The M53 155mm self-propelled artillery was developed in the United States, and was first produced in 1952. In order to reduce the development period and cost, this vehicle diverted the components of the Patton tank series, and was designed to share the M55 8-inch self-propelled howitzer with the body and gun carriage in order to reduce procurement and operation costs. In 1956, the U.S. Army decided to convert all of its M53s into M55s, but the U.S. Marine Corps continued to operate the M53. This vehicle was retired from the U.S. Army and Marine Corps in the early 1960s, but was granted to NATO member countries such as West Germany, Belgium and Italy.
This model kit from I Love Kit includes photo-etched parts.
