Schneider CA1 First French tank as APC?


A crazy idea but it has great dimensions, unlike some WW1 tanks reasonable sized tracks. Enough room for a big crew of infantry with rear doors for quick entry and exit. Weapons to support infantry making it a great BR 3 4 APC while a poor choice for anti-tank. Best of all great for crossing trenches without getting stuck, as well great use of WW1 tech.

Schneider tank
Type Medium tank
Place of origin French Third Republic
Service history
In service 1916–1918 (France)
1921–1936 (Spain)
Used by France
Kingdom of Italy
Spain
Fengtian Clique
Wars World War I
Rif War
Warlord Era
Spanish Civil War
Production history
Designer Schneider
Manufacturer SOMUA
No. built 400
Specifications
Mass 13.6 tonnes
Length 6.32 m (20 ft 9 in)
Width 2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)
Height 2.30 m (7 ft 7 in)
Crew 6

Armor 11 + 5.5 mm (0.43 + 0.22 in) spaced
Main
armament 75mm Blockhaus Schneider
Secondary
armament 2×8 mm Hotchkiss M1914 machine guns
Engine Schneider 4-cylinder petrol
60 hp (45 kW)
Power/weight 4 hp/tonne
Suspension Coil spring
Operational
range 30/80 km
Maximum speed 8.1 km/h (5.0 mph)

Downsides include a tall structure limited armor and speed meaning you would not want to get too close to the action.

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