LK I

Leichter Kampfwagen LKI
Type	Light tank
Place of origin	German Empire
Service history
Used by	German Empire
Specifications
Mass	6.9 t
Length	5.1 m
Width	1.9 m
Height	2.5 m
Crew	3
Armor	8–14 mm
Main armament	1 × 7.92 mm MG 08 machine gun
Engine	Daimler-Benz 4-cylinder 60 hp (44.7 kW)
Suspension	unsprung
Operational range	70 km
Maximum speed	14–18 km/h

The Leichter Kampfwagen (English: light combat car) or "LK I" was a German light tank prototype of the First World War. Designed to be a cheap light tank as opposed to the expensive heavies coming into service at the time, the tank only reached the prototype stage before the end of the war.

History[]

The LK I was designed by Joseph Vollmer. It was based on a Daimler car chassis, using the existing axles to mount sprocket and idler wheels. Its design followed automobile practice, with a front-mounted engine and a driving compartment behind it. It was the first German armored fighting vehicle to be equipped with a turret, armed with a 7.92 mm MG08 machine gun.

Only two prototypes were produced in mid 1918, but no vehicles were ordered.^[1] It was designed as an experimental cavalry tank to pave the way to LK II.^[2]

Notes[]

External links[]

• Achtung Panzer! First Panzers 1917-1918