The Renault FT (frequently referred to in post-World War I literature as the FT-17, FT17, or similar) is a French light tank that was among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history.

Twelve Renault FT-17 tanks were bought from France in 1923. The tanks were named “Audra”, Drasutis”, “Galiunas”, “Giltine”, “Grianstinus”, “Karzygis”, “Kerstas”, “Kovas”, “Pagieza”, “Pykoulis”, “Slibinas” and “Smugis”.

Dec 11, 2024 · French-made Renault FT tanks rolling into battle during the Meuse–Argonne offensive of September 1918. While the FT was a smaller tank, it would be produced in greater numbers than any other armoured vehicle of the First World War and would go on to influence all subsequent tank designs.

Aug 5, 2014 · The lightweight, two-man FT could swarm the enemy in force, repelling enemy fire and drawing attention away from regular troops who would walk in formation behind it.

Dec 3, 2018 · The Renault FT, often referred to as the FT-17, was a ground-breaking tank design which entered service in 1918. A French light tank, the FT was the first tank to incorporate many design aspects which are now considered standard such as …

Mar 23, 2024 · The French-made Renault FT light tank wasn’t the first armored vehicle to see service in the First World War, and it wasn’t even the first true “tank”. However, it was the first to employ features that were to become standard in tank design — notably a rotatable turret that was mounted directly onto the hull.

Oct 18, 2023 · The Renault Char Leger FT– popularly known as the FT-17– had the distinction of being the first mass-produced tank with a rotating turret. Developed by the French, the FT-17 revolutionized the concept of armored warfare, which was then in its infancy.

May 29, 2018 · The FT was a radically different design to previous British and French tanks. Rather than a large, heavy vehicle, the concept behind it was for a small and light tank that would be more manoeuvrable, harder to hit and could be fielded in large numbers.

The first light tank of its time, the FT Renault, was easier to manufacture, cheaper, and more agile than the heavy and largely immobile tanks of the time. The FTs, although lighter in armor, could be produced in mass, and thus relied on “swarm” tactics to overwhelm its entrenched enemies.

The Renault FT (often known as the FT-17) was the first tank to have its armament inside a fully rotating turret. The FT was a radically different design to previous British and French tanks.