Char B tank

Principal French heavy tank of World War II, developed in the 1930s.

Well-armoured and carrying a 47 mm turret gun and a 75 mm howitzer in the front face, it had a speed of about 29 kph/18 mph. Like other French designs of the period it had a one-man turret, the commander being expected to command, observe, and operate the gun all by himself. It also suffered from heavy fuel consumption and a vulnerable radiator easily pierced by enemy fire. About 320 were issued, most of which were either destroyed in action or abandoned for lack of fuel during 1940.