The vehicle was designed by colonel Émile Rimailho [fr], deputy chief executive officer of the compagnie des forges et aciéries de la marine (Saint-Chamond).

Saint-Chamond also designed the Mortier 280 mm TR de Schneider sur affût-chenilles St Chamond.

[5][4] The lead vehicle carried ammunition and a 120 horsepower (89 kW) Panhard[1][6] SUK4 M2[7][better source needed] electrical generator.

[1] By June 1919, Saint-Chamond was still waiting for the delivery of the oscillating mass,[10] a key component manufactured by Puteaux.

[14] Germans also reused some 194mm barrels on French Mortier G de 270 Mle 1889 coastal defence mortar mountings.