The Panzer I was the first German tank design to be widely produced. Armed only with two machine guns, the Panzer I was intended primarily for training and development. The Panzer I served in the Polish and French campaigns after which it was slowly withdrawn from front-line units. The chassis served as a basis for a command version and self-propelled guns produced in limited numbers.

Panzerkampfwagen Versions:

• Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf A: Sd Kfz 101; Initial version of the Panzer I; Crew of 2: driver and gunner/commander; Armed with two 7.92mm machine guns; Weight: 5.4 tons; Maximum armor: 13mm; Approx. 800 produced from 1934 to 1936.

• Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf B: Sd Kfz 101; Ausf B had a larger hull with five road wheels and more powerful engine; Approx. 675 produced from 1935 to 1937.

• Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf C: Redesign intended as fast reconnaissance vehicle; Armament of one EW141 machine gun and one 7.92mm machine gun; Approx. 40 produced in 1942.

• Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf F: Heavily armored variant weighing 21 tons with maximum 80mm armor thickness; Armed with two 7.92mm machine guns; Approx. 30 produced in 1942; Limited combat use.

Major Variants:

• Kleiner Panzerbefehlswagen I: Sd Kfz 265; Designed as an armored command vehicle with additional radio equipment; Fixed superstructure with a single machine gun as armament; Approx. 190 produced from 1935 to 1937.

• 15cm sIG33(Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen I: Self-propelled version of 150mm sIG33 L/11; Fixed superstructure open on top and rear; Approx. 40 converted in 1940.

• 4.7cm PaK(t) (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen I: First German tank destroyer; Fixed superstructure open on top and rear; Mounted Czech 47mm antitank gun; Approx. 200 converted from 1940 to 1941.

Related Lone Sentry Links:

• German 88 MM in the Libyan Battle

• Obsolete Tanks (TM-E 30-451 Handbook on German Military Forces)