The first French tank was devised by Colonel Estienne and built by the Schneider Company. Its mission was to open the way for the Infantry, grinding down barbed wire and providing support with arms fire. A spur to the front and a tail to the rear enabled it to cross trenches. The caterpillar chassis was that of the American Holt tractor, as it was for the St Chamond.

 Weight : 12.5 tonnes
 Engine Power : 60 bhp
 Max Road Speed : 8 kph over 80 kilometres
 Armour : 11 mm
 Armament : 1 x 75mm Schneider gun, short 2 x Hotchkiss 8mm machine-gun
 400 units built