Design Overview & Tactical Role
The Renault FT is widely acknowledged by military historians as the most important and revolutionary tank in human history—the 'Father of Modern Armor'. Designed by Louis Renault and General Jean-Baptiste Estienne, it established the universal tank architecture used by every Main Battle Tank to this day: crew compartment and driver at the front, a fully traversable 360-degree rotating turret in the center, and the engine compartment isolated at the rear.
Combat History & Battle Records
Entering service in May 1918, over 3,000 Renault FTs flooded the Western Front, counter-attacking during the Second Battle of the Marne and leading Ferdinand Foch's Hundred Days Offensive. Adopted by over 25 nations (including the US as the M1917), it saw combat from Poland to Manchuria well into World War II.
Related Armored Vehicles (WWI & Interwar)
