WW1 Tank Size Comparison: From Light to Super Heavy

World War I saw the birth of the tank, a revolutionary weapon that forever changed the face of warfare. These armored behemoths, initially conceived as a way to break through enemy trenches, quickly evolved into a diverse range of designs, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the size and scale of these iconic machines, comparing the different types of tanks employed by the major powers during the conflict.

Light Tanks

Light tanks were designed for speed and maneuverability, often sacrificing armor protection for agility. They were primarily used for reconnaissance, scouting, and flanking maneuvers.

Tank	Country	Length	Width	Height	Weight
Renault FT-17	France	4.9 m	1.9 m	2.2 m	6.5 tons
Mark IV Light Tank	United Kingdom	5.1 m	2.0 m	2.4 m	8.0 tons
A7V	Germany	6.2 m	2.4 m	2.8 m	30 tons

As you can see, the light tanks of World War I were relatively small and nimble, with the Renault FT-17 being the smallest of the bunch. However, the German A7V, while still considered a light tank, was significantly larger than its counterparts.

Medium Tanks

Medium tanks were the workhorses of World War I, balancing firepower, armor, and mobility. They were capable of engaging in both offensive and defensive operations.

Tank	Country	Length	Width	Height	Weight
Whippet	United Kingdom	5.9 m	2.2 m	2.5 m	14 tons
Mark V Tank	United Kingdom	8.0 m	2.8 m	2.9 m	28 tons
Schneider CA1	France	6.3 m	2.3 m	2.6 m	23 tons

Medium tanks like the Whippet and Mark V were significantly larger than light tanks, offering greater protection and firepower. The Schneider CA1, while smaller than the Mark V, was still a formidable machine.

Heavy Tanks

Heavy tanks were designed for sheer firepower and armor protection, sacrificing speed and maneuverability in the process. They were meant to break through enemy defenses and provide a powerful offensive punch.

Tank	Country	Length	Width	Height	Weight
Mark VIII Tank	United Kingdom	8.9 m	3.2 m	3.2 m	37 tons
St. Chamond	France	8.2 m	2.8 m	3.0 m	42 tons
Char 2C	France	10.3 m	3.7 m	3.4 m	68 tons

The Mark VIII, the largest tank produced by the Allies during the war, was a true behemoth, weighing in at over 37 tons. The French St. Chamond and Char 2C were even larger, with the Char 2C being the largest tank ever built until the Second World War.

Super-Heavy Tanks

While not widely deployed, some nations experimented with super-heavy tanks, designed to be virtually impenetrable. These behemoths were often too heavy and cumbersome for practical use in the battlefield.

Tank	Country	Length	Width	Height	Weight
K-Wagen	Germany	10.0 m	3.5 m	3.2 m	100 tons
Landship Tank	United Kingdom	12.0 m	4.0 m	3.8 m	150 tons

The German K-Wagen, with its massive size and thick armor, was a testament to the German desire for a super-heavy tank. The British Landship Tank, although never built, was envisioned as a truly gigantic armored behemoth.

Conclusion

The size and scale of World War I tanks varied greatly, reflecting the different approaches taken by nations to address the challenges of trench warfare. From the nimble light tanks to the massive super-heavies, these machines played a significant role in shaping the course of the conflict.

This comparative analysis provides a glimpse into the evolution of tank design during this pivotal period, highlighting the ingenuity and innovation of engineers and designers in their quest to create the ultimate weapon of war.