How would you rate the design of French tanks? In particular the H-39, H-35, S-35, R-35, and Char B-1? Apparently they were not only on par, but some were even more advanced than any other tanks in the world. And the ARL-44. Designed by underground France. Was that even up to date with Allied or Axis designs? And then, another question. After the fall of France, what type of tanks did the French armored divisions arm themselves with? Shermans?
Somewhere between pathetic and awful. We've had this discussion on this very board before. For instance this thread: http://www.ww2f.com/weapons-wwii/18951-french-tanks.html You might peruse the entry I made lambasting the awful Char B1 bis listing its numerous, and for all intents, fatal flaws.
Somewhere between best and...er...best. The French had the best tanks of the early part of the war bar the Matilda II. The S35 was the match of anything the Germans had, (they used them up until 1944). Anyone that tells you that the French tanks were inferior to the German is talking out of his hat.
Mostly good on hard points, bad on soft. The modern ones had good armor, adequate guns for the day, and in the case of the S35 good speed. Terrible internal setup, one man turret, no radios etc. Even the mechanical reliability was pretty poor. They look good on paper but that did not translate into real life superiority.
