M53/59 - Revision history

U89914728: /* Pros and cons */

2024-04-11T05:37:01Z

‎Pros and cons

U38088265: /* Main armament */

2023-08-12T22:02:53Z

‎Main armament

U51185053: /* Development */ "Jetrka" is not a word for lizard in czech. The correct word is "Ještěrka"

2023-04-20T17:29:51Z

‎Development: "Jetrka" is not a word for lizard in czech. The correct word is "Ještěrka"

U28580205: /* Description */

2023-03-24T03:36:58Z

‎Description

U44629479: /* Media */ Added skins

2023-03-23T10:46:44Z

‎Media: Added skins

U44629479: /* Mobility */ Added stock values

2023-03-23T10:44:27Z

‎Mobility: Added stock values

U44629479: Moved to proper section

2023-03-21T08:54:02Z

Moved to proper section

Show changes

U74396666: Completion of the entire article for M53/59, included a detailed description of different ammunition belts, comprehensive play style analysis and a full history walkthrough.

2023-03-19T04:39:05Z

Completion of the entire article for M53/59, included a detailed description of different ammunition belts, comprehensive play style analysis and a full history walkthrough.

Show changes

U44629479: Edits

2023-03-18T15:39:06Z

Edits

U4656018: Adding most information of the vehicle

2023-03-17T21:37:34Z

Adding most information of the vehicle

@@ Line 107: / Line 107: @@
 During battle, always try to stay in cover because open areas are dangerous. Pay attention to nearby enemy tank engines and only fire if you are certain your shells will penetrate the armour (e.g., light tanks, sides of medium or heavy tanks). If the enemy spots you and tries to engage you, it's already too late. Because the M53/59 is not a dedicated anti-tank vehicle, its main disadvantage is light armour with moderate mobility when compared to dedicated light tanks. When playing in tight and narrow streets, pay close attention because the vehicle does not turn in a tight radius.
-Keep an eye on the map during battle to avoid facing enemy tanks. If you receive an inbound artillery alert, always change your position because close landing artillery shells can severely damage or destroy your vehicle.
+Keep an eye on the map during battle to avoid facing enemy tanks. If you receive an inbound artillery alert, always change your position because close landing artillery shells can and will severely damage or destroy your vehicle.
 === Playing against M53/59 ===
-If you see an M53/59, always aim for the turret to disable the gun or at the very least knock out the gunner. Load a HE shell immediately for a follow-up shot to effectively destroy the M53/59. Never ignore an M53/59 when you see one, as an experienced enemy player can quickly tear through multiple friendly players if they are showing their flank. If you are on a light tank, avoid engaging M53/59 if possible because M53/59 has a better chance of destroying you. Immediately alert nearby friends to draw heavier armoured friendlies to deal with it.
+If you see an M53/59, always aim for the turret to disable the gun or at the very least knock out the gunner. Load a HE shell immediately for a follow-up shot to effectively destroy the M53/59. If you have a machine gun, use it, as there is a reasonably high chance of hitting the gunner. Never ignore an M53/59 when you see one, as an experienced enemy player can quickly tear through multiple friendly players if they are showing their flank. If you are on a light tank, avoid engaging M53/59 if possible because M53/59 has a better chance of destroying you. Immediately alert nearby friends to draw heavier armoured friendlies to deal with it.
 === Pros and cons ===
@@ Line 117: / Line 117: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* High penetration for an SPAA, only comes short on Bofors 40 mm L/70
+* High penetration for an SPAA, only comes short on Bofors 40 mm L/70.
-* High velocity cannon, extending its anti-aircraft/vehicle range
+* High velocity cannon, extending its anti-aircraft/vehicle range.
-* Sufficiently fast turret traverse speed
+* High rate of fire, will quickly shred any lightly armoured vehicle or aircraft that comes within range.
-* 5 crew members
+* Sufficiently fast turret traverse speed.
 '''Cons:'''
-* Sluggish mobility for an SPAA
+* Sluggish mobility for an SPAA.
-* Overall large profile due to the huge autocannon onboard
+* Overall large profile due to the huge autocannon onboard.
-* Very limited protection against machine gun fire
+* Very limited protection against machine gun fire, gunner will very often be knocked out first, especially in critical moments.
-* Relative slow reload to other SPAAs
+* Relative slow reload to other SPAAs.
 == History ==

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The M53/59, known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59-"Ještěrka"''' (Praga twin-cannon AA Model 53/59 "Lizard") in Czech, is an ex-Czechoslovak SPAA built from the chassis of a Praga V3S truck with a pair of 30 mm ZK453 autocannon onboard. Although this truck was designed and manufactured by the dawn of supersonic jets, these 30 mm cannons did provide devastating firepower against light targets where it would be hopeless against autocannons. The truck didn't see action in Czechoslovakia (and their successor states) but combat records in both South Europe and Africa still reflect its combat capability at support fire operations.
+The M53/59, known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59-"Ještěrka"''' (Praga twin-cannon AA Model 53/59 "Lizard") in Czech, is an ex-Czechoslovak SPAA built from the chassis of a Praga V3S truck with a pair of 30 mm ZK453 autocannon onboard. Although this truck was designed and manufactured by the dawn of supersonic jets, these 30 mm cannons did provide devastating firepower against light targets where it would be hopeless against autocannons. The truck didn't see action in Czechoslovakia (and their successor states) but combat records in both South Europe and Africa still reflect its combat capability at support fire operations.
 One of the newcomers of the [[Update "Sky Guardians"]] and part of the Soviet tech tree, it not only doubled its firepower over its Soviet counterparts, but also has a high rate of fire against any possible aerial targets or armoured targets which happen to show their sides. It has more than enough penetration at its rank to tear them down with ease; but players would still have to conserve ammo as 100 shells per load (50 per magazine) with a rather long reload time could possibly be a death sentence to the truck if the enemy has the means to take you down with ease (i.e. HMG, other autocannons or HE shells). Sneak up and flank unaware enemies or find a spot and conceal yourself, then unleash bullet storm upon them when they show their sides.
@@ Line 63: / Line 63: @@
 |-
 ! ''Arcade''
-| rowspan="2" | 400 (50) || rowspan="2" | 400 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+| rowspan="2" | 400 (50) || rowspan="2" | 450 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 35.2 || 48.8 || 59.2 || 65.5 || 69.6 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
 |-
 ! ''Realistic''
-| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 71: / Line 71: @@
 ==== Ammunition ====
 * '''Default:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}} - This is an all-purpose ammunition belt that can be used for both anti-air and anti-ground purposes. A great belt to have during battles because it can engage all types of units without switching and reloading specific ammunition for either air or ground enemy units.
 * '''30-JFSv-53:''' {{Annotation|FI-T|Fragmentation incendiary tracer}} - This is the HE belt, which should only be used against enemy air units; the ammunition is ineffective against enemy ground units, with the exception of lightly armoured tanks or other SPAA.
@@ Line 130: / Line 131: @@
 == History ==
 <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
-The M53/59 Praga is a Czechoslovak self-propelled anti-aircraft gun from the early Cold War era, armed with twin 30 mm AA autocannons developed in the 1950s. It was developed and introduced concurrently with the Soviet ZSU-57-2. In Czech, it was known as Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59 Jetrka (lizard).
+The M53/59 Praga is a Czechoslovak self-propelled anti-aircraft gun from the early Cold War era, armed with twin 30 mm AA autocannons developed in the 1950s. It was developed and introduced concurrently with the Soviet ZSU-57-2. In Czech, it was known as Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59 Ještěrka (lizard).
 ==== Development ====
@@ Line 146: / Line 147: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_m53_59 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The M53/59, known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59-"Ještěrka"''' (Praga twin-cannon AA Model 53/59 "Lizard") in Czech, is an ex-Czechoslovak SPAA built from the chassis of a Praga V3S truck with a pair of 30 mm ZK453 autocannon onboard; although this truck was designed and manufactured by the dawn of supersonic jets, these 30 mm cannons did provide devastating firepower against light targets where it would be hopeless against autocannons. The truck didn't see action in Czechoslovakia (and their successor states) but combat records in both South Europe and Africa still reflect its combat capability at support fire operations.
+The M53/59, known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59-"Ještěrka"''' (Praga twin-cannon AA Model 53/59 "Lizard") in Czech, is an ex-Czechoslovak SPAA built from the chassis of a Praga V3S truck with a pair of 30 mm ZK453 autocannon onboard. Although this truck was designed and manufactured by the dawn of supersonic jets, these 30 mm cannons did provide devastating firepower against light targets where it would be hopeless against autocannons. The truck didn't see action in Czechoslovakia (and their successor states) but combat records in both South Europe and Africa still reflect its combat capability at support fire operations.
-One of the newcomers of the [[Update "Sky Guardians"]] and part of the Soviet tech tree, it not only doubled its firepower over its Soviet counterparts, but also having high rate of fire against any possible aerial targets or armoured targets which happened to showed their sides. It has more than enough penetration at its tier to tear down them with ease; but players would still have to conserve ammo as 100 shells per load (50 per magazine) with a rather long reload time could possibly give death sentence to the truck if the enemy has means to take you down with ease (i.e. HMG, other autocannons or HE shells). Sneak up and flank on unaware enemies or find a spot and conceal yourself, then unleash bullet storm upon them when they show their sides.
+One of the newcomers of the [[Update "Sky Guardians"]] and part of the Soviet tech tree, it not only doubled its firepower over its Soviet counterparts, but also has a high rate of fire against any possible aerial targets or armoured targets which happen to show their sides. It has more than enough penetration at its rank to tear them down with ease; but players would still have to conserve ammo as 100 shells per load (50 per magazine) with a rather long reload time could possibly be a death sentence to the truck if the enemy has the means to take you down with ease (i.e. HMG, other autocannons or HE shells). Sneak up and flank unaware enemies or find a spot and conceal yourself, then unleash bullet storm upon them when they show their sides.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 144: / Line 144: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
-''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 == See also ==

@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 The truck utilized the same Tatra T912-2 L6 diesel engine as the Praga V3S truck, although the revised cabin also added weight to the chassis, the truck could still travel at up to 60 km/h and reverse at a sufficient speed in case players need to make a swift escape from enemies. The speed is acceptable on roads, noticeable improvements over previous tracked Soviet SPAAs (e.g., ZiS-43, ZSU-37, etc.) but not as fast as the BTR-ZD. The M53/59 is unable to turn on the spot due to its wheeled chassis and it is hard to manoeuvre in tight and narrow streets.
-{{tankMobility}}
+{{tankMobility|abMinHp=156|rbMinHp=97}}
 === Modifications and economy ===

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The M53/59, known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59-"Ještěrka"''' (Praga twin-cannon AA Model 53/59 "Lizard") in Czech, is an ex-Czechoslovak SPAA built from the chassis of a Praga V3S truck with a pair of 30 mm ZK453 autocannon onboard; although this truck was designed and manufactured by the dawn of supersonic jets, these 30 mm cannons did provide devastating firepower against light targets or infantries where it would be hopeless against autocannons. The truck didn't see action in Czechoslovakia (and their successor states) but combat records in both South Europe and Africa still reflecting its combat capability at support fire operations.
+The M53/59, known as '''Praga PLDvK vz. 53/59-"Ještěrka"''' (Praga twin-cannon AA Model 53/59 "Lizard") in Czech, is an ex-Czechoslovak SPAA built from the chassis of a Praga V3S truck with a pair of 30 mm ZK453 autocannon onboard; although this truck was designed and manufactured by the dawn of supersonic jets, these 30 mm cannons did provide devastating firepower against light targets where it would be hopeless against autocannons. The truck didn't see action in Czechoslovakia (and their successor states) but combat records in both South Europe and Africa still reflect its combat capability at support fire operations.
-One of the new-comers of the [[Update "Sky Guardians"]] and part of the Soviet tech tree, it not only doubled its firepower over its Soviet counterparts, but also having high rate-of-fire against any possible aerial targets or armored targets which happened to showed their sides. It has more than enough penetration at its tier to tear down them with ease; but players would still have to conserve ammo as 100 shells per load (50 per magazine) with a rather long reload time could possibly give death sentence to the truck if the enemy has means to take you down with ease (i.e. HMG, other autocannons or HE shells). Sneak up and flank on unaware enemies or find a spot and conceal yourself, then unleash bullet storm upon them when they showed their sides.
+One of the newcomers of the [[Update "Sky Guardians"]] and part of the Soviet tech tree, it not only doubled its firepower over its Soviet counterparts, but also having high rate of fire against any possible aerial targets or armoured targets which happened to showed their sides. It has more than enough penetration at its tier to tear down them with ease; but players would still have to conserve ammo as 100 shells per load (50 per magazine) with a rather long reload time could possibly give death sentence to the truck if the enemy has means to take you down with ease (i.e. HMG, other autocannons or HE shells). Sneak up and flank on unaware enemies or find a spot and conceal yourself, then unleash bullet storm upon them when they show their sides.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Armour}}
 <!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
-The M53/59 is based on a Praga V3S 6x6 truck with a revised cabin to crew 4 out of the 5 of them (with only a gunner outside); surprisingly, although only covered by 10 mm of steel at front, it could deflect .50 HMG from some distance or at flat terrains thanks to its angular design with slopes; the engine block could also absorb some damages but prolonged hits will certainly bust the engine. Other that the front of the truck, the protection all-round is only rated for rifle-caliber bullets and sometimes if the enemies are close enough, they can take the crew down with ease, especially MG34 on German tanks with rather high rate of fire; another problem is the rather cramped crew compartment, anything larger than 14.5 mm machine guns/autocannons will certainly gun down the crews with ease even at distance; let alone shells with explosive filler which could detonate the racks of ammo right at the center-mass or overpressure the crew altogether. So taking cover from time to time and flank the enemies can maximize its survivability.
+The M53/59 is based on a Praga V3S 6x6 truck with a revised cabin to crew 4 out of the 5 of them (with only a gunner outside); surprisingly, although only covered by 10 mm of steel at front, it could deflect .50 HMG from some distance or at flat terrains thanks to its angular design with slopes; the engine block could also absorb some damages but prolonged hits will certainly bust the engine. Other that the front of the truck, the protection all-round is only rated for rifle-calibre bullets and sometimes if the enemies are close enough, they can take the crew down with ease, especially MG34 on German tanks with rather high rate of fire; another problem is the rather cramped crew compartment, anything larger than 14.5 mm machine guns/autocannons will certainly gun down the crews with ease even at distance; let alone shells with explosive filler which could detonate the racks of ammo right at the centre of mass or overpressure the crew altogether. So taking cover from time to time and flank the enemies can maximize its survivability.
 '''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations -->
@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 {{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}
 <!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
-The truck utilized the same Tatra T912-2 L6 diesel engine on Praga V3S, although the revised cabin also added weight to the chassis, the truck could still travel at up-to 60 km/h and reverse at a sufficient speed in case players need to make a swift escape from enemies.
+The truck utilized the same Tatra T912-2 L6 diesel engine as the Praga V3S truck, although the revised cabin also added weight to the chassis, the truck could still travel at up to 60 km/h and reverse at a sufficient speed in case players need to make a swift escape from enemies.
 {{tankMobility}}
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 {{main|ZK453 (30 mm)}}
-Based on an existing WWII design and built by the Zbrojovka Vsetín and certified in 1953<ref>https://www.armedconflicts.com/CZK-vz-53-30-mm-PLDvK-t1111</ref>, the only weapon on the M53/59 is the 30 mm ZK453 autocannon with 50 shells per magazine; the rate of fire, penetration are certainly satisficing to take down aerial targets and ground targets even at distance thanks to its relative straight ballistics. But this is also not a gun for players who are finger-happy: having only 400 rounds in total and relatively long reload time, it is best to save the shells for close targets which can utilize its HVAP shells well and fire at burst unless in emergency.
+Based on an existing WWII design and built by the Zbrojovka Vsetín and certified in 1953<ref>https://www.armedconflicts.com/CZK-vz-53-30-mm-PLDvK-t1111</ref>, the only weapon on the M53/59 is the 30 mm ZK453 autocannon with 50 shells per magazine; the rate of fire, penetration are certainly satisficing to take down aerial targets and ground targets even at distance thanks to its relative straight ballistics. But this is also not a gun for players who are trigger-happy: having only 400 rounds in total and relatively long reload time, it is best to save the shells for close targets which can utilize its HVAP shells well and fire at burst unless in emergency.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
@@ Line 98: / Line 98: @@
 == Usage in battles ==
 <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
-The name of M53/59 fits its nature and playstyle- a Lizard (Ještěrka in Czech''')'''. Lizard is omnivore and it takes quite many types of food/prey, namely insects which include both flying and crawling ones; this also reflected on the designation of the truck as a SPAA. Instead of using the tongue, M53/59 has a spade onboard- its 30 mm autocannon. Although it is the only SPAA at its BR (others are at least 0.7 BR lower/higher) and it faces late WWII vehicles, in most cases they will not have a side armor over 90 mm; it is a bad news when there are SPAAs flanking the sides, the rate of fire and muzzle velocity of the 30 mm autocannon makes it stand out among its counterparts. 50 rounds per gun and 8 magazines, totaled at 400 rounds onboard might not sound too much in first glance, but firing them in burst and only hitting those who are exactly parallel with M53/59 can certainly maximize its efficiency to take down tanks and light targets; do note that some tanks have their ammo stored at the bottom of the hull with even less protection, it is always welcomed to land shots on the lower side hull and gunning down targets. Another good news to M53/59 is its ballistic performance: before the introduction of 23 mm autocannon or radar-guided guns, previous Soviet/Warsaw Pact autocannons is less flexible than its autocannon counterparts at different nations; while they can ensure an one-hit-kill, the rate of fire could sometimes lead to miserable end to those vehicles. M53/59 not only has the firepower to take down even the largest planes in a few burst, it also flies at a whopping 1000 m/s velocity, making it even easier to take down planes at longer ranges.
+The name of M53/59 fits its nature and playstyle- a Lizard (Ještěrka in Czech). Lizard is omnivore and it takes quite many types of food/prey, namely insects which include both flying and crawling ones; this also reflected on the designation of the truck as a SPAA. Instead of using the tongue, M53/59 has a spade onboard- its 30 mm autocannon. Although it is the only SPAA at its BR (others are at least 0.7 BR lower/higher) and it faces late WWII vehicles, in most cases they will not have a side armour over 90 mm; it is a bad news when there are SPAAs flanking the sides, the rate of fire and muzzle velocity of the 30 mm autocannon makes it stand out among its counterparts. 50 rounds per gun and 8 magazines, totaled at 400 rounds onboard might not sound too much in first glance, but firing them in burst and only hitting those who are exactly parallel with M53/59 can certainly maximize its efficiency to take down tanks and light targets; do note that some tanks have their ammo stored at the bottom of the hull with even less protection, it is always welcomed to land shots on the lower side hull and gunning down targets. Another good news to M53/59 is its ballistic performance: before the introduction of 23 mm autocannon or radar-guided guns, previous Soviet/Warsaw Pact autocannons were less flexible than their autocannon counterparts at different nations; while they can ensure a knock-out, the rate of fire could sometimes lead to miserable end to those vehicles. M53/59 not only has the firepower to take down even the largest planes in a few burst, it also flies at a whopping 1,000 m/s velocity, making it even easier to take down planes at longer ranges.
 But these come at costs: like aforementioned, each cycle has 100 rounds at your disposal at 50 rounds per gun; this is a familiar number of ammo from the tech-tree predecessor [[BTR-ZD]] and M53/59 has even less overall ammo count, so players must not be trigger-happy for the gun unless in dire when enemies are diving upon you or at least disabling enemy vehicles for kill assists if they have turned the turret on you. Another common flaw for SPAAs are their light protection and this is no exception for M53/59; the angular shape cab and reinforced engine cover could deflect .50 cal from a distance, but anything larger than that can easily tear down the cab and possibly the crews inside, leaving the vehicle considered to be knock-out.
@@ Line 114: / Line 114: @@
 '''Cons:'''
-* Sluggish for an SPAA
+* Sluggish mobility for an SPAA
 * Overall large profile due to the huge autocannon onboard
-* Very limited protection against enemy firearms
+* Very limited protection against machine gun fire
 * Relative slow reload to other SPAAs