Why does the Renault FT have a tail?

The FT’s tracks were kept automatically under tension to prevent derailments, while a rounded tail piece facilitated the crossing of trenches. Because the engine had been designed to function normally under any slant, very steep slopes could be negotiated by the Renault FT without loss of power.

How did the tank help to end trench warfare?

The Allies’ increased use of the tank in 1918 marked the beginning of the end of trench warfare, however, since the tank was invulnerable to the machine gun and rifle fire that were the trenches’ ultimate defense.

How did ww1 tanks work?

Rather than in the armored turrets seen today, much of the armament of these tanks was placed in armored boxes affixed to the sides of the vehicles. This placement, while limiting the field of fire of the guns, made it easier to fire down into trenches as the machines passed over or beside them.

How did the tank change ww1?

The tank was invented to break the stalemate of trench warfare on World War I’s European battlefields. As a result the defense was stronger than just about anything that could be thrown against it, so much so that infantrymen spent most of their time cowering in trenches and bunkers.

Did any of the French FT-17 tanks serve in WW1?

None of them saw active service on the front line. The letters FT do not stand for ‘first tank’ or the French terms ‘faible tonnage’ (low tonnage), ‘faible taille’ (small size), ‘franchisseur de tranchées’ (trench crosser), or ‘force terrestre’ (land force). It was not named the FT 17 or FT-17 during World War I.

What does the French word ft mean in tanks?

The letters FT do not stand for ‘first tank’ or the French terms ‘faible tonnage’ (low tonnage), ‘faible taille’ (small size), ‘franchisseur de tranchées’ (trench crosser), or ‘force terrestre’ (land force). It was not named the FT 17 or FT-17 during World War I. That happened after the war finished.

What is the history of the FT-17?

Kennedy Hickman is a historian, museum director, and curator who specializes in military and naval history. He has appeared on The History Channel as a featured expert. The Renault FT, often referred to as the FT-17, was a ground-breaking tank design which entered service in 1918.

Why did the M1917 tank fail?

The M1917 tank, like the French Renault tank, had a problem with barbed wire wrapping around the tracks and drive mechanism, causing the tank to stop. This left the tank crew vulnerable to concentrated artillery fire. Unlike the British heavy tanks, that would lead the infantry in an attack, the M1917 was used to support the infantry from behind.