I Became a Plutocrat in World War I: Starting with Saving France

After the discussion, Shire and Colonel Estiny eventually decided to set the additional armor at a thickness of 20MM.

This provides a lot of benefits for the tank.

First, it is more flexible in terms of mobility. When there is no battle, the additional armor can be removed and transported by vehicle, and re-installed during battle.

This not only increases the tank's mobility but also reduces the engine's burden, thereby extending its operational time.

Secondly, with this 20MM additional armor, its frontal armor reaches a thickness of 45MM.

Originally, the German Army's anti-tank rifles could possibly penetrate the "Shire A1" at around 200 meters from the front, but now it is basically immune to them, even at 50 meters or closer.

Lastly, it would certainly have an advantage in tank battles.

20MM of additional armor may not seem like much, but having it or not often makes the difference between life and death on the battlefield.

However, Estiny's thinking was always focused on upgrading the tank and enhancing its firepower. After resolving the protection issue, he started to consider modifying the tank gun or even developing a new type of tank.

Shire reminded him: "These are not things that can be completed in a short time, Colonel. We should consider what other aspects can be improved."

Estiny was stunned, as the three main aspects of tanks are power, defense, and firepower. What else could be improved?

"Perhaps you have noticed that tanks move faster than infantry," Shire said: "This causes the troop's movement pace to be inconsistent."

"Yes." Colonel Estiny nodded.

Although the speed of "Shire A1" is not fast, it can still reach a maximum of 15 kilometers. Meanwhile, fully armed infantry have a marching speed of around 5 kilometers per hour.

Affected by this, tanks often need to stop and wait for the infantry to catch up during marches.

The First Tank Brigade can accept this because tanks can be maintained during these stops, which is not considered a waste.

Additionally, there is actually a solution to this.

"We can equip infantry with vehicles, General," Brownie interjected: "And sidecars, so that infantry can keep pace with the tanks. Of course, this requires your support."

Brownie spoke with great anticipation, as this would mean the First Tank Brigade would fully realize mechanization.

Previously, he didn't even dare to think about it, as the military would certainly not agree. In other units where even logistics troops had few cars, how could they dream of full mechanization?

But if there was Shire, both a military strategist and a capitalist, perhaps it was not a dream.

"Just cars?" Shire asked with a slight smile.

"Just cars!" Brownie nodded affirmatively, showing his ungreedy attitude towards Shire.

However, Brownie did not understand what Shire meant.

Shire smiled and said: "We know that cars are not safe on the battlefield. They have no protection, and soldiers concentrated in cars traveling along roads would suffer heavy casualties if ambushed by the enemy."

Brownie naturally assumed that Shire did not want to provide the cars and interrupted:

"I will solve these problems, General, it's not difficult."

"For example, we can send sidecars ahead for reconnaissance to ensure the safety of the front. Also, we can mix tanks and cars, so that tanks can immediately provide cover for the infantry if attacked."

"We will conduct targeted training, and soldiers would be prepared to disembark quickly for combat!"

...

"Are you sure?" Shire looked at Brownie with a hint of mockery.

"I am sure!" Brownie nodded firmly, his face full of excitement.

So, was it possible?

God, that would be hundreds of cars!

Estiny seemed to notice something wrong and asked doubtfully: "But General, are there any other options besides cars?"

"No, there are no other options," Shire answered calmly: "But we can use our own produced cars."

"Self-produced cars?" Brownie and Estiny exchanged glances, wondering what that was.

Shire responded with a hum and then provided a plan: "You know, our engine has already reached 130 horsepower. If we produce a slightly smaller car using this engine, and add necessary protection to block bullets and shrapnel…"

Estiny exclaimed: "That would turn it into an armored personnel carrier."

"Yes," Shire said: "This would address the previously mentioned issues. Even if ambushed, it wouldn't collapse immediately. On the battlefield, it could cooperate with tanks to form another type of firepower."

Shire thought this way: the tank unit is a combination of tanks and infantry. When tank improvement is difficult, improving infantry is a good option.

Once armored vehicles are available, the defense, firepower, and mobility of infantry would make a qualitative leap, raising the overall combat capability of the First Tank Brigade to another level.

Shire looked helplessly at Brownie: "These armored vehicles are already being produced. I originally intended to equip the tank brigade with them. Since you insist on using cars, as you wish, I can consider equipping other units with them…"

(The above image shows the M3 scout car designed by the U.S. Army in 1938, which can carry 8 personnel. It essentially adds necessary protective steel plates around the car to increase defense. The machine gun is detachable, and a highlight is that there is a protective steel plate on the front windshield, which can be lowered during combat to provide protection for the driver.

"No, no." Brownie quickly came to Shire's side, carefully smiling: "You are right, General. Cars completely cannot meet the tank brigade's needs. The tank brigade needs to quickly maneuver through enemy's fire, and under enemy artillery, the idea of using cars is simply crazy."

"You can use sidecar reconnaissance," Shire said: "This indeed can reduce the risk of ambush."

"Even so, what use is it, cars have no protection!"

"You could also mix tanks and cars."

"Tanks wouldn't be able to protect cars at that moment, it's a stupid idea."

"You could also enhance training."

"I… no one would train with cars, General, it wouldn't work!"

...

Estiny laughed: "Don't worry, Brownie, the General will give them to us. They are not of much use to other units."

Brownie's face instantly lit up with joy, and he looked at Shire excitedly, asking: "General, is that right? Then they are for us?"

Shire nodded slightly.

Estiny was right, as the saying goes, "good steel should be used on the blade". These armored personnel carriers would enhance infantry protection, allowing them to keep up with tanks and maintain the same pace, achieving rapid maneuvering, which wouldn't have much significance for other units.

After receiving a positive answer, Brownie cheered loudly, unable to restrain his excitement as he moved forward to shake Shire's hand, continuously saying:

"Wonderful, General, thank you, very much!"

"You are a good person, General!"

...