Leonardo Da Vinci: The Inventor

Born

Apr 15, 1452

Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was a painter, an engineer, a sculptor, an architect... He was the icon of Renaissance and embodied values of this century. He is one of the most brilliant spirits of the history.

Apprentice at Verocchio's workshop

Jan 1, 1462

When Leonardo was 10, he went to Florence with his father to meet Andrea del Verrocchio, to show his draws. The master was subjugated by his talent and decided to engage the boy (at ten)…

Glider

Jan 1, 1484

The device above shows where a man could actually lie into the machine. His waist would be inside the ring just below the wings,his hands would hold the two sticks coming down from the wings for directional control and a flapping motion would be powered by the man forcing his legs downwards with his feet inside the two spurs. You can see this in the small insert to the left of the main picture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwF24nss20o

The scythed chariot

Jan 1, 1485

The scythed chariot is an old weapon. The leonardo’s model was provided by 4 sharpened blades turning with the motion of wheels. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM5AuWmlXZ8

Anemometer

Jan 1, 1486

Historians stipulate that it was Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination with flight that inspired him to innovate the anemometer, an instrument for measuring the speed of wind. His hope was that, eventually, the device could be used to give people insight into the direction of the wind before attempting flight.

Parachute

Jan 1, 1486

Perhaps the most distinct aspect of da Vinci’s parachute design was that the canopy was triangular rather than rounded, leading many to question whether it would actually have enough air resistance to float. And since da Vinci’s parachute was to be made with linen covering a wood frame, the hefty weight of the device also was viewed as an issue.

Armoured Car

Jan 1, 1487

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-lerAurqkg

Helicopter - Aerial Screw

Jan 1, 1488

Also known as the "Helical Air Screw" or simply the "airscrew", the device was designed to compress air to obtain flight – similar to today’s helicopters. Da Vinci was a big proponent of the many possibilities offered by the screw shape, and he used the shape for other inventions and designs as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTLapICw3hg

Steam Cannon

Jun 1, 1488

This cannon was the first steam cannon. The first construction was made 2 centuries later for the American civil war. When the basis of the cannon is white-hot, you put water in the tank. The water becomes steam and the augmentation of pressure propels the bullet.

Light Bridge

Jan 1, 1489

This bridge is lighter and easier to build for invasions. The concept is based on imbrications. All the charge is distributed on longitudinal parts and creates a scissors effect on transversal parts. Is an auto-sufficient structure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Pcv1uNIdM

Crossbow

Jan 1, 1489

This was one of the main ideas behind many of da Vinci’s war inventions – among them, his giant crossbow. Designed for pure intimidation, da Vinci’s crossbow was to measure 42 braccia (or 27 yards) across. The device would have six wheels (three on each side) for mobility, and the bow itself would be made of thin wood for flexibility.

Revolving Bridge

Mar 1, 1489

The bridge would swing across a stream or moat and set down on the other side so that soldiers could pass with little trouble. The device had wheels and incorporated a rope-and-pulley system for both quick employment and easy transport. It was also equipped with a counterweight tank for balancing purposes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBKc8a2-CDQ

Sterwheeler

Aug 1, 1489

If you set in motion a drive shaft with streams, you can do the contrary. Leonardo created this boat with this concept.

Boarding boat

Nov 1, 1489

This special boat is designed with a light body, a shield which can open in 2 parts to fire with a canon. The project was born for Ludovico il Moro.

Scuba Gear

Jan 1, 1495

Air was provided from the opening of the tubes to the diver below. The mask also was equipped with a valve-operated balloon that could be inflated or deflated, so the diver could more easily surface or sink. Additionally, Leonardo da Vinci’s scuba gear invention incorporated a pouch for the diver to urinate in.