Char B1 production started in 1935 and despite its associations with the disastrous 1940 campaign and the defeat of the French army, the tank was in fact of advanced design. Equipped with self-sealing petrol tanks, fireproof bulkhead, gyroscopic compass, electric starter and a floor escape hatch. The tank ran on Holt suspension which was fully covered by skirting. The B1�s main problem was the poor distribution of crew with a one-man turret which left the commander with everything to do.