Photo de stock - World War II - FRANCE. Tanks, B1 bis, French Char B1 bis tank 1940. The Char B1 bis was a French heavy tank used during the Second World War. It was developed in the 1930s as a result of experience in World War I, and was designed to be the main battle tank for the French Army. The Char B1 bis was one of the most powerful tanks in the world when it was first produced in 1940, and was one of the few tanks of its era capable of taking on more modern German tanks on equal terms. It featured an improved armour, improved engines, and was equipped with a 47mm gun and two 7.5mm machine guns for armament. The tank was built in large numbers and saw extensive service in both the Allied invasion of France and the Battle of Normandy. The Char B1 bis remained in service until the end of the war and is considered one of the most successful tanks of World War II.