WWI TANKS: The Video Game

Choose your Tank Mark I The Schneider Renault F.T. M1917

Mark I One of the first armored vehicle experiments, the Mark I began in Britain in July 1915 by mounting an armored car body on a Killen-Strait tractor. The Admiralty Landships Committee then took this idea to conduct a series of experiments in September 1915 which resulted in the constriction of the first tank, called “Little Willie.” It was accepted by the British Army which ordered 100 more tanks of this type in February Weight: 28.4 Tons Speed: 3.7 mph Crew: 8 men SelectBack

The Schneider While the first tanks were developing in Britain, France independently created their first tank which was an armored box attached to a tractor chassis. The Schneider Company produced guns and ammunition for the army and navy, but also had some armor expertise from shipbuilding. Colonel Estienne, “ Father of the Tank,” led and supported the experiment. 400 were ordered by the French army in February 1916, but were not used until April 1917, whereas British tanks were first sent to action on Sept It performed poorly, lacking speed, good maintenance, protection, trench crossing ability and was also very cramped. Weight: 13.6 Tons Speed: 5.1 mph Crew: 6 SelectBack

Renault F.T. After the poor performance of the Schneider tank, France’s lead engineers decided to develop a faster and more protective tank, leading to the first Renault F.T. Louis Renault, the famous car maker, began this as a personal project, seeking the ideal weight-to-ratio proportions for a more agile, faster, and cheaper tank. Because it was so light therefore cheaper to make, France created an immense fleet of Renault F.T.s that could overwhelm the enemy. This model was the most widely used in WWI and its basic features are still found in modern tanks. Weight: 6.4 Tons Speed: 5.6 mph Crew: 2 SelectBack

M1917 The M1917 Light Tank was the first official tank for the U.S. Army. It was based on the French Renault F.T. tank used in September 1918 at St. Mihiel. It featured angular armor to help deflect projectiles and a single machine gun fitted to a traversing turret. This American version did not see much combat because it arrived at the end of the war in 1918, and of the 4,440 ordered, about 950 were eventually completed. Weight: 7.3 Tons Speed: 5.5 mph Crew: 2 Select Back

Mark I This tank was a huge innovation in the world of warfare definitely gained the element of surprise. The Mark I was the very first tank used in all warfare, so it was the least complex. It took lots of man power and moved very slowly due to its 28.4 ton mass, therefore making it an easier target than the newer and faster tanks on the field. Although more variations would arrive later in time, this model would have been the least effective. Back Next

The Schneider This French tank, although lighter and faster than the Mark I, proved to be one of the least effective tanks of this time. It was slow, cramped, and lacked protection because of its decrease in weight. Of the 400 models ordered, most of these also had problems with their brakes and were unable to pass over uneven terrain. Although considered a great innovation and weapon for France during WWI, they were considered hopelessly outdated by Back Next

Renault F.T. The F.T.-17 proved crucial to French offensives in the latter years of the war, and featured many elements still used in tanks today. After the failure of the Schneider, the French invented this tank to be agile and capable, which even influenced the Americans and Italians to model their own after it. This small F.T. was an undeniable success, despite some flaws including radiator fan belt and cooling system problems. Back Next

M1917 This M1917 was Americas first mass produced tank, and proved very successful. As America held little in the way of a military industry, copying the popular French design was a major stepping stone to represent an early foray into mechanized military production. This tank was fitted with a self starter instead of a crank and had additional viewing holes for the driver. Although it came with many improvements, it did not see much combat in the war because of its late arrival to Europe. Back Next

Mark I Back to Beginning Hurry up Little Willie! You’re too slow! Sorry I weigh a ton!– or 28 Oh no! You are too heavy and slow, so you cannot outrun the enemy. Although you have TONS of protection and can mow people over, you are the easiest target for the smaller, newer tanks. After a few months, you also loose your element of surprise and the enemy has come prepared to take you down.

The Schneider Back to Beginning Malfunction! Houston we have a problem! Again! Aw Darn! Your engine breaks, your back aches, and your protection is just horrible! This cheaper, French alternative makes up the cost in repair prices because it breaks down so frequently and has a problem crossing over rough terrain and barbed wire (which is, by the way, ITS JOB).

Renault F.T. Back to Beginning Bonjour! Meet your doom! Oh no! it’s the little guys! Although you may be tiny, you are mighty in numbers! Because you are so little and cheap, France was able to make a huge fleet of Renault F.T. tanks, which really took the enemy by surprise (not to mention you are agile and speedy!)

M1917 Whoops, too late! You arrived just at the end of the war. Despite your mass production in the U.S., only 10 M1917 tanks made it to Europe before the end of the war and almost none of them saw combat. But we just got here! Is the war over? Back to Beginning