🇫🇷 Projet Louis (Tier IX Light Tank, Premium, magazine autoloader + multi-track suspension mechanic)
Historical Reference:
The growing effectiveness of anti-tank weapons during the 1950s led French engineers to view mobility as the key factor in the survivability of a light tank. One area of research focused on vehicles with a dual-track running gear configuration, under which the “Projet Louis” tank was designed.
This dual-track system required unconventional layout solutions, including the use of two transmissions and the separation of the engine and cooling systems into different sections of the hull. To reduce costs and speed up production, the vehicle was intended to use the mass-produced FL10 turret equipped with a 90 mm F3 gun and a drum-type autoloader. The project, unofficially named after one of the developers of the running gear, had many attractive features but required extensive research, development, and testing. Ultimately, due to its complexity and high cost, the project was abandoned.
Planned features: Autoloading magazine, multi-track suspension, excellent mobility.
Crew:
• Commander (Radio Operator, Loader)
• Gunner (Loader)
• Driver