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M1917 6 ton tank

The Six Ton M1917 was the United State’s first mass-produced tank. Picture was taken at Littlefield's California facility.

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  • crew 2
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The Six Ton M1917 was the United State’s first mass-produced tank. The tank was a slightly larger version of the successful French designed Renault FT-17 light tank that was deployed during WWI. Tanks like the FT-17 were used mostly as infantry support vehicles, charging through large networks of ditches, trenches and barbed wire with troops close behind. Rarely were tanks like the FT-17 pitted against each other on the battlefield.

The M1917 had a crew of two. The driver maintained a position directly in the center with the engine behind. The gunner/commander occupied the cramped turret and managed the armament. The M1917 featured angular armor to help deflect small arms fire and artillery shrapnel. The single 37mm M1916 or Marlin M1917 machine gun was fitted within a traversing turret with an entry/exit hatch at the top.

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COVID-19 Event Cancellations & Closure

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts, the Father's Day Open House / "Tanks, Wings, & Wheels" event in partnership with the American Heritage Museum has been CANCELLED for June 20-21, 2020. Additionally, the American Heritage Museum is CLOSED until Phase III re-openings are announced in the state. We will make announcements here and on our Facebook page when re-opening is announced.