Char A, 1B, 1A Heavy Tank
By July 1916, a team headed by Messrs Jammy and Savatier undertook studies for a heavy "break-through" tank, or Char Lourd. The FCM establishment of La Seyne, near Toulon, was selected to undertake building the tank. A pilot model was ordered on 20 December 1916. Two alternative types of transmission werre planned, mechanical, and electric. The pilot model was not ready until December 1917. On trials the tank performed well, but turning was difficult. Because of this, development was not continued and interest switched to the Char 2C. The Char A and 1B were prototype tanks that were followed by the Char 1A then finally, by the Char 2C.