Lesser-known inventions of Leonardo da Vinci
April 15, 2022
By Madhavi Pothukuchi
Helicopter
Did you know that Leonardo was obsessed with aviation? One of his favourite designs was the first helicopter, which he drew in 1493.
Image source: Adobe Photos
Parachute
Given his obsession with flying, it’s not surprising that he also invented one of the first prototypes of the parachute.
Image source: Alamy
Self-supporting bridge
Leonardo invented this self-supporting bridge for the Duke Ludovico Sforza in the 1480s. Troops could set it up, use it to cross, and pack it up easily.
Image source: Alamy
Machine gun
Unimpressed by slow weaponry at the time, Leonardo designed a multi-barrel cannon, which formed the base for the modern machine gun.
Image source: Alamy
The anemometer
Leonardo’s interest in flying things led him to question how to measure the speed of the wind – which led to the invention of the anemometer.
Image source: Alamy
Catapult
Leonardo invented the giant catapult that could be used in warfare.
Image source: Alamy
Armoured car
Leonardo also designed the first armoured car or tank, which could be loaded with weapons and driven by six people.
Image source: Alamy