![]() This was a political -and an economical- decision, rather than a military one as it was mentioned previously. By 1945 the need for a heavy tank disappeared, but the French authorities decided to press ahead with the production of 60 vehicles (downsized from the original 600). Not only the overall design was anachronistic the suspension, drive wheels and the tracks were quite old-fashioned as well. The turret was well armoured and large an actual car engine was used to rotate it. The power plant was chosen to be captured German Maybach engines (HL230 600 hp), and the first prototype turret was armed with an American 76mm gun, which was later replaced by a new turret, and a 90mm DC45 tank gun. ![]() Its design is based on the pre-war French tanks, but it also bears some resemblance to the later German tank designs (it does look like a child of a Tiger II and a B1). Due to the wartime shortages, and the consequences of German occupation, the design had to incorporate several compromises. The design called for a 48 ton heavy tank with a high calibre armament. Design started immediately after Paris was liberated (hence the “44” in the name -signifying the date), and was more of an effort to re-establish France’s heavy industry, tank production, and to retain its talent, than actually an attempt at designing a modern tank. It does not really fill you with trust towards WordPress I hope it’s only a glitch that will not surface again… Disclaimer: the previous version of this article simply disappeared. ![]()
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