![]() However, the light tanks lacked firepower and almost all French tanks were handicapped by their one-man turrets, even the larger tanks such as the Char B overworked the commander who besides directing the vehicle, or even a troop, had to load and aim the turret gun. In general, French tanks of the 1930s were well-armored, innovative vehicles that owed little to foreign designs. The British Army used a different Vickers design which was the first of a series of Light tanks in service. ![]() It formed the basis of the Soviet T-26 (around 10,000 built) and the Polish 7TP tank and influenced the Italian Fiat M11/39. Not purchased by the British army, it was bought by some smaller nations. In 1928, the British firm of Vickers produced their "6 Ton" tank. Type 95 Ha-Go tanks in New Britain following the Japanese surrender ![]() The FT-17 would have the largest production run of any tank of the war - with over 3,700 built it was more numerous than all British tanks combined. Previous models had been "box tanks", with a single crowded space combining the role of engine room, fighting compartment, ammunition stock and driver's cabin. In fact the FT was in many respects the first truly 'modern' tank having a layout that has been followed by almost all designs ever since: driver at the front main armament in a fully-rotating turret on top engine at the rear. ![]() It would be Renault's small tank design the FT-17, incorporating a proper climbing face for the tracks, that was the first tank to incorporate a top-mounted turret with a full rotation. The car industry, already used to vehicle mass production and having much more experience in vehicle layout, in 1916 designed the first practical light tanks, a class largely neglected by the British. ![]() In World War I Industrial initiative also led to swift advances. ![]()
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