The Renault FT, frequently referred to in post-World War One literature as the “FT-17” or “FT17” and by some as the world’s first modern tank, was a French light tank designed largely by French industrialist Louis Renault, and was among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history. It was the first production tank to have its armament within a fully rotating turret.
The Renault FT’s configuration – crew compartment at the front, engine compartment at the back, and main armament in a revolving turret – became and remains the standard tank layout.
Over 3,000 Renault FT tanks were manufactured by French industry, most of them during the year 1918. Another 950 of an almost identical licensed copy of the FT (the M1917) were made in the United States, but not in time to enter combat.
A number of Renault FT can be found on display in French museums today.
