(Machine-gun armed light tank)
The German Panzer I was produced as a training tank in the 1930s to introduce the concept of armored warfare to the German Armed Forces. Its official designation is Panzerkampfwagen I SdKfz 101. First designed in 1932, the Panzer I entered mass production in 1934. Although intended as a training tank, the Panzer I saw combat as early as 1936 when it fought in the Spanish Civil War and the Sino-Japanese War. These early combat experience helped draw the proper lessons which later led to the "Blitzkrieg" doctrine which swept the whole of Europe in the early part of the Second World War.
By the outbreak of the Second World War, the Panzer I was considered obsolete. Although out-gunned and under armored, the Panzer I played a key role in early German Armored successes due to its superior tactics. It continued to serve in most major campaigns until December 1941 before being replaced by heavier and more modern designs. Many old Panzer I chassis however were converted to tank-destroyer roles.
Armament was two MG13 with 2,250 rounds in twin configuration on the turret.
