AV-35-CC
| AV-35-CC | |
|---|---|
| File:AV-35-CC.png | |
| Armored Company Command Vehicle | |
| General Characteristics | |
| Classification | Command Vehicle |
| Type | Armored Mobile Command Post |
| Origin | Gondara |
| Manufacturer | Key Weapons Logistics (KWL) |
| Used By | Army of Gondara |
| Design Date | 1935 |
| Service Entry | 1938 |
| Unit Cost | ~36,000 G |
| Crew | 6 |
| Passengers | None |
| Technical Data | |
| Weight | 18 tons |
| Dimensions | 19 ft (L) × 9 ft (W) × 8 ft (H) |
| Ground Clearance | 18 in |
| Engine | D-8A Naturally Aspirated V8 Diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 160 gal internal (+120 gal breakout tanks) |
| Power | 270 hp(15 hp/ton) |
| Torque | ~950 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual with low-range gearing |
| Suspension | Torsion Bar |
| Range | ~225 mi road; ~450 mi with breakout tanks |
| Speed | 35 mph road |
| Utility & Logistics | |
| Payload / Towing | Communications equipment, command staff, maps, records, and planning equipment/ Supply trailer |
| Wheel Standard | AV-35 standard chassis (6 road wheels per side) |
| Equipment | Mobile command center; expanded communications suite; command planning compartment |
| Combat Data | |
| Armament | Pintle-mounted 12.5mm Heavy Machine Gun |
| Armor | Standard AV-35 armor package |
| Communications | Long-range multiband communications suite |
Overview
The AV-35-CC is the primary armored command vehicle of the Army of Gondara. Developed as part of the AV-35 standardization program, it serves as a protected mobile headquarters for company-level commanders operating alongside mechanized formations.
Unlike the troop-carrying AV-35-C, the AV-35-CC sacrifices passenger capacity and internal ammunition stowage in favor of communications equipment, planning facilities, and command workspace. The vehicle functions as a mobile command post capable of directing multiple platoons while maintaining continuous communication with battalion headquarters.
The AV-35-CC is most commonly assigned to Assault Companies, though similar command vehicles may be found throughout mechanized formations.
Development
As mechanized formations increased in size and complexity, Army planners recognized that company commanders required significantly greater communications capability than could be provided by standard combat carriers.
Early exercises demonstrated that company commanders attempting to coordinate multiple platoons, tanks, mortar carriers, and battalion headquarters from conventional troop carriers quickly became overwhelmed by message traffic. Existing radios lacked the range, reliability, and channel capacity necessary to manage modern mechanized warfare.
To solve this problem, engineers developed the AV-35-CC by modifying the standard AV-35-C hull. Troop seating, squad armories, ammunition reserves, and sustainment storage were removed and replaced with dedicated communications equipment and command facilities.
The resulting vehicle became the first purpose-built armored command post within the AV-35 family.
Design
The AV-35-CC utilizes the standard AV-35 hull, drivetrain, suspension, and powerplant architecture. This allows the vehicle to operate alongside mechanized formations while maintaining extensive parts commonality with the rest of the AV-35 family.
Internally, however, the vehicle differs substantially from other variants.
The former troop compartment was converted into a dedicated command center containing radio equipment, planning facilities, message storage, map boards, maintenance tools, spare radio components, and administrative workspaces.
The vehicle was designed to function as a headquarters rather than a combat carrier, allowing commanders to direct operations while remaining protected from enemy fire and artillery fragments.
Crew and Organization
The AV-35-CC is normally operated by six personnel.
| Position | Duty |
|---|---|
| Company Commander | Commands company operations |
| Vehicle Commander | Commands vehicle and local security |
| Radio Specialist (W-2) | Maintains and repairs communications equipment |
| Radio Operator | Company communications net |
| Radio Operator | Battalion and long-range communications net |
| Driver | Vehicle operation |
The Radio Specialist serves as the company's senior communications technician and is responsible for maintaining communications readiness throughout the formation. In addition to operating equipment within the AV-35-CC, the specialist supervises maintenance and repair of radio systems installed in subordinate vehicles.
Communications Suite
The AV-35-CC serves as the communications hub of an Assault Company.
Typical communications responsibilities include:
- Battalion communications
- Company command net
- Heavy Weapons Platoon coordination
- Mortar fire mission coordination
- Logistics reporting
- Casualty reporting
- Emergency communications
The vehicle carries multiple radio systems operating simultaneously, allowing information to flow between battalion headquarters and subordinate platoons without requiring the Company Commander to personally operate communications equipment.
Due to the size and complexity of contemporary radio systems, communications equipment occupies a substantial portion of the vehicle's internal volume.
Protection
The AV-35-CC utilizes the standard armor package employed throughout the AV-35 family.
While not intended to engage enemy forces directly, the vehicle is expected to operate within range of artillery, machine-gun fire, and reconnaissance elements. Standardized protection simplifies production and maintenance while ensuring the command vehicle can accompany mechanized formations under combat conditions.
Armament
Unlike most combat variants of the AV-35 family, the AV-35-CC carries only limited defensive armament.
A single pintle-mounted 12.5mm Heavy Machine Gun is installed above the command compartment and may be operated by the Vehicle Commander when necessary.
The vehicle is not intended to participate in direct assaults and relies primarily on armor, mobility, and escorting combat units for protection.
Mobility
The AV-35-CC retains the mobility characteristics of the standard AV-35 chassis.
Its common drivetrain and suspension allow the command vehicle to accompany mechanized formations across difficult terrain while maintaining communications and command functions during movement.
Like other members of the AV-35 family, the vehicle is capable of towing supply trailers and support equipment when required.
Operational Use
The AV-35-CC typically operates near the center of a company's area of operations, maintaining contact with subordinate platoons while coordinating with battalion headquarters.
During offensive operations, the vehicle advances behind the leading assault elements, providing command and control without becoming directly involved in close combat.
The vehicle's communications capabilities allow commanders to coordinate maneuver, fire support, logistics, casualty evacuation, and reinforcement requests from a protected and mobile location.
Because communications are considered critical to Gondaran mechanized doctrine, the loss of an AV-35-CC is regarded as a serious degradation of company combat effectiveness.
Legacy
The AV-35-CC represented Gondara's recognition that information and communications had become as important to mechanized warfare as armor and firepower.
By concentrating command personnel, communications equipment, and technical expertise within a protected vehicle, the Army created a mobile headquarters capable of directing complex mechanized operations while maintaining continuous contact with both subordinate and higher formations.
The vehicle became the foundation of command-and-control doctrine throughout the AV-35 family and remained a vital component of mechanized formations throughout the Second World War.