Later, a new cast turret with riveted and welded construction was developed by Forges et aciéries Paul Girod.
The new turret, manufactured using a simplified process, could achieve full rotation and helped improve the overall performance of the tank.
The FT-17 with a cast turret had a two-man crew.
It was armed with an 8 mm Hotchkiss M1914 machine gun or a 37 mm Puteaux SA18 rifle.
The French Army's FT-17s were upgraded with a 7.5 mm Reibel-MAC-Mle.31 machine gun from 1931 onwards. These tanks were also used in World War II.
Over 4100 FT-17s were built in France and deployed in many countries around the world (27 countries confirmed).
Strictly speaking, the FT-17 was the world's first real tank.
It played a crucial role in the history of tank development.
Plastic model kit for building a French FT-17
- with interior
- over 400 parts
- metal and photo-etched parts included
- detailed engine and open engine compartment, as well as interior and turret innards can be built
- workable single-link track
unbuilt / unpainted
paint and glue not included
Write now your personal experience with this article and help others with their purchase decision.