Semovente 90/53 (IT120)

Semovente 90/53 (IT120) Semovente M 41M da 90/53 The Semovente da 90/53 was the best armed Italian armoured vehicle of WWII. Its design was prompted by a desperate request from the Russian front. The CSIR urgently asked for ’something’ capable of knocking out the Soviet T-34 and KV-1 tanks. Ansaldo industries were asked to mount the 90/53 anti-aircraft gun on an armoured carriage to overcome this problem.

The designers and engineers worked quickly, and enlarged and lengthened M14/41 chassis with a diesel engine positioned centrally, this was used to mount the 90/53 gun.

The gun was positioned towards the rear and the crew served the gun from behind the vehicle. The engine was moved forward from its original position in the M14/41 tank so that the gun could be placed at the rear of the chassis. The Semovente da 90/53 had to be accompanied by an ammunition carrier based on the L6/40 light tank carrying 26 rounds.

The first prototype was completed on 5 March 1942 and after some tests a first order was placed for thirty vehicles to be delivered no later than the end of April. The gun had an excellent range (effective anti-tank out to 2000-2200 meters) and armed with new EP rounds (EP ~ Effetto Pronto, rapid effect, the Italian High Explosive Anti-tank round ~ HEAT).

None were ever sent to the Russian Front. 24 Semovente 90/53s did see service against the Allies in the 10° Ragruppamento Semoventi, which was stationed in Sicily.

In Flames Of War The Semovente 90/53 can be brought as part of Fucilieri Compagnia. You can have up to four commanded by a Carro Comando.     The Semovente 90/53 is fully-tracked, armour F2, S0, T0, and is armed with the 90mm Semovente gun. It has Ammo carriers, Limited traverse, Awkward layout and Slow tank special rules.

The gun has a range of 40”/100cm, ROF2, AT13 and FP 3+. The addition of ammo carriers increases its ROF to 3. In the pack you get a Semovente 90/53, a L6/40 ammunition carrier and crew. Designed by Evan Allen Painted by Jeremy Painter