The Renault UE Chenillette is a light tracked armoured carrier and prime mover produced by France between 1932 and 1940. Of the UE and the improved UE2, over five thousand were built, including licence production in Romania.
Renault UE Chenillette at a glance
| Maker | Renault, France; licence production in Romania |
|---|---|
| Production | 1932–1940 |
| Type | light tracked armoured carrier and prime mover |
| Origin | Commission de Vincennes, 1930 |
| UE2 | chosen in 1937 for large-scale production |
| Trailer | Renault UK |
| Built | over 5,000 of both types |
| Armament | most French vehicles unarmed |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault UE Chenillette.
History of the Renault UE Chenillette
A carrier for infantry guns
In 1930 the Commission de Vincennes decided to develop a light armoured vehicle able to tow and supply small cannon and mortars. In 1931 Renault was given the contract for its UE, combined with the Renault UK trailer. In 1937, from among a number of competitors, the Renault UE2 was chosen as an improved type for large-scale production.
Standard equipment
Over five thousand vehicles of both types were built, including licence production in Romania, and they were part of the standard equipment of all French infantry divisions. Most Renault UEs in French service were unarmed.
After 1940
Those captured by Germany in 1940 were used for a variety of purposes, including being armed with machine guns, anti-tank guns and rocket artillery.
Design and features
- Prime mover: designed to tow and supply small cannon and mortars.
- UK trailer: paired with the Renault UK trailer.
- Standard issue: part of the equipment of every French infantry division.
- Second life: captured vehicles armed by Germany for many roles.
Renault UE Chenillette versions
- UE (1931): the original carrier.
- UE2 (1937): the improved type built in large numbers.
The UE served alongside Renault’s tanks, the Renault FT and Renault R35, and its wartime trucks appear on the Renault AHx page. More Renaults are in the Renault collection.
Video: Renault UE2 chenillettes on the Maginot line
Video by olivierUE on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault UE Chenillette, English Wikipedia: origins, types, production, German use
