During World War I, the realm of military technology witnessed a significant evolution, including the emergence of tanks. Italy, despite a lack of armoured units and tanks at the time, sought to contribute to the war effort through original designs. One such endeavour led to the creation of the Fiat 2000, an Italian heavy tank, albeit in limited numbers. In this article, we explore the story of the Fiat 2000 and its unique features in the context of World War I.
In the crucible of World War I, Italy faced the challenge of developing armoured units to bolster its military capabilities. Lacking pre-existing tanks, the only viable solution was to initiate the production of original tank designs. In 1916, the FIAT automobile company accepted the order to design and produce Italy's first tanks, marking a pivotal moment in Italian military technology.
The prototype of the Fiat 2000 was unveiled to a military commission on June 21, 1917. At this stage, the tank's mechanical systems were fully developed, while the superstructure was represented by a wooden mock-up featuring a conical open turret and a dummy gun. The final configuration of the superstructure would not be completed until 1918.
The Fiat 2000 distinguished itself through several unique design elements:
Powerful Engine Layout: Unlike contemporary tank designs, the Fiat 2000 featured a distinctive engine layout. The engine was positioned below the crew compartment, separated from them. It was a water-cooled 240 hp engine with six cylinders driving the tracks via a transverse transmission. The fuel capacity was substantial, ranging from 600 to 1,000 liters, allowing for significant operational range despite its weight.
Riveted Steel Armor: The tank's armour was constructed from riveted steel plates, measuring 15 mm on the sides and 20 mm on the front. This provided protection against enemy fire.
Innovative Turret: The most striking feature of the Fiat 2000 was its turret, which was mounted above the hull. Apart from the Renault FT, the Fiat 2000 was among the first tanks to feature a rotating turret. The turret was constructed from four riveted pieces and had space for two crew members. Its main armament was a 65/17 howitzer, boasting an impressive elevation range of -10/+75°.
The Fiat 2000 underwent adjustments in its armament configuration during its development. Originally, the tank was equipped with a turret-mounted gun and ten machine guns. However, this layout left the rear of the tank vulnerable and posed challenges related to propellant fumes within the crew compartment. To address these issues, a ventilator was installed in the roof, and the machine gun positions were rearranged to two on each side, three at the rear, and two in front.
After World War I, the two completed Fiat 2000 prototypes found a new battlefield in Libya, where they were deployed to combat guerrilla forces alongside other tanks acquired from France within a special unit known as the Tank Battery. However, the Fiat 2000 proved to have limitations in terms of mobility, managing only an average speed of 4 km/h. Consequently, after just two months of service, its operational career came to an end, as it struggled to keep up with the swift movements of the enemy.
One of the Fiat 2000 tanks remained stationed in Tripoli, while the other was repatriated to Italy in the spring of 1919. The surviving Fiat 2000, now in Rome, spent several years in storage before it was transported to Forte Tiburtino under the orders of Colonel Maltese, an endeavour that nearly resulted in a catastrophic fire incident during transit.
In 1934, this tank reappeared, transformed, and revitalized, in a Campo Dux parade. It had been meticulously repainted and rearmed, replacing its original forward machine guns with two 37/40 mm guns. Following this display, the tank's subsequent fate remains a mystery, with reports suggesting it may have been repurposed as a monument in Bologna, leaving its final chapter shrouded in uncertainty.
The Fiat 2000, with its ground-breaking design and pioneering turret technology, remains a testament to Italy's efforts to contribute to the evolving landscape of armoured warfare during World War I. While only two units of this heavy tank were produced, its innovative features and unique design elements make it an intriguing footnote in the history of early tank development and experimentation.