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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox weapon
{{Infobox weapon
|name= M53/59 Praga
|name= M53/59 Praga
| image= M53 Praga.jpg
| image= M53 Praga.jpg
| image_size = 300
| image_size = 300
|caption= M53/59 Praga, self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of Serbian Army
|caption= M53/59 Praga self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of the [[Serbian Army]]
|origin=[[Czechoslovak Socialist Republic|Czechoslovakia]]
|origin=Czechoslovakia
|type=[[Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun]]
|type=Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
<!-- Type selection -->
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_artillery= yes
|is_artillery= yes
Line 14: Line 14:
| service =
| service =
| used_by =
| used_by =
| wars = [[Gulf War]]{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|page=11}}{{sfn|National Training Center|1991|page=132}}<br/>[[Yugoslav Wars]]{{sfn|Department of Defense|1995|page=17-4}}{{sfn|Bacevich|Cohen|2002|page=34}}<br/>[[Second Congo War]]{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=7}}
| wars =
<!-- Production history -->
<!-- Production history -->
| designer =
| designer =
| design_date = 1957
| design_date = 1957
| manufacturer = Engineering and metallurgical plants, [[Trenčín]]-Kubrá plant (1959–1961)<br>Škoda Works
| manufacturer = Engineering and metallurgical plants, [[Trenčín]]-Kubrá plant (1959–1961)<br />Škoda Works
| unit_cost =
| unit_cost =
| production_date = 1959–1978
| production_date = 1959–1978<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz" />
| number = 900+{{efn|name=Number"}}
| number = More than 1000+<ref name="SIPRI">[http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register.php SIPRI Arms Transfers Database]</ref>
| variants =
| variants =
<!-- Vehicle specifications-->
<!-- Vehicle specifications-->
|length={{convert|6.92|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|length={{convert|6.92|m|ftin|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|width={{convert|2.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|width={{convert|2.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|height={{convert|2.95|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|height={{convert|2.95|m|ftin|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}{{efn|name="Height"}}
|weight={{convert|10.3|t|ST|abbr=off}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|weight=10.3 [[tonne]]s
|suspension=[[leaf spring]]
|suspension=[[leaf spring]]
|primary_armament=30&nbsp;mm twin AA [[autocannon]] (900 [[Shell (projectile)|round]]s)
|primary_armament=30&nbsp;mm twin AA [[autocannon]] (600−900 rounds){{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|secondary_armament=
|secondary_armament=
|armour=Steel, {{convert|10|mm|in|abbr=on}} max (estimated){{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|armour=Aluminum
|speed={{convert|60|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
|speed={{convert|60|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|vehicle_range={{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|vehicle_range={{convert|500|km|mi|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|engine=[[Tatra (car)|Tatra]] T 912-2 6-[[Cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] inline air-cooled diesel
|engine=[[Tatra (car)|Tatra]] T 912-2 6-[[Cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] inline air-cooled diesel
|engine_power=110&nbsp;hp (82&nbsp;kW) at 2,200 rpm
|engine_power=110&nbsp;hp (82&nbsp;kW) at 2,200 rpm{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|pw_ratio={{convert|11.57|hp/t|kW/t|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|pw_ratio=10.7&nbsp;hp/tonne (8&nbsp;kW/tonne)
|crew=4 (driver, commander and two gun operators)
|crew=4 (driver, commander and two gun operators){{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
|cartridge=[[Glossary of British ordnance terms#Fixed QF|Fixed QF]] 30x210mmCz
|cartridge=[[Glossary of British ordnance terms#Fixed QF|Fixed QF]] 30x210mmCz
|caliber={{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}}
|caliber={{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|barrels=2
|barrels=2
|action=[[gas operated]]
|action=
|part_length= {{convert|2.4|m|in|abbr=on}}
|part_length= {{convert|2.4|m|in|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|elevation=-10° - +85°
|elevation=-10° – +85°{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|velocity={{convert|1000|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}
|velocity={{convert|1000|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|rate=500 rpm per barrel cyclic<br />100 rpm per barrel practical
|rate=450−500 rpm per barrel cyclic<br />150 rpm per barrel practical{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|fuel_capacity= {{convert|120|l|gal}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|range={{convert|3|km|miles|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} effective range<ref>{{Cite book|title=Jane's pocket book of towed artillery|last=Foss|first=Christopher|date=1977|publisher=Collier|page=225|isbn=0020806000|location=New York|oclc=911907988}}</ref>
|range={{convert|3|km|miles|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|traverse=360°
|traverse=360°{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
|feed=
|feed=
}}
}}


[[File:PLdvK 53 59 TMB detail.jpg|thumbnail|Detail of 30 mm twin AA gun, vz.53/59]]
[[File:PLdvK 53 59 TMB detail.jpg|thumbnail|Detail of 30 mm twin AA gun, vz.53/59]]
The '''M53/59 Praga''' is a [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[self-propelled anti-aircraft gun]] developed in the late 1950s. It consists of a heavily modified [[Praga V3S]] [[six-wheel drive]] truck [[chassis]], armed with a twin [[30 mm]] AA [[autocannon]] mounted on the rear for which the vehicle typically carries 900 rounds of ammunition, each gun being gravity fed from distinctive 50 round magazines. The vehicle has an armoured cabin.
The '''M53/59 Praga''' is a [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[self-propelled anti-aircraft gun]] developed in the late 1950s. It consists of an armoured version of the [[Praga V3S]] six-wheel drive truck chassis, armed with a modified version of the M53 twin {{convert|30|mm|in|abbr=on}} anti-aircraft gun mounted on the rear, which can be removed and used to provide ground support.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|pages=51−52}}


In Czechoslovakia it was known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59 - "Ještěrka"''' (PLDvK Model 53/59 - "Lizard").<ref>[http://slovnik.seznam.cz/?q=ještěrka&lang=cz_en Translation of "Ještěrka"]</ref> PLDvK stands for '''''P'''roti'''l'''etadlový '''dv'''oj'''k'''anón = Anti-aircraft twin-gun.
In Czechoslovakia, it was known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59''' (PLDvK Model 53/59). PLDvK stands for ''Protiletadlový dvojkanón'', or "twin anti-aircraft cannon"). Vehicles for the export market were sold under the designation '''Praga M53/59 "Ještěrka"''' ("Lizard").<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz" />


==Description==
The system is optically aimed and can only be used effectively during the day with good weather conditions. The gun can be dismounted and used independently of the vehicle.


The M53/59 has an all-welded steel armoured hull with a front engine, crew compartment at the centre and rear mounted guns. The armour is sloped to provide protection against small arms and shrapnel without increasing weight.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
While mostly obsolete in anti-aircraft role, it can be used effectively as a ground support weapon against unarmored or lightly armored targets, as was shown during the [[Yugoslav wars]]. It remains in service with armies of Egypt, Libya, Serbia, Slovakia etc.
Armoured covers with vision slits which can be lowered in combat to provide additional protection to the driver and commander, while the two loaders seated on the back of the crew compartment have two vision slits behind the side doors. The commander also has a hemispherical plexiglass cupola for observation.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}


The twin guns have an elevation of +85°, and a depression of −10°, except over the crew compartment where the depression is limited to +2° and the commander's cupola where there is none. A steel plate on the back of the crew compartment prevents the gun barrels from hitting the roof. The turret can fully traverse 360° degrees and the traverse, elevation, and depression hydraulic systems can be manually controlled in case of emergency. The gunner seats on the left side of the turret under the armoured cabin protection.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
When Czechoslovakia imported one Soviet-made [[ZSU-57-2]] for testing it considered it to be comparable to M53/59 which was the reason Czechoslovakia refused the Soviet [[Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun|SPAAG]].<ref name="MILITARIA JOWITKA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.rzeszow.mm.pl/~jowitek/ZSU-57-2.html |title=Militaria Jowitka |access-date=28 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205123414/http://www.rzeszow.mm.pl/~jowitek/ZSU-57-2.html |archive-date=5 December 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The 30&nbsp;mm twin autocannons are [[gas-operated]], with a maximum rate of fire of 450 to 500 rounds per barrel/minute and a practical rate of fire of 150 rounds per barrel/minute. Each gun has a 50-round magazine which are fed with 10-round clips. Each vehicle typically carries around 600 to 800 rounds. Fully loaded magazines are carried in the back of the crew compartment fastened to the floor by quick-release catches, while three spare magazines are carried on either side of the platform. Originally the guns were fitted with [[muzzle brake]]s, but they were later observed with conical [[flash hider]]s instead. The barrels can be quickly changed when overheated, and spare barrels were provided to the crews as part of the basic equipment.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}

Maximum horizontal range is {{convert|9.7|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}, maximum vertical range is {{convert|6.3|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}, and effective anti-aircraft range is {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=1}}. The M53 guns can fire [[armor-piercing incendiary]] rounds capable of penetrating {{convert|55|mm|in|abbr=on}} of [[Rolled homogeneous armour|RHA]] at a 0° angle at a range of {{convert|500|m|yd|abbr=on}} and [[high-explosive incendiary]] rounds.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}

Stowed under the vehicle are two ramps and a winch which the crew can use to dismount the gun mount for deploying the system in the ground support role (stabilized by four jacks), and mount it back on to the vehicle.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}

The system lacks radar guidance, and night vision equipment, which makes it only effective during the day under good weather conditions. Other drawbacks of the M53/59 are the lack of a [[NBC protection]] system, no amphibious capabilities, and no central tire pressure regulation system.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}

Through the late 1950 and 1960 the [[Soviet]]s exported the [[ZSU-57-2]] SPAAG to some members of the [[Warsaw Pact]], such as [[East Germany]], and [[Poland]]. Czechoslovakia imported one for testing, but ultimately rejected it in favor of the M53/59.{{sfn|Guardia|2015|pages=13−14}}

==Variants==

===Czechoslovakia===

* '''M53/59 Praga''' − Mass produced between 1959 and 1978.<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz" />
* '''M53/70''' − Export-only variant, with an improved fire-control system.{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}} An unknown number of vehicles was sold to Iraq and used during the [[Gulf War]].{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|page=11}}

===Serbia===

* '''Praga VS35 M19''' − A proposed upgrade by Srboauto in 2019 to meet the requirements of the [[Serbian Armed Forces]]. Improvements included a new four-door cab fully armoured to the NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2 standard, fitted with bullet/splinter proof windows on the front and sides and an Eberspächer {{convert|8|kW|hp|abbr=on}} heater installed in the crew compartment.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Foss |first1=Christopher F. |title=Srboauto's upgraded Praga VS35 undergoes trials |date=24 July 2019 |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/srboautos-upgraded-praga-vs35-undergoes-trials |access-date=29 September 2024 |work=Janes.com |language=en |url-access=subscription}}</ref>


==Combat history==
==Combat history==


===Iraq===
* {{EGY}} and {{SYR}} in several [[Arab–Israeli conflict|Middle Eastern conflicts]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://weaponsystems.net/system/751-M53/59 | title=M53/59 }}</ref>

* {{LBA}} in [[Chadian–Libyan conflict|Chadian–Libyan conflict 1978-1987]] and [[Libyan Crisis (2011–present)|Libyan civil war 2011-2020]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://malwmataskrya.blogspot.com/2015/01/m5359.html | title=المدفع المضاد للطائرات M53/59 براجا }}</ref>
In 1991, prior to the start of the Gulf War, it was estimated that Iraq had around 9,000 to 10,000 AA guns in service, including the M53/59 and M53/70.{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|page=11}}
* {{IRQ}} in [[Iran–Iraq War|Iran–Iraq War 1980-1988]],<ref>https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FCJxTfhG.png&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpikpikker.neocities.org%2Farab_wt.html&tbnid=dhNlczfK7IDJKM&vet=12ahUKEwjD5a6-5Nn3AhXs77sIHeCvBJ4QMyhOegQIARB7..i&docid=bivrVhYJ_FBuJM&w=1002&h=690&q=ZSU%20M53%2F59%20Egypt&client=firefox-b-d&ved=2ahUKEwjD5a6-5Nn3AhXs77sIHeCvBJ4QMyhOegQIARB7</ref> [[Gulf War|Gulf War 1990-1991]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L2G5AAAAIAAJ&dq=M+53%2F59+Iraq&pg=PA29 | title=Identifying the Iraqi Threat and how They Fight | year=1990 }}</ref> and [[Iraqi conflict (2003–present)]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.super-hobby.cz/products/Arab-Revolutions-Border-Wars-Vol.III.html#gallery_start | title=AK-Interactive -286 Arab Revolutions & Border Wars Vol.III }}</ref>

* {{YUG}} - ({{SRB}}, {{CRO}}, {{SVN}}, {{BIH}}) in [[Yugoslav Wars|Yugoslav Wars 1991-2001]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://oklop2.tripod.com/praga/m53.htm | title=Samohodni PA top Praga M-53/59 }}</ref>
===Yugoslavia===
* {{COD}} - ([[March 23 Movement]]) in [[M23 rebellion|M23 rebellion 2012-2013]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://esotericarmour.blogspot.com/2012/12/m23-rebel-group-democratic-republic-of.html | title=Esoteric Armour: M23 Rebel Group (Democratic Republic of Congo) M53/59 Praga | date=12 September 2012 }}</ref><ref>https://igobooks.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Great-Lakes-Conflagration.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=May 2022}}</ref>

The M53/59 saw use during the [[Yugoslav wars]], by the [[Armed Forces of Serbia and Montenegro|Yugoslav Army]],{{sfn|Bacevich|Cohen|2002|page=34}} [[Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina]], [[Croatian Defence Council]], [[Army of Republika Srpska]], [[Serbian Army of Krajina]],{{sfn|Department of Defense|1995|page=13−9}} [[Slovenian Territorial Defence|Slovenian]] and [[Croatian National Guard|Croatian]] forces as well, mainly in the ground fire support role.<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz" />{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}

===Democratic Republic of Congo===

At least one M53/59 was seen in 2012 in the city of [[Goma]].{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=7}}<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz">{{cite web | author1-last=Brzkovský |author1-first=Marek |url=https://www.stoplusjednicka.cz/pldvk-vz-5359-dvouhlavnova-vetrieska-2 | title=Ještěrka PLDVK: Protiletadlový komplex z Brna bojoval na Balkáně, v Libyi i v Kongu | website=100+1 zahraniční zajímavost | date=11 July 2017 |language=cs}}</ref> While it's exact origin is unknown (possibly from Serbia, Slovakia, or Libya), it is known that the newly reformed DRC Army was armed with weapons left by the former [[Zaire]]an Army and whatever could be purchased abroad.{{sfn|Cooper|2013|pages=6−7}}


==Operators==
==Operators==

* {{COD}} - ([[March 23 Movement]]) One seen operated by M23 rebels entering the city of [[Goma]].{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
===Current===
* {{EGY}} - Unknown
* {{flaglist|Democratic Republic of Congo}}{{sfn|Cooper|2013|page=7}}<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz" />
* {{IRQ}} - Seen in service at artillery battalion of 9th armoured division.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}
* {{LBY}} - 110 ordered in 1970 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1970 and 1973.<ref name="SIPRI"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://milinme.wordpress.com/2013/10/13/the-lizard-is-back/ | title=The Lizard is back | date=13 October 2013 }}</ref>
* {{flaglist|Serbia}} – 36 in active service and 100 in reserve<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aleksić |first1=Dejan |title=U „pragi" kao u limuzini |url=https://www.politika.rs/sr/articles/amp/437030 |access-date=31 August 2024 |work=Politika |date=2 September 2019 |language=sr}}</ref>

* {{SRB}} - 48 in service
===Former===
* {{SVK}} - Unknown
* {{BIH}} − 100 in 2002{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
* {{CRO}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
===Former Operators===
* {{flag|Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia}}{{sfn|Department of Defense|1995|page=13−9}}
* {{CZS}} - Passed on to the successor states.
* {{CZE}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}} − Retired from service in 31 December 2003<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz" />
* {{CZE}} - Last vehicle retired from service in 2003.<ref>[http://technet.idnes.cz/jesterka-pldvk-vz-53-0o4-/vojenstvi.aspx?c=A130319_140329_vojenstvi_kuz Ještěrka šířila hrůzu a uprchlíci s ní proráželi železnou oponu (article in Czech)]</ref>
* {{CZS}}{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|page=62}} − Passed on to successor states{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
* {{CRO}} - Two were given to a local army museum, rest was phased out and scrapped.<ref name="Air Defence weapons of Croatian Army">[http://www.vojska.net/eng/armed-forces/croatia/equipment/air-defense/ Air Defence weapons of Croatian Army]</ref>
* {{flag|Iraq|1963}}{{sfn|National Training Center|1991|page=132}} − M53/59 and M53/70 used in the Gulf War,{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|page=11}} none remained in service by 2002{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
* {{CUB}} - Retired
* {{flag|Libya|1977}} − 100+ in 2002{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
* {{BIH}} - Retired?
* {{flagicon|Republika Srpska}} [[Republika Srpska (1992–1995)|Republika Srpska]]{{sfn|IISS|1995|page=80}}
* {{SVN}} - Retired. Some donated to museums.<ref name="Air Defence weapons of Slovenian Army">[http://www.vojska.net/eng/armed-forces/slovenia/equipment/air-defense/ Air Defence weapons of Slovenian Army]</ref>
* {{flag|Serbia and Montenegro}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
* {{YUG}} - 220 ordered in 1965 from Czechoslovakia and delivered between 1965 and 1968.<ref name="SIPRI"/> By 1991 their quantity grew to 789.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://oklop2.tripod.com/praga/m53.htm|title = Samohodni PA top Praga M-53/59}}</ref> Passed on to the successor states.<ref name="Air Defence weapons of Yugoslav People's Army">[http://www.vojska.net/eng/armed-forces/yugoslavia/equipment/air-defense/ Air Defence weapons of Yugoslav People's Army]</ref>
* {{flag|Serbian Krajina}}{{sfn|IISS|1995|page=82}}
* {{SYR}} - Unknown <ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz">{{cite web | url=https://www.stoplusjednicka.cz/pldvk-vz-5359-dvouhlavnova-vetrieska-2 | title=Ještěrka PLDVK: Protiletadlový komplex z Brna bojoval na Balkáně, v Libyi i v Kongu | date=11 July 2017 }}</ref>
* {{SVK}}{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
* {{ZAI}} - Unknown<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz"/>
* {{SLO}} − 9 in 2002{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}
* {{YUG}}{{sfn|Cullen|Foss|1992|page=62}} − Passed on to successor states{{sfn|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}


==See also==
==See also==
*[[BRAMS]] design successor
*[[BRAMS]] design successor
*[[Praga (vehicle works)]]
*[[Praga (vehicle works)]]

==Notes==
{{notelist |refs=
*{{efn|name=Number"|Delivered to the [[Czechoslovak Army]].<ref name="stoplusjednicka.cz" /> According to SIPRI, Yugoslavia received a total of 789 vehicles between 1969 and 1976, while Libya received 110 between 1970 and 1973.<ref>{{cite web |title=Arms transfer database |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferRegister |website=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=1 May 2024}}</ref>}}
*{{efn|name="Height"|Including magazines. {{convert|2.585|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=1}} without magazines. {{harv|O'Halloran|Foss|2002|page=52}}}}
}}
{{notelist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Bacevich |editor1-first=Andrew J. |editor2-last=Cohen |editor2-first=Eliot A. |title=War Over Kosovo: Politics and Strategy in a Global Age |date=2002 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-50052-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m66kSeVbvFsC |language=en}}
* {{cite book |title=Bosnia Country Handbook: Peace Implementation Force (IFOR). |date=1995 |publisher=Department of Defense |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lTVcRqIbY6EC |access-date=1 May 2024 |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|Department of Defense|1995}}}}
* {{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |title=Great Lakes Conflagration: Second Congo War, 1998−2003 |date=2013 |publisher=Helion and Company |isbn=978-1-909384-66-8 |url=https://igobooks.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Great-Lakes-Conflagration.pdf |access-date=1 May 2024 |language=en}}
* {{cite book |editor1-last=Cullen |editor1-first=Tony |editor2-last=Foss |editor2-first=Christopher F |editor2-link=Christopher F Foss |title=Jane's Land-based Air Defence 1992-93 |date=1992 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-0979-3 |edition=5th |url=https://ftp.idu.ac.id/wp-content/uploads/ebook/tdg/ADNVANCED%20MILITARY%20PLATFORM%20DESIGN/Janes%20Land-Based%20Air%20Defence%201992-93%20by%20Tony%20Cullen,%20Christopher%20F.%20Foss%20(z-lib.org).pdf |access-date=30 April 2024}}
*{{cite book |last1=Guardia |first1=Mike |title=Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Guns of the Soviet Union |date=2015 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-1-4728-0623-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tN6dCwAAQBAJ |language=en}}
* {{cite book |last1=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] |title=The Military Balance 1995-1996 |date=1995 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-828055-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0VRbAAAACAAJ |language=en |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|1995}}}}
* {{cite book | author1-last=[[National Training Center]] |title=The Iraqi Army: Organization and Tactics |date=1991 |publisher=Paladin Press |isbn=978-0-87364-632-1 |language=English}}
* {{cite book |editor1-last=O'Halloran |editor1-first=James C. |editor2-last=Foss |editor2-first=Christopher F. |title=Jane's Land-Based Air Defense 2002-2003 |date=2002 |publisher=Janes Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2437-6 |edition=15th}}


==References==
==References==
* {{cite web|url=http://www.eldon.sk/historia/m53_59_list.html|title=M53/59 at ELDON s.r.o|year=2003|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930084134/http://www.eldon.sk/historia/m53_59_list.html|archivedate=30 September 2007|df=dmy-all}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


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{{Commons category|M53/59 Praga}}
{{Commons category|M53/59 Praga}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080626234315/http://www.army.cz/acr/video/strelby/05.avi Czech army shooting training]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080626234315/http://www.army.cz/acr/video/strelby/05.avi Czech army shooting training]
*{{cite web|url=http://www.eldon.sk/historia/m53_59_list.html|title=M53/59 at ELDON s.r.o|year=2003|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930084134/http://www.eldon.sk/historia/m53_59_list.html|archivedate=30 September 2007}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:M53 59 Praga}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:M53 59 Praga}}
[[Category:Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons]]
[[Category:Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons]]
[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns of Czechoslovakia]]
[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns of Czechoslovakia]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of Czechoslovakia]]
[[Category:30 mm artillery]]
[[Category:30 mm artillery]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1950s]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1950s]]
[[Category:Self-propelled artillery of Czechoslovakia]]

Latest revision as of 14:23, 10 November 2024

M53/59 Praga
M53/59 Praga self-propelled anti-aircraft gun of the Serbian Army
TypeSelf-propelled anti-aircraft gun
Place of originCzechoslovakia
Service history
WarsGulf War[1][2]
Yugoslav Wars[3][4]
Second Congo War[5]
Production history
Designed1957
ManufacturerEngineering and metallurgical plants, Trenčín-Kubrá plant (1959–1961)
Škoda Works
Produced1959–1978[6]
No. built900+[a]
Specifications
Mass10.3 tonnes (11.4 short tons)[7]
Length6.92 m (22 ft 8 in)[7]
Barrel length2.4 m (94 in)[7]
Width2.35 m (7 ft 9 in)[7]
Height2.95 m (9 ft 8 in)[7][b]
Crew4 (driver, commander and two gun operators)[7]
ShellFixed QF 30x210mmCz
Caliber30 mm (1.2 in)[7]
Barrels2
Elevation-10° – +85°[7]
Traverse360°[7]
Rate of fire450−500 rpm per barrel cyclic
150 rpm per barrel practical[7]
Muzzle velocity1,000 m/s (3,300 ft/s)[7]
Effective firing range3 km (2 miles)[7]
ArmorSteel, 10 mm (0.39 in) max (estimated)[7]
Main
armament
30 mm twin AA autocannon (600−900 rounds)[7]
EngineTatra T 912-2 6-cylinder inline air-cooled diesel
110 hp (82 kW) at 2,200 rpm[7]
Power/weight11.57 hp/t (8.63 kW/t)[7]
Suspensionleaf spring
Fuel capacity120 litres (32 US gal)[7]
Operational
range
500 km (310 mi)[7]
Maximum speed 60 km/h (37 mph)[7]
Detail of 30 mm twin AA gun, vz.53/59

The M53/59 Praga is a Czechoslovak self-propelled anti-aircraft gun developed in the late 1950s. It consists of an armoured version of the Praga V3S six-wheel drive truck chassis, armed with a modified version of the M53 twin 30 mm (1.2 in) anti-aircraft gun mounted on the rear, which can be removed and used to provide ground support.[8]

In Czechoslovakia, it was known as Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59 (PLDvK Model 53/59). PLDvK stands for Protiletadlový dvojkanón, or "twin anti-aircraft cannon"). Vehicles for the export market were sold under the designation Praga M53/59 "Ještěrka" ("Lizard").[6]

Description

[edit]

The M53/59 has an all-welded steel armoured hull with a front engine, crew compartment at the centre and rear mounted guns. The armour is sloped to provide protection against small arms and shrapnel without increasing weight.[7]

Armoured covers with vision slits which can be lowered in combat to provide additional protection to the driver and commander, while the two loaders seated on the back of the crew compartment have two vision slits behind the side doors. The commander also has a hemispherical plexiglass cupola for observation.[7]

The twin guns have an elevation of +85°, and a depression of −10°, except over the crew compartment where the depression is limited to +2° and the commander's cupola where there is none. A steel plate on the back of the crew compartment prevents the gun barrels from hitting the roof. The turret can fully traverse 360° degrees and the traverse, elevation, and depression hydraulic systems can be manually controlled in case of emergency. The gunner seats on the left side of the turret under the armoured cabin protection.[7]

The 30 mm twin autocannons are gas-operated, with a maximum rate of fire of 450 to 500 rounds per barrel/minute and a practical rate of fire of 150 rounds per barrel/minute. Each gun has a 50-round magazine which are fed with 10-round clips. Each vehicle typically carries around 600 to 800 rounds. Fully loaded magazines are carried in the back of the crew compartment fastened to the floor by quick-release catches, while three spare magazines are carried on either side of the platform. Originally the guns were fitted with muzzle brakes, but they were later observed with conical flash hiders instead. The barrels can be quickly changed when overheated, and spare barrels were provided to the crews as part of the basic equipment.[7]

Maximum horizontal range is 9.7 km (6 mi), maximum vertical range is 6.3 km (4 mi), and effective anti-aircraft range is 3 km (2 mi). The M53 guns can fire armor-piercing incendiary rounds capable of penetrating 55 mm (2.2 in) of RHA at a 0° angle at a range of 500 m (550 yd) and high-explosive incendiary rounds.[7]

Stowed under the vehicle are two ramps and a winch which the crew can use to dismount the gun mount for deploying the system in the ground support role (stabilized by four jacks), and mount it back on to the vehicle.[7]

The system lacks radar guidance, and night vision equipment, which makes it only effective during the day under good weather conditions. Other drawbacks of the M53/59 are the lack of a NBC protection system, no amphibious capabilities, and no central tire pressure regulation system.[7]

Through the late 1950 and 1960 the Soviets exported the ZSU-57-2 SPAAG to some members of the Warsaw Pact, such as East Germany, and Poland. Czechoslovakia imported one for testing, but ultimately rejected it in favor of the M53/59.[9]

Variants

[edit]

Czechoslovakia

[edit]
  • M53/59 Praga − Mass produced between 1959 and 1978.[6]
  • M53/70 − Export-only variant, with an improved fire-control system.[7] An unknown number of vehicles was sold to Iraq and used during the Gulf War.[1]

Serbia

[edit]
  • Praga VS35 M19 − A proposed upgrade by Srboauto in 2019 to meet the requirements of the Serbian Armed Forces. Improvements included a new four-door cab fully armoured to the NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2 standard, fitted with bullet/splinter proof windows on the front and sides and an Eberspächer 8 kW (11 hp) heater installed in the crew compartment.[10]

Combat history

[edit]

Iraq

[edit]

In 1991, prior to the start of the Gulf War, it was estimated that Iraq had around 9,000 to 10,000 AA guns in service, including the M53/59 and M53/70.[1]

Yugoslavia

[edit]

The M53/59 saw use during the Yugoslav wars, by the Yugoslav Army,[4] Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian Defence Council, Army of Republika Srpska, Serbian Army of Krajina,[11] Slovenian and Croatian forces as well, mainly in the ground fire support role.[6][7]

Democratic Republic of Congo

[edit]

At least one M53/59 was seen in 2012 in the city of Goma.[5][6] While it's exact origin is unknown (possibly from Serbia, Slovakia, or Libya), it is known that the newly reformed DRC Army was armed with weapons left by the former Zairean Army and whatever could be purchased abroad.[12]

Operators

[edit]

Current

[edit]

Former

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Delivered to the Czechoslovak Army.[6] According to SIPRI, Yugoslavia received a total of 789 vehicles between 1969 and 1976, while Libya received 110 between 1970 and 1973.[17]
  2. ^ Including magazines. 2.585 m (8 ft 6 in) without magazines. (O'Halloran & Foss 2002, p. 52)

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Bacevich, Andrew J.; Cohen, Eliot A., eds. (2002). War Over Kosovo: Politics and Strategy in a Global Age. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-50052-4.
  • Bosnia Country Handbook: Peace Implementation Force (IFOR). Department of Defense. 1995. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  • Cooper, Tom (2013). Great Lakes Conflagration: Second Congo War, 1998−2003 (PDF). Helion and Company. ISBN 978-1-909384-66-8. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  • Cullen, Tony; Foss, Christopher F, eds. (1992). Jane's Land-based Air Defence 1992-93 (PDF) (5th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-0979-3. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  • Guardia, Mike (2015). Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Guns of the Soviet Union. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4728-0623-9.
  • International Institute for Strategic Studies (1995). The Military Balance 1995-1996. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-828055-2.
  • National Training Center (1991). The Iraqi Army: Organization and Tactics. Paladin Press. ISBN 978-0-87364-632-1.
  • O'Halloran, James C.; Foss, Christopher F., eds. (2002). Jane's Land-Based Air Defense 2002-2003 (15th ed.). Janes Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2437-6.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Cullen & Foss 1992, p. 11.
  2. ^ a b National Training Center 1991, p. 132.
  3. ^ Department of Defense 1995, p. 17-4.
  4. ^ a b Bacevich & Cohen 2002, p. 34.
  5. ^ a b c Cooper 2013, p. 7.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h Brzkovský, Marek (11 July 2017). "Ještěrka PLDVK: Protiletadlový komplex z Brna bojoval na Balkáně, v Libyi i v Kongu". 100+1 zahraniční zajímavost (in Czech).
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al O'Halloran & Foss 2002, p. 52.
  8. ^ O'Halloran & Foss 2002, pp. 51−52.
  9. ^ Guardia 2015, pp. 13−14.
  10. ^ Foss, Christopher F. (24 July 2019). "Srboauto's upgraded Praga VS35 undergoes trials". Janes.com. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  11. ^ a b Department of Defense 1995, p. 13−9.
  12. ^ Cooper 2013, pp. 6−7.
  13. ^ Aleksić, Dejan (2 September 2019). "U „pragi" kao u limuzini". Politika (in Serbian). Retrieved 31 August 2024.
  14. ^ a b Cullen & Foss 1992, p. 62.
  15. ^ IISS 1995, p. 80.
  16. ^ IISS 1995, p. 82.
  17. ^ "Arms transfer database". Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
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