The PzKpfw I Series was a light German Tank of the 1930s, initially designed for Crew Training. Armed primarily with machine guns, it saw unexpected early combat, revealing its limitations but laying groundwork for future panzer development.
Production Variants
The PzKpfw I series saw several production variants and modifications, each built to fulfill specific roles, primarily related to training and early combat deployments.
- PzKpfw I Ausf. A: The initial production model, primarily built for basic Driver Training and teaching fundamental Tactics to the nascent Panzer crews.
- PzKpfw I Ausf. B: An improved and slightly longer version, built to address mechanical shortcomings of the Ausf. A, providing better reliability and performance for advanced Training exercises and its unexpected deployment in initial combat.
- Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen (Sd.Kfz. 265): A Command Tank variant, designed to provide battlefield command and control.
- PzKpfw I Ausf. A ohne Aufbau: A chassis-only variant of the Ausf. A, often used for Training or as a base for other Conversion projects.
- PzKpfw I Ausf. B ohne Aufbau: A chassis-only variant of the Ausf. B, used similarly to the Ausf. A ohne Aufbau for Training or Conversion.
- Panzerjäger I: This was the first German Tank Destroyer, based on the PzKpfw I Ausf. B chassis, fitted with a 4.7 cm anti-tank gun.
- Sturmpanzer I Bison: A Self-Propelled Gun (15 cm sIG 33 (Sf) auf Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. B), based on the PzKpfw I Ausf. B chassis, mounting a 15 cm sIG 33 heavy Infantry Gun for close Fire Support.
- Flammenwerfer auf Pz.Kpfw. I: A Flamethrower Tank variant, mounting a Flamethrower for close combat.
- Flakpanzer I: (2 cm Flak 38 auf Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A) An early Anti-Aircraft variant, equipped with a 2 cm Flak 38 Anti-Aircraft Gun.
- Munitionsschlepper auf Pz.Kpfw. I: An Ammunition Carrier variant, used to transport Ammunition to front-line units.
Proposed and Experimental Variants
Several PzKpfw I variants remained in the prototype or experimental stage, or saw very limited production.
- PzKpfw I Ausf. C: A significantly redesigned variant focused on high-speed Reconnaissance. It featured improved armor and a new engine, intended for rapid scouting missions, but saw only limited production.
- PzKpfw I Ausf. F: A heavily armored variant focused on close Infantry Support. It featured significantly thicker armor but retained light armament, with only a small number produced.
- Brückenleger auf Fgst Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. A: A Bridge Layer variant, designed to deploy a small Bridge for crossing obstacles, developed as a prototype.
- Ladungsleger auf Pz.Kpfw. I B: A Demolition Vehicle variant, designed to carry and deploy Explosive charges, primarily an experimental design.
- Abwurfvorrichtung auf PzKpfw I Ausf.B: A Mine Layer variant, equipped to deploy anti-Tank Mines, remaining a prototype.
