Did Leonardo da Vinci Design the First Tank?

Leonardo da Vinci, the renowned Italian polymath, is often credited with designing an early version of a tank. His sketch of a vehicle from 1487 has intrigued historians and enthusiasts for centuries. However, it's important to separate fact from fiction regarding this claim.

The Concept of Leonardo’s Tank

During my childhood, my father had a book featuring various sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. One of them was a design for a vehicle known as a “tank.” This design featured a shallow cone shape with gun ports on all sides. Above it, there was a small cupola for the commander. The power came from a treadmill operated by two large horses, providing a unique means of propulsion.

Historical Context and Verification

The notion that Leonardo da Vinci conceived of a tank early in human history is not entirely accurate. While he did create a sketch of a mobile vehicle intended to protect its occupants from infantry weapons, there is no evidence that he or anyone else built such a vehicle during his lifetime or even close to it. The design was more of a concept than a fully realized plan.

The "Tank" Concept: More a Carrier Than a Tank

Leonardo’s concept vehicle was more accurately described as an armored personnel carrier than a tank. It lacked heavy armament, focusing instead on enabling passengers to shoot from within the vehicle using individual weapons. This design was visionary for its time but fell short of being a functional tank as we understand it today.

Modern Reconstructions and Credits

Several modern models based on da Vinci’s designs have been constructed, primarily by history and archeological groups funded by documentary channels. These groups have worked to address the engineering flaws present in the original drawing and have tested the vehicles on smooth surfaces such as parking lots or airport tarmacs.

While these reconstructions are significant and illustrative of Leonardo’s vision, they are still far from being usable on a battlefield of the late 15th century. For those looking to attribute the design of the first tank to da Vinci, some credit should be given to the modern researchers and teams who have brought these conceptual vehicles to life.

The Actual First Tank

The true origin of the tank as we know it is rooted in the early 20th century. The 1915 Frot Laffly landship, while only a prototype and deemed unsatisfactory, marked a significant step in the development of armored vehicles. The first mass-produced tank was the Schneider CA1, manufactured in 1916. It was the first to see actual combat, with the British Mark I following suit soon after.

While Leonardo da Vinci’s conceptual designs for tank-like vehicles are fascinating, the true first tank emerged much later, with advancements in technology and the realities of modern warfare.