M47s

M47s refers to the family of American medium tanks produced in the early 1950s, most notably the M47 Patton. Named after General George S. Patton, the M47 was developed from the M46 Patton to provide greater firepower and protection for postwar armored units. The design combined a redesigned turret housing a 90 mm main gun with a conventional M46-style hull, along with improved armor and suspension for better mobility across varied terrain.

The tank was powered by a gasoline engine and used a torsion-bar suspension, with a crew consisting of the standard US tank crew of the era. Its primary armament, the 90 mm gun, was paired with additional machine guns for close defense. The M47 aimed to offer improved fire control and reliability compared with its predecessors, while remaining compatible with existing maintenance practices and logistics.

Operationally, the M47 entered United States Army service in the early 1950s and was widely exported to allied forces. It saw service in Europe and the Middle East during the 1950s and 1960s, and many armies used it into the 1970s and beyond in some cases, before being superseded by more modern designs such as the M48 Patton and later generations.

Variants and upgrades occurred throughout its service life, including various export models and field modifications that adjusted powertrains, armor, and fire-control equipment to suit different climates and theaters. These adaptations extended the vehicle’s usefulness and influenced later Patton designs.

See also: M46 Patton, M48 Patton, M60.