Renault FT: Difference between revisions

 

== Turret ==

 

The first turret designed for the FT was a circular, cast steel version almost identical to that of the prototype.{{sfn|Zaloga|2010|p=28}} It was designed to carry a [[Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun|Hotchkiss 8mm machine gun]]. In April 1917 Estienne decided for tactical reasons that some vehicles should be capable of carrying a small cannon. The [[Puteaux SA 18|37mm Puteaux gun]] was chosen, and attempts were made to produce a cast steel turret capable of accommodating it, but they were unsuccessful.{{sfn|Zaloga|2010|p=23}} The first 150 FTs were for training only, and made of non-hardened steel plus the first model of turret.{{sfn|Zaloga|2010|p=21}} Meanwhile, the [[Berliet]] Company had produced a new design, a polygonal turret of riveted plate, which was simpler to produce than the early cast steel turret. It was given the name "omnibus", since it could easily be adapted to mount either the Hotchkiss machine gun or the Puteaux 37mm with its telescopic sight. This turret was fitted to production models in large numbers. In 1918 [[:fr:Ugitech#L'arrivée de la Première Guerre mondiale|''Forges et aciéries Paul Girod'']] produced a successful circular turret which was mostly cast with some rolled parts. The Girod turret was also an "omnibus" design. Girod supplied it to all the companies producing the FT, and in the later stages of the war it became more commonplace than the Berliet turret.{{sfn|Zaloga|2010|p=28}} The turret sat on a circular ball-bearing race, and could easily be rotated by the gunner/commander or be locked in position with a handbrake.