The tank’s hull armour consisted of bolted plates however the turret was single-cast. Although it was developed by Somua in 1935, the vehicle was considered a very good tank until 1940, and was in French service exclusively. This medium tank was intended for the French cavalry (actually tank) divisions. The French army used these tanks at all stages of war - in Europe, Syria, Tunisia and Algeria.

There were around 1500 vehicles built, of which more than 550 were exported. Renault R35 was the most popular French light tank of the Second World War.

This version of the tank resulted in 120 machines built. The new model’s weight has risen to 12.5 tons, and it received the designation R40. In 1938, the vehicle was modified by installing a long-barrelled 37mm gun and improving the chassis. The armour counted a maximum thickness of 44 mm. R35 weighed 10.6 tons, was armed with a 37mm cannon and a small calibre machine gun. However, the assembly process incorporated solutions common for the industry of the times, thus making the machine relatively cheap to produce. Compared to the FCM 36, it was not that innovative - the hull was just simple armour of bolted cast plates, installed almost vertically. This vehicle was designed in 1934 as an infantry support tank. Around 100 tanks of this type were built. The FCM 36 had fulfilled the requirements set by the military, but had two serious drawbacks: it was too heavy in its class and very expensive to produce. Also, the fully-welded hull was a novelty as well. The diesel engine delivered high power and was quite efficient. Its armour was reliable and installed under good angles that provided excellent protection from armour-piercing shells of the time. The prototype tank went on trial in April 1935, and in 1936, after a number of design improvements and the increase in armour thickness from 30 to 40 mm, it was accepted as the FCM 36.įrom the historical point of view, the tank can be safely called innovative. As a result, an open competition to develop a new tank infantry support was announced, and Forges et Chantiers de la Méditerranée (FCM) participated in it. Read more about the historical genesis of these French newcomers to World of Tanks:īy the thirties of last century, the French light tank Renault FT 17 became hopelessly outdated. This uniqueness has its roots in the history of the Second World War and the long years of France’s occupation, which interrupted the evolution of the French tank industry. The new branch of French tanks is quite interesting and it includes a total of seven machines.

Modern french light tank