Panzer I Ausf. C

The Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. C, also known as its prototype name VK 6.01, was a German light tank from the Second World War. Although the Panzer I Ausf. C was formally designated as a modification of the Panzer I, it was actually a completely new vehicle. This variant has little similarity with earlier Ausf. A and B variants - one of the main distinctions being the use of the Schachtellaufwerk inter-leaved track wheels which was used in many later German tanks during the war.

This article is about a variant of Panzer I tank. For the main variant, see Panzer I.
Panzerkampfwagen I Ausf. C
Panzer I Ausf. C
TypeLight tank
Place of originGermany
Service history
In service1943-1945
Used byNazi Germany
WarsWorld War II
Production history
Designed1939–1942
ManufacturerKrauss-Maffei and Daimler-Benz
Produced1942
No. built40 produced
Specifications
Mass8 tons
Length4.19 m (13 ft 9 in)
Width1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Height1.94 m (6 ft 4 in)
Crew2; commander and driver
Armor10–30 mm (0.39–1.18 in)
Main
armament
7.92mm Einbauwaffe 141 anti-tank rifle
EngineMaybach HL 45P In-line 6-cylinder with carburetor and liquid cooling
150 hp (110 kW)
Power/weight18.8
SuspensionIndividual torsion bar
Operational
range
300 km (190 mi) on-road
110 km (68 mi) off-road.
Maximum speed 79 km/h (49 mph)

History

Development of Panzer I Ausf. C was started in the autumn of 1939 by Krauss-Maffei and Daimler-Benz on the instructions of the Wehrmacht to create a light airborne tank. From July to December 1942, 40 Panzer I Ausf. C units were produced (serial numbers 150101 - 150140), including 6 prototypes. Two tanks were deployed to the Panzer I Division.[1]

Design

Armament

The turret holds a 7.92 mm Mauser E.W. 141 semi-automatic anti-tank rifle, unique to this tank.[2] The gun boasted a rate up to 100 rpm, but lacked in penetration. Although this tank proved to not be effective against similar armored tanks, it was proven to be able to clear small arms and halt defending forces amid Operation Barbarossa.

Notes
  1. Franco, Lucas Molina (August 19, 2006). Panzer 1: The Beginning of a Dynasty. AF Editores. p. 38. ISBN 9788487314438.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  2. Jentz 2002, p. 1-148

References
  • Кощавцев, А; Князев, М (2000). Лёгкий танк Panzer I. Бронеколлекция № 2 (29) / 2000 (3800 экз ed.). Москва: Моделист-конструктор. М.Барятинский.
  • T. L. Jentz (2002). Panzerkampfwagen I Kl.Pz.Bef.Wg. to VK 18.01. Panzer Tracts No. 1-2. Boyds, MD: Panzer Tracts. ISBN 0-97084-078-0.
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