M53/59
Overview
M53/59
M53/59 self-propelled anti-aircraft gun.
Source: Kaufi -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Ještěrka (nickname)
Czech for "lizard"
Libya
Yugoslavia
Description
Introduction
The M53/59 is an early Cold War era self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of Czechoslovak origin. It was developed in the early 1950's to provide Czechoslovak forces with air defense that could keep up with mechanized forces. At the same time the Soviet ZSU-57-2 was developed, but trails indicated that the lighter and much cheaper M53/59 was just as effective.
Design
The M53/59 is based on an armored version of the successful Praga V3S 6x6 truck. The engine is located at the front, the four man crew cabin in the middle and the flatbed with anti-aircraft gun at the rear. The turret is a modified version of the older towed M53. It differs in using large vertical 50 round magazines instead of belts. It is possible to unload the gun mount and use it on the ground.
Firepower
The armament consists of two 30mm autocannon that fire large and powerful 30x210mm HEI or API round. Each gun is fed by a 50 round box and has a cyclic rate of fire of 450 to 500 rpm. The effective range is 3 km versus aerial targets and 2 km versus light armored vehicles. The towed version has similar characteristics but is fed from 10 round clips.
Fire control
The M53/59 has no radar or fire control system. Only optical gun sights are fitted. This limits its use to clear weather and daytime and makes engaging fast moving targets or targets at maximum range difficult.
Protection
The steel armor protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters when on the move. In the firing position the crew is fully exposed on the gun mount. Smoke grenade dischargers and NBC system are both lacking.
Mobility
The Praga V3S chassis is has proven to be rugged and reliable. Due to its weight and long wheelbase the off road capabilities are limited. A Tatra 110 hp diesel engine provides propulsion and allows for a maximum road speed of 60 km/h. The maximum range is about 500 km and the M53/59 is not amphibious.
Users
The main users of the M53/59 were Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia and their successor states. Several hundred vehicles were also exported to the Middle East. The M53/59 was used during several Middle Eastern conflicts and was actively used against ground targets in the Balkans. Nowadays the M53/59 is considered obsolete and only small numbers remain in use.
Details
Media
M53/59
Side view of Czech M53/59 30mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun with camouflage net over the cabin.
Source: Aktron
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
M53/59
Forward view of M53/59 with the armored crew cabin clearly visible.
Source: Marko M
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
M53/59
Clear side view of the turret on the M53/59 with operator. Note the additonal magazines on the flatbed.
Source: www.fortifikace.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M53/59
Rear view of the M53/59. Note the four small jacks that hold the turret in place.
Source: www.fortifikace.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
M53/59
Close-up of the twin 30mm autocannon on M53/59.
Source: Thuringius
Copyright: Public domain
M53/59
Restored M53/59 on public display in 2009.
Source: Thuringius
Copyright: Public domain
M53/59
Czechoslovak M53/59 in a prepared firing position with turret rotated right and guns elevated.
Source: www.fortifikace.net
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Related articles
ZSU-57-2 Sparka
The M53/59 was developed as a cheaper alternative to the Soviet ZSU-57-2 while having the same practical effectiveness.
ZSU-23-4 Shilka
The Soviet ZSU-23-4 was introduced a few years after the M53/59 proved to be a more capable design with its tracked chassis, search radar and fire control systems for the main armament.