M53
Overview
M53 self-propelled gun
American M53 howitzer seen at the Nevada test site being prepared to serve as an expendable test subject within 4.000 yards of a nuclear blast.
Source: United States Department of Energy -
© Public domain
T97 (prototype)
United States - US Marine Corps
Description
Introduction
The M53 is an early Cold War era self-propelled howitzer of US origin. It was developed in the early 1950's by Pacific Car and Foundry. with the mount to be universal for both a 155mm and 203mm ordnance. The 155mm version was adopted first and was known as the M53.
Design
The M53 shares a high level of commonality with the M47 Patton tank regarding the engine, transmission and tracks. The M53 is a very large and heavy vehicle. The engine and drivetrain are located at the front. Uniquely, the entire crew is housed in the turret. This includes the driver at the left front of the turret. He is seated on a revolving chair that remains facing in the direction of the hull as the turret rotates.
Firepower
The M53 is the 155mm gun variant. The 155mm Gun M46 is derived from the ordnance used on the World War 2 era Long Tom. It has the same barrel length and ammunition range. Maximum range is 23.7 km for high explosive shells. Rate of fire is 2 rpm. For self-defense a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is mounted at the turret roof.
Mobility
The M53 is a large and heavy vehicle with low fuel economy. The 810 hp petrol engine provides good mobility in the field at a high fuel consumption. Maximum speed is 53 km/h on road. Maximum range is limited at 240 km, despite having a 1.440 L fuel tank.
Protection
The M53 features a welded steel hull and turret. All around protection is 13mm. Only the front hull is thicker at 25mm. This protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. The M53 is to be operated from under full armor protection. During the Vietnam War these were often used with the large rear turret doors in the open position.
Users
The M53 entered US service in 1952. The US Army and US Marine Corps both used the M53. The US Army converted all its M53 to the 203mm M55, while the USMC did not. The M53 served in the Vietnam war. Whereas former US service M55 were exported to several US allies, the M53 was not.
Details
Media
M53 self-propelled gun
Frontal view of a 155mm M53 self-propelled gun as depicted in a US military field manual.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
M53 self-propelled gun
Rear view of a 155mm M53 self-propelled gun as depicted in a US military field manual.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
M53 self-propelled gun
US Marine Corps M53 self-propelled gun being serviced in Vietnam in 1968.
Source: US Marine Corps
Copyright: Public domain
M53 self-propelled gun
US Marine Corps M53 self-propelled gun crossing a river in Vietnam in 1968.
Source: US Marine Corps
Copyright: Public domain
M53 and M55 self-propelled guns
155mm M53 (left) and 203mm M55 (right) seen side by side in firing position.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
Related articles
155mm M59 Long Tom
The ordnance of the M53 is derived from the towed 155mm Long Tom.
M55
The M55 self-propelled howitzer is the exact same base vehicle but armed with a 203mm M47 howitzer. The M53s in US Army service were converted to M55 standard.