The Renault FT-17 or Automitrailleuse à chenilles Renault FT modèle 1917 was a French light tank; it is among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history. The FT-17 was the first tank with an armament in a fully rotating turret, and its configuration with the turret on top, engine in the back and the driver in front became the conventional one, repeated in most tanks until today; at the time it was a revolutionary innovation, causing armour historian Steven Zaloga to describe the type as "the world's first modern tank".
Renault FT-17 in Southern Victory[]
The FT-17 was still in the prototype stage and was hastily armed and thrown into the fight towards the end of the Great War in order to stem the failing French lines. However it appeared too late to prevent the collapse of France. Upon Irving Morrell's arrival at the Barrel Works in Kansas, he saw pictures and read reports on the FT-17 and was heavily influenced by its unique design. However, he thought the driver and commander communication methods were hilarious.[1]
Renault FT-17 in The War That Came Early[]
The FT-17 made up the majority of what little tanks, the Polish Army could field during the early years of the Second World War. Theo Hossbach knew even with the Panzer II's own short comings, it was a far better machine than the last war French model.[2]
References[]
- ↑ Blood and Iron, pg. 38 Paperback
- ↑ West and East, pg. 128
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