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LK I

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 vehicle) 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

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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

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  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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