| 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 mmMG 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 |
TheLeichter Kampfwagen (English:light combat vehicle) or "LK I" was aGermanlight tank prototype of theFirst World War. Designed to be a cheap light tank as opposed to the expensiveheavies coming into service at the time, the tank only reached the prototype stage before the end of the war.
The LK I was designed byJoseph Vollmer. It was based on aDaimler carchassis, 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 a7.92 mmMG08machine gun.
Only two prototypes were produced in mid 1918, but no vehicles were ordered.[1] Designed as an experimentalcavalry tank, it paved the way to theLK II.[2]
Tanks of theFirst World War | |
|---|---|
| Light | |
| Medium | |
| Heavy | |
| Prototypes, experimentals | |
