Cannone da 90/53
If there was any weapon that was the equal of the Germans’ mighty 88 it was the Italian Cannone da 90/53. It was the most modern of all Italy’s gun designs, and excellent in combat. The Cannone da 90/53 was designed and built by Ansaldo. The first prototypes were produced in 1939. Three different models were authorised to fulfil different roles. The most common model was the modello 41P intended for static emplacement in and around major cities, industries and on the coast.
A total of 1,087 modello 41Ps guns were ordered. The modello 41C was
intended as a towed AA gun, much like the German 88, with 660 of this model
being ordered. The final version was the self-propelled version to be mounted
initially on trucks (57 guns), and later just the barrels being used on the
Semovente 90/53 (30 guns). Though a large number were ordered, producing them
proved more of a problem. Italy’s industry was under strain producing current
ordinance, without adding the complexity of the modern 90/53. By July 1943 only
539 weapons of all models had been produced. By the end of July the production
line fell into German hands and was continued for their purposes. The Italians
used the 90/53 as a multi-purpose weapon, those on the towed and truck mounts
being used for both anti-aircraft and anti-tank work. The emplaced versions in
coastal
positions soon found use as artillery as well as AA defence. The Italian Navy
also used the 90/53 gun. The
Germans admired it and after the Italian armistice many found their way into
German units.
Specifications
Calibre: 90mm (3.54in)
Barrel Length: 4.736m (15ft 6.5in)
Travelling Weight: 8950kg (19,731lbs)
Weight in Action: 6240kg (13,757lbs)
Elevation: –2° to +85°
Traverse: 360°
Muzzle velocity: 830m/s (2,723ft/s)
Maximum Ceiling: 12,000m (39,370ft)
Shell weight: 10.33kg (22.77lbs)
In Flames Of War
As an option in the Divisional Heavy Anti-aircraft platoon you can down grade your Lancia da 90/53s to towed 90/53s for –35 points. Plus, like the 88, you can add extra crew for +10 points to give you ROF3. The Cannone da 90/53 has Range 40”/100cm, ROF 2, AT 13, FP 3+ and a turntable. It is however immobile, so it can’t be manhandled.