The Schneider Char d'Assault tank was France's first real attempt at differentiating dedicated tanks from dedicated self-propelled gun systems. Like its predecessors before it however, the system would never meet its potential due to the design theory of melding a long hull on a short set of tracks. In practice, this combination proved to make the Schneider unable to pass over any type of uneven terrain.
The Schneider was a Char d'Assault idea by Colonel J .E. Estienne with a full design developed by Eugene Brillie under the Schneider Company brand. Both men visited the United States of America in an effort to study and research the Holt series of tractors that utilized a distinct tractor and chassis assemblage - more specifically the "Baby Holt". The resulting design was termed as the Tractuer Blinde et Arme and production for the French Army followed.
The Schneider Char d'Assault was the most fundamental of tank designs, consistent with early tanks in general. It was of a boxy hull design with a sharp angle at fore. The system sat upon shortened tracks, leaving the forward and aft hull sections hovering over the track assembly. Main armament consisted of a 75mm main gun. Two additional Hotchkiss-type 8mm machine guns were fitted in positional ball mountings on either side of the upper hull for self-defense. The Schneider could carry a full compliment of 7 personnel.
Once the Schneiders became available for use, their design shortcomings quickly became apparent. The short tractor assemblies were useless over anything but flat roads as the elongated hull protruding fore and aft caused the system to get stuck. As a result, the system suffered catastrophic losses against enemy artillery barrages, rendering the entire concept nearly useless. In one particular offensive no fewer than 57% of the 132 fielded Schneiders were destroyed in this fashion.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Infantry Support
Support allied ground forces through weapons, inherent capabilities, and / or onboard systems.
✓Tank-vs-Tank
Engage armored vehicles of similar form and function.
Length
20.7 ft 6.32 m
Width
6.7 ft 2.05 m
Height
7.5 ft 2.3 m
Weight
27,558 lb 12,500 kg
Tonnage
13.8 tons LIGHT
(Showcased structural values pertain to the base Char d'Assault Schneider (Schneider CA) production variant. Length typically includes main gun in forward position if applicable to the design)
Powerplant:
1 x Schneider 4-cylinder gasoline engine developing 55 horsepower.
Speed
5.0 mph (8.1 kph)
Range
49.7 mi (80.0 km)
(Showcased performance specifications pertain to the base Char d'Assault Schneider (Schneider CA) production variant. Compare this entry against any other in our database)
1 x 75mm Blockhaus Schneider main gun in right front hull.
2 x 8mm Hotchkiss M1914 machine guns, one each in hull side ball mounts.
Supported Types
(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)
Not Available.
Char d'Assault Schneider - Formal Designation
Schneider CA - Original Designation
Schneider CA1 - Revised Designation
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns / operations.
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