ARL 44

The ARL 44 was a French tank, which was used in the post-war period in the French army.

History

Was constructed from the tank design firm Atelier de Construction de Rueil. Already under the German occupation during the Second World War secret development work for its own new tanks were operated in France. Mainly based on the chassis of the Panzer prewar model Char B1. When driving the Maybach HL 230 engine was used, which had already come into German tank models like the Panther, the Tiger I and II and the Jagdpanzer Jagdtiger used.

After landing in Normandy and the liberation of major industrial facilities began immediately with the production, mainly at the company FAMH (40 pieces) and Renault ( 20 ) were involved. The first vehicle was completed in 1946. Overall, only 60 pieces were produced. The ARL 44 was used in the 503e Régiment de Chars de Combat stationed in Mourmelon le Grand. This Type 17 used by France German Panther tank production were replaced that were used in this regiment.