- Yes
- No
- (independent) BeNeLux tree
- France: BeNeLux subtree
- Britain: BeNeLux subtree
- Belgium (sub) tree
- I said ‘no’ in the previous poll.
- other
History
History
Development
The Ford F60B was part of the Canadian Military Pattern (CMP) truck series produced by Ford Motor Company of Canada during World War II. It was a 3-ton 4x4 lorry chassis adapted for various roles, including mounting the 40mm Bofors L/60 anti-aircraft gun to create a self-propelled AA platform. The CMP vehicles were designed to meet British Army specifications for reliable transport in diverse terrains, with over 209,000 units produced overall. The Bofors-mounted variant was developed to provide mobile anti-aircraft defense for convoys and troops, combining the truck’s mobility with the proven Bofors gun. Production of the Ford F60B Bofors SP occurred during WWII, with similar designs like the British Morris C9/B also in use.
The 40mm Bofors L/60, originally designed by AB Bofors in Sweden in the 1930s, was one of the most effective AA guns of its time. It was licensed and produced widely, with variants used by both Allied and Axis forces during WWII.
Belgian Service
Post-WWII, the Belgian Army reformed and equipped itself with surplus Allied equipment, including CMP trucks and Bofors guns received from Canada and Britain. The self-propelled Ford F60B Bofors variant was adopted in the late 1940s and used through the 1950s, primarily for training purposes rather than active combat. According to NATO-produced films from the 1950s, these vehicles were employed to train Belgian artillerymen near and on the Belgian coast, specifically at Camp Lombardsijde, the main coastal military domain of the Belgian army. This training focused on anti-aircraft drills and coastal defense scenarios, contributing to Belgium’s role in NATO’s collective defense efforts during the early Cold War.
While Belgium had used towed Bofors guns pre-war (adopted in 1935 and deployed in 1940), the self-propelled version on the Ford F60B chassis was strictly a post-war acquisition. It served in anti-aircraft regiments during the early Cold War, offering dual-purpose AA and limited anti-tank capabilities before being phased out in the 1960s as jet aircraft and newer missile systems rendered the L/60 less effective. Similar vehicles were also used by other nations like Denmark (at least 12 units post-1945 for close-air defense) and the UK.
Differences between the Standard and Belgian Variant
Differences
The Belgian post-war variant was largely similar to Canadian and British models but featured local modifications such as adapted markings, NATO-standard integrations, or minor cab adjustments for training use. The standard Ford F60B had a reinforced chassis for the gun mount, with an open cab seating 4-6 crew. Belgian examples focused on mobility for convoy protection and coastal training exercises.
Specifications
Length: 6.20 m
Width: 2.39 m
Height: 2.59 mWeight: 7,800 kg
Engine: Ford V8, 3,917 cc, 95 hp liquid-cooled
Speed (on road): 70 km/h
Range: 300 km (estimated)Crew: 4-6
Armour:
Front Sides Rear Roof Minimal (cab) Minimal Minimal Open
Armament 40mm Bofors L/60 autocannon Ammunition types HE, AP Fire Rate 120 rpm Elevation & Traverse -5° to +90° elevation, 360° traverse Effective Range 7,160 m vertical Gun System
The Bofors L/60 fired 40mm shells at 120 rpm, effective against aircraft and light ground targets. It used clip-fed ammunition and could be stabilized with leveling jacks.
Place in War Thunder
This mobile AA truck would fit as an early-tier anti-aircraft vehicle, providing good firepower against low-flying aircraft and light vehicles. Its wheeled mobility allows quick repositioning.
Regarding nations
Britain
As part of Commonwealth production, it could be a premium in the British tree.
BeNeLux
Ideal for a BeNeLux subtree or independent tree, representing Belgian post-war AA capabilities. For more, see: BeNeLux Ground Forces.
Pictures
Sources
Sources
- Bofors 40 mm L/60 gun - Wikipedia
- 40 mm Bofors AA guns made in GB and US - Page 3 - MLU FORUM
- Morris-Commercial C9/B Self-Propelled 40mm Bofors - Tank Encyclopedia
- Ford F60B - Danish Army Vehicles Homepage
- https://youtu.be/HMR4BSF2_O0 - NATO Documentary: The Atlantic Community Series (1955)
- Ford F6 Belgian Militairy History - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
- https://www.warlordgames.com/belgian-army-hmg-team-bofors-aa-gun/
- Sand dune - Country Report, Belgium - Coastal Wiki (for Camp Lombardsijde details)