What name is commonly given to Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical armored vehicle?

Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical armored vehicle is commonly called Leonardo’s tank.

Leonardo drew the vehicle in the late 15th century as part of a proposal for military machines. Its conical, turtle-like cover was intended to protect soldiers inside, while sloped armor could help deflect projectiles. The design also included several cannons arranged around the vehicle.

The tank was supposed to move using cranks connected to wheels. However, the surviving drawing contains a mechanical problem: some interpretations show the internal gears arranged so that the wheels would turn in opposite directions. Historians debate whether this was an error, a deliberate safeguard, or a copying issue in the drawing.

It was never built or used in Leonardo's lifetime. Calling it a “tank” is modern shorthand; Leonardo described a covered fighting vehicle, not a tracked armored vehicle like those used in the 20th century. The concept is nevertheless an important example of Renaissance military engineering.