The LK I was a German light tank that was designed to be simple and easy to produce.
Its designer was Joseph Vollmer. Vollmer also had a hand in the creation of the A7V Sturmpanzer-Kraftwagen.
Designed in 1918, the LK I, or Leichte Kampfwagen I, had a layout like that of a typical car. It had the chassis of a Daimler car. The car’s axles were used in the tank’s sprocket and idler wheels.
The LK I carried a crew of three men. It weighed almost seven tons. It had a single weapon – a 0.312 inch (7.92 mm) machine gun.
The Armistice took place before the LK I could see active service. Therefore, it only existed as a prototype.
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LK I |
|---|---|
| Active: | 1918 (prototype) |
| Crew: | 3 |
| Weight: | 6.89 tons (7,000kg) |
| Length: | 18ft (5.49m) |
| Height: | 8ft 2in (2.49m) |
| Width: | 6ft 7in (2m) |
| Weapons: | Main – 0.312in (7.92 mm) machinegun, Secondary – none |
| Armor | Maximum – 0.31in (8mm) |
| Engine: | Daimler-Benz 4-cylinder gasoline, 60hp |
| Speed: | 8mph (13kph) |
| Range: | 40 miles (64 km) |