The following U.S. intelligence report describes the Italian Semovente 90-mm self-propelled gun. The report originally appeared in Tactical and Technical Trends, No. 26, June 3, 1943. [DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from the U.S. War Department publication Tactical and Technical Trends. As with all wartime intelligence information, data may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the text. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]

ITALIAN 90/53 SELF-PROPELLED GUN There has been a previous reference in Tactical and Technical Trends (No. 25, p. 48) to the Semovente (self-propelled) 90/53* gun. Further information on this Semovente 90/53 (3.54-inch) self-propelled AA/AT gun has been received. On the basis of the present report, it appears that this gun is mounted on the rear of a turretless 14-ton, Model 14/41 tank chassis. In order to accommodate the gun, it would appear that the normal positions of the engine and transmission in the hull have been rearranged. The engine, normally in the rear, seems to have been moved forward to the center of the hull, access being provided by two doors in the superstructure roof. There is probably room for one member of the crew besides the driver in front of the engine. It would seem that the engine is overloaded, so that the vehicle is slower and less maneuverable than the M 14/41 tank. The speed probably does not exceed 12 mph. Presumably the 125-hp Diesel engine of the M 14/41 tank is retained. *Caliber 90 mm, length of bore 53 calibers.

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