Intro
Explore the top 5 notable early WWII France tanks, including the Char B1, R-35, FCM 36, Hotchkiss H35, and Renault R-40. Discover their unique features, strengths, and weaknesses, and learn how they contributed to Frances military efforts during the early years of World War II. Key specs and historical context provided.
France, known for its rich history of innovation and military prowess, played a significant role in the development of tanks during the early years of World War II. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the German invasion in 1940, France managed to produce some remarkable tanks that showcased its engineering capabilities. Here are five notable early WWII France tanks that made their mark on history.
1. Renault FT
The Renault FT, designed by Louis Renault, is often regarded as one of the most influential tanks in history. Produced from 1917 to 1920, the Renault FT was a lightweight, two-man tank that revolutionized tank design with its fully rotating turret, rear-mounted engine, and front-mounted driver's compartment. Although it was primarily used during World War I, the Renault FT saw action in the early years of World War II, particularly during the German invasion of France.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 6.5 tons
- Length: 4.1 meters
- Width: 1.7 meters
- Height: 2.1 meters
- Top Speed: 20 km/h
- Range: 65 km
- Main Armament: 37mm SA18 gun or 7.92mm machine gun
2. FCM 36
The FCM 36 was a French light tank designed and manufactured by Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée (FCM) from 1938 to 1940. This tank was known for its cast armor, which provided excellent protection against anti-tank guns. The FCM 36 was also equipped with a 37mm SA18 gun and a coaxial 7.92mm machine gun. Although it saw limited action during the Battle of France, the FCM 36 demonstrated its potential as a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 12 tons
- Length: 4.5 meters
- Width: 2.2 meters
- Height: 2.1 meters
- Top Speed: 24 km/h
- Range: 225 km
- Main Armament: 37mm SA18 gun
3. Char B1
The Char B1 was a French heavy tank designed and manufactured by Renault from 1935 to 1937. This tank was known for its advanced design, which featured a cast hull, a long 75mm ABS SA35 gun in the hull, and a shorter 47mm SA35 gun in a fully rotating turret. The Char B1 was also equipped with a unique defensive system, consisting of a roof-mounted anti-aircraft machine gun and a side-mounted sub-turret with a 7.92mm machine gun. Although it saw limited action during the Battle of France, the Char B1 proved to be a formidable opponent on the battlefield.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 28 tons
- Length: 6.3 meters
- Width: 2.5 meters
- Height: 2.8 meters
- Top Speed: 28 km/h
- Range: 180 km
- Main Armament: 75mm ABS SA35 gun and 47mm SA35 gun
4. Hotchkiss H35
The Hotchkiss H35 was a French light tank designed and manufactured by Hotchkiss from 1936 to 1940. This tank was known for its compact design, which featured a fully rotating turret and a rear-mounted engine. The Hotchkiss H35 was also equipped with a 37mm SA18 gun and a coaxial 7.92mm machine gun. Although it saw limited action during the Battle of France, the Hotchkiss H35 demonstrated its potential as a reliable and agile opponent on the battlefield.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 10 tons
- Length: 4.2 meters
- Width: 1.9 meters
- Height: 2.1 meters
- Top Speed: 28 km/h
- Range: 150 km
- Main Armament: 37mm SA18 gun
5. Renault R-35
The Renault R-35 was a French light tank designed and manufactured by Renault from 1936 to 1940. This tank was known for its innovative design, which featured a fully rotating turret, a rear-mounted engine, and a cast hull. The Renault R-35 was also equipped with a 37mm SA18 gun and a coaxial 7.92mm machine gun. Although it saw limited action during the Battle of France, the Renault R-35 demonstrated its potential as a reliable and agile opponent on the battlefield.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: 10 tons
- Length: 4.3 meters
- Width: 1.9 meters
- Height: 2.1 meters
- Top Speed: 20 km/h
- Range: 150 km
- Main Armament: 37mm SA18 gun
These five notable early WWII France tanks showcased the country's innovative spirit and engineering prowess. Despite facing numerous challenges during the Battle of France, these tanks demonstrated their potential as formidable opponents on the battlefield. Their designs and technologies paved the way for future tank development, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of armored warfare.
Early WWII France Tanks Image Gallery
What was the main advantage of the Renault FT tank?
+The main advantage of the Renault FT tank was its fully rotating turret, which provided a significant improvement in firepower and flexibility over earlier tank designs.
Which French tank had the thickest armor during WWII?
+The Char B1 had the thickest armor among French tanks during WWII, with a maximum armor thickness of 60mm.
What was the top speed of the Hotchkiss H35 tank?
+The top speed of the Hotchkiss H35 tank was approximately 28 km/h.
Which French tank had the longest range during WWII?
+The FCM 36 had the longest range among French tanks during WWII, with a maximum range of approximately 225 km.
What was the main armament of the Renault R-35 tank?
+The main armament of the Renault R-35 tank was a 37mm SA18 gun.