| Leichter Kampfwagen LKI | |
| Type: | Light tank |
| Origin: | German Empire |
| Is Vehicle: | yes |
| Used By: | German Empire |
| Length: | 5.1 m |
| Width: | 1.9 m |
| Height: | 2.5 m |
| Weight: | 6.9 t |
| Suspension: | unsprung |
| Speed: | 14 - 18 km/h |
| Vehicle Range: | 70 km |
| Primary Armament: | 1 × 7.92 mm MG 08 machine gun |
| Armour: | 8 - 14 mm |
| Engine: | Daimler-Benz 4-cylinder |
| Engine Power: | 60 hp (44.7 kW) |
| Crew: | 3 |
The Leichter Kampfwagen (en|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.
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]