Stylish French heavy tank with crew positions inside (but no interior).

Details

Name/model: Batignolles-Chatillon Char 54 t (mle. 51 - Model 1951)
Unit: No.255 Provence
Crews: 5 crew members (Gunner, loader, driver, radio operator, commander)
Primary weapon: Cannon de 90 mm. SA71
Secondary weapons: Coaxial 7.5 mm. MAC 31 (Machine gun)
Engine: Maybach HL300 (~950 hp)
Suspension: Torsion bar
Weight: 54.3 tonnes (full load)
Length: 10.2 m. (Fictional) 16.2 m. (In game)
Height: 3.5 m. (Fictional) 5.8 m. (In game)
Width: 4.7 m.

Lore

(Quite long)

After the end of World War II in 1945, France found itself technologically behind other Allied nations, especially in the field of armored warfare. Although supported by American vehicles such as the Sherman and M26 Pershing, France still desired an indigenous tank design to restore its national pride and military autonomy.

In 1949, the development project for the Char 54 t was initiated under the leadership of engineers from AMX (Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux). The goal was to create a “modern heavy tank” capable of rivaling the Soviet IS-2 and T-44 tanks.

Although only produced in limited numbers in 1951, the Char 54 t served primarily in training units and armored battalions stationed in French colonies such as Algeria, where it provided a strong deterrent during rising Cold War tensions.

In 1956, a number of Char 54 t tanks were deployed during the Suez Crisis, where they performed effectively in assaulting fortified positions and supporting infantry movements.

Despite its strengths, the Char 54 t was eventually outclassed by more modern designs like the AMX-30, which emphasized mobility and updated technology. The Char 54 t was retired in the early 1960s, with several units preserved in armored museums such as the one in Saumur, serving as a testament to France’s post-war military revival.