Latil TAR

The Latil TAR (Tracteur d’Artillerie Roulante) was a French artillery tractor built by the firm Latil. It saw widespread service with the French Army during the First World War in its intended role as an artillery tractor, as well as a heavy equipment transporter. The TAR featured constant four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering; all four wheels were twinned with solid tyres. Due to the radiator being mounted behind the engine, its appearance was somewhat similar to the Mack AC or Renault EG. The TAR was powered by a 4,200 cc (260 cu in) inline four-cylinder side-valve petrol engine that developed 32 hp (24 kW) at 1,200 rpm. It was driven through a five-speed transmission, with separate drive shafts to each wheel. The TAR was usually equipped with a heavy winch at the rear. The Latil TAR artillery tractor was used by the French Army during the First World War to tow heavy artillery pieces such as the Canon de 155 mm GPF, Canon de 220 L mle 1917 and Mortier de 280 modèle 1914 Schneider. 1,997 TAR artillery tractors were in the service of the French Army at the end of the First World War, and they continued to serve into the 1930s. A number also were also supplied to the American Expeditionary Forces during the First World War.