This tank was created through a common work, from July to November 1916, by the famous général Estienne and Louis Renault, a well-known manufacturer. The Général's conception was to provide escort to medium tanks and the infantry with great quantities of 'infantrymen under armour' and fitted with MGs, that could harass the enemy in any terrain. To achieve that, the tank had to be small, with just a two man crew (one driving, one manning the armament). To optimize the inside space, a crew compartment was created, separated from the rear located engine. The engine as itself a car one, saving much time in research and factory conversion, as it was already on the assembly lanes. The suspension was quite different from previous French offerings as it was enveloping and not situated under the hull as usual. The sprocket was at rear, and the wooden idler had a great diameter to easily overcome obstacles. An unditching tail was added to improve the trench crossing ability. There was only one MG, but housed in a fully revolving turret. It was later even possible to mount a short 37mm gun, modified to be operable by a lone crew.
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