AV-35-MT
| AV-35-MT | |
|---|---|
| File:AV-35-MT.png | |
| Reinforced medium tank configuration of the AV-35 platform | |
| General Characteristics | |
| Classification | Medium Tank |
| Type | Tracked armored combat vehicle |
| Origin | Gondara |
| Manufacturer | Key Weapons Logistics (KWL) |
| Used By | Army of Gondara |
| Design Date | 1935 |
| Service Entry | 1939 |
| Unit Cost | |
| Crew | 4 |
| Passengers | None |
| Technical Data | |
| Weight | 24–25 tons |
| Dimensions | 19 ft (L) × 9 ft (W) × ~8 ft (H) |
| Ground Clearance | ~18 in |
| Engine | V8 mechanically supercharged diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | ~120–160 gal |
| Power | ~330–350 hp(~13–14 hp/ton hp/ton) |
| Torque | ~1,050–1,150 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual with low-range gearing |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Range | ~180–220 mi (road) |
| Speed | ~35–40 mph (road) |
| Utility & Logistics | |
| Payload / Towing | Combat systems/ Comparable to AV-35 platform |
| Wheel Standard | AV-35 tracked chassis (6 road wheels per side) |
| Equipment | Modular armor system; shared AV-35 drivetrain; 75mm-rated turret ring |
| Combat Data | |
| Armament | 56.25mm high-velocity cannon |
| Armor | Reinforced sloped + spaced armor system |
| Communications | Standard vehicle radio |
Overview
The AV-35-MT is the reinforced medium tank configuration of the AV-35 armored vehicle system.
Developed as a direct evolution of the base AV-35-LT, the MT configuration incorporates a field-installed expansion armor system that significantly increases survivability while retaining the platform’s mobility and mechanical commonality.
The AV-35-MT represents the standard frontline tank configuration of Gondaran armored forces during early-war operations.
Design Relationship
The AV-35-MT shares its full chassis, drivetrain, and structural layout with:
All AV-35 variants are built on a unified platform designed for a maximum combat weight of 30 tons.
The MT configuration operates within this limit without requiring mechanical modification.
Construction
The AV-35-MT retains the standard AV-35 platform structure:
- Front-mounted engine compartment
- Central turret ring rated for 75mm weapon systems
- Rear systems compartment
- Torsion bar suspension
- 6 road wheels per side
- Wide low-pressure track system
The vehicle is heavier than the LT configuration but remains within the platform’s designed stress limits.
Armament
Primary Weapon
- 56.25mm High-Velocity Cannon
The weapon provides:
- Effective penetration of early-war medium armor
- High-velocity accuracy and flat trajectory
- Capability to defeat contemporary armored vehicles such as early Panzer IV variants at standard combat ranges
Secondary Weapon
- 9.375mm VMG (coaxial)
Used for:
- Infantry suppression
- Defensive fire
- Engagement of soft targets
Armor
The AV-35-MT utilizes a combined sloped and spaced armor system.
Frontal Armor
- Base plate: 25mm at 60°
- Standoff gap: 6.25mm
- External plate: 12.5mm at 60°
This produces approximately 75mm of line-of-sight thickness.
Due to the spaced configuration:
- Incoming rounds must defeat two armor surfaces
- Projectile destabilization and deflection are increased
- Effective resistance exceeds that of equivalent flat armor
In field evaluation, the frontal protection was considered roughly 75–80mm class against early-war armor-piercing threats.
Side Armor
- Base plate: 18.75mm at 20°
- Standoff gap: 6.25mm
- External plate: 12.5mm (oblique)
This produces approximately 33mm line-of-sight thickness.
The spaced configuration provides improved resistance compared to single-plate armor of similar thickness.
Floor and Top
- Top: 12.5mm
- Floor:
* 12.5mm central section * 6.25mm outer edges * Shallow V-shaped hull for blast deflection
Amphibious Capability
The AV-35-MT is not amphibious.
The addition of expansion armor exceeds buoyancy limits of the base platform.
Field testing demonstrated that removal of the turret and external armor allows limited flotation of the base hull under controlled engineering conditions.
Mobility
Despite increased weight, the AV-35-MT maintains effective mobility:
- Road speed: ~35–40 mph
- Moderate power-to-weight ratio
- Stable firing platform due to torsion bar suspension
Because the drivetrain is rated for higher weight, reliability remains strong relative to comparable armored vehicles.
Operational Role
The AV-35-MT serves as the primary frontline tank of Gondaran forces:
- Standard armored combat unit
- Anti-armor engagement platform
- Breakthrough and fire support vehicle
It is typically deployed after initial LT configurations are reinforced in theater.
Limitations
- Loss of amphibious capability
- Increased fuel consumption
- Reduced mobility compared to LT configuration
- Vulnerable to flanking fire and dedicated anti-tank weapons
Summary
The AV-35-MT represents the standard combat configuration of the AV-35 platform, combining modular armor, strong frontal protection, and high mechanical reliability into a unified armored system.