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LK II
LK II
LK II
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The Leichter Kampfwagen II ("light combat vehicle"), commonly known as the LK II, was a light tank designed and produced in limited numbers in Germany in the last year of World War I. A development of the LK I, it incorporated a fixed rear superstructure and had two distinct configurations; one variant being armed with the MG 08/15, and the other being armed with a 5.7 cm Maxim-Nordenfelt gun. Its armor was 8 to 14 mm thick, which led to a total weight of 8.75 tons. Power was provided by a Daimler-Benz Model 1910 4-cylinder 55-60 hp gasoline engine, giving a maximum speed of 14 to 18 km/h with range of 65–70 km.

Key Information

The LK II was designed by German engineer and automobile designer Joseph Vollmer, who also designed the A7V, the K-Wagen and the LK I. Vollmer was appointed to the position of chief designer for the German War Department's motor vehicle section

Only two prototypes were produced by June 1918, and were followed by orders for 580 tanks, which were never completed.

Stridsvagn m/21-29

[edit]
Stridsvagn m/21-29
A Swedish m/21 tank
TypeLight tank
Place of originSweden
Service history
In service1922-1939
Used bySweden
Production history
DesignerAB Landsverk
ManufacturerAB Landsverk / NOHAB
No. built10
Specifications
Mass9.7 short tons (8.8 t; 8.7 long tons)
Length5.7 m (19 ft)
Width2.05 m (6 ft 9 in)
Height2.52 m (8 ft 3 in)
Crew4
Armor4-14 mm
Main
armament
2x ksp m/14 (Stridsvagn m/21), 2x ksp m/14-29 (Stridsvagn m/21/29)
EngineBenz 1910 (Stridsvagn m/21), Scania 1554 (Stridsvagn m/21-29)
55 hp, 85 hp
Maximum speed16 to 18 km/h (9.9 to 11.2 mph)

Sweden

[edit]

After the war, the Swedish government bought parts for 10 examples in secrecy for 200,000 Swedish kronor. The parts were shipped under the pretence of being boiler plates and agricultural equipment and then assembled in Sweden as the Stridsvagn m/21 (Strv m/21 for short), which was essentially an improved version of the LK II prototype. The Strv m/21 was powered by a sleeve valve engine located in the front, the driver and crew being in the rear. The suspension and running gear was protected by armored skirts. Ten of these tanks were built, their armament a single 6.5 mm (0.26 in) Schwarzlose machine gun.[1]

In 1929, five were rebuilt to create the Strv m/21-29 variant which was armed with a 37mm gun or two machine guns and was powered by a Scania-Vabis engine. The Strv m/21-29 was an upgraded version of the fm/21. The modifications included a more powerful engine, a new alternator, and external lighting.[2] One of these improved vehicles was driven by Heinz Guderian during a visit to Sweden in 1929.

The Germans later bought a main share of the Landsverk Company and made Otto Merker the main designer and in 1931, it produced the Strv m/31 (L-10), which was the first tank produced in Sweden.

The Strv m/21-29 remained in service until 1938. A surviving example can be seen at the Deutsches Panzermuseum at Munster, Germany, and both strv m/21 and strv m/21-29 was displayed at the Axvall Tank Museum in Sweden.

One Strv m/21-29 is in the early stages of being restored to full working order in Sweden. As of 2018, the tank has been restored to running condition, and is now on display at the sv:Försvarsfordonsmuseet Arsenalen in Strängnäs.[3]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Leichter Kampfwagen II.

References

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LK II

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from Grokipedia
The Leichter Kampfwagen II (LK II), also known as the light combat vehicle, was a prototype developed by during as a response to the need for a more agile armored vehicle compared to the heavier . Designed by engineer Joseph Vollmer at Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and authorized in September 1917, the first prototype was tested in March 1918, with production commencing in October 1918 but halted by the in November. Weighing approximately 8.5 tons, it measured 5.1 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height, accommodating a of three and powered by a four-cylinder Daimler-Benz producing 55-60 horsepower for a top road speed of 16 km/h and a range of 60-70 km. The LK II's design emphasized mobility and simplicity, featuring riveted armor plates ranging from 3 mm on the floor to 14 mm on the front, sides, and rear, with an 8 mm roof, and a suspension system using springs and 25 cm-wide tracks for crossing 2-meter trenches. Its primary armament consisted of a single 7.92 mm 08 mounted in a rotating turret, though variants were planned with a 37 mm cannon, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance firepower amid wartime shortages. Despite an initial order for up to 580 units—and later expanded plans for over 1,000—only a limited number, estimated at around 24, were completed before production ceased, preventing any combat deployment during the war. Post-war, the restrictions on German armor led to the surplus LK IIs being sold abroad: ten units were acquired by in 1921 and modified as Stridsvagn m/21 with a 6.5 mm for training and limited service until , while fourteen were purchased by in the early 1920s for police and military exercises. Survivors include three examples at the Arsenalen Swedish Tank Museum and one at the in , highlighting the LK II's role as an influential early design that influenced interwar armored development despite its limited production.

Origins and Development

German Prototype

The development of the Leichter Kampfwagen II (LK II) was initiated in 1917 by the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft as part of Germany's Leichte Kampfwagen (LK) program, aimed at producing a fast for support and exploitation roles. The project stemmed from the need for a more agile vehicle than the heavy , with initial proposals dating to May 1917 and formal authorization in September of that year. Led by engineer Joseph Vollmer, who had previously designed the , the LK II evolved from the earlier LK I to meet requirements for a vehicle weighing approximately 6-8 tons, powered by a 45-60 hp engine, and capable of speeds up to 16 km/h. The LK II featured a rhomboidal track layout with track-over-wheel suspension, drawing conceptual similarities to British tanks due to shared design imperatives for mobility, though no direct copying occurred. It was armed with a single 7.92 mm in a rotating turret for the primary variant, operated by a crew of three (/gunner, , and loader/). A secondary gun-armed incorporated a 37 mm or 57 mm cannon, but this configuration proved too heavy and was not pursued further. The chassis utilized a modified Daimler commercial truck base with a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine, emphasizing speed and low profile for flanking maneuvers. Prototypes were constructed starting in early 1918, with trials commencing in March and continuing through the summer. By June 1918, two units were completed, demonstrating a top speed of 14-16 km/h but revealing technical challenges, including engine overheating and poor ventilation that necessitated additional cooling fans. Track performance on rough terrain was initially hampered by narrow plates, leading to the adoption of wider 25 cm tracks and mud chutes for improved traction; steering issues also arose in the gun variant due to rear weight distribution. The Armistice of November 1918 halted the program shortly after the start of production in , with an initial order for 580 vehicles (later expanded) canceled; only a limited number, estimated at 2 to 24 vehicles, were completed, depending on the source. Subsequent restrictions under the prohibited further tank development in , limiting the LK II primarily to experimental status.

Post-War Transfer to Sweden

Following the in 1919, which prohibited from producing or exporting military equipment including tanks, the German firm Wilhelm Ugé secretly arranged the sale of components for 10 LK II light tanks to neutral in 1921 to circumvent these restrictions. The transaction was conducted discreetly, with parts disguised as tractor components to avoid Allied scrutiny. Sweden's military, through the Kungl. Armeförvaltningens Artilleridepartementet (KAAD), pursued the acquisition to address the need for modern armored vehicles amid post-World War I defense modernization efforts. Negotiations began in July 1921, initiated by Swedish Military Attaché Major H.R. Låftman in , leading to a purchase agreement signed on July 22, 1921, by Captain Walter Elliot as a private intermediary for 10 sets of incomplete LK II hulls and associated parts. This interest was driven by Sweden's strategic position as a neutral nation seeking to develop an early armored doctrine without direct involvement in the recent conflict. Deliveries commenced later in 1921, with the first five sets of parts arriving in by September 21, followed by the remaining five shipped by September 27; additional shipments, including 10 tons of armor plates from , reached by January 7, 1922. The components encompassed elements, transmissions, and armor plating, though engines and other fittings required separate integration. The total cost to Wilhelm Ugé GmbH was approximately 2,500,000 Reichsmarks, supported by a Swedish parliamentary grant of 1,651,900 SEK approved by King Gustav V in 1921 for defense-related technical acquisitions. Initial assembly faced logistical challenges due to the staggered arrivals of parts, which delayed progress at the Tygstation workshops where work began on the first vehicle by 4, 1922. To reduce costs and improve efficiency, assembly of the remaining nine tanks shifted to the Naval in 1922, with assistance from German foreman Steger of Wilhelm Ugé GmbH; armor plates required oil curing to prevent cracking, a process that extended completion of the prototypes until November 1922. These efforts marked as one of the first nations to acquire and domestically assemble post-World War I tanks, reinforcing its neutral stance while laying groundwork for indigenous armored capabilities.

Design and Variants

Core Design Features

The Leichter Kampfwagen II (LK II) employed a compact rhomboidal hull layout optimized for mobility in conditions, with the front-mounted Daimler-Benz four-cylinder positioned to the left of the driver's station, creating a forward driver position for improved visibility and control. The central fighting compartment accommodated the , gunner, and loader, serving as the primary area for operations and armament handling, while the rear featured the drive sprocket and access door for entry and maintenance. This arrangement emphasized a low and balanced weight distribution, with pistol ports on the hull sides and rear for defensive fire, though the original design lacked dedicated side sponsons for machine guns. The suspension system utilized leaf springs to support eight small road wheels per side, arranged in two articulated bogies (four wheels each) for enhanced terrain negotiation, complemented by four return rollers, a front , and rear drive sprocket. Tracks measured 25 cm in width, contributing to effective cross-country performance despite the vehicle's light construction and providing stability on uneven ground without excessive ground pressure. Power was delivered by a water-cooled Daimler-Benz Model 1910 four-cylinder engine producing 55-60 horsepower, paired with a mechanical transmission that drove the rear sprockets, achieving a top road speed of 16 km/h and an operational range of approximately 60 km on 150 liters of fuel stored in protected tanks. The LK II operated with a three-man , comprising the driver at the front, and the commander/gunner and loader in the central compartment, where basic vision slits provided amid limited internal space and no installed radio for communication. The design incorporated a manually traversed small turret atop the fixed for the primary , prioritizing simplicity and rapid production over advanced . Armor consisted of riveted plates varying from 8 mm on the to 12-14 mm on the front, sides, rear, and key hull sections, and 3 mm on the floor, offering protection primarily against small-arms fire and shrapnel while maintaining the vehicle's weight under 8.5 tons.

Planned Variants

Although production models were armed with a single , variants were planned to enhance firepower. A gun-armed version featured a 37 mm cannon, either in a superstructure or adapted turret, with at least one prototype tested using a 57 mm Maxim-Nordenfelt gun. Additionally, the LK III was proposed with a rear-mounted for better weight distribution but was never built due to the war's end.

Swedish Modifications

Upon receiving the components from in 1921, the assembled 10 LK II vehicles into the Strv m/21 configuration between early 1922 and mid-1922 at the Tygstation and the Naval Shipyard in . These initial modifications replaced the original German MG 08 machine gun with two Swedish 6.5 mm m/14 Madsen machine guns to align with local armament standards and logistics. The assembly process addressed immediate integration needs for the chassis into Swedish service, with the total acquisition and completion costing approximately 2,500,000 Reichsmarks for the parts alone, plus additional domestic labor expenses. In , a comprehensive modernization program transformed the Strv m/21 into the Strv m/21-29 variant, beginning with five vehicles upgraded at the newly established facilities. The primary upgrade involved installing a Scania-Vabis 1544 four-cylinder producing 85 horsepower, significantly improving the over the original 55-60 horsepower Daimler-Benz unit and raising top speed to approximately 16 km/h. Between 1931 and 1934, three additional vehicles received similar updates at Landsverk for training purposes, bringing the total modernized to eight units by the mid-1930s. Further enhancements focused on operational reliability, incorporating improved frontal armor, electric lighting throughout the vehicle to support night operations and maintenance. The program, planned from 1928 and completed by 1929 for the initial batch, ensured the tanks remained viable for and until their retirement in 1938.

Specifications

Dimensions and Performance

The German prototype of the LK II measured 5.1 meters in length, 1.9 meters in width, and 2.5 meters in height, with a weight of 8.5 tons. Crew consisted of three. These dimensions differ slightly from the Swedish-assembled versions, including the Strv m/21 and subsequent m/21-29 variants, which measured 5.7 meters in length, 2.05 meters in width, and 2.52 meters in height. The baseline weight increased in Swedish service due to the addition of armor plating and armament, reaching 9.7 tons in both the Strv m/21 and m/21-29 configurations. This progression reflected the evolution from a lightweight prototype to a more robust training and utility vehicle. Mobility characteristics of the LK II emphasized its role as a light, maneuverable design, with a ground pressure of approximately 0.45 kg/cm² enabling operation on varied terrain. It could ford water up to 0.6 meters deep, cross trenches of 3 meters, and climb vertical steps of 0.6 meters. The prototype achieved a top speed of 16 km/h on roads, while Swedish upgrades adjusted cross-country performance to 12 km/h, accounting for the added mass. The vehicle featured two fuel tanks with a total capacity of 150 liters, providing an operational range of 60-70 km depending on conditions. It was powered by a four-cylinder Daimler-Benz engine producing 55-60 horsepower. Power-to-weight ratios were approximately 7 hp/ton for the German prototype and approximately 6.2 hp/ton in the heavier m/21 due to engine retention amid weight gains. Basic mobility can be illustrated conceptually by the relation v=Pm⋅kv = \frac{P}{m \cdot k}, where vv is speed, PP is engine power, mm is mass, and kk is a drag factor incorporating resistance, highlighting how increased mass reduced velocity in upgraded forms without proportional power boosts.

Armament and Protection

The German prototype LK II was armed with a single 7.92 mm MG 08 mounted in a rotating turret, providing 360-degree traverse capability. The MG 08 had a of approximately 500 rounds per minute and an of up to 600 meters against infantry targets. was stored in hull bins, with no secondary armament such as grenades provided. In Swedish service as the Strv m/21, the LK II was rearmed with two 6.5 mm ksp m/14 machine guns mounted in the turret. These machine guns had a cyclic around 480 rounds per minute and an of 2000 meters. Total capacity was approximately 6,000 rounds, stored in internal bins. Protection consisted of homogeneous riveted armor plating, with 12-14 mm thickness on the frontal hull, sides, and rear, 8 mm on the top, and 3 mm on the bottom plates; no spaced or sloped armor was employed. This provided resistance to 7.92 mm bullets at 100 meters but offered no defense against 20 mm rounds, which could penetrate the armor at typical combat ranges. Crew exposure was heightened by vision ports and hatches, presenting vulnerabilities to small-arms fire and shrapnel.

Operational History

Service in the Swedish Army

The Strv m/21 tanks entered the 's inventory in 1922 after their reassembly at the naval dockyards in from components purchased from a German firm and shipped in disguised form, with official designation and experimental deployment beginning that year. purchased 10 incomplete LK II tanks from Wilhelm Ugé in in July 1921 for approximately 200,000 SEK, with assembly overseen by German foreman Steger. They were assigned to the Life Guards Dragoons (P 1) in , forming the nucleus of the Panzervagnarna armored vehicle unit established in August 1922 for initial trials and evaluation. From 1923 to 1938, the vehicles served primarily in crew training and doctrinal development roles, participating in regular military exercises to test armored integration with . Notable early maneuvers included the August 1923 operations in Skåne, where five tanks supported advances but revealed mechanical vulnerabilities and mobility constraints due to frequent breakdowns and limited spare parts availability. By 1927, Swedish-manufactured components had alleviated some shortages, allowing sustained use despite ongoing reliability issues. In 1929, five of the original ten Strv m/21 were upgraded to the Strv m/21-29 variant at , incorporating a more powerful Scania-Vabis engine, improved transmission, and enhanced armament options such as a 37 mm gun, which extended their operational viability. These upgrades, completed between 1930 and 1934, maintained a fleet of ten vehicles (with the remainder cannibalized for parts) focused on reconnaissance-oriented training rather than frontline combat. The tanks saw no actual engagements, as Sweden remained neutral during , but their service laid foundational experience for subsequent armored formations. Decommissioning began in 1938 amid growing obsolescence, with the Strv m/21 and m/21-29 phased out by 1939 and replaced by the more modern Strv m/37 medium tank. The vehicles' emphasis on light, mobile operations during training influenced early Swedish armored , prioritizing reconnaissance and support roles in defensive strategies.

Preservation and Legacy

The only surviving examples of the LK II are Swedish variants known as Strv m/21 and Strv m/21-29, with no original German prototypes extant, as all were destroyed or scrapped following the of 1918 and the restrictions imposed by the . Among these, Arsenalen Tank Museum in , , preserves the most complete collection, including one Strv m/21-29 restored to running condition in 2018 and another Strv m/21-29 hull in storage, originally displayed at the now-closed Axvall Tank Museum before the collection's transfer in 2009. A third Strv m/21-29 is held at the Deutsches Panzermuseum in , , restored to approximate original German LK II configuration for display purposes. Restoration efforts at Arsenalen focused on returning the primary Strv m/21-29 to operational status, completed in , including engine rebuilds using period-appropriate components, replacement of deteriorated tracks, and repainting in the original German gray scheme to reflect its 1918 heritage. Since , the museum has conducted public demonstrations of the operational vehicle, allowing visitors to observe its mobility and providing insights into early 20th-century tank mechanics during events and guided tours. The LK II holds significant legacy as the foundational vehicle for Sweden's armored forces, marking the nation's first acquisition of tanks in 1921 and enabling the development of domestic production capabilities that shaped subsequent designs, such as the Strv m/37 in . Recognized as among the oldest operational tanks preserved in any museum, its survival underscores the evolution of concepts from prototypes to interwar reconnaissance vehicles. Culturally, the LK II has been featured in educational media, including a 2020 documentary-style video series produced at Arsenalen that details its restoration and historical context, highlighting its role as a of early tank warfare innovation and Sweden's neutral yet proactive military modernization.

References

  1. https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww1/germany/leichter-kampfwagen-ii/
  2. http://www.landships.info/landships/tank_articles/LK_II.html
  3. https://www.keymilitary.com/article/german-whippet
  4. https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.php?armor_id=796
  5. https://landships.activeboard.com/t17150538/the-lk-tanks/
  6. https://www.keymilitary.com/article/lkii-restoration-dream-almost-reality
  7. https://www.keymilitary.com/article/resurrected
  8. https://www.sphf.se/svenskt-pansar/historia/en_purchase-and-manufacturing-of-stridsvagn-m21-swedish-lk-ii/
  9. https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.php?armor_id=797
  10. https://tank-afv.com/ww2/sweden/Stridsvagn_m21-29.php
  11. https://wiki.wargaming.net/en/Tank:S05_Strv_M21_29
  12. https://en.topwar.ru/110677-strv-m-21-pervyy-tank-shvedskoy-armii.html
  13. https://www.army-guide.com/eng/museum_product262.html
  14. https://gunmagwarehouse.com/blog/germanys-heavy-machine-gun-of-wwi-the-mg08/
  15. http://www.landships.info/landships/weapon_articles.html?load=weapon_articles/Madsen.html
  16. https://www.quartermastersection.com/swedish/infantry-weapons/1222/KSPm14-29
  17. http://tank-photographs.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/stridsvagn-strv-m21-swedish-LKII-tank.html
  18. https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/sweden.php
  19. https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/sweden/Stridsvagn_m21-29.php
  20. https://en.topwar.ru/89585-legkiy-tank-lk-ii-nemeckaya-bronemashina-dlya-vengrii-i-shvecii.html
  21. http://tank-photographs.s3-website-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/stridsvagn-strv-m21-29-swedish-LKII-tank.html
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NjWHEWX1rg
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVY2E7p4Z4Q
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