Line #370 Characters/WorldOfTanksFrance


1	Armored fighting vehicles designed or produced by the [[UsefulNotes/GaulsWithGrenades French Republic]]. French tanks tend to be [[CripplingOverspecialization extremely specialized tanks]] and each should be examined carefully for fit before committing to play it.
2
3	French tanks vary wildly between the tiers, but are generally geared to some sort of offensive action. At lower tiers, they accomplish this with great armor but have poor speed and are armed with poor guns. At higher tiers, they are very mobile and armed with great guns, but sacrifice their armor to achieve great performance. Most mid to high tier French tanks have an [[MoreDakka autoloader with a drum magazine]], which allow for several shots in a short period of time, or a second path which focuses on more conventional playstyles. Almost all French tanks suffer from having few crew members which makes for less variety when choosing crew skills or perks, lack of sufficient hull and turret armor at mid-high tier, lack sufficient speed and mobility at lower tiers, and their guns almost always have poor "gun handling" stats such as aim time and accuracy on the move. All are meant for offensive action; lower tier French tanks rely on their armor to withstand enemy hits and higher tier French tanks rely on their speed to avoid hits. With the exception to their tank destroyers, lower tier tanks will have trouble stopping heavily armored vehicles advancing on their position and higher tier tanks will find themselves handicapped when holding a position due to the extremely long reload times on the automatic loaders. On all tiers, poor gun depression and poor turret armor prevents them from using hull-down positions effectively.
4
5	!!French Tank Crew Tropes:
6
7	* LargeHam: The French announcer is much more boisterous and emotional than other nations, ranging from overly joyful when you damage or destroy an enemy, half-sad half-frustrated when you get killed and either amazed, disappointed or downright ''sad'' when your shots bounce off.
8	* MustHaveCaffeine: The French food consumable is strong coffee. [[NationalStereotypes With, of course, a croissant.]]
9	----
10
11	[[foldercontrol]]
12
13	[[folder:French Light Tanks]]
14	French light tanks are slow and have thick armour at lower tiers, but they trade their armor for speed at higher tiers. They gain the ability to use autoloaders much earlier than the other French lines. Combined with their high speed and small size, they become deadly hit-and-run vehicles.
15
16	Lines:
17	* (T1) Renault FT > either the [=FCM 36=] or R35 (as of patch 9.7) > [=AMX=] 38 > [=AMX=] 40 > [=ELC=] [=AMX=] > [=AMX=] 12 t > [=AMX=] 13 75 > [=AMX=] 13 90: The main light tank and scout line of the French. Becomes a medium line at tier 9.
18	* The D1 light tank at tier 2 marks the beginning of the French heavy line.
19	* The Hotchkiss H35 at tier 2 marks the beginning of the French medium line.
20	----
21	!!Renault FT
22
23	The vehicle entered service in 1917, with a total of 3,177 vehicles manufactured by the end of World War I and 3,800 vehicles produced in total. At the beginning of World War II a total of 1560 vehicles were in service.
24
25	Starter tank for the French line, featuring an excellent mix of protection and firepower for Tier 1 with its main disadvantage being speed.
26	----
27	* AttackTheTail: Strongly averted; the FT's armor is still as thick as its front on its rear section, and said rear is ''very'' well slanted, as well as protected by the tank's actual "tail" (used to help cross trenches on the Western Front).
28	* HardHead: The vehicle's turret is very rounded, and has superior armor thickness to the hull. It's often difficult to penetrate it with a machine gun, even at close range.
29	* OlderIsBetter: Dubbed "the world's first modern tank" by historian Steven Zaloga, the Renault FT was first used in UsefulNotes/WorldWarI and captured vehicles were ''still'' in use by Nazis defending Paris in 1944. Many tanks from UsefulNotes/WorldWarII onward can trace design elements back to the FT. Even with its production year starting in ''1917'', it can hold its own- and often do ''far better''- than tanks produced 10 to 15 years later or more.
30	* UndergroundMonkey: Notice any similarities between this tank and the [[UsefulNotes/ChineseWithChopperSupport NC-31]] or [[UsefulNotes/KatanasOfTheRisingSun Renault Otso]]? Or maybe the [[UsefulNotes/RedsWithRockets MS-1]]? Tier 1 matches are practically a family reunion for the Renault FT.
31	----
32
33	!!D1
34
35	Development was started in 1929. Mass production was launched in 1930, with 160 vehicles manufactured by 1935. A total of 152 tanks fought in France. Eighteen vehicles were captured by the German Army and used for training purposes.
36	----
37	* DamnedByFaintPraise: With a top speed of 27 kph, it's the fastest low-tier French light tank.
38	* FailedASpotCheck: An early aversion of the typically poor French gun depression, the D1 can aim its gun down 18 degrees, which is better than most tanks in the whole game. Now if you can just get a decent gun to mount on it.
39	* HardHead: The turret has notably thicker armor than the hull.
40	* MadeOfIron: Other tier 2 tanks will definitely struggle to cause damage. Most won't get through your armor at all. Even the commander's cupola-- which is usually a weak spot-- is hard as nails, and the lower glacis is very well rounded. [[AttackItsWeakPoint The driver's window, though...]]
41	----
42
43	!!Hotchkiss H35
44
45	Cavalry support tank. Developed in 1934. Mass production was launched in 1935, with a total of 400 vehicles manufactured. In 1938 a new modification, the H38, entered production. About 1000 of the H35/H38/H39 vehicles were produced.
46	----
47	* BlatantLies: Its official top speed is the same as the D1. Good luck!
48	* GlacierWaif: Despite its diminutive size, the H35 has some of the hardest and best-sloped armor found at its tier. It may be [[InNameOnly a light tank that would lose a race with a tortoise to the enemy base]], but good luck [[StoneWall penetrating it from distance]].
49	----
50
51	!!FCM 36
52
53	Developed in the mid-1930s as an infantry support tank. It was the only French vehicle to utilize a diesel engine. By 1939, a total of 100 vehicles were manufactured.
54	----
55	* EveryCarIsAPinto: [[InvertedTrope Inverted]]. This is the only low-tier French tank with a diesel engine, which is resistant to being set alight by enemy fire.
56	----
57
58	!!Renault R35
59
60	The most massively produced WWII French light tank. Developed in 1934 on a request from the army for infantry support. A total of 1,630 vehicles were manufactured from 1936 through 1940.
61	----
62	* FailedASpotCheck: Just like the D1, the R35 can point its gun down 16 degrees. Combined with typically tough [[InNameOnly French light armor]] with few frontal weak points, this little tank can push out quite a bit of opposition from a choke point when top tier.
63	----
64
65	!![=AMX=] 38
66
67	Developed in 1937 by the [=AMX=] company on the basis of the Renault R-40. The vehicle had a larger turret than comparable vehicles and was equipped with a diesel engine. By 1940 two vehicles were ready for trials.
68	----
69	* ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy: A comparatively long reload and aim time, combined with terrible dispersion, can leave the commander wondering if firing is worth anything at all past 100 meters.
70	* StoneWall: For its tier, the armor is thick and very well-sloped... [[HardHead especially the turret]]. This little tank can solo its fair share of checkpoints at top tier-- which is good, because it's not going to win any rally races.
71	----
72
73	!![=AMX=] 40
74
75	Development was started in March 1940. Initially, the vehicle was to have a wheeled caterpillar propulsion system. The blueprint of the vehicle was created but in July 1940 work was discontinued.
76	----
77	* InNameOnly: [[BlatantLies A light tank]]. With hull armor that wouldn't look too bad on heavies a tier higher, and the speed to match.
78	* ScratchDamage: The top gun is mediocre when tested against tanks at similar tiers... when thrown into tier 6 matches, it's enough to make you TheLoad ([[http://wiki.wargaming.net/en/Tank:AMX40 in fact, the official Wargaming Wiki says as much ]]). Your best bet is to stay home with the [=SPGs=], and upon seeing an enemy, [[TechnicalPacifist aim for the tracks]] and [[SummonBiggerFish light up the chat until your bigger friends come to finish them off.]]
79	* StoneWall: It's basically a duck-shaped slab of steel armor on treads with a gun added as an afterthought.
80	** In fact, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unR0aACZ884 this video]][[note]]Scene in question starts at 11:27[[/note]] shows an AMX 40 ''bouncing a shot'' from a ''T95''. Yes, that's not a graphics glitch, the AMX 40 can bounce shots from the T95.
81	* WeakButSkilled: Although The Duck is usually seen as [[ThatOneLevel that one tank]] in the French light tree, it's not unheard of to see someone [[OneManArmy carry a match]] by using its absurd armor and good positioning to make up for the terrible gun and worse mobility. Expect the enemy team to [[WorthyOpponent offer huge props]] for this, if they can stop laughing.
82	----
83
84	!![=ELC=] [=AMX=]
85
86	In 1956, the French Ministry of Defense launched the [=ELC=] (Engin Leger de Combat) project. The aim was to create a light tank for airborne transport. The [=ELC=] [=AMX=] prototype featured a low silhouette and a turret placement of both crew members. The vehicle never saw mass production, nor entered service.
87	----
88	* GlassCannon: A [[TookALevelInBadass huge gun]] compared to previous French light tanks. Don't spend too long out of cover, though, because a thrown rock could get through that armor.
89	* NotTheIntendedUse: While this tank is indeed a light and does get tougher matchmaking as a scout, it's very possible to abuse the extremely high camo of the [=ELC=] and 90mm gun to act as an impromptu Tank Destroyer.
90	* ShedArmorGainSpeed: About as extreme an example as you can find in this game, compared to its predecessor.
91	* StealthExpert: The extremely low profile of this tank makes it nigh impossible to find in cover. With a camo net and a crew trained in Camouflage, it might as well be invisible.
92	* UnexpectedGameplayChange: From the slow and undergunned but well armored tanks, you get a tank that is extremely fast, has no armor, and has a powerful gun. As a "bonus", the turret can only rotate so far, and it's the only tank in the entire line to have this quirk.
93	** As of the 9.19 patch, the turret can now make complete rotations, but the mobility was nerfed a bit. C'est la vie.
94	----
95
96	!![=AMX=] 12 t
97
98	This design of a light high-speed tank was developed in 1946 but never put into production. However, it became the basis for the well-known [=AMX=] 13.
99	----
100	* BottomlessMagazines: [[AvertedTrope Strongly averted.]] This tank can carry only 30 rounds, which is enough for five magazines worth of firing. Pick your targets carefully.
101	* MoreDakka: The autoloader makes this tank capable of ''810'' damage in about 13 seconds.
102	* TargetSpotter: With a top view and radio range of 380 and 750 meters, respectively, expect the [=SPGs=] to buy your drinks after the round is over, if you drive well.
103	* UnexpectedGameplayChange: While the [=ELC=] acted as the change in French tank design, the 12 t also adds autoloaders to the mix.
104	----
105
106	!![=AMX=] 13 75
107
108	Development was started in 1946. The vehicle was mass-produced from 1952 through 1964 in France, and until 1985 in Argentina. The tank has been exported to many countries and is still in service in some countries of Asia and South America.
109	----
110	* SoLastSeason: One of the biggest complaints with the 13 75 is that it uses the same gun as the 12 t, which really begins to struggle against the tier X tanks you may now see.
111	* WeakButSkilled: The 75mm gun may not put out a lot of damage or penetrate easily when a tier higher, but the tank has much better stats in almost every other department, especially maneuverability.
112	----
113
114	!![=AMX=] 13 90
115
116	Development was started in 1946. Mass production was launched in 1952. The first 2000 vehicles were equipped with the 75 mm gun. However, later versions had the 90 mm gun, giving much greater firepower.
117	----
118	* PintsizedPowerhouse: Very much a light tank, but the devastating autoloading 90mm can put out enough damage to leave tier 8 ''heavies'' at the brink of destruction.
119	* UnskilledButStrong: While the 90mm gun can pump out a lot of damage, horrific soft stats and the inability to mount a vertical stabilizer means that the only way to reliably hit with all 6 rounds is to sit through a three second aiming time or attack at point-blank range.
120	----
121
122	[[/folder]]
123
124	[[folder:French Medium Tanks]]
125	French medium tanks are few, and they typically have characteristics similar to their light and heavy tank counterparts at their tier. Patch 9.7 added three new French Mediums to the game, with a line dedicated to medium tanks coming from the H35.
126
127	Lines:
128	* The tier 3 D2 is available through the tier 2 D1 light tank, and leads to the heavies.
129	* (T3) SOMUA S35 > SARL 42 > [=G1 R=], after which it joins the heavy line at the ARL 44.
130	* (T9) Lorraine 40 t > B-C 25 t: The French Medium autoloaders. They play almost identically to the scout line they came from.
131	* (T9) AMX 30 1er prototype > AMX 30 B: Non-autoloader Medium line. Not unlike Leopard Prototype A/1.
132	----
133
134	!!D2
135
136	A further modification of the D1 tank. Developed in 1934 by the Renault company. A total of 100 vehicles were manufactured from 1936 through 1940. The vehicles of the second series were designated as D2bis.
137	----
138	* BlatantLies: Half of the front hull's 40 mm of armor is thinned out for the driver's viewport and the (useless) hull gun.
139	* FriendOrFoe: Frequent mechanical breakdowns during mobilization caused this tank to spend a lot of time away from the theater of war... so much time, in fact, that some French infantry saw a company of D2s approaching from behind to support an assault and mistook them for [[UsefulNotes/NazisWithGnarlyWeapons a Panzer company]], causing them to promptly flee. [[LeeroyJenkins The D2s continued the assault anyway.]]
140	----
141
142	!!SOMUA S35
143	Good firepower, armor protection, and mobility made the S35 one of the best tanks of its time. However, the small turret forced the commander to handle multiple tasks at once: searching for enemy targets, aiming and reloading the gun, and coordinating the actions of the crew. This workload reduced his situational awareness and decreased the vehicle's effectiveness on the battlefield. By the time France capitulated on June 22, 1940, a total of 427 vehicles had been manufactured.
144	----
145	* JackOfAllStats: With thick armor all over, a decent gun, and (finally) a proper top speed, the S35 can do whatever it needs to do at tier 3. [[WeaksauceWeakness Except climb hills.]]
146	----
147
148	!!SARL 42
149	Developed by Hubert Clermont from 1940 through 1942, during the German occupation of France. Some elements of the SOMUA S35 medium tank and the experimental [=G1R=] infantry tank were incorporated into the new vehicle. It was hoped that development would be continued after the liberation of the country. However, by 1944 the project was deemed outdated.
150	----
151	* GlassCannon: Has a nice selection of guns to choose from. Don't expect it to last long against guns at this tier though...
152	----
153
154	!![=G1 R=]
155	Developed from 1935 through 1940. The vehicle was comparable to the [[RedsWithRockets T-34]] in terms of its characteristics. Among several presented prototypes, the Renault [=G1R=] project was eventually selected. The vehicle had individual torsion-bar suspension and an innovative gun-mounting scheme. A prototype was built by 1940. However, [[WhatCouldHaveBeen the development was stopped when France was defeated later that year.]]
156	----
157	* PowerfulButInaccurate: It's howitzer has the worst aim time and accuracy of any of the tier 5 mediums, but it does have better shell velocity.
158	* RammingAlwaysWorks: At least it works more often. This "medium" tank weighs in at over 46 tons, and it can move a lot faster than the "pocket heavy" light tanks.
159	* TookALevelInBadass: A ''very'' welcome upgrade in armor from the SARL 42. It's 60 mm thick all over, with good angles and skirts over the tracks.
160	----
161
162	!![=AMX=] Chasseur de chars
163
164	In 1946, the the [=AMX=] company presented this design for a new vehicle. The powerful engine and light weight would have made the vehicle highly mobile, and the 90-mm gun was equipped with a mechanical ammunition system for a high rate of fire. However, the large dimensions of the vehicle, its thin armor, and the complexity of the design made it unappealing, and the project never advanced to a prototype.
165
166	The [=AMX=] [=CDC=] is a tier 8 premium medium tank.
167	----
168	* {{Acrofatic}}: Can hit 57 km/h flat out, turns on a dime, and climbs hills like a mountain goat. ''It's also bigger than some heavy tanks!''
169	* FragileSpeedster: Has the best power-to-weight ratio in the game and excellent top speed, but any shot that strikes the hull will pen due to the best armor being a mere 30mm.
170	* TanksButNoTanks: It was a tank destroyer project re-purposed as a medium by WG.
171
172	----
173	!!Lorraine 40 t
174
175	A single prototype was manufactured in 1952. The vehicle featured suspension air-core tires and oscillating turret. The design passed trials but never entered mass production.
176	----
177	* PutOnABus: Replaced by the [=BatChat=] 25t AP. Returned as a tier VIII premium in 9.17.1.
178	----
179
180	!![=M4A1=] Revalorise
181	----
182	* DoNotRunWithAGun: Played straight initally, but then averted after 9.17; It became one of the best tanks in the game for snapshots.
183	* FakeNationality: It's a US Sherman with a French developed gun for the [[UsefulNotes/IsraeliswithInfraredMissiles Israeli Army.]] The French had no plans to use it for themselves.
184	* GlassCannon: It's the tier 5 Sherman's hull booted up to tier 8, and as a result is very fragile. However, the 105mm cannon is a nasty weapon.
185	----
186
187	!![=BatChat=] 25t AP
188
189	In 1950–1951, engineers of the FAMH company (Compagnie des forges et aciéries de la marine et d'Homécourt) worked on the development of a medium tank with a 90-mm gun and a rotating turret. Work was discontinued at the preliminary design stage. Later, all elements of the vehicle were incorporated in the Batignolles-Châtillon 25 t tank.
190	----
191	* NewMeat: Currently the newest tank in the French tech tree.
192	* MoreDakka: Sports a 100 mm gun with a six round autoloader.
193	* GlassCannon: Can take down tier VIII and some tier IX tanks with a single magazine. Just don't expect it to survive anything the enemy throws back at it...
194	* BottomlessMagazines: Inverted. Only carries 30 rounds for the 100 mm gun, which is only ''five magazines'' worth. Don't waste your ammo.
195	----
196
197	!!AMX 30 1er prototype
198
199	Developed as part of a competitive search for a unified European tank. The vehicle turned out to have maneuverability, engine power, and effective anti-tank engagement distance superior to all other vehicles except the Leopard 1. The armor of the vehicle was quite thin, but it was decided that technological advances in anti-tank shells had essentially rendered armor obsolete: survivability would depend on mobility and firepower.
200	----
201	* DifficultButAwesome: Stock, it's a real pain to drive. When fully upgraded however, it can give a nasty punch to unsuspecting enemies.
202	* GlassCannon: Can equip a powerful and accurate 105 mm gun. Its armour though, leaves much to be desired, like most French tanks.
203	----
204
205	!!Bat.-Châtillon 25 t
206
207	This experimental tank was a further development of the [=AMX=] 13. The tank underwent trials, but never entered mass production nor saw service. Two vehicles were manufactured.
208	----
209	* MoreDakka: Sports a 105 mm gun with a five round autoloader.
210	* GlassCannon: Can take down many tanks in its tier with a single magazine. Just don't expect it to survive anything the enemy throws back at it...
211	* BottomlessMagazines: Inverted. Only carries 30 rounds for the 105 mm gun, which is only ''six magazines'' worth. ''Make. Every. Shot. Count.''
212	----
213
214	!!AMX 30 B
215
216	Developed in 1966. The vehicle had maneuverability, engine power, and effective anti-tank engagement distance superior to all other vehicles except the Leopard 1. Great view range allowed the vehicle’s commander to coordinate the actions of the crew and to maintain situational awareness, greatly increasing the vehicle’s effectiveness. The armor of the vehicle was quite thin, but it was decided that technological advances in anti-tank shells had essentially rendered armor obsolete: survivability would depend on mobility and firepower. A total of 2,800 vehicles were manufactured.
217	----
218	* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: Considered inferior to the German Leopard 1.
219	* GlassCannon: Sports a powerful and accurate 105 mm gun. Its armour ''still'' leaves much to be desired.
220	----
221	[[/folder]]
222
223	[[folder:French Heavy Tanks]]
224	French heavy tanks start in the mid tiers with a good mix of armor and mobility, although the very first tank down the line has a poor gun. As the tiers rise, the guns get better while they continually trade armor for agility. They use large caliber guns with automatic loaders, which make them very destructive. With their paper thin armor, it is essential to keep moving.
225
226	Lines:
227	* (T4) B1 > [=BDR=] G1 B > [=ARL=] 44 > [=AMX=] M4 45 > [=AMX=] 50 100 > [=AMX=] 50 120 > [=AMX=] 50 B
228	----
229
230	!!B1
231
232	Development was started in 1921. Due to extended trials the vehicle did not enter service until 1934. A total of 403 tanks in two basic modifications were manufactured from 1935 through 1940.
233	----
234	* ATasteOfPower: One of the earliest available heavy tanks in the game, and arguably the closest to the type of the tier 4 heavies (Others being the [[InNameOnly German DW2]] and the [[GlassCannon Japanese Type 95]]).
235	* ScratchDamage: While the B1 only sees up to tier 5, the best gun it can equip is a 47mm gun that has major problems getting through tanks even with [[BribingYourWayToVictory gold ammo]]. All it takes is a few games of running into the [[UsefulNotes/BritsWithBattleships British Matilda]] (much less a [[RedsWithRockets KV-1]]) and being utterly helpless for a player to get fed up with the gun. Not helping is the lack of multi-gun support, which prevents the use of the [[{{BFG}} hull-mounted howitzer.]]
236	* RealityIsUnrealistic: The poor gun and mediocre armor (for a heavy), plus the large, juicy silhouette can make this tank difficult to put up against tanks of the same tier. But the historical B1 was an absolute monster. During the Battle of France, a B1 named ''Eure'' was able to knock out [[KillStreak eleven Panzer IIIs and two Panzer IVs]] in a single engagement, all while [[NoSell shrugging off 140 direct hits.]]
237	----
238
239	!![=BDR=] G1 B
240
241	The project of a new vehicle was suggested by engineers of the Baudet-Donon-Rousell company in June 1938. However, the design was never developed.
242	----
243	* CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass: It's a rather poorly-protected, sluggish tank that is also a tall target, and widely made fun of because of that, at least until the [=90mm=] [=DCA-30=] cannon painfully stings them in the face.
244	* UnexpectedGameplayChange: Represents the same shift in French armor paradigm in the heavy tree as the light [[FragileSpeedster ELC AMX]]. There is an impressive bump in firepower and mobility, at the cost of some armor protection.
245	* WarForFunAndProfit: The [=BDR=]'s low repair and resupply costs, combined with its high damage potential, make it one of the most lucrative [[BribingYourWayToVictory non-premium]] cash machines in the game.
246	----
247
248	!![=ARL=] 44
249
250	Heavy tank developed during World War II on the basis of the pre-war B1 Bis. A combination of an obsolete 1930s chassis and a heavily armed turret proved unsuccessful. A total of 60 vehicles were manufactured since 1946.
251	----
252	* WeaksauceWeakness: While the ARL sports some of the best armor of any French tank beyond tier 4, it comes at a time where 90mm+ guns (which can [[UnblockableAttack overmatch]] and easily penetrate the turret sides) are becoming more common, and the side hull armor can be hit through the tracks.
253	* GlassCannon: Has an array of powerful guns to choose from, but its armour is more on the weaker side.
254	----
255
256	!![=AMX=] M4 mle. 45
257
258	The development of this heavy tank started in 1945. Initially, the standard French suspension was used but it proved unsuitable for a high-speed tank and was replaced with a German suspension in later modifications.
259	----
260	* GlassCannon: Uses a 90 mm gun comparable to the 8.8 cm on the German Tiger I, don't expect its typical French armour to protect it from return fire though.
261	* {{Acrofatic}}: A [[InNameOnly heavy tank]] that accelerates and turns rather quickly, though the top speed is a bit low at 35 km/h.
262	----
263
264	!![=AMX=] 50 100
265
266	Development of this heavy tank started in 1945, and was influenced by German wartime tank designs. In 1950 a prototype with an oscillating turret and the 100 mm gun was manufactured. The vehicle never entered mass production nor saw service.
267	----
268	* MoreDakka: Sports a 100 mm gun with a six round autoloader.
269	* GlassCannon: Can take down full health tier [=VIIIs=] with a single magazine. Its armour though, is typically French. It does have [[FragileSpeedster typically French mobility]] as well.
270	----
271
272	!![=AMX=] 65 t
273
274	Developed by the [=AMX=] company in 1950, this heavy tank utilized design elements of the Tiger II along with a "pike nose" hull design. Never entered production.
275
276	Marks the beginning of the second French heavy path.
277	----
278	* EliteTweak: There's significant debate whether sticking with the stock turret and second 100mm gun for its accuracy, penetration, and rate of fire is superior to the upgraded turret and 120mm gun's superior handling and alpha damage.
279	* MasterOfNone: On paper it has decent armor, competitive guns, and good top speed. In practice, it has sluggish maneuverability, anemic guns marred by bad handling, and inadequate armor rendering it an exceedingly frustrating tank to play.
280	* PowerupLetdown: The second turret and accompanying 120mm gun are arguably this to the stock turret and second 100mm gun, losing out in accuracy, penetration, rate of fire, and effective armor in return for only moderately improved handling and alpha damage.
281	----
282
283	!![=FCM=] 50 t
284
285	Development was started in December 1945. The vehicle was conceived as replacement for the [=AMX=] 50t and combined features typical of the pre-war French tank-construction industry as well as German innovations. The vehicle was to be equipped with an additional container trailer, equipment for underwater driving, and a demountable mine clearer.
286
287	This tank is a tier 8 premium tank.
288	----
289	* InNameOnly: While this tank is listed as a heavy tank, the speed and rapid-firing but low-caliber gun and middling armor lead to a decidedly medium-like playstyle.
290	* {{Acrofatic}}: It has a pretty long chassis, but can keep up with ''medium tanks'' with little to no issue.
291	----
292
293	!![=AMX=] 50 120
294
295	A prototype of the [=AMX=] 50 tank. Developed in the early 1950s under the influence of the Soviet IS-3 and T-10. The tank featured enhanced armor and a 120-mm gun in the oscillating turret.
296	----
297	* WeaksauceWeakness: The ammo rack can be [[OneHitKill struck]] from the front.
298	* {{Acrofatic}}: Larger and bulkier than the [=AMX=] 50 100, but is no less mobile.
299	----
300
301	!! [=AMX=] M4 mle. 51
302
303	A design variant of the [=AMX=] M4 project with a reinforced hull. Development began in 1949 but never saw production or service.
304	----
305	* AchillesHeel: While it has very strong frontal armor, its side and rear armor is pitifully weak and easily penetrated even at long range.
306	* {{BFG}}: Can mount the 127mm/54 caliber gun, which in real life served as a medium naval battery.
307	* EliteTweak: Can either stick with its stock 120mm gun for its superior accuracy, penetration, and rate of fire or use the 127mm gun for its superior alpha damage and overmatch potential.
308	* HardHead: Has a very strong upgraded turret with 300mm frontal armor and relatively small cupolas/
309	* LightningBruiser: Unlike the 65t before it, the M4 51 has very good acceleration and easily reaches its very reasonable top speed of 40 km/h
310	----
311
312	!![=AMX=] 50 B
313
314	Developed starting in 1951 by [=DEFA=], the state weapons design bureau. By 1958, the [=AMX=] 50 B received a number of improvements, including a low-profile cast hull and torsion-bar suspension. A new oscillating turret with a 120-mm gun was also mounted on the vehicle. Despite the fact that the Maybach engine power provided just 1000 hp, the specialists from the German Gruppe M company were looking for a solution that would allow the vehicle to reach the speed up to 65 km/h. Only one finished prototype of this variant was built.
315	----
316	* LightningBruiser: This tank not only moves about as if it were a medium and has an improved 120mm cannon from the 50 120, the frontal hull armor is massively improved and capable of easily deflecting carelessly aimed shots.
317	----
318
319	!! [=AMX=] M4 mle. 54
320
321	Another variant of the [=AMX=] M4 project with a 280mm applique armored upper glacis. Never saw production or service.
322
323	This tank marks the end of the second French heavy line.
324	----
325	* {{BFG}}: Can mount the 130mm/45 caliber gun, which like the M4 51's 127mm gun served as a medium naval battery in the real world.
326	* EliteTweak: Has the option of accuracy and armor penetration in the 120mm gun, or raw alpha damage in the 130mm gun.
327	* LightningBruiser: Like the M4 51 before it, the M4 54 reaches its respectable top speed of 40 km/h with ease, and is even more durable and punishing in a fight.
328	----
329
330	[[/folder]]
331
332	[[folder:French Tank Destroyers]]
333	French tank destroyers have relatively weak armor at lower tiers, but have good guns. Later in the line, they gain tough and well-sloped frontal armor along with increased speed, but retain the good guns. Their guns have great penetration values and good accuracy, so they are not to be taken lightly. However, their side armor is rather weak and their front armor is covered in rather obvious weak spots. Due to their size, the later designs have poor camouflage values.
334
335	Lines:
336	* (T2) FT AC > UE 57 > [=SAu=] 40 > S35 CA > [=ARL=] V39 > [=AMX=] AC 46 > [=AMX=] AC 48 > Foch > Foch 155
337	----
338
339	!!Renault FT AC
340
341	As the French Army's vast fleet of Renault FT tanks passed into obsolescence, some efforts were made to upgrade the vehicles. One proposal was to convert them into tank destroyers, but the plan was never implemented.
342	----
343	* GlassCannon: The massive gun can [[UnblockableAttack reliably penetrate tier 4 tanks]] and has a [[MoreDakka very high reload rate]]. The result is an even heavier tank for the FT's weak engine, with nominal armor and a very narrow gun traverse angle. An unsupported FT AC is as much a sitting duck as an [=SPG=].
344	----
345
346	!![=FCM=] 36 Pak 40
347
348	In 1943, ten [=FCM 36=] tanks were converted into tank destroyers. Earlier, twelve vehicles of that type were converted into self-propelled guns carrying the 105 mm gun.
349
350	A tier 3 premium tank destroyer.
351	----
352	* FakeNationality: A captured French light tank outfitted with a German TD gun... fighting with a French insignia.
353	* [[MixAndMatchCritters Mix And Match Tanks]]: What would happen if you stacked a German [[{{BFG}} 7.5cm cannon]] on a [[MadeOfIron French light hull]]?
354	----
355
356	!!Renault UE 57
357
358	Developed in 1943 in Great Britain by mounting the British 6-pounder gun on the chassis of the French tankette [=UE2=]. One prototype was manufactured.
359	----
360	* ChronicallyCrashedCar: If anyone in a tier 3 game starts complaining publicly about [[TheyChangedItNowItSucks the new physics engine]], there's a better than even chance they're tipped on their side in a UE 57. It only takes a few minutes driving one of these little guys around to see how unstable the suspension can be.
361	* FragileSpeedster: It's small and fast because it's lightly armored.
362	* MagikarpPower: The aforementioned 6-pounder gun is only available as an upgrade, after quite a bit of grinding with the comparatively flaccid 47 mm SA-L mle. 1937-- at tier, it's okay at best with a [[MoreDakka high firing rate]]. But at tiers 4 and 5, you might as well be throwing rocks at anything but scouts. The 6-pounder has no trouble penetrating anything you come across, and with the UE 57's [[StealthExpert high camo value]], it might as well be invisible.
363	* [[MixAndMatchCritters Mix And Match Tanks]]: What would happen if you stacked a British [[{{BFG}} 6-pounder cannon]] on a [[FragileSpeedster French tankette]]?
364	* RammingAlwaysWorks: Against it. It's lighter than the American [=M56=] Scorpion at only ''3 tons'' which means contact with allies or enemies, accidental or not, can seriously damage or kill you.
365	* [[WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes Why Did It Have to Be Gun Depression?]]: One of the worst depression ratings in the game, of only 3 degrees. This generally throws any advantage of high ground out the window.
366	----
367
368	!!SOMUA [=SAu=] 40
369
370	A proposed tank destroyer on the basis of the SOMUA S35. Existed only in blueprints.[[note]]This description lies: One prototype armed with the 75mm gun and some production vehicles with the 47mm fought in the Battle of France.[[/note]]
371	----
372	* AwesomeButImpractical: Big, sturdy tank destroyer with powerful gun sounds like a good idea on paper. In-game however, it's slow speed hampers the ability to quickly get in or out of position. It can't take advantage of hill crest due to low gun placement and the vulnerable machine gun turret on top. The guns are inaccurate at long range, while the armor is useless to most frontline [=non-TD=] tanks it often gets put against. Many people compare it to equally awkward M3 Lee medium tank of American line, and those who can play the [=SAu=] 40 well often advise players to be extremely cautious.
373	* GoForTheEye: A big, thinly-armored machine gun turret pokes out of the top.
374	* RealityIsUnrealistic: As the note in the description implies, mounting a {{BFG}} on the S35 chassis actually happened. This makes it the first (French) TD in the French line to have actually seen action.
375	* TheBigGuy: The most physically imposing tier 4 French tank, and excepting the [=SPG=], armed with the most withering gun.
376	* UnexpectedGameplayChange: Trading in a tank destroyer that is so small and light that [[TooFastToStop it nearly flips over]] on its head when it stops or turns at speed... for an [[MightyGlacier enormous gun and tough frontal armor on the SOMUA S35 chassis]].
377	----
378
379	!!S35 CA
380
381	The design called for the conversion of tanks into tank destroyers by mounting a 17-pounder gun into an open-topped, lightly armored cabin.
382	----
383	* EliteTweak: One of the things that makes this TD stand out is that all of its guns are viable: The 17-pdr gives excellent penetration and solid DPS, the 90mm gives the best DPS while being middle-of-the-road in soft stats, and the 105mm is the raw alpha option.
384	----
385
386	!![=ARL=] V39
387
388	A prototype of the [=ARL=] 40. The vehicle was intended as an assault SPG. Mass production was to be launched in 1940 but never started due to the occupation of France.
389	----
390	* BadassOnPaper: Has some deceptively good on-paper statistics... which are completely ruined by numerous drawbacks that are not immediately apparent in the garage. This tank is only the first in the general trend of the French tank destroyer line, so you'd best prepare yourself...
391	----
392
393	!![=AMX=] AC mle. 46
394
395	The first design project of a heavy tank destroyer on the basis of the M4. Development was started in 1946. The configuration of the vehicle had a strong resemblance to the Jagdpanther. Existed only in blueprints.
396	----
397	* BadassOnPaper: Like most high tiered French tank destroyers, it has some deceptively good on-paper statistics (decent frontal armour, a decent gun selection, and unprecedented mobility) which are are marred by numerous flaws that are not apparent in the garage.
398	----
399
400	!![=AMX=] AC mle. 48
401
402	A draft project of a tank destroyer on the basis of the AMX 50. Developed in 1948. The vehicle featured rotating fire unit on the rear. Existed only in blueprints.
403	----
404	* WeaksauceWeakness: That rotating fire unit? Adds a third "cupola" to the TD that is surprisingly easy to hit and houses one of the gunners.
405	* BadassOnPaper: At this point, it's a RunningGag.
406	----
407
408	!![=AMX=] 50 Foch
409
410	Tank destroyer on the basis of the [=AMX=] 50. A prototype was manufactured in 1950. By 1951 a few more vehicles were ready for trials. The vehicle was in service until 1952.
411	----
412	* NamedAfterSomebodyFamous: One of two French [=TDs=] named after Grand Marshall Ferdinand Foch, who was the commander of Allied Entente forces during the last year of UsefulNotes/WorldWarI, and uttered the infamous words,
413	-->'''Foch:''' ''Mon centre cède, ma droite recule, situation excellente, j'attaque.'' ([[OhCrap My center is yielding, my right flank is retreating]], [[BlatantLies excellent position]], [[LeeroyJenkins I am attacking]].)
414	* AlwaysSomeoneBetter: Considered one of the worst tier 9 tank destroyers, with the lowest damage per shot (tied with the British Tortoise, but it compensates with a rapid rate of fire), lowest DPM, non-existant armour anywhere but the front, and appallingly bad gun handling.
415	----
416
417	!![=AMX=] 50 Foch (155)
418
419	In 1952, with the launch of the [=AMX=] 50 120 tank project, the French discontinued development of the [=AMX=] 50 Foch tank destroyer. A tank destroyer having the same 120-mm gun armament as the tank was thought to be unnecessary. There were attempts to upgrade the main gun to 155 mm, but these efforts were abandoned as France made moves to adopt standardized NATO equipment.
420	----
421	* LightningBruiser: Sports an [[MoreDakka autoloading]] [[{{BFG}} 155 mm gun]] that can take away ''2250 HP'' in just over 10 seconds. Its front is a tough nut to crack if the enemy doesn't understand its weakspots or flank around it. It's also [[{{Acrofatic}} quite mobile for a tank of its size]].
422	----
423	[[/folder]]
424
425	[[folder:French Self-Propelled Guns]]
426	French self propelled guns have good accuracy, quick aim times and high fire rates, but suffer from low gun arcs, slow-moving projectiles, and lower damage and penetration than their rivals. They are the fastest SPG's in the game and can outrun many of the tanks in the game, which allows them to escape base raids and easily relocate to continue finding lines of fire. They also sport relatively great camouflage values thanks to their smaller sizes. This trend, aside from camo, remains throughout the line. They are also some of the best artillery at defending themselves and make good emergency Tank Destroyers. After tier 8, the guns do not improve but instead new functionality is added such as turrets and autoloaders.
427
428	Lines:
429	* (T2) FT BS > Lorr. 39L AM > [=AMX=] 105 AM > [=AMX=] 13 AM > [=AMX=] 13 F3 > Lorr. 155 50 > Lorr. 155 51 > B-C 155 55 > B-c 155 58
430	----
431
432	!!Renault FT 75 BS
433
434	The first order for an SPG on the basis of the Renault FT-17 was placed in December 1917. However, no SPG entered service until the end of World War I. After the end of the war a total of 39 vehicles were manufactured.
435	----
436	* MoreDakka: A 100% crew and the top gun can fire once every 8 seconds... which is faster than some main battle tanks.
437	* UndergroundMonkey: Another one of the various flavors of FT available in this game.
438	----
439
440	!!Lorraine 39L AM
441
442	Self-propelled gun on the basis of the Lorraine 37L. Development was started just before World War II. Existed only in blueprints.
443	----
444	* ATeamFiring: Despite its long range, it's not terribly accurate and it takes a ''long'' time to aim. It doesn't even get much of a benefit from splash damage, either.
445	* SniperDuel: Unusually for tier 3, has an effective range includes damn near the whole map, from any position. This makes it exceptionally useful for taking out enemy tank destroyers and [=SPGs=] from a safe distance.
446	* PintSizedPowerhouse: Just a tiny little guy. ''Very'' bad idea to [[ShortRangeLongRangeWeapon approach from the front]].
447	----
448
449	!![=AMX=] 105 AM mle. 47
450
451	A 105-mm SPG design project developed by the Construction Bureau in Issy-les-Moulineaux (Paris, France). The draft was ready in September 1947. However, development was discontinued and the project was canceled.
452	----
453	* LightningBruiser: Very quick for an SPG, with a punishing gun to boot.
454	* NotTheIntendedUse: Good mobility and a tough cannon both make it easy to adapt to urban maps as an ad-hoc tank destroyer, where [[ConcealmentEqualsCover buildings]] might prevent a more traditional SPG style from being effective.
455	* RadialAssKicking: The gun has quite a wide traverse arc, which allows it hold the hull steady while acquiring new targets. Of course, the low shot arc may introduce some unpleasant difficulties for getting over obstacles like... [[WeaksauceWeakness moderately tall hills and single-story houses]].
456	----
457
458	!![=AMX=] 13 105 AM mle. 50
459
460	Self-propelled gun on the basis of the AMX-B tank. The prototype was developed and tested beginning in 1949. Mass production was launched in 1955.
461	----
462	----
463
464	!!105 leFH18B2
465
466	In March 1941, the Rheinmetall-Borsig company ordered sixteen captured B1 Bis tanks to be converted into [=SPGs=]. The work was started only at the end of 1941 due to the lack of operational tanks. The vehicles entered service in 1942.
467
468	This SPG is a tier 5 limited premium, and one of only two premium [=SPGs=] in the game.
469	----
470	* DeathOfAThousandCuts: In a similar vein to the Bishop, this SPG does not take out enemies in one large hit but instead wears them down with a fast reloading gun.
471	* FakeNationality: Is a French tank despite historically being used by the Germans.
472	* MixAndMatchCritters: [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin A French B1 bis hull mounted with a German Wespe's 10.5cm field howitzer.]]
473	----
474
475	!![=AMX=] 13 F3 AM
476
477	Developed at the end of the 1950s on the basis of the AMX 13. The vehicle was mass-produced until the end of the 1960s and is still in service in France, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Morocco, and other countries.
478	----
479	* {{BFG}}: Sports a 155 mm howitzer, which can be a surprise (welcome or not) to anyone expecting yet another [[DeathOfAThousandCuts rapid-firing low caliber SPG]].
480	* UnexpectedGameplayChange: Aside from the bigger gun, this tank also has a unique gun traverse arc, unique in that it's quite wide...if you ''only'' turn your gun to the right.
481	----
482
483	!!Lorraine 155 mle. 50
484
485	SPG prototype developed in 1952 on the basis of the experimental Lorraine 40t. Never entered mass production nor saw service.
486	----
487	* FragileSpeedster: Like most French [=SPGs=] (or most French ''tanks'' in general), it's fairly mobile. You are still an artillery vehicle though, so don't get carried away.
488	----
489
490	!!Lorraine 155 mle. 51
491
492	Experimental SPG on the basis of the prototype of the medium tank Char de Bataille Lorraine 40t. The prototype was manufactured in 1952. Never entered mass production nor saw service.
493	----
494	----
495
496	!!Bat.-Châtillon 155 55
497
498	A 155-mm SPG design project developed in 1955. The vehicle was intended to be manufactured on the chassis of the U.S. M47 medium tank, which was exported to France. However, the chassis of the French medium tank Batignolles-Chatillon 25t was preferred over other variants. The initial version existed only in blueprints.
499	----
500	* UnexpectedGameplayChange: Is one of the only [=SPGs=] in the game with a fully-rotatable turret.
501	* PowerUpLetdown: The upgraded gun only improves the aiming time by ''half a second''.
502	----
503
504	!!Bat.-Châtillon 155 58
505
506	SPG prototype on the basis of the Batignolles-Chatillon 25t manufactured in 1958. Never entered mass production.
507	----
508	* UnexpectedGameplayChange: Is one of the only [=SPGs=] in the game with a fully-rotatable turret, though you should have gotten used to it from the previous tank.
509	* CripplingOverspecialization: Suffers massively on damage in exchange for the autoloader: Sure you get 4 rounds worth of 6 seconds of reloading, but you're attacking with the same gun as the tier 8 SPG, and once those four rounds are fired you are out of the action for 73 seconds ''at best''.
510	----

Context Characters / WorldOfTanksFrance