AV-35-HG
| AV-35-HG | |
|---|---|
| File:AV-35-HG.png | |
| Self-propelled 106.25mm howitzer on AV-35 chassis | |
| General Characteristics | |
| Classification | Self-Propelled Artillery |
| Type | Tracked self-propelled howitzer |
| Origin | Gondara |
| Manufacturer | Key Weapons Logistics (KWL) |
| Used By | Army of Gondara |
| Design Date | 1936 |
| Service Entry | 1939 |
| Unit Cost | ~$34,000 G (1939) |
| Crew | 6 |
| Passengers | None |
| Technical Data | |
| Weight | ~22 tons |
| Dimensions | 19 ft (L) × 9 ft (W) × ~9 ft (open gun bay) (H) |
| Ground Clearance | 18 in |
| Engine | V8 mechanically supercharged diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 gal internal (+120 gal breakout tank) |
| Power | 333 hp(~15 hp/ton hp/ton) |
| Torque | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual with low-range gearing |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Range | ~180 mi (road) |
| Speed | ~30–35 mph (road) |
| Utility & Logistics | |
| Payload / Towing | Artillery ammunition and crew |
| Wheel Standard | AV-35 tracked chassis (6 road wheels per side) |
| Equipment | Open gun bay; indirect fire capability; standardized AV-35 platform |
| Combat Data | |
| Armament | 106.25mm howitzer (L/22; ~2.5-ton gun; 32 rounds) |
| Armor | Light armor protection; open-top rear compartment |
| Communications | Artillery radio system |
Overview
The AV-35-HG is the self-propelled artillery variant of the AV-35 armored vehicle system, mounting a 106.25mm howitzer for mobile indirect fire support.
Designed to accompany mechanized formations, the HG provides Gondaran forces with rapid-response artillery capability without reliance on towed systems. It combines the mobility of the AV-35 platform with the firepower of a medium field howitzer.
Design Relationship
The AV-35-HG shares its chassis and drivetrain 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
- AV-35-TD — Tank Destroyer
This unified platform ensures full logistical and mechanical compatibility across Gondaran mechanized forces.
Layout
The AV-35-HG is configured with a forward crew compartment and a rear open gun bay.
The front hull houses the driver and command elements within an enclosed compartment, providing protection and vehicle control.
The rear fighting compartment is open-topped and contains the 106.25mm howitzer, ammunition storage, and gun crew positions. This layout allows efficient loading, high-angle fire, and effective recoil management while maintaining overall vehicle balance.
Construction
The AV-35-HG replaces the turreted combat compartment with a reinforced open artillery bay.
Key features include:
- Reinforced gun mount and recoil system
- Open-top structure for loading and elevation clearance
- Rear-biased gun placement for recoil stability
- Internal ammunition racks for 32 rounds
- Standard AV-35 drivetrain and suspension
The vehicle maintains a combat weight of approximately 22 tons by eliminating a heavy turret and minimizing armor beyond essential protection.
Armament
Primary Weapon
- 106.25mm Howitzer (L/22)
- Gun weight: ~2.5 tons
- Ammunition carried: 32 rounds
The system provides:
- High-explosive indirect fire
- Area suppression and bombardment
- Smoke deployment for screening operations
Ammunition
- HE (High Explosive) — primary round
- Smoke — screening and concealment
- HEAT (limited) — emergency anti-armor use
Fire Capability
The AV-35-HG supports both indirect and limited direct fire.
- Rapid fire: up to 12 rounds per minute (short duration)
- Sustained fire: approximately 4 rounds per minute
Sustained rates are governed by barrel heating, crew fatigue, ammunition handling, and fire-control adjustments.
Mobility
Despite its artillery role, the AV-35-HG maintains good mobility:
- Road speed: ~30–35 mph
- Power-to-weight ratio: ~15 hp/ton
- Capable of keeping pace with mechanized units
The system is designed for rapid repositioning rather than static emplacement.
Protection
Protection is limited and role-dependent:
- Light frontal armor
- Reduced side protection
- Open-top gun bay
The vehicle relies on positioning, distance, and mobility for survivability rather than armor.
Operational Role
The AV-35-HG serves as mobile artillery support for mechanized forces:
- Indirect fire support for advancing units
- Rapid redeployment of artillery assets
- Suppression of enemy positions
- Fire support during breakthrough operations
It is typically deployed behind forward combat elements, providing responsive fire missions as needed.
Limitations
- Vulnerable to airburst and indirect fire
- Limited armor protection
- Open-top exposure for gun crew
- Reduced onboard ammunition compared to towed systems
- Requires coordination for effective fire missions
Summary
The AV-35-HG provides Gondara with a mobile, standardized artillery platform capable of delivering effective indirect fire while maintaining full compatibility with the AV-35 armored system.
It represents a balance between mobility, firepower, and logistical efficiency, supporting mechanized operations without reliance on traditional towed artillery.