Variants of the Panzerkampfwagen I
The Panzer I was the first production tank developed by Germany since World War I. It was intended to only serve as a training vehicle for the Panzer Divisions envisioned by the Wehrmacht. Crews would train in the light Panzer I and Panzer II's, and then they would use the heavier Panzer III and Panzer IV in combat. Hitler's ambition would, however, interfere with these best laid plans. When war started in 1939, the Wehrmacht was still largely equipped with these light tanks. The Panzer I saw active service in combat until 1941 (it had be hopelessly obsolete in 1939). Variants and experimental models of the Panzer I were used until the end of the war.