-35-MC uses the standard AV-35 tracked chassis with the rear troop compartment converted into an open mortar bay.

Key design features include:

• Open-top firing compartment for high-angle mortar operation
• Reinforced structure for recoil absorption
• Integrated internal ammunition storage
• Front-mounted engine for crew protection
• Shared drivetrain and suspension with AV-35 variants

The vehicle retains amphibious capability within baseline weight limits.

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Armament

Primary Weapon

• 125mm mortar
  • High-angle indirect fire system
  • Supports HE, smoke, and illumination rounds
  • Operated from stationary firing position

Secondary Armament

• 12.5mm heavy machine gun (pintle mount)
  • Local defense against infantry and low-flying aircraft

• 9.375mm coaxial machine gun
  • Close-in defense and suppression

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Ammunition and Storage

The AV-35-MC carries an onboard supply of mortar rounds within the rear compartment.

Typical loadout:

• 60–80 mortar rounds
• Mixed ammunition types:
  • High Explosive (HE)
  • Smoke
  • Illumination

Storage is arranged for rapid loader access to maintain sustained fire rates.

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Operational Use

The AV-35-MC is used for:

• Indirect fire support for advancing infantry
• Rapid-response bombardment
• Suppression of enemy defensive positions
• Smoke deployment for maneuver operations
• Night battlefield illumination

It operates in coordination with forward observers and command units for accurate fire control.

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Deployment Doctrine

The AV-35-MC is typically attached at:

• Company level (direct support)
• Battalion level (fire support element)

Standard firing procedure:

1. Vehicle halts and stabilizes
2. Mortar is brought into firing configuration
3. Fire mission executed
4. Vehicle displaces immediately

This doctrine emphasizes mobility, survivability, and sustained fire capability.

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Limitations

The AV-35-MC has several inherent limitations:

• Requires stationary firing position
• Open-top compartment increases vulnerability
• Limited direct-fire capability
• Ammunition capacity constraints compared to larger artillery systems

These are mitigated through mobility and coordinated deployment.

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Summary

The AV-35-MC provides Gondaran forces with a mobile and flexible indirect fire platform. By integrating a heavy mortar system into the AV-35 chassis, it enables rapid deployment of fire support while maintaining operational tempo within mechanized formations.

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