| Leichter Kampfwagen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Light tank |
| Place of origin | Germany |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 6.9 t |
| Length | 5.1 m |
| Width | 1.9 m |
| Height | 2.5 m |
| Crew | 3 |
| Armor | 8-14 mm |
| Primary armament |
7.92 mm machinegun |
| Engine | Daimler-Benz 4-cylinder 60 hp/44.7 kW |
| Suspension | unsprung |
| Operational range |
70 km |
| 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.
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 [1] were produced in mid 1918, but no vehicles were ordered. It was designed as an experimental cavalry tank to pave the way to LK II.[2]
Notes
- ↑ Õun, Mati (1998). Wermachti tankid. Väike tankiõpik vana sõjatehnika huvilisele. Tallinn: Tammiskilp. pp. 5.
- ↑ Chant, Christopher (2002). World Encyclopedia of the Tank. Second edition. England: Sutton Publishing. pp. 46. ISBN 0750931477.
External links
- Achtung Panzer! First Panzers 1917-1918
- The Leichte Kampfwagen (LK) Series of German Tanks by Rainer Strasheim
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