Holt Gas-Electric Tank
In service Never entered service - Trials 1918
The first American-built tank prototype, using petrol-electric drive to steer without a mechanical transmission.
Built byHolt Manufacturing Company with General Electric
Development history
Holt and General Electric built the prototype in early 1918, with a petrol engine powering a generator that fed an electric motor on each track — an arrangement that let the driver steer by varying the current. It was demonstrated at Aberdeen Proving Ground, but it was heavy, underpowered and had a short trench-crossing span, and the US Army chose British and French designs instead. Only one was built.
Notable actions
- None - trials vehicle