The Amazing M47

M47 Medium Tank

By 1943, it was evident that tank design had to change. The Tank Destroyer Board tried to thwart the development of heavy tanks and tanks with bigger guns, The Board was trying to maintain its position, even though the facts showed that it was doomed. Indeed, Sherman tanks were upgunned with the 76mm high-velocity gun, and tank destroyers received the 90mm gun. A heavy tank was procured. The Pershing tank had over 4 inches of armor and a 90mm gun. That was equal to the biggest tanks the Germans were fielding. Appearing late in the war, the Pershing did its job.

The Pershing was a welcome addition, but it soon was evident that it could be better. The engine was underpowered and a better gun and sighting system were needed. The beginning of Cold War tensions meant an immediate fix. The Pershing Heavy Tank, with an improved turret, electrical system and power plant became the M46 Patton. These tanks performed well duign the Korean conflict.

M47

Tank designers realized that we needed a tank to take on the Reds. Until the best tank could be designed and produced, the US required a tank to fill the gap. The result was the M47. Using a variant of the M46 chassis and a new turret, the M47 sported a 90mm gun, improved optics and a better power plant.  From the front, its turret was a narrow target. From the side it was long. A bustle was added to accommodate and counterbalance the 90mm gun as well as provide more stowage. 

The M47 went right into production. Meanwhile, the M46 was performing well in Korea. There were plenty of them and they proved superior to the late model T34s of the enemy. Most of the M47s were sent to Europe. By the time production ceased, some 10,000 were built.

U.S. Soldiers examine M47 

The M46s were slowly retired or were refitted for other duties, such as tank recovery. A few went to allied armies such as Belgium. M47s took their place in the US arsenal. It was not long after that the first marks of the newer, better tank were ready for production. The M48 Patton was designated in 1952. It featured even better armor, better sighting, an improved gun and power plant. The M47s was replaced. Many were sold to allies. Some went to the National Guard. A few went into storage.

Italy, France, West Germany, Austria, and Spain were among European armies who bought the M47. Iran was a major buyer. Jordan and Pakistan also acquired M47s. South Korea was the major Asian buyer. In the 1950s, President Eisenhower gave over 300 to Yugoslavia to forestall the threat of a Soviet invasion.

M47s appeared in several conflicts. They were used by Jordan during the 6-Day Arab-Israeli War. Pakistan fielded them in several conflicts with India. Iran used them in the Iran - Iraq War. A few M47s were used by Somalia. One Somali tank was captured by the US.  M47s’ last major use was in the 1990s during the Croatian and Bosnian conflicts.

As of this writing, Spain maintains about 20 M47s which are used as tank recovery vehicles. Iran has 170 upgraded M47s. There may be a few individual pieces still operational in smaller armies.

The M47 has an operational history stemming from 1950 to 2018. That is a 68 year service history. And while it may not have been a stellar performer in all of its battles, it held the line. A review of its use shows that the tank performed well. Any problems with the M47 were not due to the vehicle, but the tactics and strategy of the commanders.

You may have seen the M47 in older movies. It was prohibitively expensive to make mock-ups of tanks and very few original World war II tanks were operational. The few that still an was not always accessible. Movie makers substituted other tanks, often “renting” them from an army.  Movies like “Patton” and “The Battle of the Bulge” rented the Spanish Army’s Pattons for use as Tiger tanks. If you look, you can see M47s painted to look like Panzers.

The most famous M47 driver is Arnold Schwarzenegger. He drove an M7 while in the Austrian Army.

The Patton Series of Tank has a history of longevity. The M48 has been upgraded many times. The A5 variant had its armor enhanced as well as being upgunned to a 105 mm weapon comparable to the M60. Several forces still use the upgraded M48s. The first M48s rolled off the assembly line in 1952, giving it a service history of 66 years.

M48 in Vietnam

The M60 series is still in use and has been upgraded several times. The few remaining in US service are mainly test vehicles and armored bridge layers. It is still in front-line service in several countries. Being first issued in December 1960, that gives the M60 a 58 year service history.

M60a1 during Cold War