AV-35-MC
| AV-35-MC | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|300px]] | |
| 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 |
Overview
The AV-35-MC is a self-propelled mortar carrier based on the standardized AV-35 Armored Vehicle Family chassis. Designed to provide mobile indirect fire support at the company and battalion level, the system combines the mobility and protection of the AV-35 platform with a high-caliber 125mm mortar.
Unlike towed mortar systems, the AV-35-MC allows rapid emplacement, firing, and displacement, enabling sustained support during fluid battlefield conditions while maintaining survivability against counter-battery fire.
Design Characteristics
The AV-35-MC utilizes the standard AV-35 tracked chassis with the rear troop compartment reconfigured into an open mortar bay optimized for crew operation and ammunition handling.
Key features include:
- Open-top firing compartment for high-angle mortar operation
- Reinforced internal structure for recoil absorption
- Integrated ammunition storage along compartment walls
- Retained frontal engine layout for crew protection
- Standardized drivetrain shared across AV-35 variants
The vehicle retains amphibious capability when operating within baseline weight limits.
Armament
Primary Weapon
- 125mm Mortar
* High-angle indirect fire system * Capable of sustained bombardment and rapid fire missions * Designed for HE, smoke, and illumination rounds
The mortar is mounted within the rear compartment and is operated by a dedicated crew team. Firing is conducted from a stationary position.
Secondary Armament
- 12.5mm HMG (Pintle Mount)
* Provides local defense against infantry and low-flying aircraft
- 9.375mm Coaxial Machine Gun
* Mounted for close-in defensive fire and target suppression
Ammunition and Storage
The AV-35-MC carries a substantial onboard supply of 125mm mortar rounds stored within the rear compartment.
Typical loadout:
- ~60–80 mortar rounds (depending on configuration)
- Mixed ammunition types:
* High Explosive (HE) * Smoke * Illumination
Storage is arranged for rapid access by loaders to maintain sustained fire rates.
Operational Use
The AV-35-MC is deployed to provide:
- Indirect fire support for advancing infantry
- Rapid-response bombardment capability
- Suppression of enemy defensive positions
- Smoke deployment for maneuver operations
- Night battlefield illumination
The system is most effective when operating in coordination with forward observers and command units, allowing precise targeting and integration into combined arms operations.
Deployment Doctrine
The AV-35-MC operates as part of mechanized infantry formations, typically attached at:
- Company level (direct support)
- Battalion level (fire support element)
Standard firing procedure:
- 1. Vehicle halts and stabilizes position
- 2. Mortar is brought to firing configuration
- 3. Fire mission executed
- 4. Immediate displacement to avoid counter-battery fire
This doctrine emphasizes mobility, survivability, and sustained fire capability.
Limitations
The AV-35-MC reflects the inherent trade-offs of a self-propelled mortar system:
- Requires stationary position to fire accurately
- Open-top compartment increases vulnerability to overhead threats
- Limited direct-fire capability
- Ammunition constraints compared to dedicated artillery units
These limitations are mitigated through mobility and coordinated deployment.
Summary
The AV-35-MC provides Gondaran forces with a highly 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 and survivability within mechanized formations.