The Leichter Kampfwagen () 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 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. Designed as an experimental cavalry tank, it to paved the way to the LK II. Notes External links Achtung Panzer! First Panzers 1917-1918 Light tanks of Germany World War I tanks of Germany World War I light tanks Trial and research tanks of Germany History of the tank