AV-35-LT
| AV-35-LT | |
|---|---|
| |
| Light tank configuration of the AV-35 platform | |
| General Characteristics | |
| Classification | Light Tank |
| Type | Tracked armored combat vehicle |
| Origin | Gondara |
| Manufacturer | Key Weapons Logistics (KWL) |
| Used By | Army of Gondara |
| Design Date | 1935 |
| Service Entry | 1938 |
| Unit Cost | |
| Crew | 4 |
| Passengers | None |
| Technical Data | |
| Weight | 20 tons |
| Dimensions | 19 ft (L) × 9 ft (W) × 8 ft (H) |
| Ground Clearance | 18 in |
| Engine | V8 mechanically supercharged diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 gal internal (+120 gal breakout tank) |
| Power | 333 hp(~16.5 hp/ton hp/ton) |
| Torque | ~1,050–1,150 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual with low-range gearing |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Range | ~200 mi (road), ~100 mi (off-road), up to ~360–400 mi with breakout tank |
| Speed | 40 mph (road), ~5 mph (water) |
| Utility & Logistics | |
| Payload / Towing | Combat systems/ 8 tons practical; 12 tons emergency |
| Wheel Standard | AV-35 tracked chassis (6 road wheels per side) |
| Equipment | Amphibious capability; modular armor system; 75mm-rated turret ring; breakout fuel capability |
| Combat Data | |
| Armament | 56.25mm high-velocity cannon |
| Armor | Sloped base armor with expansion mounting system |
| Communications | Standard vehicle radio |
Overview
The AV-35-LT is the base light tank configuration of the AV-35 armored vehicle system.
It represents the foundational combat form of the AV-35-T series, designed to provide immediate battlefield capability while maintaining compatibility with the platform’s modular armor and turret upgrade system.
The LT configuration prioritizes mobility, deployment flexibility, and mechanical reliability while retaining effective anti-armor capability through its high-velocity main gun.
Design Role
The AV-35-LT fulfills several critical roles:
- Initial deployment armored unit
- Mobile fire support
- Rapid-response anti-armor platform
- Base configuration for field upgrade to heavier variants
"Unlike traditional light tanks, the AV-35-LT is not a purpose-built lightweight vehicle. It is the lightest combat configuration of the AV-35 armored system, utilizing a chassis engineered for vehicles up to 30 tons."
Construction
The AV-35-LT utilizes the standard AV-35 platform:
- Front-mounted engine for crew protection
- Central turret ring rated for 75mm weapon systems
- Rear systems and ammunition compartment
- 6 road wheels per side
- Torsion bar suspension
- Wide low-pressure track system
The chassis is engineered for up to 30 tons, making the LT configuration mechanically under-stressed and highly reliable.
Armament
Primary Weapon
- 56.25mm High-Velocity Cannon
The main gun provides:
- Effective engagement of light and medium armored vehicles
- Penetration capability against heavier armor at weak points
- High-velocity flat trajectory for improved accuracy
Secondary Weapon
- 9.375mm VMG (coaxial)
Used for:
- Infantry suppression
- Defensive fire
- Engagement of soft targets
Armor
The AV-35-LT uses the base armor configuration of the AV-35 platform.
Hull Armor
- Front: 25mm at 60°
- Sides: 18.75mm at 20°
- Rear: 9.375mm at 20°
- Top: 12.5mm
Floor Construction
- Central section: 12.5mm
- Outer edges: 6.25mm
- Shallow V-shaped hull design for mine blast deflection
Expansion System
All AV-35-LT vehicles are built with integrated mounting frames:
- 6.25mm structural standoff frame
- Designed to accept 12.5mm external armor plates
This allows rapid field conversion to the AV-35-MT configuration.
Amphibious Capability
The AV-35-LT is fully amphibious in its base configuration.
Features enabling amphibious operation:
- Lightweight hull configuration
- Wide track distribution for buoyancy
- Sealed hull structure
The vehicle is capable of low-speed water movement and controlled river crossing without modification.
Loss of amphibious capability occurs once expansion armor is installed.
Mobility
The AV-35-LT benefits from operating below the platform’s maximum weight:
- Road speed: ~40 mph
- High power-to-weight ratio
- Excellent cross-country mobility
- Reduced mechanical strain compared to heavier variants
The vehicle’s torsion bar suspension provides stable firing capability and terrain adaptability.
Operational Use
The AV-35-LT is used in:
- Early-phase armored deployment
- Rapid maneuver warfare
- Screening and forward combat operations
- Situations requiring amphibious capability
It is often the first armored configuration to enter a combat theater before reinforcement and up-armoring.
Upgrade Path
The AV-35-LT is designed to transition into heavier configurations without structural modification:
- Addition of expansion armor → AV-35-MT
- Turret replacement with 75mm system → AV-35-HT
- Direct up-gun without armor → AV-35-TD
This upgrade path allows continuous adaptation based on battlefield conditions and logistical support.
Limitations
- Limited armor protection against heavy anti-tank weapons
- Reduced survivability in direct frontal engagements
- Reliance on mobility and positioning
- Amphibious performance limited to calm water conditions
Summary
The AV-35-LT is the foundational combat configuration of the AV-35 armored system, providing a balance of mobility, firepower, and adaptability while enabling seamless transition into heavier battlefield roles.