I Became a Tycoon During World War I - Chapter 260

Chapter 260: The Development Direction of Tanks

After thinking for a moment, Colonel Estigny answered:
"I understand your point, Colonel!"

"If it were a solo operation, the 'Char A1' might have the advantage. But if the 'Char A1' faces a group of such tanks, it might struggle."

"Moreover, Schneider could improve this tank by adding a rotating turret. At that point, the 'Char A1' would lose all of its advantages."

To put it simply, any tank that has what the 'Char A1' possesses could match it, and even gain the additional advantage of mobility.

So, how could the 'Char A1' defeat it?

Charles was nearly speechless after Estigny's argument.

The tanks of this period might have been misled by the success of the 'Char A1,' with tank warfare theory suddenly shifting from the super-heavy tanks like the "Saint-Chamond" and A7V to the extreme opposite—super-light tanks.

This was very French. They always try to find one absolute, correct theory, then do nothing but stick to it, hoping for victory.

However, the complexity and unpredictability of the battlefield meant that this way of thinking was doomed to fail.

Charles answered slowly:
"I believe the problem you're considering doesn't exist, Colonel. Most tank battles take place off-road. You don't deny that, do you?"

Colonel Estigny nodded.

So far, there has been no instance of tanks fighting on roads. Even when roads are blocked, battles move off-road.

"So!" Charles took the sketch and pointed at the wheels on the diagram: "During combat, its wheels are completely useless. Its mobility in battle relies on tracks, not wheels."

Estigny did not disagree. The wheels were for maneuvering, not for combat.

Charles continued:
"Since its wheels can only reach a speed of 28 km/h on roads, I boldly speculate that its track speed might only be around 10 km/h. Do you agree?"

Estigny hesitated slightly before nodding:
"I agree!"

If Schneider's light tank could reach a track speed of 20 km/h, it wouldn't even need wheels.

On the other hand, the 'Char A1' has a more advanced suspension, allowing it to reach a top speed of 15 km/h. Therefore, its track speed should be similar to that of this light tank.

"Given that," Charles concluded with a question:
"How could a light tank weighing only around 4 tons defeat an 8-ton 'Char A1'?"

Estigny paused, then suddenly understood.

Djoka, however, was still confused. He hesitated, glancing at Estigny and then at Charles:
"Can weight really decide the outcome?"

"Though it's hard to believe, it seems that it can," Colonel Estigny explained:
"Under the same technological conditions, with no significant difference in mobility, a heavier tank means thicker armor. This means I can break through the opponent's defenses, while they can't break through mine!"

Djoka nodded slowly.

The reasoning was actually quite simple. Both Schneider and Charles were French armament manufacturers, and the engines and weapons of their light tanks were more or less the same.

A heavier tank would naturally have thicker armor, and thicker armor would provide a greater defensive advantage in battle.

Charles did not say anything further, merely observing the two men quietly.

Colonel Estigny appeared lost in thought for a moment, then suddenly, like a revelation, he snapped to attention:
"My God, I think I might know the future development direction of tanks!"

Djoka was still confused:
"What?"

He couldn't understand how they could analyze the "development trend" from this.

Colonel Estigny turned his gaze to Charles, his face uncertain, his voice tinged with excitement:
"If weight can determine combat effectiveness, does that mean that, given a certain speed and mobility, we should focus on increasing armor thickness?"

Then, Colonel Estigny seemed to think of something and added:
"So, this is why you sent Matthew to the aircraft factory to learn engine technology?"

Charles gave a slight nod.

That was two weeks ago, when the aircraft manufacturing department was short on staff while producing bombers. Charles seized the opportunity to send Matthew there to help.

Djoka was increasingly baffled. What did engine technology have to do with increasing armor thickness?

After thinking for a while, it seemed to click. More advanced engines with greater horsepower meant that they could carry thicker armor, which would inevitably provide stronger protection.

Charles solemnly added:

"The role of tanks has never been about having more or fancier functions, Colonel."

"All battlefield equipment shares one fundamental and most important point: 'Preserve oneself and destroy the enemy.'"

"Any equipment, if you think of it from this perspective, won't have any major issues."

Estigny instantly understood:
"Schneider's light tank, although more mobile, cannot 'preserve itself.' It would even struggle to break through the enemy's defenses… My God, if it can't break through the enemy's defenses, its road mobility might not even come into play. This means it's a redundant and useless function, possibly even adding to logistical burdens."

Charles nodded inwardly. After all, he was the father of French armor; he understood instantly.

At this moment, Colonel Estigny seemed to enter a new state of mind. He was repeatedly thinking about Charles' words, muttering to himself:
"Then 'destroying the enemy' means… artillery!"

"Yes, exactly, artillery!"

"Artillery should have… a longer range."

Saying this, Estigny eagerly looked at Charles, his voice trembling with excitement:
"I wasn't wrong, was I, Colonel? Artillery should develop toward a longer range."

"And greater penetration power, to be able to pierce the enemy's tanks from a greater distance!"

Charles gave a light nod:
"That's right, Colonel. This is the future direction of tank development."

"It doesn't need too many changes. It just needs to seek a balance between mobility, defense, and firepower."

"And the key to all of this…"

Colonel Estigny interrupted:
"Is the engine. The engine is the key to all of this."

Only with a sufficiently advanced engine could tanks carry thicker armor and larger-caliber guns.

Otherwise, they would be like the 'Saint-Chamond' and A7V, small horses pulling large carts. Even getting them to move on the battlefield was a struggle, let alone fighting.

At this moment, Estigny suddenly remembered why Charles had always been reluctant to mount a cannon on the "Mark I" type, and why the 'Char A1' only mounted a 37mm small cannon. It seemed to all be part of this comprehensive consideration.

Upon realizing this, Estigny was completely shocked.

Could it be that Charles had already known this direction back then?

But...

At that time, tanks had just appeared, and there were no opponents. How could Charles have known the future development direction?

He actually had the foresight to think this far ahead!

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