Armoured Car - by Leonardo Da Vinci

The precursor to the modern tank, Leonardo da Vinci's armored car invention was capable of moving in any direction and was equipped with a large number of weapons. The most famous of da Vinci's war machines, the armored car was designed to intimidate and scatter an opposing army.

Leonardo drew the plans for the first armored car in 1485. Leonardo da Vinci described his idea for an "armored car" in a job application to the Duke of Milan in 1482: "I can make armored cars, safe and unassailable, which will enter the close ranks of the enemy with their artillery, and no company of soldiers is so great that they will not break through them. And behind these the infantry will be able to follow quite unharmed and without any opposition."

Da Vinci's vehicle has a number of light cannons arranged on a circular platform with wheels that allow for 360-degree range. The platform is covered by a large protective cover (much like a turtle's shell), reinforced with metal plates, which was to be slanted to better deflect enemy fire. There is a sighting turret on top to coordinate the firing of the canons and the steering of the vehicle.