c.1493-95. Codice Atlantico, f.309 v-a [846 v].
Milano, Biblioteca Ambrosiana The glider represents very important technical and scientific progress in Leonardo's studies on human flight. Leonardo understands the importance of aerodynamics and starts to draw flying machines with partially fixed wings, observing bat wings and large birds' wings. In truth, the wing is fixed just at the center, close to the pilot, while the external parts are movable. Thanks to pulleys and handles, the pilot will be able to flap the external wings, while he stays in a vertical position at the center of the machine, inserting his head in the central hole, and carrying on his shoulders all of the glider's weight.

c. 1478-80. Cod. Atlantico, f. 296 v-a [812 r.].
Milano, Biblioteca Ambrosiana
The crossbow machine is nothing else than an alternative means of locomotion that can be used also as a scenic device. Although modern critics have wanted to give it the name of “automobile”, this machine is a self-propelled automatism, and for this reason it is more suitable for party entertainment than as a means of transport, as we know it today. By charging the big spiral springs, the crossbows were charged, and the machine stored up energy that could be released later. This propulsion system is equipped with two options, that bring to mind a modern automobile: a hand-brake system, that blocked the whole mechanism, and a front rudder that enabled one to guide the machine.

c.1483-85. Inv. n. 1860-6-16-99.
Londra, British Museum
In 1485, Leonardo da Vinci brought to realization a covered, three meters high carriage. It was externally armored with wood, and internally finished with metal tortoise-shaped plaques. It was also equipped with an internal turret to observe the battlefield from an elevated position. The fire is entrusted to cannons which are disposed all around the hull to emit fire from any direction. For motion, he simply needs eight men to move the internal toothed gears. In Leonardo's mind the carriage has to take the place of chivalry in battlefields. With the advent of new fire-weapons, during battles horses became frightened by the noise and the outbursts of the cannons and causing much damage to their army.