Pz.Kpfw. I Ausf. B

  Unit Properties in Men of War General Information
 * Nation:     Germany
 * Category:   Tanks
 * Class:      Light Tank
 * Role:       Infantry Support
 * Primary Armament: 2 x 7.92mm MG 34
 * Armor:     ?
 * Crew:       3


 * MP price:   ?
 * Speed:      ?
 * Fuel:       ?

History
The Panzer I was designed between 1932 and 1934 with production beginning in 1944; not intended for combat it was designed as a training tank, hence the pathetic weaponry of just two light machine guns. The plan was to use the Panzer I to teach the German army the concept of armored warfare. However due to a lack of any other armored vehicle the Panzer I saw major combat from 1934 to 1941, taking part firstly in the Spanish Civil War and even in Operation Barbarossa. Compared to other contemporary tanks at the start of the Second World War such as the Russian T-26 the Panzer I was obsolete, with no anti tank capability nor armor thick enough to withstand AT rifles or heavy machine gun fire only supreme German panzer tactics and the use of radios in all tanks kept the Panzer I effective.

Even before the Panzer I was phased out of German frontline service in 1941 the chassis was being used in a whole variety of modifications, from an anti-tank version with a 47mm Czech anti-tank gun, to the Bison with a 150mm sIG 33, munitions carriers, command variants and even a flame-thrower tank were produced. Despite being poorly armed and lightly armored the Panzer I played a large part in the opening stages of the Second World War and taught German tank designers many valuable lessons which eventually culminated in the infamous King Tiger and the formidable Panther.

In Game
In Men of War this vehicle is useful for suppressive fire against infantry as its duel MG-34s fire at an incredibly fast rate, however, its armor is not sufficient to withstand AT-rifle fire nor does it have the capacity to penetrate the armor of any armored car/tank. It is advisable not to buy this tank unless you are facing a lot of infantry and you have a scarce amount of points. If this isn't the case then a Panzer II will do the job much better whilst also being able to deal with light armor. However if you do have to use this tank. It is recommended to keep it in numbers and with infantry support.