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14 Feb 1943 Battle of Kasserine Pass between US and German armored forces begins with 4 days of fighting around Sidi Bou Zid and Sbeitla, Tunisia [14-17 Feb].
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Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter (G-683)

The Scooter, Motor, 2W, Airborne was manufactured by Cushman Motor Works. Beginning in 1944, 4,734 were produced and delivered to the U.S. Government.

The Scooter weighed 255 pounds and was powered by a Cushman one cylinder, 4 cycle engine with magneto ignition, developing 4.6 hp. It had a range of about 100 mph and maximum speed of 40 mph. In addition to personal transportation, the Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter had a hitch to pull the M3A4 general-purpose utility cart.

The manual for the Scooter, Motor, 2W, Airborne was TM 9-876.

Find additional photos and hi-res versions of the Cushman scooters at the Olive-Drab Military Mashup.

Cushman 30 Series Scooters Photo Gallery

Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter. Image from TM 9-8000 (January 1956)
Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter. Image from TM 9-8000 (January 1956).

Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter. Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Hain-Matson and Lex Schmidt
Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter. Photo: Courtesy of Jeff Hain-Matson and Lex Schmidt.

Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter at the Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, OH with towed M3A4 general-purpose utility cart
Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter at the Museum of the United States Air Force, Dayton, OH with towed M3A4 general-purpose utility cart.