The SOMUA S42 was a French Army replacement tank for the SOMUA S35. It was roughly par with the German Panzer IV with thicker, better sloped armor, a 75mm high velocity main gun that was almost the equal of that of the IV and a stronger engine to move the heavier weight at an acceptable speed. In addition, it had a five man crew with a gunner and loader to handle the main gun freeing the tank commander to better manage its operation.