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Hell all, I’m introducing the Belgian M47 Patton equipped with the groundbreaking Cobelda Fire Control System, one of the very first NATO tanks to feature a laser rangefinder and digital ballistic computer. This experimental upgrade transformed the classic M47 into a precision long-range marksman in 1968.
TL;DR: Belgian M47 with APFSDS, Laser rangefinder and modern FCS.
History
Historical Background
After WWII, Belgium acquired over 800 M47 Patton tanks from U.S. surplus to modernize its armored corps. By the late 1960s, as these tanks aged, Belgian engineers sought to extend their service life through innovative technology rather than costly replacements. This led to the development of the Cobelda Fire Control System, a joint project between Belgium’s SABCA (Société Anonyme Belge de Constructions Aéronautiques) and the U.S. Hughes Aircraft Company.
Inside of the Gunners position.The Cobelda FCS introduced a revolutionary laser rangefinder and digital ballistic computer, replacing outdated optical rangefinders. The system automatically compensated for wind speed, trunnion cant, air temperature, propellant temperature, and barrel wear, offering instant, precise firing solutions even on moving targets.
Here they FCS is installed on a Belgian Leopard 1.Cobelda System Advantages
- Instant, silent laser ranging: immune to parallax and human error
- Fully integrated ballistic computation: auto-compensates for all firing variables
- Greatly improved hit probability: especially on moving targets
- Compact and reliable: simpler than other experimental NATO systems
Performance comparison: Cobelda (solid line) vs. optical rangefinder (dashed)By 1968, the prototype Cobelda system had been successfully installed and tested on a Belgian M47. Trials demonstrated a dramatic increase in first-hit probability, achieving up to 0.8 P(hit) at 2,000 meters, compared to less than 0.2 using optical systems. The success of these trials led to further refinement and eventual adoption for the Leopard 1 series used by Belgium, Canada and Austria.This M47 prototype thus represents an important technological stepping stone — a key bridge between the analog tank gunnery of the 1950s and the digital precision warfare of the modern era.
Specifications
General Characteristics
Weight 46.4 tons Engine Continental AVI-1790-5B V12 gasoline, 810 hp Top Speed 48 km/h (road) Operational Range 130 km Crew 4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver) Armament
Main Gun 90 mm M36 cannon Coaxial / Bow MGs 2× 7.62 mm M1919A4 AA MG 12.7 mm M2HB Ammunition Load 71× 90mm rounds, 600× 12.7mm, 5600× 7.62mm Elevation / Traverse -10° to +19°, full 360° powered turret Smoke System Smoke dischargers Fire Suppression None Night Vision None Fire Control Cobelda FCS (Laser rangefinder + digital ballistic computer with lead and drift correction)
Standard 90mm Ammunition (Belgian Service)
Designation Type Velocity Weight Penetration @1000m (0°) Notes T33 (M318) AP 914 m/s 7.8 kg ~150 mm Basic AP M82 (M71) APCBC 914 m/s 7.8 kg ~160 mm Improved shell M348 HVAP 1,021 m/s 7.2 kg ~220 mm High velocity T45 HVAP-T 1,021 m/s 7.2 kg ~220 mm Tracer version M431 HEAT ~245 m/s 5.8 kg ~400 mm All-aspect M71 HE 914 m/s 7.6 kg ~20 mm Fragmentation shell M670 APFSDS 1500 m/s 3,65 kg (2,1 penetrator) Should be a bit less than 300 mm MECAR produced
Place in War Thunder
In War Thunder, the M47 (Cobelda) would be a fascinating premium, event, or tech tree vehicle at Rank V, offering an early taste of laser-guided fire control within a Cold War-era tank. While retaining the mobility and firepower of a standard M47, its instantaneous laser rangefinding and precise ballistic computation would give it an edge in accuracy, particularly at long range and against moving opponents.Nation placement options
BeNeLux / France (BeNeLux subtree)
Perfect addition for a BeNeLux tree or French subtree, showcasing Belgium’s contribution to NATO technological innovation.
This prototype represents a historically important development that directly influenced the Leopard 1 series and demonstrates the sophistication of Belgian engineering.
For more on BeNeLux ground forces concepts, see:
BeNeLux Ground Forces Tech Tree Suggestion
Images
Sources
References & Documentation
- Armor Magazine, Jan–Feb 1971 – “The Cobelda Advanced Tank Fire Control System” by Richard M. Ogorkiewicz
- Armor Magazine, Jan–Feb 1971 – “Army Fire Control Systems” (Hughes X21M1 details)
- Leopard 1 Main Battle Tank 1965–1995, Michael Jerrchel & Peter Sarson (Osprey New Vanguard 16)
- SABCA / Hughes Aircraft Co.: M47 Cobelda Belge - trials.
- CIA COBELDA FCS document: https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/document/cia-rdp84m00044r000200890001-1