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. It provides mobile indirect fire support at the company and battalion level while maintaining the protection and mobility of the AV-35 platform.
Unlike towed mortar systems, the AV-35-MC enables rapid emplacement, firing, and displacement, allowing sustained fire support in fluid combat environments while reducing vulnerability to counter-battery fire.
Design Characteristics
The AV-35-MC uses the standard AV-35 tracked chassis with the rear troop compartment converted into an open mortar bay.
Key design features include:
- Open-top firing compartment for high-angle mortar operation
- Reinforced structure for recoil absorption
- Integrated internal ammunition storage
- Front-mounted engine for crew protection
- Shared drivetrain and suspension with AV-35 variants
The vehicle retains amphibious capability within baseline weight limits.
Armament
Primary Weapon
- 125mm mortar
- High-angle indirect fire system
- Supports HE, smoke, and illumination rounds
- Operated from stationary firing position
Secondary Armament
- 12.5mm heavy machine gun (pintle mount)
- Local defense against infantry and low-flying aircraft
- 9.375mm coaxial machine gun
- Close-in defense and suppression
Ammunition and Storage
The AV-35-MC carries an onboard supply of mortar rounds within the rear compartment.
Typical loadout:
- 60–80 mortar rounds
- Mixed ammunition types:
- High Explosive (HE)
- Smoke
- Illumination
Storage is arranged for rapid loader access to maintain sustained fire rates.
Operational Use
The AV-35-MC is used for:
- Indirect fire support for advancing infantry
- Rapid-response bombardment
- Suppression of enemy defensive positions
- Smoke deployment for maneuver operations
- Night battlefield illumination
It operates in coordination with forward observers and command units for accurate fire control.
Deployment Doctrine
The AV-35-MC is typically attached at:
- Company level (direct support)
- Battalion level (fire support element)
Standard firing procedure:
- Vehicle halts and stabilizes
- Mortar is brought into firing configuration
- Fire mission executed
- Vehicle displaces immediately
This doctrine emphasizes mobility, survivability, and sustained fire capability.
Limitations
The AV-35-MC has several inherent limitations:
- Requires stationary firing position
- Open-top compartment increases vulnerability
- Limited direct-fire capability
- Ammunition capacity constraints compared to larger artillery systems
These are mitigated through mobility and coordinated deployment.
Summary
The AV-35-MC provides Gondaran forces with a 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 within mechanized formations.