×
Aircraft / Aviation Vehicles & Artillery Small Arms Warships & Submarines Military Ranks Military Pay Scale (2024) Special Forces

Cushman Model 53 (G683)


Airborne Infantry Scooter


United States | 1944



"The Cushman Model 53 scooter was developed exclusively with the airborne paratrooper of World War 2 in mind."

Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the Cushman Model 53 Airborne Infantry Scooter.
1 x Cushman 16M71 1-cylinder, four-stroke 242cc engine developing 4.6 horsepower.
Installed Power
40 mph
65 kph
Road Speed
Structure
The physical qualities of the Cushman Model 53 Airborne Infantry Scooter.
1
(MANNED)
Crew
254 lb
115 kg | 0.0 tons
Weight
Armament & Ammunition
Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the Cushman Model 53 (G683) Airborne Infantry Scooter.
None save for any personal weapons carried by the operator.
AMMUNITION:
Not Applicable.
Variants
Notable series variants as part of the Cushman Model 53 (G683) family line.
Model 53 - Base Series Name
Model 53A - Post-war civilian market model
Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/15/2016 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Even during World War 1 (1914-1918) there was already talk within the ranks of various countries of developing "airborne" forces - paratroopers - to assault enemy positions from behind the frontlines. Little came of this and it wasn't until 1927 that the first "true" paratrooper drop was had over Italy. World War 2 (1939-1945) witnessed the first large-scale use of paratrooper operations with many such actions proving critical in both the early- and mid-war campaigns.

One of the unique challenges for warplanners was in outfitting these specialist troops with the materials needed to attack the enemy and hold positions long enough for the advancing ground force to meet up and secure said positions. As these troopers were jumping out of aircraft they could not be saddled with too much equipment and the equipment they carried was to be inherently very portable. Gliders were eventually arranged to deliver larger products such as jeeps, light tanks and artillery. Various infantry-minded tools and weapons were ultimately devised for the fighting man - including the Cushman Model 53 (U.S. Army Model G683) airborne scooter.

This two-wheeled system was light enough (and compact enough) to see airdropping in an airborne operation. The vehicle featured a sprung seat for one and steerable front wheel by way of rearward-cranked handlebars. The small engine was fitted under the seat with the cylindrical fuel tank aft of the operator. Fenders covered both front and back wheels from dirt spray and other road debris. A skeletal metal framework was set over the engine works of the scooter and a kickstand supported the vehicle when parked. Overall weight was 254lb.

The Cushman Model 53 was developed with the American paratrooper in mind and proved suitable for road travel and delivering vital information from point to point. The system could reach road speeds up to 40 miles per hour with power stemming from an in-house Cushman 16M71 1-cylinder, four-stroke 242cc engine developing 4.6 horsepower.

Cushman Motorworks handled production of both engine and scooter with service entry occurring in 1944. Production numbered in the thousands before the end and the post-war civilian market form became the "Model 53A" - such was its popularity.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the Cushman Model 53 (G683). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.

Total Production: 4,500 Units

Contractor(s): Cushman Motor Works - USA
National flag of the United Kingdom National flag of the United States

[ United Kingdom; United States ]
1 / 3
Image of the Cushman Model 53 (G683)
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
2 / 3
Image of the Cushman Model 53 (G683)
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.
3 / 3
Image of the Cushman Model 53 (G683)
Image copyright www.MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Going Further...
The Cushman Model 53 (G683) Airborne Infantry Scooter appears in the following collections:
HOME
ARMOR INDEX
ARMOR BY COUNTRY
VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS
COMPARE VEHICLES
VEHICLES BY CONFLICT
VEHICLES BY TYPE
VEHICLES BY DECADE
COLD WAR VEHICLES
WWII VEHICLES & ARTILLERY
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks of the World U.S. Department of Defense Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols Breakdown U.S. 5-Star Generals List WWII Weapons by Country World War Next

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.


©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)