Leichter Kampfwagen LKI
TypeLight tank
Place of originGerman Empire
Service history
Used byGerman Empire
Specifications
Mass6.9 t
Length5.1 m
Width1.9 m
Height2.5 m
Crew3
Armor8–14 mm
Main
armament
1 × 7.92 mm MG 08 machine gun
EngineDaimler-Benz 4-cylinder
60 hp (44.7 kW)
Suspensionunsprung
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] Designed as an experimental cavalry tank, it paved the way to the LK II.[2]

Notes

  1. ↑ Õun, Mati (1998). Wermachti tankid. Väike tankiõpik vana sõjatehnika huvilisele. Tallinn: Tammiskilp. p. 5.
  2. ↑ Chant, Christopher (2002). World Encyclopedia of the Tank. Second edition. England: Sutton Publishing. p. 46. ISBN 0-7509-3147-7.
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