Libération-class, BNC P902 Libération - Command vessel of the Belgian Rhine Flotilla

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The P902 Libération was the command vessel of the Belgian Rhine Flotilla (Rijnsmaldeel), built in 1954 by the Hitzler Theodor shipyard in Regensburg, Germany. Unlike her Leie-class sisters, the Libération was slightly larger and designed to serve as a command ship with enhanced onboard facilities and a second enclosed wheelhouse. She spent the early Cold War years patrolling the Rhine and later served in various public relations and cadet training roles in Belgian rivers and harbors.

Armament for the Libération historically consisted of two 12.7 mm Browning M2 HMGs, allowing her to defend against small riverborne threats while maintaining her patrol and command role.

P902 Linkeroever 1977

The P902 Liberation in Antwerp, Linkeroever, 1977

History

Service History of P902 Libération

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The Libération was laid down on 12 March 1954, launched on 29 July 1954, and commissioned on 4 August 1954. As the command vessel of the Rhine Flotilla, she coordinated patrols along the Rhine between Koblenz and the Dutch border, providing logistical and tactical oversight for the smaller Leie-class vedettes.

P902

Design Differences

Unlike the Leie-class patrol boats, the Libération featured:

  • Slightly larger hull – 26 m length overall and 4 m beam, providing additional internal space.
  • Second enclosed wheelhouse – enabling command functions and observation without exposure to the elements.
  • Aluminium superstructure – for weight reduction and higher stability.
  • Improved habitability – slightly larger crew quarters and officer accommodations for extended command missions.

Under the waterline, the hull design and propulsion mirrored the Leie-class, retaining shallow draught and fast riverine performance.

P902 Liberation

Later Service

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After the Rhine Flotilla was disbanded in 1960, the Libération was reassigned to the Belgian Navy base at Kallo, where she was used for riverine patrols, public relations, and hydrographic surveys. Her two 12.7 mm Browning M2 HMGs remained her primary armament throughout this period.

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From 2012 onwards, the Libération has been preserved by the Royal Belgian Sea Cadet Corps, serving as both a historical exhibit and an active training vessel. She is moored in Leopoldsburg and occasionally participates in commemorative and educational events, maintaining her historical significance as the last surviving command vessel of the Rhine Flotilla.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqhRg1fdcMA

Specifications

Displacement: 27.5 tons
Length overall: 26 m
Length between P/P: 24.4 m
Beam: 4.0 m
Draught: 0.9 m
Range: 2,300 nm at 10 knots
Speed: 19 knots
Propulsion: 2 × MWM RHS 418 A diesels (220 hp each), 2 shafts
Radar: DECCA 707 (1954–1979), DECCA 1214 (1980–1987)
Crew: 1 petty officer + 6 sailors
Fuel: diesel
Radio call sign: ORIH

Armament Layouts

Variant Weapons Placement Notes
HMG-only 2 × 12.7 mm Browning M2 HMG Fore & aft Historical configuration for patrol & command.

Place in War Thunder

The Libération would naturally fit as a low-tier BeNeLux naval command/patrol vessel, offering unique gameplay as a lightly armed but fast command-support vessel. With her two HMG mounts, she provides limited offensive capability while focusing on riverine patrol and reconnaissance missions.

Suggested tiering:

  • Rank I – a versatile, lightly armed patrol craft suitable for early BeNeLux naval branches.

Both historical accuracy and distinctive command role would make the Libération a unique addition compared to other small patrol vessels already in War Thunder.

Sources

Sources

Cadets de Marine. (n.d.). P902 Libération. Koninklijke Marinekadetten. https://www.cadets-de-marine-kadetten.be/fr/la-flotte/v902-liberation/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Libération (P902). Wikipedia. https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lib%C3%A9ration_(P902)

Oostende Voor Anker. (n.d.). P902 Libération. https://www.oostendevooranker.be/en/node/1940

Visit Leopoldsburg. (n.d.). Aan boord van patrouilleschip Libération: erfgoed op het water. https://www.visitleopoldsburg.be/content/detail/195/aan-boord-van-patrouilleschip-liberation-erfgoed-op-het-water

Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed. (n.d.). Patrouilleboot P902 Libération. https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/99061/

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+1 yet another ship class I learnt about today

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