#  @Elan_Vital99 Elan Vital Elan Vital posts on X about renault, apx, france, to the the most. They currently have [---] followers and [--] posts still getting attention that total [---] engagements in the last [--] hours. ### Engagements: [---] [#](/creator/twitter::1723764596341620737/interactions)  - [--] Week [---] +25% - [--] Month [-----] +1,717% - [--] Months [------] +19% - [--] Year [-------] +144,567% ### Mentions: [--] [#](/creator/twitter::1723764596341620737/posts_active)  - [--] Months [--] -3% - [--] Year [--] +6,300% ### Followers: [---] [#](/creator/twitter::1723764596341620737/followers)  - [--] Week [---] -0.77% - [--] Month [---] -0.77% - [--] Months [---] +115% ### CreatorRank: [---------] [#](/creator/twitter::1723764596341620737/influencer_rank)  ### Social Influence **Social category influence** [automotive brands](/list/automotive-brands) 11.49% [technology brands](/list/technology-brands) 9.2% [countries](/list/countries) 5.75% [finance](/list/finance) 3.45% [formula 1](/list/formula-1) 1.15% [luxury brands](/list/luxury-brands) 1.15% **Social topic influence** [renault](/topic/renault) 10.34%, [apx](/topic/apx) #55, [france](/topic/france) 4.6%, [to the](/topic/to-the) 3.45%, [in the](/topic/in-the) 3.45%, [the first](/topic/the-first) 3.45%, [up to](/topic/up-to) 2.3%, [gun](/topic/gun) #2278, [end the](/topic/end-the) 2.3%, [compact](/topic/compact) 2.3% **Top accounts mentioned or mentioned by** [@calumdouglas1](/creator/undefined) [@tankarchives](/creator/undefined) [@deftechdudes](/creator/undefined) **Top assets mentioned** [Elanco Animal Health Incorporated Common Stock (ELAN)](/topic/$elan) ### Top Social Posts Top posts by engagements in the last [--] hours "The most defining feature of the S40 was an inclined track with the front idler moved forwards and upwards to improve wall-climbing capability and mobility in general. With an extra roadwheel a return roller and [--] track links this increased weight by [---] kg. 2/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2019730757137342816) 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The hull was modified by lowering the front end by 14cm (bottom plan) with modified stowage and lowered crew seats which restored normal visibility and total tank height while saving 400kg (almost the weight of the suspension). Floor armor was standardized at 20mm. 3/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2019730761885335811) 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The ARL 2C turret similar to the ARL [--] I described for the B1 Ter but thinned down to 40mm was contemplated for most S40s adding 500kg. As it used power from the engine to traverse a set of electrical batteries was deleted while the other got increased capacity. 4/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2019730765664432510) 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The engine was bored out by 5mm to 125mm increasing power by [--] hp to 220-230hp. This was to be retrofitted to the S35s. It was contemplated to use a Kegresse Autoserve automatic gearbox and a hydraulically-assisted steering unit making for an easier driving experience. 5/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2019730768780836907) 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "Though the CAM [--] had not been fitted with all its intended gunnery equipment and the cupola had been incorrectly fixed it was found to be a good firing platform though it was requested to move the engine compartment bulkhead 10cm rearwards to increase space. 6/9" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2020445649758568736) 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The Tracteur V1 which was designed from the start as an SPG was found more optimal than the SOMUA (double the ammo capacity more room). Nonetheless [--] production SOMUA would be ordered in late [----]. Some documents show the designation CAM [--] with a proposed S.A.40. 7/9" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2020445654254830032) 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "In 1939-40 the French Cavalry decided to combine ongoing developments of the SOMUA S35 into a single new production standard known as the SOMUA AC5 or S40. It was to enter production from the 451st vehicle onwards with up to [---] S40s and [--] spare carcasses ordered. 1/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2019730752582349250) 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [----] engagements "It was also contemplated to set the radiator horizontally to save space for easier access to powertrain components and add an extra 100L of fuel (70km of range). An intercom was to be introduced as a standard and retrofitted to the S35s. 6/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2019730772996010255) 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "Finally various reliability maintainability and durability improvements were to be introduced cementing the S40 as a more mobile reliable and convenient tank to operate. Its imminent introduction (July-October 1940) was prevented by the Fall of France. 7/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2019730776150163918) 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "As part of the program for a French 75mm SPG the construction of a prototype of the SOMUA's CAM [--] proposal (left) was accepted in [----]. It would be completed in [----] and tested during [----] alongside the ARL's Tracteur V1 (right). The former is commonly known as the SAu [--]. 1/9" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2020445631072842175) 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Both designs shared the same 75mm APX L802 gun a 30-cal design derived from the Mle 1932/33 casemate guns capable of firing AP at [---] m/s and HE at [---] m/s. It was fitted with an automatic breech and a powered rammer to facilitate loading at high angles. 2/9" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2020445635044876371) 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The short barrel length and a device to recess the gun at an angle inside the tank minimized overhang when driving limiting the risk of the gun hitting the ground as could happen with casemated tanks with long guns. 3/9" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2020445638203195443) 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "In early [----] it was decided to add (or change) the order to [--] Somuas armed with the 47mm SA37 antitank gun reportedly for antitank and anti-concrete purposes. This was later cancelled in late May [----] owing to the need to produce as many regular tanks as possible. 8/9" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/2020445659053047916) 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "Other proposals in the tank destroyer role contemplated the fitting of the 47mm SA37 (or the APX L819 more optimal for confined spaces) on a more-heavily armored S.A.40's chassis. 9/9" [X Link](https://x.com/anyuser/status/2020445661913608248) 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The competitor to the SOMUA CAM [--] was the ARL Tracteur/Char V1 designed since [----] (when the ARL was still part of the APX). The vehicle was more optimized as an SPG and embodied many desirable features compared to other French tracked vehicles. 1/8" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2021273114101923962) 2026-02-10T17:20Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "This led in late 39/early [--] to a Brandt V12 fuel-injected gasoline engine delivering the specified power with unusually low specific fuel consumption (220 g/hp/hr) at a displacement of 14.3L and a 17.65L carburetted Talbot V12 delivering the specified power. 7/8" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2021273134138040727) 2026-02-10T17:20Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The latter Talbot engine could also be tuned to deliver 325hp at [----] rpm and 380hp at [----] rpm. [--] and then a total of [---] ARL V1s were ordered but France fell before the first production vehicles could be issued starting from October [----]. 8/8" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2021273136759509220) 2026-02-10T17:20Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "@CalumDouglas1 Had the front in Northeastern France/Belgium held it would have been interesting to see if such a campaign could grow into a joint Anglo-French bombing campaign once the French can accumulate enough ready modern bombers" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1828135469248585969) 2024-08-26T18:20Z [--] followers, [---] engagements "A proposal for a French Lorraine TRC 37L tank refueling vehicle mounted with a one-man open top turret armed with the 47mm SA35 tank gun dated December 12th [----] as part of a slew of studies for tank destroyers. 1/2" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1925650710709797202) 2025-05-22T20:31Z [--] followers, [----] engagements "December [----] was a busy month for the French APX design bureau tasked with the preliminary development of multiple tank destroyers. One such study described in a December 21st note was for a 47mm SA39 AT gun (SA37 with muzzle brake) mounted on a FT chassis. 1/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1925946825367814290) 2025-05-23T16:08Z [--] followers, [---] engagements "@CalumDouglas1 But in the end the Dutch War Scare and invasion of Czechia led Chamberlain to reverse his Limited Liability policy and return to the Continental Committment expanding the Army programme in early [----]. So was it really necessary to do the [----] cuts 1/2" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1931635310636445974) 2025-06-08T08:52Z [--] followers, [---] engagements "As part of improvements to new production Renault R35 light tanks the AMX drew up a new front end casting (part between the red lines) with revized armor distribution depending on the angle in November [----]. 1/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1932363606194065841) 2025-06-10T09:05Z [--] followers, 14.4K engagements "It was quickly realized during troop trials of the Renault R35 that its suspension performed poorly on wet ground making it no faster than the Renault FT. A report from 2/14/1939 on the AMX suspension of the future R40 noted the following major improvements: 1/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1932865382454603807) 2025-06-11T18:19Z [--] followers, 12.5K engagements "- more stable firing platform offroad - The engine is pushed less hard offroad and takes in less dust so it wears out more slowly Additionally it could handle more weight and rebalanced the tank which was quite front heavy with the original suspension. 6/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1932865397708964097) 2025-06-11T18:19Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "The AMX suspension was applied to production tanks from April [----] onwards. For existing tanks the plan would be to either apply a similar but worse Renault suspension or to fit the AMX suspension in Fall-Winter 1940-1941 when many R35s would undergo general overhauls. 7/7" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1932865400112300073) 2025-06-11T18:19Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "In Spring [----] the APX was enquired about the possibility of putting a 240mm Batignolles long trench mortar on the FT tank chassis. APX concluded that the mortar was impossible to operate and that the stresses of this non-recoiling mortar would be too much for the chassis. 1/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1933805437494886530) 2025-06-14T08:35Z [--] followers, 17.9K engagements "The AMX entry in the [----] French 45t heavy tank program was the young design bureau's first in-house design developped about two twin-350hp diesel engine options: the existing CLM Type G-A-S and the new much more compact Aster V12 700hp in total for [--] tonnes. 1/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1936163860555161603) 2025-06-20T20:46Z [--] followers, [----] engagements "Anticipating the need for very powerful antitank weapons the French started development of a special platform for naval 75mm Mle [----] and 90mm CA39 guns towed by a tractor (a turretless Renault AMC [--] for the prototype) in early [----]. Prototypes were expected in late May. 1/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1937126268476022952) 2025-06-23T12:31Z [--] followers, [----] engagements "With a total horizontal firing arc of [--] the 75mm mle.1908 was expected to penetrate 108mm at [--] and 500m using capped steel shot (6.4kg at [---] m/s) while the [---] m/s 90mm would penetrate 125mm under the same conditions and even more with a 90/75 subcaliber shot. 2/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1937126272792228002) 2025-06-23T12:31Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "@Tank_Archives Sometimes I wonder if some German tank destroyers should have done the same: if the driveshaft is deleted it could allow lower and lighter hulls barrel overhang would be reduced and rear casemate doors could facilitate ammo replenishment" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1937831584683442588) 2025-06-25T11:13Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "All of the 1939-40 French AFV projects from the AMX bar the light tanks used parts and studies for the carrier then in development for the 370mm howitzer from the Tarbes artillery establishment (ATS) meant to engage the Siegfried line and other fortifications. 1/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1939366681723154488) 2025-06-29T16:53Z [--] followers, [----] engagements "This howitzer could throw a 516kg projectile with 143kg of explosives at [--] 500m and used either a tracked carrier or towed wheeled carriages to be road-transportable allowing the engagement of fortifications even if rail tracks were unavailable for railway artillery. 2/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1939366688950018368) 2025-06-29T16:53Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "@DefTechDudes Closest thing would be the lone 520mm railway howitzer left in [----] the [---] is somewhat longer range and can fire more often than Karl but is a lot less destructive. It is also lighter and probably more mobile" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1939746424662499517) 2025-06-30T18:02Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "As early as November [----] before official requirements for future tanks were drafted in December the French AMX design bureau started development of a battle tank using elements from its 370mm howitzer carrier which would get the designation "AMX Tracteur B" 1/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1948322704878133265) 2025-07-24T10:01Z [--] followers, 10.7K engagements "In [----] France launched a program for an amphibious combat armored car. Following testing of the resulting DP2 (left) the Batignolles-Chtillon company embarked on the development of a radically improved design the DP3 in [----]. 1/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1950829995389026500) 2025-07-31T08:04Z [--] followers, 13.7K engagements "The DP3 replaced the running gear with that of the Renault R40 with envelopping tracks to increase buoyant volume. Automotive elements were lightened with the gearbox replaced by a Cotal preselector type. The engine was a [---] hp Hispano V12 Type [--] Bis. 2/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1950829999809863784) 2025-07-31T08:04Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "In [----] the French army requested one of the Char D2 prototypes (n2002) for testing a flamethrower located in the hull and fired by the driver. The prototype also using a [---] hp Renault diesel engine was completed in [----]. A fuel tank replaced the turret on the roof. 1/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951694077625295059) 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [----] engagements "The fuel was in turn moved to 20-25mm-thick armored tanks on the sides carrying [----] to 1500L. These would add some [---] tonnes lowering the top speed from [--] to [--] kph and increasing engine wear while the suspension was still adequate. 3/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951694084185235687) 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "Given the increased weight the low power and age of the original petrol engines their consequently low durability the ARL suggested their replacement with the Somua S35's [---] hp V8 or the Hispano Suiza 240-50 hp V12 as the transmission could handle [---] hp. 4/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951694086953418800) 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "The tanks would initially retain their existing engine the new ones may be fielded later on. Both the n2002 and [----] prototypes would be lost during the battle of France n2003 being tragically taken out by friendly fire with the pilot mortally wounded. 5/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951694089398710416) 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "How faithful were Wargaming's depiction of the Char B2 and B3 Specified in [----] these were to be successors to the Char B1 which was then a 22t tank with a machinegun turret [---] hp engine 25mm of armor and a [---] m/s hull gun. 1/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951925375308636520) 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [----] engagements "Both were to be built around the same automotive components namely a 18-cylinder [---] hp Lorraine diesel engine and around 40-50mm of armor (this varied between sources). They would differ mainly in weight armament and turrets. The B2 was limited to [--] tonnes the B3 to [--]. 2/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951925378231968027) 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "The B2 would carry the [---] m/s 75mm Mle [----] casemate gun with [--] of traverse in the hull and a turret armed with the [---] m/s 47mm SA34 like the B1/D1's ST2. The B3 would retain the B1's short hull gun but would carry a turret with the [---] m/s 47mm AC34 casemate gun. 3/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951925381155426720) 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "In the end the B1's progression to the B1 Bis with 60mm of armor a [---] m/s [--] and [---] m/s [--] and increased engine power led to the cancellation of B2 and B3 in favor of more ambitious specs with heavier armor eventually leading to the ARL [--] Variant C and S heavy tanks. 4/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951925383680389310) 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "Here Wargaming's B2 is depicted as a weird B1 Bis lacking the long 75mm with horizontal traverse and using anachronistic turret+gun combo. The B3 has a miniturret and the gun is way too large to be the [--] AC34. The turret would probably be further forward. 5/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951925385655972177) 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "In reality the B2 and B3 probably looked more like less advanced ARL [--] C and S respectively. It is still unfortunate that Wargaming didn't find plans of the B2 and B3 they could have built up a neat branch of heavy tanks. 6/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1951925388512288943) 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "The design also removed the observation cupola on the ARL [--] 90mm turret to better fit in the loading gauge. This was coupled with the ARL [--] turret (47mm SA35 120mm armor basis). The hull itself kept 120mm minimum at the front 100mm sides 40mm belly and roof. 2/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1953097549453091087) 2025-08-06T14:15Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "In fact the sloped plates had 100mm at [--] and [--] as much as early Tiger II concepts. The engines were two Aster V12 diesels of 450-500 hp more modern economical in fuel and durable than the converted [---] hp Renault [--] KGM aircraft engines powering the competitors. 3/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1953097553160921258) 2025-08-06T14:15Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "But the AMX was too late with a prototype only expected in July [----]. The project was instead cancelled to focus on the ARL and especially FCM prototypes which could be expected in late [----] and March [----] respectively. 4/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1953097556067533060) 2025-08-06T14:15Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "The ARL [--] turret was the low-risk alternative to the ARL [--] for the reworked Char de [--] tonnes/G1 battle tank project with the armament concentrated in the turret. Design started in June [----] with the Fives-Lille company as the main partner of the ARL design bureau. 1/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1961771357017907454) 2025-08-30T12:41Z [--] followers, 12.1K engagements "This was armed with the powerful 47mm mle.1934 casemate gun and a 7.5mm MG cupola (no coax). The armor was 60mm all around for a complete weight of [----] kg. The 1550mm turret ring diameter (to ball bearings) was later increased to the same value as the ARL [--] (1680mm). 2/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1961771362273415564) 2025-08-30T12:41Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "The intent was to: - increase engine power to [---] PS with a new carburettor (clutch and transmission resized accordingly) - install a reverser instead of the Naeder to steer in place and aim the gun - install a new ARL gearbox which was cheaper and 222mm shorter. 3/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1962552571018486104) 2025-09-01T16:26Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "- install the 75mm in a new mount with horizontal traverse for easier aiming and a better layout - stow up to [---] 75mm rounds instead of [--] and [--] 47mm rounds while stowing them more rationally in accessible bins - implement up to [---] kg of weight savings. 4/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1962552576815112310) 2025-09-01T16:26Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "Rather than make a thicker casting for the APX-4 turret the B1 Ter program called for new improved turrets on November 30th [----]. This work would lead to the ARL [--] (left in cooperation with the Fives-Lille company already tasked with the ARL 1) and the [--] FCM (right). 1/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1963999257142153583) 2025-09-05T16:14Z [--] followers, [----] engagements "The fixed cupola has [--] episcopes covering a [---] FoV along with a panoramic Gundlach periscope. Coupled with episcopes in the rear side plates and a slit in the door the commander has much better instantaneous FoVs and fewer blind-spots than the APX-4. 2/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1978378938284933271) 2025-10-15T08:34Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "A 7-round ready rack and a spare MG mag (nothing in APX-4) means that the commander can start engagements without reaching down immediately for more ammo. The observation devices were laid out to minimize the time taken to switch from observation to gunnery. 3/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1978378944408592514) 2025-10-15T08:34Z [--] followers, [--] engagements "The Tarbes 370mm SP howitzer in [----]. Back then fitted with a 350hp diesel-electric powerplant (the [--] Aster V12 diesel from the AMX heavy tank) to reach up to [--] kph. Range: [--] 300m. Weight: [--] tonnes without the gun and [--] with it. 1/2" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1980921579564630121) 2025-10-22T08:58Z [---] followers, [----] engagements "The gun would be mated to the carrier close to the firing position then would be set up on an anchoring platform. The required vehicles would all weigh under the 44t limit for road/rail transport. The ammo carrier contained [--] rounds and extra fuel. 2/2" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1980921585155576122) 2025-10-22T08:58Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Though aging the French 105mm Mle [----] field gun was to still play a major role in the WW2 Army including as a potential gun for the fortification assault tanks (ARL [--] turret here). As a result some anti-armor and anti-concrete capability was sought. 1/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990336694168805569) 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, 12.2K engagements "The Armament Fabrication Central Labs (LCFA) would end up developping [--] different designs from February [----] onwards. The 105-40-2 was an APCBC extrapolated from a new 90mm projectile weighing 17.5kg and shot at [---] m/s enough to engage 80mm-thick cemented plate at 500m. 2/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990336703102382151) 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Seeking better performance the 105-40-2 was lightened to 15.635kg as the 105-40-4 shot at [---] m/s. A heavy APCR projectile of identical weight and velocity using 75mm solid shot APCBC as cores was mooted as the 105-40-3 extrapolated from the 75-40-4 below. 3/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990336708777582637) 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "It was hoped that this would allow engagement of 120mm cemented plate. It was estimated that 105-40-2 would perforate at 30: 90mm at 0m and 81mm at 500m and 105-40-3 at 30: [---] or 128mm at [--] and [--] or 116mm at 500m (the higher figure if unusual quality is obtained). 4/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990336713210933339) 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Brandt got involved as well offering APDS with 75mm Mle [----] APHE as the core shot at [---] m/s providing similar performance to the US [--] M1 and German 75mm PaK [--]. The first table gives the limit angles against cemented plate while the others give results at [--]. 5/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990336717371687308) 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Aside from the [---] Mle [--] guns using [--] Mle [----] ammo were also being contemplated on French tanks (such as this ARL [--] heavy tank in casemate) prompting research on better AP ammunition than the old Mle [----] APHE from [----] onwards. 1/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990821937396830554) 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, 32.7K engagements "By [----] research on traditional ammo had resulted in the Mle [----] solid shot APCBC offering reduced cost no premature detonation risk improved ballistics and much improved effectiveness against cemented plate. At [---] m/s 80mm at low angles was about the max. 2/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990821941133881571) 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [----] engagements "50k such rounds at least were on order from the Firminy steelworks. On tanks this would be fired by the L/30 APX L802 a derivative of the 75mm Mle 32/33 at [---] m/s. This had a spring-operated rammer to eliminate human effort for this operation esp at high angles. 2/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990821945412046922) 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Seeking maximum power for the fortress tanks a modified L802 would achieve [---] m/s increasing limit of behind-armor effects to nearly 120mm. Though no pic exists this most likely mirrored field [---] m/s [--] guns then in development in 1939-40. 3/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990821947672850780) 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Like the US 75mm M3 the latter were designed for increased pressure (260-270 MPa instead of 240-250) increased powder charge from [---] to 900g and featured barrel lengths between [----] and about [--] calibers (even L/34.5 from the Mle [--] sufficed). 4/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990821949883183361) 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "For even greater AP capability the central laboratories would research a heavy APCR the 75-40-3 shot at [---] m/s instead of [---] m/s. This was expected to defeat at 30: 82-103mm at 0m and 72-90mm at 500m depending on quality while APCBC did [--] and 63mm respectively. 5/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990821952966058460) 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Brandt was once again involved using APDS at [---] m/s (from a regular Mle 97) expected to defeat nearly identical targets as the LCFA's 75-40-3 heavy APCR. The results of live fire trials are more in line with pessimistic APCR estimates but remain impressive. 6/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1990821959060341050) 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Pending the arrival of new fortification assault tanks in [----] the French 51st tank battalion operated the [--] remaining FCM 2C (including [--] in reserve at Verdun). Battalion commander FOURNET would send a report in February [----] to discuss changes to increase their lifetime. 1/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1991148889735385339) 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, 12.1K engagements "Out of [--] tanks [--] still used very worn Mercedes engines that could yield a paltry 140hp each. The others used Maybach engines modified by the ARL which could deliver 240-250hp each and were in excellent condition. The factory could modify [--] more in [--] months (19 in stocks). 2/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1991148893422182722) 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "It was recommended to convert all tanks to the Maybachs and create a reserve of spares enough for the 2Cs which could run for [---] hours. Seeking improved protection the battalion modified tank n97 with 45mm and 25mm plates from unoperational tanks. 3/5" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1991148896823742888) 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "This yielded 90mm for the front and [--] to 65mm on the sides by adding 25/40mm plates while a 50mm-thick double roof was added (photo at a 10% weight penalty which didn't impair reliability too much and maintained an offroad speed of [----] kph. 4/5 http://xn--chars-franais-rgb.net http://xn--chars-franais-rgb.net" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1991148900145611160) 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "Lorraine's entry into the Char de [--] tonnes program as of 1936- early [----] (future Char G1) with a drawing displayed in French historian Stphane Ferrard's "L'Aventure des chars" and a model done by the magazine GBM issue n78. 1/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1996358435236188536) 2025-12-03T23:18Z [---] followers, 11.6K engagements "One of the shortest and narrowest entries (6.5x2.44x2.5m) it was then estimated at [----] tonnes with an Hispano-Suiza Type [--] Bis [---] hp V12 [---] litres of fuel (enough for [--] hours or 250km) an APX [--] 47mm turret and a 60mm basis. [--] kph with twin Cotal gearboxes. 2/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1996358439753445600) 2025-12-03T23:18Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "In line with the original concept of a light and simple 60mm basis "infantry S35" this small design was ill-suited to the later requirement for a 75mm hull gun mounting instead a second 47mm gun. When a 75mm in a turret was later requested the design was radically changed. 3/3" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1996358443142455601) 2025-12-03T23:18Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "A 3rd specimen with minor changes to make loading fully satisfactory was accepted in August [----] as the basis for mass production with a 1st batch of [---] already ordered and [---] more to follow. Deliveries began in late [----] with some [---] reportedly built by the Armistice. 3/X" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1999796496527749471) 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "This L34 gun shot a 700g APC shot at [---] m/s and a 600g HE shell loaded with 60g of melinite explosive at [---] m/s. The former tested in [----] was shown to defeat 40mm RHA plate at up to 450m at [--] and up to [--] at the muzzle. 20mm at [--] at 800m and [--] at 400m. 4/X" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1999796628920869220) 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The armor was 100mm all around though some parts could be thickened to 120mm at a penalty of [--] tonnes. The bottom was 40mm-thick while the top was 60mm thick. Mostly rolled steel entirely welded. A ventilation system against combat gases was also present. 3/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2000944521107136972) 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "2 550hp Renault 12KGM engines were mounted in the middle with generators while (Alsthom)electric traction motors were placed at the rear all accessible through roof hatches. 2500L of gasoline was carried allowing a range of 8-9 hours or 200km with a top speed of 20-24kph. 4/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2000944524450058623) 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "4 crew sat in the front compartment (driver radio 47mm turret gunner-loader front machinegunner) while [--] sat at the rear (commander-gunner-loader in the 90mm turret [--] side machinegunners which can supply the ammo or work as mechanics). The radio was the B1's ER51 Mle [--]. 5/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2000944530657546426) 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "The armament was a 90mm CA39 (11.2kg APCBC at [---] m/s) and a 47mm APX L819 (1.71kg APCBC at [---] m/s) in the turrets with one coax each twin MGs in the front hull and one MG per side with 84-88 90mm [---] 47mm rounds and 50-58 MG mags (7500-8700 rounds). 6/6" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/2000944533765489099) 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "As later specified for future battle tanks it was faster (35-40 kph with at least [--] hp/t) more heavily armored (60 to 80mm with some areas more effective than that) and carried a higher velocity 47mm antitank gun at [----] tonnes or at least less than the 45t maximum. 2/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1948322709584200000) 2025-07-24T10:01Z [---] followers, [--] engagements "Fitting in a 1285mm wide hole (could even fit within a B1 Bis/Ter hull-1300mm) the turret however had only one man instead of the [--] specified. The gun was the APX L819 a compact turret version of the SA [--] with shorter recoil (300 instead of 500mm) and a spring recuperator. 3/4" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1948322714076185065) 2025-07-24T10:01Z [---] followers, [---] engagements "The prototype of the 37mm SA [--] (briefly called Mle 35) underwent trials in late [----] in a R35 tank. Meant as a straight replacement of the weaker SA18 (of which [----] guns existed) in the APX-R turret the first specimen looked quite different from serial production models. 1/X" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1999796490760282229) 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [----] engagements "With an overall length of 1650mm the 1st specimen proved difficult to use with worse working conditions than in the Renault FT. A 2nd specimen shortened it to 1525mm (modifications to the breech end) giving 285mm of free space behind the gun and satisfactory conditions. 2/X" [X Link](https://x.com/Elan_Vital99/status/1999796494220607911) 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [--] engagements Limited data mode. Full metrics available with subscription: lunarcrush.com/pricing
@Elan_Vital99 Elan Vital
Elan Vital posts on X about renault, apx, france, to the the most. They currently have [---] followers and [--] posts still getting attention that total [---] engagements in the last [--] hours.
Engagements: [---] #
- [--] Week [---] +25%
- [--] Month [-----] +1,717%
- [--] Months [------] +19%
- [--] Year [-------] +144,567%
Mentions: [--] #
- [--] Months [--] -3%
- [--] Year [--] +6,300%
Followers: [---] #
- [--] Week [---] -0.77%
- [--] Month [---] -0.77%
- [--] Months [---] +115%
CreatorRank: [---------] #
Social Influence
Social category influence automotive brands 11.49% technology brands 9.2% countries 5.75% finance 3.45% formula 1 1.15% luxury brands 1.15%
Social topic influence renault 10.34%, apx #55, france 4.6%, to the 3.45%, in the 3.45%, the first 3.45%, up to 2.3%, gun #2278, end the 2.3%, compact 2.3%
Top accounts mentioned or mentioned by @calumdouglas1 @tankarchives @deftechdudes
Top assets mentioned Elanco Animal Health Incorporated Common Stock (ELAN)
Top Social Posts
Top posts by engagements in the last [--] hours
"The most defining feature of the S40 was an inclined track with the front idler moved forwards and upwards to improve wall-climbing capability and mobility in general. With an extra roadwheel a return roller and [--] track links this increased weight by [---] kg. 2/7"
X Link 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The hull was modified by lowering the front end by 14cm (bottom plan) with modified stowage and lowered crew seats which restored normal visibility and total tank height while saving 400kg (almost the weight of the suspension). Floor armor was standardized at 20mm. 3/7"
X Link 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The ARL 2C turret similar to the ARL [--] I described for the B1 Ter but thinned down to 40mm was contemplated for most S40s adding 500kg. As it used power from the engine to traverse a set of electrical batteries was deleted while the other got increased capacity. 4/7"
X Link 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The engine was bored out by 5mm to 125mm increasing power by [--] hp to 220-230hp. This was to be retrofitted to the S35s. It was contemplated to use a Kegresse Autoserve automatic gearbox and a hydraulically-assisted steering unit making for an easier driving experience. 5/7"
X Link 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"Though the CAM [--] had not been fitted with all its intended gunnery equipment and the cupola had been incorrectly fixed it was found to be a good firing platform though it was requested to move the engine compartment bulkhead 10cm rearwards to increase space. 6/9"
X Link 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The Tracteur V1 which was designed from the start as an SPG was found more optimal than the SOMUA (double the ammo capacity more room). Nonetheless [--] production SOMUA would be ordered in late [----]. Some documents show the designation CAM [--] with a proposed S.A.40. 7/9"
X Link 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"In 1939-40 the French Cavalry decided to combine ongoing developments of the SOMUA S35 into a single new production standard known as the SOMUA AC5 or S40. It was to enter production from the 451st vehicle onwards with up to [---] S40s and [--] spare carcasses ordered. 1/7"
X Link 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [----] engagements
"It was also contemplated to set the radiator horizontally to save space for easier access to powertrain components and add an extra 100L of fuel (70km of range). An intercom was to be introduced as a standard and retrofitted to the S35s. 6/7"
X Link 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"Finally various reliability maintainability and durability improvements were to be introduced cementing the S40 as a more mobile reliable and convenient tank to operate. Its imminent introduction (July-October 1940) was prevented by the Fall of France. 7/7"
X Link 2026-02-06T11:11Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"As part of the program for a French 75mm SPG the construction of a prototype of the SOMUA's CAM [--] proposal (left) was accepted in [----]. It would be completed in [----] and tested during [----] alongside the ARL's Tracteur V1 (right). The former is commonly known as the SAu [--]. 1/9"
X Link 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Both designs shared the same 75mm APX L802 gun a 30-cal design derived from the Mle 1932/33 casemate guns capable of firing AP at [---] m/s and HE at [---] m/s. It was fitted with an automatic breech and a powered rammer to facilitate loading at high angles. 2/9"
X Link 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The short barrel length and a device to recess the gun at an angle inside the tank minimized overhang when driving limiting the risk of the gun hitting the ground as could happen with casemated tanks with long guns. 3/9"
X Link 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"In early [----] it was decided to add (or change) the order to [--] Somuas armed with the 47mm SA37 antitank gun reportedly for antitank and anti-concrete purposes. This was later cancelled in late May [----] owing to the need to produce as many regular tanks as possible. 8/9"
X Link 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"Other proposals in the tank destroyer role contemplated the fitting of the 47mm SA37 (or the APX L819 more optimal for confined spaces) on a more-heavily armored S.A.40's chassis. 9/9"
X Link 2026-02-08T10:32Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The competitor to the SOMUA CAM [--] was the ARL Tracteur/Char V1 designed since [----] (when the ARL was still part of the APX). The vehicle was more optimized as an SPG and embodied many desirable features compared to other French tracked vehicles. 1/8"
X Link 2026-02-10T17:20Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"This led in late 39/early [--] to a Brandt V12 fuel-injected gasoline engine delivering the specified power with unusually low specific fuel consumption (220 g/hp/hr) at a displacement of 14.3L and a 17.65L carburetted Talbot V12 delivering the specified power. 7/8"
X Link 2026-02-10T17:20Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The latter Talbot engine could also be tuned to deliver 325hp at [----] rpm and 380hp at [----] rpm. [--] and then a total of [---] ARL V1s were ordered but France fell before the first production vehicles could be issued starting from October [----]. 8/8"
X Link 2026-02-10T17:20Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"@CalumDouglas1 Had the front in Northeastern France/Belgium held it would have been interesting to see if such a campaign could grow into a joint Anglo-French bombing campaign once the French can accumulate enough ready modern bombers"
X Link 2024-08-26T18:20Z [--] followers, [---] engagements
"A proposal for a French Lorraine TRC 37L tank refueling vehicle mounted with a one-man open top turret armed with the 47mm SA35 tank gun dated December 12th [----] as part of a slew of studies for tank destroyers. 1/2"
X Link 2025-05-22T20:31Z [--] followers, [----] engagements
"December [----] was a busy month for the French APX design bureau tasked with the preliminary development of multiple tank destroyers. One such study described in a December 21st note was for a 47mm SA39 AT gun (SA37 with muzzle brake) mounted on a FT chassis. 1/3"
X Link 2025-05-23T16:08Z [--] followers, [---] engagements
"@CalumDouglas1 But in the end the Dutch War Scare and invasion of Czechia led Chamberlain to reverse his Limited Liability policy and return to the Continental Committment expanding the Army programme in early [----]. So was it really necessary to do the [----] cuts 1/2"
X Link 2025-06-08T08:52Z [--] followers, [---] engagements
"As part of improvements to new production Renault R35 light tanks the AMX drew up a new front end casting (part between the red lines) with revized armor distribution depending on the angle in November [----]. 1/5"
X Link 2025-06-10T09:05Z [--] followers, 14.4K engagements
"It was quickly realized during troop trials of the Renault R35 that its suspension performed poorly on wet ground making it no faster than the Renault FT. A report from 2/14/1939 on the AMX suspension of the future R40 noted the following major improvements: 1/7"
X Link 2025-06-11T18:19Z [--] followers, 12.5K engagements
"- more stable firing platform offroad - The engine is pushed less hard offroad and takes in less dust so it wears out more slowly Additionally it could handle more weight and rebalanced the tank which was quite front heavy with the original suspension. 6/7"
X Link 2025-06-11T18:19Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"The AMX suspension was applied to production tanks from April [----] onwards. For existing tanks the plan would be to either apply a similar but worse Renault suspension or to fit the AMX suspension in Fall-Winter 1940-1941 when many R35s would undergo general overhauls. 7/7"
X Link 2025-06-11T18:19Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"In Spring [----] the APX was enquired about the possibility of putting a 240mm Batignolles long trench mortar on the FT tank chassis. APX concluded that the mortar was impossible to operate and that the stresses of this non-recoiling mortar would be too much for the chassis. 1/3"
X Link 2025-06-14T08:35Z [--] followers, 17.9K engagements
"The AMX entry in the [----] French 45t heavy tank program was the young design bureau's first in-house design developped about two twin-350hp diesel engine options: the existing CLM Type G-A-S and the new much more compact Aster V12 700hp in total for [--] tonnes. 1/3"
X Link 2025-06-20T20:46Z [--] followers, [----] engagements
"Anticipating the need for very powerful antitank weapons the French started development of a special platform for naval 75mm Mle [----] and 90mm CA39 guns towed by a tractor (a turretless Renault AMC [--] for the prototype) in early [----]. Prototypes were expected in late May. 1/3"
X Link 2025-06-23T12:31Z [--] followers, [----] engagements
"With a total horizontal firing arc of [--] the 75mm mle.1908 was expected to penetrate 108mm at [--] and 500m using capped steel shot (6.4kg at [---] m/s) while the [---] m/s 90mm would penetrate 125mm under the same conditions and even more with a 90/75 subcaliber shot. 2/3"
X Link 2025-06-23T12:31Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"@Tank_Archives Sometimes I wonder if some German tank destroyers should have done the same: if the driveshaft is deleted it could allow lower and lighter hulls barrel overhang would be reduced and rear casemate doors could facilitate ammo replenishment"
X Link 2025-06-25T11:13Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"All of the 1939-40 French AFV projects from the AMX bar the light tanks used parts and studies for the carrier then in development for the 370mm howitzer from the Tarbes artillery establishment (ATS) meant to engage the Siegfried line and other fortifications. 1/3"
X Link 2025-06-29T16:53Z [--] followers, [----] engagements
"This howitzer could throw a 516kg projectile with 143kg of explosives at [--] 500m and used either a tracked carrier or towed wheeled carriages to be road-transportable allowing the engagement of fortifications even if rail tracks were unavailable for railway artillery. 2/3"
X Link 2025-06-29T16:53Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"@DefTechDudes Closest thing would be the lone 520mm railway howitzer left in [----] the [---] is somewhat longer range and can fire more often than Karl but is a lot less destructive. It is also lighter and probably more mobile"
X Link 2025-06-30T18:02Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"As early as November [----] before official requirements for future tanks were drafted in December the French AMX design bureau started development of a battle tank using elements from its 370mm howitzer carrier which would get the designation "AMX Tracteur B" 1/4"
X Link 2025-07-24T10:01Z [--] followers, 10.7K engagements
"In [----] France launched a program for an amphibious combat armored car. Following testing of the resulting DP2 (left) the Batignolles-Chtillon company embarked on the development of a radically improved design the DP3 in [----]. 1/4"
X Link 2025-07-31T08:04Z [--] followers, 13.7K engagements
"The DP3 replaced the running gear with that of the Renault R40 with envelopping tracks to increase buoyant volume. Automotive elements were lightened with the gearbox replaced by a Cotal preselector type. The engine was a [---] hp Hispano V12 Type [--] Bis. 2/4"
X Link 2025-07-31T08:04Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"In [----] the French army requested one of the Char D2 prototypes (n2002) for testing a flamethrower located in the hull and fired by the driver. The prototype also using a [---] hp Renault diesel engine was completed in [----]. A fuel tank replaced the turret on the roof. 1/5"
X Link 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [----] engagements
"The fuel was in turn moved to 20-25mm-thick armored tanks on the sides carrying [----] to 1500L. These would add some [---] tonnes lowering the top speed from [--] to [--] kph and increasing engine wear while the suspension was still adequate. 3/5"
X Link 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"Given the increased weight the low power and age of the original petrol engines their consequently low durability the ARL suggested their replacement with the Somua S35's [---] hp V8 or the Hispano Suiza 240-50 hp V12 as the transmission could handle [---] hp. 4/5"
X Link 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"The tanks would initially retain their existing engine the new ones may be fielded later on. Both the n2002 and [----] prototypes would be lost during the battle of France n2003 being tragically taken out by friendly fire with the pilot mortally wounded. 5/5"
X Link 2025-08-02T17:18Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"How faithful were Wargaming's depiction of the Char B2 and B3 Specified in [----] these were to be successors to the Char B1 which was then a 22t tank with a machinegun turret [---] hp engine 25mm of armor and a [---] m/s hull gun. 1/6"
X Link 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [----] engagements
"Both were to be built around the same automotive components namely a 18-cylinder [---] hp Lorraine diesel engine and around 40-50mm of armor (this varied between sources). They would differ mainly in weight armament and turrets. The B2 was limited to [--] tonnes the B3 to [--]. 2/6"
X Link 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"The B2 would carry the [---] m/s 75mm Mle [----] casemate gun with [--] of traverse in the hull and a turret armed with the [---] m/s 47mm SA34 like the B1/D1's ST2. The B3 would retain the B1's short hull gun but would carry a turret with the [---] m/s 47mm AC34 casemate gun. 3/6"
X Link 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"In the end the B1's progression to the B1 Bis with 60mm of armor a [---] m/s [--] and [---] m/s [--] and increased engine power led to the cancellation of B2 and B3 in favor of more ambitious specs with heavier armor eventually leading to the ARL [--] Variant C and S heavy tanks. 4/6"
X Link 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"Here Wargaming's B2 is depicted as a weird B1 Bis lacking the long 75mm with horizontal traverse and using anachronistic turret+gun combo. The B3 has a miniturret and the gun is way too large to be the [--] AC34. The turret would probably be further forward. 5/6"
X Link 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"In reality the B2 and B3 probably looked more like less advanced ARL [--] C and S respectively. It is still unfortunate that Wargaming didn't find plans of the B2 and B3 they could have built up a neat branch of heavy tanks. 6/6"
X Link 2025-08-03T08:37Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"The design also removed the observation cupola on the ARL [--] 90mm turret to better fit in the loading gauge. This was coupled with the ARL [--] turret (47mm SA35 120mm armor basis). The hull itself kept 120mm minimum at the front 100mm sides 40mm belly and roof. 2/4"
X Link 2025-08-06T14:15Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"In fact the sloped plates had 100mm at [--] and [--] as much as early Tiger II concepts. The engines were two Aster V12 diesels of 450-500 hp more modern economical in fuel and durable than the converted [---] hp Renault [--] KGM aircraft engines powering the competitors. 3/4"
X Link 2025-08-06T14:15Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"But the AMX was too late with a prototype only expected in July [----]. The project was instead cancelled to focus on the ARL and especially FCM prototypes which could be expected in late [----] and March [----] respectively. 4/4"
X Link 2025-08-06T14:15Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"The ARL [--] turret was the low-risk alternative to the ARL [--] for the reworked Char de [--] tonnes/G1 battle tank project with the armament concentrated in the turret. Design started in June [----] with the Fives-Lille company as the main partner of the ARL design bureau. 1/5"
X Link 2025-08-30T12:41Z [--] followers, 12.1K engagements
"This was armed with the powerful 47mm mle.1934 casemate gun and a 7.5mm MG cupola (no coax). The armor was 60mm all around for a complete weight of [----] kg. The 1550mm turret ring diameter (to ball bearings) was later increased to the same value as the ARL [--] (1680mm). 2/5"
X Link 2025-08-30T12:41Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"The intent was to: - increase engine power to [---] PS with a new carburettor (clutch and transmission resized accordingly) - install a reverser instead of the Naeder to steer in place and aim the gun - install a new ARL gearbox which was cheaper and 222mm shorter. 3/6"
X Link 2025-09-01T16:26Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"- install the 75mm in a new mount with horizontal traverse for easier aiming and a better layout - stow up to [---] 75mm rounds instead of [--] and [--] 47mm rounds while stowing them more rationally in accessible bins - implement up to [---] kg of weight savings. 4/6"
X Link 2025-09-01T16:26Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"Rather than make a thicker casting for the APX-4 turret the B1 Ter program called for new improved turrets on November 30th [----]. This work would lead to the ARL [--] (left in cooperation with the Fives-Lille company already tasked with the ARL 1) and the [--] FCM (right). 1/6"
X Link 2025-09-05T16:14Z [--] followers, [----] engagements
"The fixed cupola has [--] episcopes covering a [---] FoV along with a panoramic Gundlach periscope. Coupled with episcopes in the rear side plates and a slit in the door the commander has much better instantaneous FoVs and fewer blind-spots than the APX-4. 2/6"
X Link 2025-10-15T08:34Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"A 7-round ready rack and a spare MG mag (nothing in APX-4) means that the commander can start engagements without reaching down immediately for more ammo. The observation devices were laid out to minimize the time taken to switch from observation to gunnery. 3/6"
X Link 2025-10-15T08:34Z [--] followers, [--] engagements
"The Tarbes 370mm SP howitzer in [----]. Back then fitted with a 350hp diesel-electric powerplant (the [--] Aster V12 diesel from the AMX heavy tank) to reach up to [--] kph. Range: [--] 300m. Weight: [--] tonnes without the gun and [--] with it. 1/2"
X Link 2025-10-22T08:58Z [---] followers, [----] engagements
"The gun would be mated to the carrier close to the firing position then would be set up on an anchoring platform. The required vehicles would all weigh under the 44t limit for road/rail transport. The ammo carrier contained [--] rounds and extra fuel. 2/2"
X Link 2025-10-22T08:58Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Though aging the French 105mm Mle [----] field gun was to still play a major role in the WW2 Army including as a potential gun for the fortification assault tanks (ARL [--] turret here). As a result some anti-armor and anti-concrete capability was sought. 1/5"
X Link 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, 12.2K engagements
"The Armament Fabrication Central Labs (LCFA) would end up developping [--] different designs from February [----] onwards. The 105-40-2 was an APCBC extrapolated from a new 90mm projectile weighing 17.5kg and shot at [---] m/s enough to engage 80mm-thick cemented plate at 500m. 2/5"
X Link 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Seeking better performance the 105-40-2 was lightened to 15.635kg as the 105-40-4 shot at [---] m/s. A heavy APCR projectile of identical weight and velocity using 75mm solid shot APCBC as cores was mooted as the 105-40-3 extrapolated from the 75-40-4 below. 3/5"
X Link 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"It was hoped that this would allow engagement of 120mm cemented plate. It was estimated that 105-40-2 would perforate at 30: 90mm at 0m and 81mm at 500m and 105-40-3 at 30: [---] or 128mm at [--] and [--] or 116mm at 500m (the higher figure if unusual quality is obtained). 4/5"
X Link 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Brandt got involved as well offering APDS with 75mm Mle [----] APHE as the core shot at [---] m/s providing similar performance to the US [--] M1 and German 75mm PaK [--]. The first table gives the limit angles against cemented plate while the others give results at [--]. 5/5"
X Link 2025-11-17T08:30Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Aside from the [---] Mle [--] guns using [--] Mle [----] ammo were also being contemplated on French tanks (such as this ARL [--] heavy tank in casemate) prompting research on better AP ammunition than the old Mle [----] APHE from [----] onwards. 1/6"
X Link 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, 32.7K engagements
"By [----] research on traditional ammo had resulted in the Mle [----] solid shot APCBC offering reduced cost no premature detonation risk improved ballistics and much improved effectiveness against cemented plate. At [---] m/s 80mm at low angles was about the max. 2/6"
X Link 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [----] engagements
"50k such rounds at least were on order from the Firminy steelworks. On tanks this would be fired by the L/30 APX L802 a derivative of the 75mm Mle 32/33 at [---] m/s. This had a spring-operated rammer to eliminate human effort for this operation esp at high angles. 2/6"
X Link 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Seeking maximum power for the fortress tanks a modified L802 would achieve [---] m/s increasing limit of behind-armor effects to nearly 120mm. Though no pic exists this most likely mirrored field [---] m/s [--] guns then in development in 1939-40. 3/6"
X Link 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Like the US 75mm M3 the latter were designed for increased pressure (260-270 MPa instead of 240-250) increased powder charge from [---] to 900g and featured barrel lengths between [----] and about [--] calibers (even L/34.5 from the Mle [--] sufficed). 4/6"
X Link 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"For even greater AP capability the central laboratories would research a heavy APCR the 75-40-3 shot at [---] m/s instead of [---] m/s. This was expected to defeat at 30: 82-103mm at 0m and 72-90mm at 500m depending on quality while APCBC did [--] and 63mm respectively. 5/6"
X Link 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Brandt was once again involved using APDS at [---] m/s (from a regular Mle 97) expected to defeat nearly identical targets as the LCFA's 75-40-3 heavy APCR. The results of live fire trials are more in line with pessimistic APCR estimates but remain impressive. 6/6"
X Link 2025-11-18T16:38Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Pending the arrival of new fortification assault tanks in [----] the French 51st tank battalion operated the [--] remaining FCM 2C (including [--] in reserve at Verdun). Battalion commander FOURNET would send a report in February [----] to discuss changes to increase their lifetime. 1/5"
X Link 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, 12.1K engagements
"Out of [--] tanks [--] still used very worn Mercedes engines that could yield a paltry 140hp each. The others used Maybach engines modified by the ARL which could deliver 240-250hp each and were in excellent condition. The factory could modify [--] more in [--] months (19 in stocks). 2/5"
X Link 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"It was recommended to convert all tanks to the Maybachs and create a reserve of spares enough for the 2Cs which could run for [---] hours. Seeking improved protection the battalion modified tank n97 with 45mm and 25mm plates from unoperational tanks. 3/5"
X Link 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"This yielded 90mm for the front and [--] to 65mm on the sides by adding 25/40mm plates while a 50mm-thick double roof was added (photo at a 10% weight penalty which didn't impair reliability too much and maintained an offroad speed of [----] kph. 4/5 http://xn--chars-franais-rgb.net http://xn--chars-franais-rgb.net"
X Link 2025-11-19T14:17Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"Lorraine's entry into the Char de [--] tonnes program as of 1936- early [----] (future Char G1) with a drawing displayed in French historian Stphane Ferrard's "L'Aventure des chars" and a model done by the magazine GBM issue n78. 1/3"
X Link 2025-12-03T23:18Z [---] followers, 11.6K engagements
"One of the shortest and narrowest entries (6.5x2.44x2.5m) it was then estimated at [----] tonnes with an Hispano-Suiza Type [--] Bis [---] hp V12 [---] litres of fuel (enough for [--] hours or 250km) an APX [--] 47mm turret and a 60mm basis. [--] kph with twin Cotal gearboxes. 2/3"
X Link 2025-12-03T23:18Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"In line with the original concept of a light and simple 60mm basis "infantry S35" this small design was ill-suited to the later requirement for a 75mm hull gun mounting instead a second 47mm gun. When a 75mm in a turret was later requested the design was radically changed. 3/3"
X Link 2025-12-03T23:18Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"A 3rd specimen with minor changes to make loading fully satisfactory was accepted in August [----] as the basis for mass production with a 1st batch of [---] already ordered and [---] more to follow. Deliveries began in late [----] with some [---] reportedly built by the Armistice. 3/X"
X Link 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"This L34 gun shot a 700g APC shot at [---] m/s and a 600g HE shell loaded with 60g of melinite explosive at [---] m/s. The former tested in [----] was shown to defeat 40mm RHA plate at up to 450m at [--] and up to [--] at the muzzle. 20mm at [--] at 800m and [--] at 400m. 4/X"
X Link 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The armor was 100mm all around though some parts could be thickened to 120mm at a penalty of [--] tonnes. The bottom was 40mm-thick while the top was 60mm thick. Mostly rolled steel entirely welded. A ventilation system against combat gases was also present. 3/6"
X Link 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"2 550hp Renault 12KGM engines were mounted in the middle with generators while (Alsthom)electric traction motors were placed at the rear all accessible through roof hatches. 2500L of gasoline was carried allowing a range of 8-9 hours or 200km with a top speed of 20-24kph. 4/6"
X Link 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"4 crew sat in the front compartment (driver radio 47mm turret gunner-loader front machinegunner) while [--] sat at the rear (commander-gunner-loader in the 90mm turret [--] side machinegunners which can supply the ammo or work as mechanics). The radio was the B1's ER51 Mle [--]. 5/6"
X Link 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"The armament was a 90mm CA39 (11.2kg APCBC at [---] m/s) and a 47mm APX L819 (1.71kg APCBC at [---] m/s) in the turrets with one coax each twin MGs in the front hull and one MG per side with 84-88 90mm [---] 47mm rounds and 50-58 MG mags (7500-8700 rounds). 6/6"
X Link 2025-12-16T15:02Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"As later specified for future battle tanks it was faster (35-40 kph with at least [--] hp/t) more heavily armored (60 to 80mm with some areas more effective than that) and carried a higher velocity 47mm antitank gun at [----] tonnes or at least less than the 45t maximum. 2/4"
X Link 2025-07-24T10:01Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
"Fitting in a 1285mm wide hole (could even fit within a B1 Bis/Ter hull-1300mm) the turret however had only one man instead of the [--] specified. The gun was the APX L819 a compact turret version of the SA [--] with shorter recoil (300 instead of 500mm) and a spring recuperator. 3/4"
X Link 2025-07-24T10:01Z [---] followers, [---] engagements
"The prototype of the 37mm SA [--] (briefly called Mle 35) underwent trials in late [----] in a R35 tank. Meant as a straight replacement of the weaker SA18 (of which [----] guns existed) in the APX-R turret the first specimen looked quite different from serial production models. 1/X"
X Link 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [----] engagements
"With an overall length of 1650mm the 1st specimen proved difficult to use with worse working conditions than in the Renault FT. A 2nd specimen shortened it to 1525mm (modifications to the breech end) giving 285mm of free space behind the gun and satisfactory conditions. 2/X"
X Link 2025-12-13T11:00Z [---] followers, [--] engagements
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