AV-35-MC
| AV-35-MC | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|300px]] | |
| AV-35 Mortar Carrier | |
| General Characteristics | |
| Classification | Self-Propelled Mortar Carrier |
| Type | Assault Fire Support Vehicle |
| Origin | Gondara |
| Manufacturer | Key Weapons Logistics (KWL) |
| Used By | Army of Gondara |
| Design Date | 1936 |
| Service Entry | 1939 |
| Unit Cost | ~36,000 G |
| Crew | 8 (5 Vehicle Crew, 3 Mortar Detachment) |
| Passengers | None |
| Technical Data | |
| Weight | ~19 tons |
| Dimensions | ~19 ft (L) × ~9 ft (W) × ~8 ft (H) |
| Ground Clearance | 18 in |
| Engine | D-8S Mechanically Supercharged V8 Diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 gal internal (+120 gal breakout tank) |
| Power | 333 hp(~17.5 hp/ton hp/ton) |
| 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, 62.5mm mortar system, ammunition, crew equipment, and sustainment stores |
| Wheel Standard | AV-35 standard chassis |
| Equipment | Dual mortar system; dismountable 62.5mm mortar team |
| Combat Data | |
| Armament | 125mm mortar; 62.5mm dismountable mortar; 12.5mm HMG; 9.375mm coaxial MG |
| Armor | Standard AV-35 armor scheme |
| Communications | Standard vehicle radio |
Overview
The AV-35-MC is the primary indirect-fire support vehicle of Gondaran Assault Infantry formations. Built upon the standardized AV-35 Armored Vehicle Family chassis, the vehicle combines a heavy 125mm mortar, a dismountable 62.5mm mortar, armored protection, and substantial ammunition capacity within a single platform.
Unlike traditional mortar units requiring separate transport and setup, the AV-35-MC accompanies frontline mechanized formations and provides immediate fire support under direct company control.
Armor Protection
The AV-35-MC utilizes the standard AV-35 armor scheme.
| Location | Armor |
|---|---|
| Front Hull | 25mm @ 60° |
| Side Hull | 18.75mm @ 20° |
| Roof Structure | 12.5mm |
| Rear Hull | 9.375mm |
| Belly Armor | V-shaped, averaging 9.375mm |
The front-mounted engine compartment provides additional protection against frontal penetration and reflects Gondaran doctrine emphasizing preservation of trained crews.
Crew Organization
| Position | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Commander | 1 |
| Driver | 1 |
| Gunner | 1 |
| Loader | 2 |
| Mortar Team Leader | 1 |
| Assistant Gunner | 1 |
| Ammunition Bearer | 1 |
| Total | 8 |
The vehicle crew operates the 125mm mortar while the mortar detachment is responsible for operation of the dismountable 62.5mm mortar system.
Armament
| Weapon | Quantity | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 125mm Mortar | 1 | Heavy indirect fire support |
| 62.5mm Mortar | 1 | Dismounted local fire support |
| 12.5mm HMG | 1 | Local defense and anti-aircraft fire |
| 9.375mm Coaxial MG | 1 | Close-range suppression |
Ammunition Capacity
| Weapon | Ammunition Carried |
|---|---|
| 125mm Mortar | 48 rounds |
| 62.5mm Mortar | 48 rounds |
Ammunition may be configured as required between High Explosive (HE), Smoke, and Illumination rounds.
Operational Doctrine
The AV-35-MC is assigned to Assault Infantry Heavy Weapons Platoons.
A standard Assault Company fields:
- 2× AV-35-MC
- 2× AV-35-T
Upon reaching a firing position:
- Vehicle halts.
- Mortar detachment dismounts with the 62.5mm mortar.
- Vehicle crew deploys the 125mm mortar.
- Fire missions commence.
- Vehicle repositions as required.
This allows a single AV-35-MC to provide both heavy and light indirect fire support simultaneously.
Tactical Role
The AV-35-MC is employed for:
- Support of mechanized assaults
- Reduction of fortified positions
- Smoke deployment
- Night illumination
- Counter-infantry fire missions
- Defensive fire support
- Urban combat operations
Together with the AV-35-T, the AV-35-MC forms the core of the Assault Company's organic fire support capability.