signposa.blogg.se

Its offense, defense, power, and desirability help make it the most legendary tank of World War II. Despite the considerable flaws in its lack of a radio system, the Char B1 survived and blasted for years and in numerous combat zones throughout World War II and was sought after by multiple nations. The Char B1 had impressed so many during its time in the war that German General Heinz Guderian hailed it as the best tank of all time. Of the tanks produced between 19, 97 were either identical copies of foreign designs, or very closely related improvements.

The security and power provided by the Char B1 were respected by the German military, who commandeered them after the fall of France to use for their own Panzer Divisions. The Spanish Civil War demonstrated the need for much heavier armour on tanks, and was the main influence on Soviet tank design just prior to World War II. Meanwhile, the B1's own armor kept it standing against the firepower of tanks like that of the 20mm gun on the Panzer II, which was the most commonly used tank by German forces during the invasion of France. Other Panzer models in service at the time, such as the Panzer III and Panzer IV, were only effective at close range. This firepower meant that the Char B1 was capable of blasting through the armor of even the most well-protected German tanks.