AV-35-W
| AV-35-W | |
|---|---|
| File:AV-35-W.png | |
| Recovery and rapid repair configuration of the AV-35 platform | |
| General Characteristics | |
| Classification | Armored Recovery Vehicle |
| Type | Recovery and maintenance support vehicle |
| Origin | Gondara |
| Manufacturer | Key Weapons Logistics (KWL) |
| Used By | Army of Gondara |
| Design Date | 1936 |
| Service Entry | 1939 |
| Unit Cost | |
| Crew | 3 |
| Passengers | 6 Recovery Specialists |
| Technical Data | |
| Weight | 18 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 |
| Power | 333 hp(~18.5 hp/ton hp/ton) |
| Torque | ~1,050–1,150 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual with low-range gearing |
| Suspension | Torsion bar |
| Range | ~220–250 mi (road) |
| Speed | ~40 mph (road) |
| Utility & Logistics | |
| Payload / Towing | Recovery equipment, spare parts, maintenance supplies/ 30 tons practical; 40 tons emergency |
| Wheel Standard | AV-35 tracked chassis (6 road wheels per side) |
| Equipment | Heavy recovery winch; crane; workshop compartment; field repair capability |
| Combat Data | |
| Armament | Pintle-mounted 12.5mm HMG |
| Armor | Base AV-35 armor configuration |
| Communications | Enhanced maintenance and command radio suite |
Overview
The AV-35-W is the recovery, restoration, and rapid repair variant of the AV-35 armored vehicle family.
Designed to accompany mechanized formations in combat, the AV-35-W serves as the primary battlefield recovery asset of Gondaran armored forces. Unlike depot-level maintenance vehicles, the AV-35-W is intended to return damaged vehicles to operational status as close to the battlefield as tactical conditions permit.
The vehicle serves as the operational platform of Company-level AV specialists and recovery personnel.
Design Philosophy
The AV-35-W was developed under the Gondaran principle that damaged armored vehicles remain valuable military assets until proven otherwise.
The vehicle exists to:
- Recover immobilized AV-35 family vehicles
- Conduct battlefield repairs
- Salvage reusable components
- Return damaged vehicles to service
- Support company-level maintenance operations
The AV-35-W prioritizes recovery capability and cargo volume over firepower and armor.
Construction
The AV-35-W utilizes the standard AV-35 chassis with the turret assembly removed.
The recovered internal volume is converted into:
- Workshop space
- Spare parts storage
- Tool storage
- Recovery equipment storage
- Personnel seating for recovery specialists
The vehicle retains:
- Front-mounted engine compartment
- Torsion bar suspension
- Wide low-pressure tracks
- Standard AV-35 drivetrain
This maintains maximum commonality with the rest of the AV-35 family.
Crew and Personnel
Vehicle Crew
- Vehicle Commander (W-3 AV Systems Specialist)
- Driver
- Recovery Equipment Operator
Recovery Team
- 6 Recovery Specialists
The recovery team is trained in:
- Vehicle recovery
- Field maintenance
- Track replacement
- Component replacement
- Battlefield restoration
- Vehicle salvage operations
Recovery Equipment
The AV-35-W carries:
- Heavy recovery winch
- Rear tow assembly
- Field crane
- Track recovery equipment
- Welding equipment
- Cutting equipment
- Vehicle jacks
- Recovery chains
- Spare road wheels
- Spare track sections
Armament
Primary Weapon
- Pintle-mounted 12.5mm Heavy Machine Gun
The weapon is intended solely for local defense during recovery operations.
The AV-35-W is not intended for direct combat.
Armor
The AV-35-W utilizes the standard AV-35 base armor configuration.
Hull Armor
- Front: 25mm at 60°
- Sides: 18.75mm at 20°
- Rear: 9.375mm at 20°
- Top: 12.5mm
The vehicle relies primarily on mobility and accompanying combat units for protection.
Operational Role
The AV-35-W supports:
- Assault Companies
- Armored Companies
- Independent Mechanized Formations
Typical missions include:
- Recovering disabled vehicles
- Conducting battlefield repairs
- Salvaging damaged equipment
- Returning vehicles to service
- Supporting AV specialist operations
Summary
The AV-35-W serves as the recovery and restoration backbone of the AV-35 family. By combining recovery equipment, technical specialists, and field repair capability into a common chassis, the vehicle enables Gondaran armored forces to preserve combat power and maximize fleet readiness during sustained operations.