The French Renault Char D1 Infantry Tank

The French Renault Char D1 Infantry Tank was developed by French Firm Renault, the Char D1 was designed to meet the requirements set by the French Army in the 1920’s. It had a few novel design features, a cast turret, a 47mm main gun capable of defeating the armour of all other tanks of the same generation, a radio fitted as standard and numerous vision devices for the three man crew.

First prototypes were built in 1931. 160 vehicles were built but due to reliability issues the majority were deployed to garrison duties in Northern Africa were they contributed to fighting the Axis Forces in 1943.

The French Renault Char D1 Infantry Tank

Spec’s

Armament: 47mm Main Gun & x2 7.5mm MG’s
Armour: 40mm steel
Crew: 3
Dimensions: Length 4.8m / Width 2.16m / Height 2.4m
Weight: 14 tonne
Engine: 74hp Renault 4-cylinder petrol
Top Road Speed: 18.6km/h
Operational Range: 90km